By: Mauricio Gómez Mesa
As a true act of sonic archaeology, Puerto Rican musician Javier Maymó released his album “1970 This Is Salsa” this past September — a work that feels like the lost record of the salsa boom we never got to hear.
Maymó, who took charge of the recording, composition, arrangements, production, and mixing, also performs all the vocals, horns, and percussion, with the undeniable contribution of pianist José Pizarro Jiménez. Together, they drag the listener into a time-travel experience that brings back the raw, punchy sound of what used to echo through New York’s salsa clubs in the early golden years of the genre.
The sound engineering is what truly defines the revolutionary approach of this project. Maymó, not only as a composer and producer but also as a multi-instrumentalist, recorded each instrument track by track, recreating the sound of a full orchestra.
Bass, congas, bongos, timbales, güiro, maracas, trombones, and vocals — along with José Pizarro Jiménez’s piano — merge into a mix that, though modern in clarity, transports us straight into the past, reviving the essence of New York orchestras.
From guaguancó to boogaloo, Maymó fuses elements of salsa, soul, and jazz, bridging tradition and the natural evolution of contemporary Latin sounds. To this, we add his lyrics — written and sung by Maymó — which go beyond mere musical form. They portray real stories and urban characters inspired by the experiences of 21st-century Latinos, connecting with salsa audiences across generations.
Whether to listen or dance, this album delivers a vintage sound that captivates instantly, paired with a modern sensibility that reveals a clear influence from the salsa we cherish as legacy.
The album doesn’t just recreate the sound — it recreates the very soul of salsa’s identity. Its authenticity shows Maymó’s deep understanding of the genre’s musical language. His voice moves fluidly between the passionate energy of a classic sonero and the emotional nuances of a romantic crooner. This project redefines the limits of musical production and sets a new benchmark for historical recreation.
“1970 This Is Salsa” is a true time capsule that captures the essence of an era. Despite featuring new compositions, its authenticity makes it feel like a Puerto Rican salsa record from 1970 — one we never heard, but always deserved. A must-have for collectors and salsa aficionados.
Available on all music streaming platforms.
