Atrevido Y Diferente

The biggest name in the newish salsa-romantica vein, which combines lushness and swing, this was Santiago's first real smash — it spent something like a year in the Top Three. In retrospect it was his best recording. Part of his effect comes from a tendency to move more readily than traditional salsa singers from a low register to a fine, clear high one — a simple but effective way of gaining emotional clout. Almost as important was a dynamite band, crisp and tight, with a particularly fine pianist.