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  Ricky González
Oasis (Rumba Jams Recordings RJ1017-2, 2004)
The new album by Dominican producer, arranger and
multi-instrumentalist Ricky González is a perfect example of the finest in
contemporary salsa. González has played for many years with some of the biggest
names in the Latin scene based in the United States and that has allowed him to
venture successfully into its varied music styles.
Even though most music fans associate the Dominican
Republic with merengue, Ricky González is an outstanding salsero. On Oasis,
González presents a wide spectrum of songs, singing lead vocals on various
tracks and playing piano, vibraphone, keyboards and percussion. He delivers top
of the line present-day salsa on “Ya Era tiempo”, “Es mi Nueva York” (a tribute
to New York City), “Quisqueya tiene salsa,” “Timbalero” and “Mi rumba es
candela.” González gets help from renowned guests, who are some of the finest in
the genre: Ray Barretto,
José
Alberto "El Canario", Johnny Pacheco, Jimy Sabater, Orestes Vilato, Frankie
Vázquez, Hermán Oliveras and Ray Viera.
González embarks upon the romantic salsa field with the
soulful “Quisiera ser,” putting to shame most of the major label Latin artists
that are marketed as Romantic salsa, where the salsa component is nowhere to be
seen. On “La Paga,” González combines contemporary tropical sounds with cutting
edge hip hop.
There is dazzling Latin jazz on “Pair of Aces,”
featuring vibraphone and [iano solos by González and a flute solo by Dave
Valentín. “What You Won’t Do for love” is an explosive mix of R&B, hip hop and
salsa with González singing in English and Spanish, with guest rapping by
Fr3$co. “La Puerta”
is a passionate bolero, sung in both Spanish and English, with a nostalgic big
band feel.
You can
purchase this gem by going to Rincón
Musical.
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