Willie Rosario – Evidencia

Willie Rosario has been sharing his talent with the salsa world for over 50 years, and this year he surprised us with a new album produced by none other than Bobby Valentín. Recorded just last November and released this past March, Evidencia—under the Gennara Records label—offers a well-balanced collection of tracks crafted to delight salsa lovers. After nearly a decade without new material from this legendary bandleader and timbalero, the album stands out as one of the best of the year. As its title suggests, it’s living proof that his iconic tumba’o remains just as we remember it: bold trombones, delicious piano riffs, and plenty of percussion. The analog recording format enhances the experience, making it a record worth listening to from beginning to end.

Following the release of Mi Ritmo Es Bueno by Bobby Valentín—who, it’s worth noting, started out as a trumpeter in Willie Rosario’s orchestra back in the late 1950s—Rosario returns with a project that’s creating a stir in salsa circles thanks to his legacy and unmistakable style. Evidencia features vocalists Kayvan Vega, Alex D’Castro, and Juan José Hernández, each bringing their unique flair.

Among the standout tracks: José E. Parra performs Ya No Eres Nada, a composition by Luis Lang; Miguel Ortiz delivers No Hay Música Como Esta by Pedro Bermúdez; Carlos Lugo sings Ahora Sí Tengo Ganas by Tito Rodríguez; and Kayvan Vega lends his voice to Pablo Milanés’s Defiende el Amor. Guest appearances include Alex D’Castro and Juan José Hernández on De Enero a Enero/Nuestra Canción and La Raza Caliente, respectively. The only instrumental on the album, Rosario’s Beat, ventures into Latin jazz territory. Arranged by Bobby Valentín, it features a stellar performance by Raúl Rodríguez on vibraphone.