Buscando América

Performer: Rubén Blades
Artist: Ralph Irizarry
Engineer: David Rodriguez
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Personnel: Ruben Blades (vocals, acoustic guitar, maracas); Mike Vinas (electric guitar, bass, background vocals); Oscar Hernandez (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Ray Adams (drums); Louie Rivera (bongos, percussion, background vocals); Eddie Montalvo (tumbadoros, percussion, background vocals); Ralph Irizarry (timbales, percussion). Principally recorded at Eurosound Studios, New York, New York between May and August 1983. From the first note of Buscando Am�rica, Rub�n Blades, with his suitcase and guitar in hand, bids farewell to the world of meat-and-potatoes New York salsa and sets in search of something else. Though many of the tracks eventually find their way back to that driving coro that has become a hallmark of Blades' writing, there are elements present in this project that signify Blades' departure from the mainstream, to which he will never completely return. From doo wop intros ("Decisiones") to a cappella rhumbas ("GDBD") to epic rock sounds ("Caminos Verdes"), there's more than a little experimentation going on in this project. Piano/keyboard player and arranger Oscar Hernandez of Seis del Solar, Ruben's backup band for most of the '80s, brings a sophistication and style to the arrangements that contributes much to the album's fresh voice. No matter how diverse his musical influences, Blades' subject material is consistent throughout. Though themes of empowerment for the poor and the sociopolitical challenges faced by the Latin American community have always been present in his work, Buscando Am�rica seems to mark the beginning of Blades' longterm commitment to the subject. Blades' first album away from the Fania label is a bold statement in many ways, but none more bold than the standard that it sets for the future. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez After honing his salsa chops in the 1970s in lengthy stints with the bands of Ray Barretto and Willie Colon, Panamanian Ruben Blades formed his own band, Seis del Solar. BUSCANDO AMERICA, Seis del Solar's first album, introduces Blades's unique fusion of salsa, rock, and Caribbean rhythms, and the full range of Blades' literate, witty lyrics and expressive vocal flair. Though the politically pointed angle of Blades's words will be lost on those with a language barrier (Blades sings only in his native Spanish), the inventive, accessible nature of his music should appeal to many. Blades concocts a musical stew that includes Latin jazz ("Todos Vuelven"), reggae ("Desapariciones"), African folk ("Caminos Verdes"), and art music (the pell-mell narrative of "G.D.B.D."). The opening cut, "Decisiones," kicks off with a retro-'50s doo-wop intro before segueing into high-octane salsa. Remarkably, Blades pulls off his synthesis of styles with aplomb, remaining true to his Latin roots even while pushing and expanding his musical vision. BUSCANDO AMERICA, Blades's first fully developed personal statement, is the opening salvo in the formidable, diverse discography of this multi-talented musician.

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