English vocals, other languages
International relevance: *
Hot Salsa came together already in 1976 when a group of latinos living in Sweden met in a music pub in Stockholm. Among those were Sabu Martinez's sons Johnny and René, Wilfredo Stephenson of Aston Reymers Rivaler, and Rafael Sida of EGBA. Initially playing locally in small pubs and clubs, a live session for Tonkraft broke them to a nationwide audience (with one selection included on ”Tonkraft 1977-1978”). Their first album followed in 1979, released on the Montezuma label. Helping them out on the album were a few other noted names including oft-hired percussionist Malando Gassama and singer Susanne Nordin (later appearing on albums by Tomas Forssell and Occident).
As their name implies, the group played
the Latin American salsa by way New York with some extra pinches of
jazz and funk. I'm quite fond of the 70s New York salsa which can be
hard swinging with rough edges, sometimes having almost militant
overtones in a deep funk way. In short, it's entertainment with a
meaning beyond sheer fun. Hot Salsa know the moves, but where New
York salsa bears the message in its very sound, Hot Salsa's attempt
comes off as too slick and proper. It's very competent, certainly
tight, and I don't doubt they really meant it, but even though many
of them have the right origins and influences, it still sounds like
something out of a music academy. I hear their debut album with my
ears, but I can't hear it with my heart and soul which is a must for
this kind of music.
It's The Rhythm / Gulliver / Get In The Groove / Fishing In Funky Waters / Simbabele
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