Generaciones

Though a veteran of the style and a longtime favorite among Dominican music loyalists, just a step below the merengue elite, Ramón Orlando is no superstar. Evidently no one told him, because he certainly performs like one. His 2004 release Generaciones features some of the hippest songwriting and arrangement that modern merengue has to offer. Each tune has an individual charm and intelligence all its own, which is a distinguishing feature in a genre that has at times lacked in freshness and creativity. Both the vocal and instrumental performances throughout contain both maturity and ample youthful vigor, a rare combination. From the guest appearance of Milly Quezada to Carlos Calderón Milanés' and Orlando's singing throughout the record, the vocal performances are consistently enchanting and impressive. The excellent piano and keyboard performances will come as no surprise to those familiar with Orlando's artistic history, having not only recorded over a dozen projects of his own from the bandleader's seat, but also having served in a similar capacity for his famous father, Dominican musical legend Cuco Valoy. High standard set by an excellent pedigree and immense discography notwithstanding, Orlando hits the mark, and with force. He has won himself a place among the most intelligent and sophisticated merengue artists not only of his day, but on record to date. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi