Rating:
Genre:
Latin
Release Date: 03/13/2007
Willie Colón's first masterpiece benefits from the inventive arrangements of
Colón and "recording director"
Johnny Pacheco, plus the most precise, intricate group playing heard from any second-generation
salsero leader. And
Hector Lavoe's vocals are probably his best on record, opening with the brisk, catchy, effusive
"Che Che Cole" and
"No Me Llores Mas," but extending through slower material like the magisterial
"Ausencia." Highlights are literally all over this record, also including the playful, piano-driven
"Te Conozco" and the deft
"Sangrigorda," which features an amazing sneering trombone line. Featuring musicians as brutal as the hitman on the cover and some of the smoothest vocals of any New York
salsa LP,
Cosa Nuestra is not only
Willie Colón's first masterpiece, it's his best.
~John Bush, All Music Guide