Willie Rosario - Atizame el Fogón (CD)

All Music Guide

Finally available on CD, this Universal Latino's reissue of bandleader and timbale master Willie Rosario's 1982 album Atizme El Fog (Stoke the Burner) is one of six albums Rosario recorded for the T.H. Rodvhen label in the 1970s and 80s. Recorded in San Juan, Rossario 's band at the time included not only the great conguero Jimmie Morales, but also pianist Javier Fernandez. What is exceptional about this date, coming as it did in 1982, is the distinct lack of slick modernism in the charts, and the trio of amazing vocalists in Bobby Concepcion, Tony Vega and Gilberto Santa Rosa. The tune selection is flawless, ranging from mid tempo party simmer of Diomedes Diaz's "Negrita Linda," the exquisitely arranged horn charts on Henry Arana's "Mala Muer," one of the more romantic dance tunes of the last 30 years to the burning sensuality in "Cuando Vuelvas A Quererme," by Julio Guiterrez. IN sum, this is one of those Rosario records grooves from top to bottom. And is equally successful as either... a listening or dancing experience. . The remastreed sound is nice and tight and it is attractively packaged in a slipcase. - Thom Jurek, All Music Guide Read more Less