Search - Willie Colón & Rubén Blades :: Metiendo Mano

Blades and Colon at their peak

Canuco | New York City | 03/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is every bit as comparable in quality as Siembra, but with a different vibe. Willie's band is as hot as always, and the songs are socially and politically observant, but where Siembra is a very focused statement with a polished, elegant (not overproduced) sound, Metiendo Mano, for all the urgency of its messages, is warm, loose and upbeat - evocative of a street party in the barrio. The production and arrangements were 10 miles above whatever else was being marketed at the time. Metiendo Mano became for many the turning point in socio-economic awareness. Pablo Pueblo is one of Ruben's most politically poetic pieces, but is highly danceable as well. Plantacion Adentro has an addictive, swinging rhythm groove with Willie Colon providing the topnotch musical arrangements. There is musical spontaneity all over the place. Me Recordaras, is a beautiful bolero that ranks with the classics and has a Yomo Toro solo that drips with seduction. Maleta provides a dark comedy statement on a very real issue of today... immigration. The other tunes i leave for you to discover. This recording became a favorite of mine from the very first time I played it in 1977 and is still a fav. today. Chhhheck it out!!!



1. Pablo Pueblo

2. Segun el Color

3. Maleta

4. Me Recordaras

5. Plantación Adentro

6. Mora

7. Lluvia de Tu Cielo

8. Fue Varon

9. Pueblo



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Sal Cuevas Bass

Milton Cardona Conga, Drums, Claves, Coro, Quinto, Talking Drum

Yomo Toro Guitar (Acoustic), Choir, Chorus, Cuatro

Rubén Blades Guitar (Acoustic), Vocals, Performer, Coro

Jose Mangual Jr. Percussion, Bongos, Maracas, Choir, Chorus, Coro

Sonny Bravo Piano

Jose Torres Piano

Tom "Bones" Malone Synthesizer, Tuba, Harp

Nicky Marrero Timbales

Lewis Kahn Trombone

Leopoldo Pineda Trombone

Papo Vasquez Trombone

Willie Colón Percussion, Trombone, Arranger,

Louie Cruz Arranger

Louie Ortiz Arranger

Louie Ramirez Arranger





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