Throughout the history of the Salsa music world we have acts that appeal to the romantic side or the party side (Vamos a Gozar, etc.) but only a few choose to write and sing about social issues and topics of the day. Ruben Blades has been legendary about the social issues and injustices in the world and Eddie Palmieri’s Perfecta in the 60’s & 70’s, as well as others.
Today my favorite has been La Excelencia, led by percussionist Julian Silva, that is one of todays’ hottest Salsa bands in the world. They have had three excellent CD’s that made out Top 10 each year. Their 4th CD release, “Machete”, continues the success of their acclaimed previous releases while introducing us to all new material that they are also famous for.
“Salsa Na’Ma” scored big in 2019 with the lead single, “Machete” and will continue that success in 2020 with “Echa Pa’Lante”, “Guerra/La Verdad”, “Machete”. A club favorite will be “Pum Ta Pum” and this CD will be a DJ top pick hit in 2020.
Kudos to this accomplished band and its lead vocalist Gilberto Velazquez (Don Sonero) as well as the compositions by Julian Silva who will reach not only the modern new fan but the fan of ‘old skool’ Salsa Dura!