Edwin Clemente – Dos generaciones en salsa

Salsa explodes in Two Generations in Salsa, the latest and most ambitious project led by timbalero Edwin Clemente. For this album, he invited vocalists from both the newer and the veteran generations of soneros, serving up a delicious, powerful, and crowd-pleasing musical feast. Ten years after his debut Timbal Pa’l Bailador, this Puerto Rican percussionist, a graduate of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, returns with Two Generations in Salsa, his fourth album released under the Epacajé label. In 2009, he released Aquí Traigo La Rumba, Bailador on the Lujuria label, and in 2010 he recorded Viva Clemente, a pure Latin Jazz album that was released in 2011.

Two Generations in Salsa brings together a remarkable group of musicians and singers, infusing the project with impressive energy and fiery arrangements that invite you to dance, while securing Clemente’s name among today’s top percussionists. He participated in the tribute to Ray Barretto and has performed with Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, among other orchestras, sharing his charisma and deep knowledge of the timbales.

Since his days at the conservatory, Clemente has nurtured the idea of inviting great musicians to collaborate on his musical projects. On this latest release, he’s joined by artists such as Tito Rojas, Rico Walker, Adalberto Santiago, Tito Allen, Wichy Camacho, and many more. The album stands out for its bold arrangements and exhilarating timbale solos that Clemente delivers throughout.

As has become his custom, Clemente—a graduate not only of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music but also of the Escuela Libre de Música in Carolina—brings together stars of salsa past and present in Two Generations in Salsa. Featured vocalists include Tito Rojas (“Un Callejón Sin Salida”), Rico Walker (“Bello Borinquen”), Adalberto Santiago (“Descarga Moderna”), Tito Allen (“Rumbero”), and Wichy Camacho (“Produce Por Tu Tierra”). The album also features renowned soloists such as Yturvides Vilchez with a trumpet solo in “Bello Borinquen”, Angie Machado—also on trumpet—in the plena “Soy Antillano”, Richard Trinidad on piano, and Giovanni Hidalgo on congas in “Rumbero”, a track marked by the unmistakable signature of Tito Allen. Another standout, Ritmo Caribeño, one of our favorite cuts, is a son montuno showcasing powerful solos on bass, piano, and bongos by Richard Carrasco.

Released in mid-April this year, this album stands out as one of the top productions of 2015 and will surely continue to generate buzz for years to come.