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CHATA GUTIERREZ

"CON CLAVE"

Chata Gutierrez is the host of  the very popular Latin music show "Con Clave"  which is broadcast every Saturday from 12 noon - 4 PM on KPOO 89.5 FM.  Since 1973, she has been sharing her extensive knowledge of Latin musicology, culture and politics with Bay Area radio listeners.  In 1997 "Con Clave" earned Chata the renowned Tom Donahue Radio Award for Best Program.   In 2000 SF Weekly pronounced "Con Clave" the Best Salsa Radio Show.  In April 2001 Chata was awarded the Special Recognition Award from the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.  As one of the Bay Area's top DJ's, Chata is committed to educating and stimulating her listening audience about the old and  new sounds in Salsa and Latin Jazz.

 For years her fans have been asking for more information on the music that is broadcast on her show. The following list  represents some of the CDs  that have been highlighted  on "Con Clave"  during the summer of 2002.  Stay tuned for updated lists in the coming months.  For more info contact Chata at: conclavefm@aol.com

SALSA SUMMER HITS

Bobby Valentin, 35 Anniversario En Vivo: Vuelve A La Carcel, 2- CD Set CD (Bronco 171) Released 2002;

When Bobby Valentin started his record company Bronco Records in 1974 the first production on the label was a live recording at the state penitentiary in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Bobby went back after 28 years to celebrate his 35 years in music. He put together a kickass band and some of the best salsa singers in the world for this one. Charlie Aponte from Gran Combo is featured on Ven Rumbero he usually sings in that structured Gran Combo style but on this track he really swings and let's go. I haven't heard Marvin Santiago sound so good. I especially like "aqui no me quedo" , and el Jibaro y la naturaleza. If you want to learn about salsa then read and listen to this recording, it's that good.

 El Gran Combo, 40 Aniversario En Vivo: 2-CD Set
CD (BMG 94428) Released 2002;

It's been that long for this band that has taken salsa over the world and is considered an institution in Puerto Rico.  This is the first recording celebrating their 40th anniversario captures Gran Combo at their best despertando in every Boricua el orgullo de ser Puertorique~na/o.  It's a legacy that has it's roots envuelto con Cortijo Y Ismael.  My audience loves Gran Combo and it is always requested.

Grupo Gale, 20 De Julio
CD (Codiscos 11301) Released 2002;

This latest recording by one of Colombia's very popular salsa bands is a tribute to their homeland Colombia ,praising Colombia for enriching their lives with culture and music. This is a good band but there music tends to sounds alike. My favorite
track is the tribute to Pete El Conde Rodriquez

Jorge Herrera, Castigando!!!
CD (Latinos & Co. 470007) Released 2002;

 The title means punishment and musically this band does it. The CD starts off  with a tribute to Puerto Rican singer Yolanda Rivera who sang with Sonora Poncena and has been the only female singer ever to record with this band. Jorge is featured on timbales and bass. Standout tracks are "Castigando", Tiburon de Aqua Dulce and Descarga Cha Cha Cha.

Gerardo Rosales, La Salsa Es Mi Vida: The New York Album
CD (Javaanse Jongens 77008) Released 2002;

Gerardo had a dream to travel and record in New York. He hooked up with a producer con chavos who made it happen and here is the project that includes musicians from Colombia, Venezuela, PR y NY. There are some nice instrumentals on here. he also features his girlfriend Astrid "La Holandesa" on a couple of tracks. I have never been impressed by non-latin singers, because they sound so rehearsed and with no feeling, but Astrid sings well and sounds great on "Sorpresa Holandesas ". I like the tribute to Tito Puente with Ralph Irizarry on Timbales.

Luis Valle, Agarrate!
CD (Sabroso/Havana Club 0426) Released 2002;
 

Luis Valle has included his brothers on this CD--Pedro, Osvaldo and Maraca.  Maraca contributes several arrangements to this excellent CD.  It is worth searching for. I like it all.

Michel Batista "El Caballo De La Salsa", El Mismo Michel: 100% Sabroso
CD (Vizcaino 001) Released 2002;

The latest CD from this very talented, experienced singer from Santo Domingo is all salsa. A good party CD.

Somos Amigos, Somos Amigos
CD (Envidia 7042) Released 2002;

The Cuban musicians make this a memorable recording.  Frank Rubio on bass,  JJ Oliveros on flute and Jesus Rubalcaba on piano.  Check out the songs  "Chanchullo" and "Pa' Gozar".

Don Adolfo & His Orquesta Organizacion, Ritmo Caliente
CD (Coquitone 1001) Released 2000

Don Adolfo was inspired by Machito and Tito Puente. He plays timbales and is also a verg good singer. I especially like "Bon Bon de Canela","Bacalao con Papas" and "Ritmo Caliente".

Manolito Y Su Trabuco, Se Rompieron Los Termómetros
CD (Eurotropical 7924) Released 2002;

Every track on this one is good.

Paquito Perez Y The Zodiac Power, 30 Años Despues
CD (Z Records 001) Released 2002; 

Who remembers Zodiac Power?  I do because it was one the most requested songs at 2 in the morning in 1974.  El Adios was  a heartbreak/breakup son that I would have to play at least twice in 6 hours.  The band is from Loiza, Puerto Rico and proud of it.  I like "America Latina", "Los Corderritoa" and "The Bomba"

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Geraldo Rosales - La Salsa es mi Vida