Thursday 3 December 2009

Ricardo Marrero - Variations (1995)


01.Tiny
02.Algo
03.And We'll Make Love
04.Vengo
05.Go For What You Know
06.Go For What You Know (Instrumental
07.Babalonia
08.My Friend
09.Fresco
10.Porque Yo Te Amo
11.Interlude
12.Rumba Vieja
13.Chamba Down
14.Panico
15.Taste of Latin, A.


Ricardo Marrero - composer, arranger, andMusician. A graduate of New York's prestigious Music and Art High School.Richie plays all percussion instruments,as well as piano, and vibes. When he breaks outthe vibraphone, his sound is reminicent of the lateCal Tjader, and the late and great - Tito Puente. Ricardo has been at the forefront of the "Salsa"and "Latin-Jazz" musical scene since the mid 70's.He has arranged for The Fania All Stars, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, The 5 Stairsteps, and mostrecently - Ruben Blades. Ricardo has recorded two albums under theprestigious "Salsa" label - VAYA Records (a division of the famed FANIA label. The critically acclaimed "TIME" album, and the salsafied "JESSICA", which he recorded with former Eddie Palmieri vocalist,Ismael Quintana.Ricardo was also one of the founding membersof "Seis del Solar" (The Ruben Blades Band).Included on this CD ("VARIATIONS") is RicardoMarrero & The Group's crossover classic: "BABYLONIA." Legendary NY radio DJ Frankie Crocker gave "BABYLONIA" a shot on WBLS radio back in the 70's.. "Babylonia" received regular rotationairplay at top NYC radio station WBLS.Also included on the "VARIATIONS" CD arelegendary vocalist Angela Bofill (on "MY FRIEND"),and renown flautist Dave Valentin on "A TASTE OFLATIN." David can also be heard with his frolickingflute on the Latino funk song: "ALGO." "ALGO" wasa real crowd favorite whenever Ricardo Marrero & The Group performed the song at various colleges, and other gigs throughout the city.Smooth, velvety voiced Jimmy Sabater (formerlyof The Joe Cuba Sextet) sings, and raps a bit onthe progressive salsa track - "POR QUE YO TE AMO."(also included on the "VARIATIONS" CD.)"VARIATIONS" is a culmination of Ricardo Marrero's 30-plus years in the music business.

1 comment: