From Rock To Mariachi
Artists who are in a class all their own
By Mark Holston

Eternally fresh in his artistic outlook and unflinchingly optimistic in the belief that his music can communicate with successive generations and disparate cultures, Carlos Santana is in a class all his own. Fans, who have waited patiently for almost two years for the famed guitarist and Latin rock pioneer to release the follow-up to the eclectic effort that produced the mega-hit Smooth, will likely be delirious with what they hear on Shaman (Arista 07822-14737-2). Every track, virtually all of which feature guest vocalists, seems to sport hit potential. At the core of the album’s sound is a cha-cha rhythmic pulse powered by the leader’s searing guitar licks, crackling percussion, and mambo-style horns.

Parlaying this successful formula to maximum effect are Musiq on “Nothing At All” and Macy Gray on “Amore.” Special guest Seal and Santana opt for a slightly gentler, Spanish pop sound on “You Are My Kind,” while “Foo Foo” is a foray into hot Dominican merengue dance rhythms. Tracks featuring troubadour Alejandro Lerner, opera star Plácido Domingo, and the group Ozomatli are sure to attract fans throughout the Hispanic world. Hats off to Santana for yet another exquisitely crafted pop masterpiece.

“Masterpiece” is also an apt description of the latest salsa-accented Latin jazz treat from violinist Susie Hansen on The Salsa Never Ends (Jazz Caliente JZC228). Hansen is a staple on the Latin music scene in Southern California, and her sweet, swinging violin brings an exciting new voice to a genre that often seems just to repeat overly familiar formulas. She’s in splendid company with a group that includes percussionist Tiki Pasillas, vocalists Rubén Esteva and George Balmaseda, and saxophonist Justo Almario. Often it’s the spirit of Cuban charanga and vintage salsa that she taps, as on the title tune, while elsewhere she mixes it up with tracks like the merengue fueled “Blues con Fuego” and the romantic bolero “La pregunta,” which allows her elegant classical technique to surface. The Salsa Never Ends is indeed masterful.

Also in a class all its own is Mujeres y Mariachi (Ulloa Productions) featuring vocalist Juanita with Mariachi Voz de América. Juanita penned many of the production’s eloquent tracks, which are a celebration of this venerable tradition and a tribute to the women who have contributed to the music. A bilingual booklet and brief history of mariachi make the album an excellent introduction for those unfamiliar with this romantic, powerful genre. Juanita Ulloa’s Mujeres y Mariachi show, based in San Jose, California, is available for bookings (505-867-6500).