Name: St Latin's Day Massacre
Brand: Joe Bataan

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

fania1041532

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "fania1041532"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Discs

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2007-06-13

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Universal

Tax rate GB

UPC / Barcode

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Joe Bataan

Genre GB

Latin / South American 

Label GB

Fania

In this album, Joe Bataan’s sixth for the Fania label, Joe demonstrates his rare ability to blend Latin soul, salsa, and tropical music. For example, the first song of the album, “Coco-E”, composed by Joe, brings us a festive performance by Joe and his orchestra. When the chorus intones a-e la fiesta va empezar, the listener is immediately transported to a festive Caribbean carnival where they can take part in the festivities. The following nine and one-half minutes are dedicated to the beautiful classic ballad, “I Wish You Love”. Joe again shows his versatility as he treats this song in two ways. In Part 1, we get to enjoy the romantic approach, while in Part 2, Bataan swings the tune with a clever mambo backing by the band. We then get to hear the band perform a Latin guajira titled “Para Puerto Rico Voy” where Edwin Torres conveys to us his wishes to return to his tropical paradise, Puerto Rico, backed by a melodic coro that offers to join him. Unpredictably, the arrangement changes into a Oye Como Va groove where Torres does his inspiraciones, while Robert Rodriguez colorfully backs him up with his flute. In “If I Were A King,” Joe shows us the doo-wop side of his repertoire. This wonderful ballad is expertly arranged and smartly accompanied by a tight vocal group that allowed this writer to sing some bass with. Joe’s inimitable treatment of a Latin soul ballad adds to the overall beauty of this song. In “Charangaringa” we are treated to a cha-cha that evolves into a delightful Afro-Caribbean arrangement. “Ramona” is a crafty guaguancó that tells the story of a guy who takes a girl out dancing just to find out she doesn’t know how.

St Latin's Day Massacre

Music GB