Salsa Vintage

Based in the Netherlands since 1992, Venezuelan percussionist Gerardo Rosales has played with such big-hitters as Oscar D’León, Jimmy Bosch, Luisito Quintero and Larry Harlow, and recorded countless albums under either his own name or those of others. Salsa Vintage is, in his own words, ‘a reflection of a life dedicated to salsa dura’.

And it shows. Key to this gem of an album is its sheer effortlessness. The eight Rosales originals flow beautifully from start to finish. With a basic standard instrumentation embellished with the burr of twin trombones and guest vocals recorded in Spain, Venezuela and Colombia, one thinks back inevitably to the classic salsa outfits of Willie Colón and Eddie Palmieri. Indeed, vintage percussion instruments were sourced and the primary tracks were laid down in an Amsterdam studio using analogue microphones and sound technicians versed in the old methods. It's just like the good old days, in fact. No bonus tracks, no remixes, just a short, sweet and very polished product. It's conga-tappin’ good stuff.