Search - ORQUESTA BROADWAY :: 40th Anniversary

A great New York salsa band, still going strong in 2004

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 12/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A delicious set of tipica and salsa by one of the original and most influential bands in the New York latin dance and salsa scenes of the 1960s and '70s. Since its inception decades ago, Orq. Broadway has remained a potent force, and this new album is a flawless set of hypnotic dance tunes, led by the darting flute of Eddy Zervigon, along with rhythmic violins and pulsing piano work. This group hasn't been diminished or watered down with the passage of time: fans of the old band or folks entirely unfamiliar with their work can rest assured that this is a top-flight record, fun from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised, and I definitely recommend this disc if you're looking for some sweet, fine salsa to swing and sway to."

A beautiful set of salsa with a different flavor

Marcos | California, USA | 01/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't understand why I don't hear any of this music on the radio. The only thing I can think of is the different instrumentation than most salsa. But it is exactly the charanga sound what makes it so special. A lot of charangas make cha-cha and son, but not this one. This is all danceable salsa that relies on heavy instrumentation instead of a well known lead vocalist, with amazing results.

When you hear the violins and flute in this CD you will see why these people have been able to stay together for 40 years. I can honestly say I have never heard someone play the flute as well as Zervigon does, who not only is the bandleader here but also played the flute with Africando and Eddie Palmieri among others. The violin players are also seasoned pull off some great solos.

So if you want something to break the pace from Marc Anthony and Rey Ruiz, get this."

Sheer Genius

otserick | Bordentown, New Jersey | 05/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eddie Zervigon, the master of the wooden Cuban flute and the best weatherman ever turned musician, is a rare virtuoso, as outstanding on his instrument as Yo-Yo Ma on cello or Joshua Bell on violin. He also is an arranger of great taste and originality. If you have never experienced that delightful Cuban musical genre, charanga, here is a good place to start. Based on an intricate interplay between flutes, violins, bass and percussion (sometimes piano), charanga swings like crazy but always softly and elegantly. In the 1950s and 1960s, it took the Caribbean, New York and Africa by storm. A timeless music, it still sounds fresh and wonderful today. Orquesta Broadway was one of the first and best New York charanga ensembles and they are in top form here. By the way, this Cd was recorded by Maestro Zervigon and his son and the production values are superb."