Sus Grandes Exitos Vol.1

This excellent compilation of Venezuela's most successful salsa band features some of the group's earliest material, as performed by Oscar D'León and Wladimir Lozano. The band makes considerable use of its two-trombone lineup (largely influenced by the pioneering Federico Betancourt and his Combo Latino, who used Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta band as a role model, and thus the New York-style trombone setup became a reality in Caracas), that would see better light is the forthcoming years. However, this band was among the first national groups to enjoy considerable international success. Among the pleasures here are "Lloraras" (the band's first hit), "Arroz con Manteca," "Dulce Cantar," "El Frutero," and "Cienfuegos." Bands like this helped kick-start the salsa craze in South America, which incredibly has not dimmed yet. Indispensable. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., Rovi