A really top-shelf album from Justo Betancourt – a perfect illustration of the power of his vocals at their height! The set's got a really classic 70s salsa feel – a horn-heavy groove that almost effortlessly flows from a combo of strong players, topped by majestic vocals from Justo – stretching out soulfully with these wonderful inflections, timings, and turns that go far beyond the simple lyrics of the tunes. The record's almost a casebook study in the way that the Fania singers of the 70s could be completely expressive without resorting to any sort of over-emotive cliches – a new level of Latin masculinity in song, served up here with impeccable arrangements by Javier Vazquez. Titles include "Pa Bravo Yo", "Psicologia", "Oyeme Cantar", "Guaguanco Ta Moderno", "Adios Felicidad", "Catano", and "Una Audiencia Muerta". CD

Music by Justo Betancourt, Bobby Cruz & Richie Ray, Hector Lavoe, Pete Rodriguez, Celia Cruz, Roberto Roena, Ismael Rivera, and others. CD

Orchestra Harlow's answer to the Who's Tommy – Hommy, a Latin Opera, and one of the few concept albums we know from the New York Latin scene of the time! The tracks are fairly short, and they're separated by short "interludes" throughout the album that feature some cool spoken bits that trace the story of the record, but which also have the humorous touches of some of the older Alegre All Stars albums from the 60s. And although Orchestra Harlow borrow the name of the Who's album, the work here is all original – not covers – two long "acts", spread out over the sides of the record with a sophisticated approach that shows the Harlow group moving into much deeper territory at the time. Lead vocals are by Junior Gonzalez, and you'll also hear Adalberto Santiago, Cheo Feliciano, Justo Betancourt, and Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez. Tracks include "Gracia Divina", "Mantecadito", "El Doctor Y La Razon", "Es Un Varon", "El Dia De Navidad", and "Soy Sensacional". CD