Ruben Blades Buscando America CD

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.

Principally recorded at Eurosound Studios, New York, New York between May and August 1983.

Live Recording

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).