Willie Colon Lo Mato Fania Records (FSLP-444) Hector Lavoe was the most mercurial vocalist that Afro-Caribbean music has ever known. The salsa equivalent of a tragic rocknroll star, a heroin addict who died in 1993 at the young age of 46. A criminally underrated singer who, to this day, continues to be a virtual unknown within the American mainstream. But to his legions of fans, Hector Lavoe was and will always be El Cantante De Los Cantantes - (singer of all singers) - an unforgettable Puerto Rican born sonero from Ponce, who left behind a priceless legacy of salsa masterpieces. The Lavoe discography stands as a particularly prized jewel in the Fania crown, and the this album that youre about to experience here on Our Latin Thing, showcases the partnership between Lavoe and the great trombonist, producer, and songwriter Willie Colon, at a time when both artists were at the peak of their powers. Even though the professional relationship between Lavoe and Colon was already strained by the time Lo Mato was released in 1973, you wouldnt know it by listening to it. Lavoes throaty vocals sound soulful and mature, exhibiting his impeccable timing and infectious sense of humor. I remember Colon telling me in an interview @ WKCR radio, I was kind of tired and needed a break away from it all, as one night I looked in the mirror and said to myself thats it! Im giving up the band and take a break. So their after Hector was heartbroken, he had thought that I had abandon him, as a result I told him to keep the band and that I will continue to produced him. Colon filled the session with the trademark roar of his trombone solos. He also happened to have written some of the most inspired songs of his career. Tunes such as El Dia De Suerte and Todo Tiene Su Final are indispensable entries in the Colon/Lavoe songbook. One listen to the anthemic opening track Calle Luna, Calle Sol ( used to this day by Colon as a part of a medley of old hits that he performs at the beginning of his concerts) is enough to make you realize that Lo Mato has aged remarkably well. The combination of ragged trombone, tasty piano lines and a rock solid rhythm section sounds ageless and hip. The sonics are warm and rustic, evoking the rich texture of a vintage wine. Lyrically, there is an undercurrent of darkness that permeates the record. From the aggressive undertone of its humorous title, Lo Mato Si No Compra Este LP - (Ill kill you if you dont buy this LP) - to Calle Luna, Calle Sols cautionary tale of a street that should be avoided at all costs because it is infested with criminals, the collection is seeped in bitterness and regret. The heartbreaking El Dia De Suerte is an autobiographical tale of sorts, with Lavoe lamenting the death of his parents and hoping that his bad luck will one day change. The bouncy beat and infectious chorus underscore the pain and resignation in el cantantes delivery. Todo Tiene Su Final is equally gloomy, setting up an implacable groove against a fatalistic meditation on the unavoidable fact that everything in this world - from the winning streak of a boxing champ to the lifespan of a beautiful flower --- must come to an end. Clearly, Colon had a perfect understanding of Lavoes sensibility when it came to writing songs for him. And the singer had no problem sinking his teeth on such complex, ambitious material. Colon loved adding variety to his records, and Lo Mato was no exception. La Maria explores his infatuation with the lilting beat Brazilian samba, and the lengthy instrumental workout of Junio 73 flirts with Latinjazz, delivering an orgastic timbales solo by Louie Romero. Following the release of Lo Mato, Colon would bring an end to his years of touring with Lavoe, concentrating instead on his solo output and production work. Lavoe would move on to record (with Colon as producer) the most mature albums of his trajectory; La Voz, De Ti Depende, and Comedia . That said, for a delightful taste of the dynamic salsa duo at its youthful best, you cant go wrong with Lo Mato. Enjoy! Side A 1. Calle Luna, Calle Sol 2. Guajira Ven 3. La Maria 4. Junio 73 Side B 1. Señora Lola 2. El Dia De Suerte 3. Vo So 4. Todo Tiene Su Final Personnel: Willie Colon: Leader, Trombone Eric Matos: Trombone Hector Lavoe: Maracas Milton Cardon: Conga, Quinto Jose Mangual Jr: Bongo, Cowbell Louie Romero: Timbales Joe Professor Torres: Acoustic Grand Piano Santi Gonzalez: Ampeg Baby Bass Gene Golden: Percussion Lead Vocals: Hector Lavoe Coro: Johnny Pacheco Justo Betancourt Willie Colon Special Invited Guest Star: Yomo Toro: Cuatro (A2, B2) Musical Arrangements by: Willie Colon Produced by: Willie Colon & Jerry Masucci Executive Producer: Jerry Masucci Recording Director: Johnny Pacheco Album Cover & Liner Photos: Lee Marshall Album Cover Design: Ron Levine Recording Engineer: Jon Fausty Recorded @: Good Vibrations Sound Studios, NYC FANIA RECORDS, 1973 A FANIA RECORDS PRODUCTION
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 20:50:41 +0000
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