It is with great pleasure that we present to you Héroes de Borinquen, a compilation comprised of two discs containing true gems of Puerto Rican music.
We are very proud of the quality and diversity found in these world-renowned songs from La Isla Del Encanto (The Island of Enchantment), and have put great care into the selection of the materials for this compilation. This has not been an easy task, for Puerto Rico has given the world a bounty of wonderful masterpieces. There is little doubt that Borinquen will continue “creating heroes” for many generations to come.
Disc: 1
01. “Pobre Gaviota” (“Poor Seagull”) - Trio Quisqueya
The compilation begins with the soulful guitar playing of one of the most influential composers in the history of Puerto Rico: Rafael Hernandez. In the 1920’s, Don Rafael was a member of
the group, Trio Borinquen, along with two singers, Rafael Ithier and Antonio Mesa. In order to
market themselves in the Dominican Republic, they recorded under the name Trio Quisqueya.
Just as Borinquen is the indigenous name for Puerto Rico, Quisqueya is the original name for
the eastern half of the beautiful island of Hispanola. “Pobre Gaviota” also features Heriberto
Torres on the ten-stringed Puerto Rican cuatro.
02. “Adios Borinquen” (“Goodbye, Borinquen”) - Trio Ponceno
This song is a perfect expression of the longing that working-class Puerto Rican immigrants
in 1920’s New York had for the Island of Enchantment they left behind.
03. “No Juegues Con Candela” (“Don’t Play With Fire”) - Sexteto Flores
Now here is a gem that has gone unexposed. This plena (an afro-rican rhythm that stimulates
independent body movement) is composed by that other pillar of Puerto Rican composers: Pedro Flores. The track is performed by his group featuring Candido Antmatteir on cuatro
and an accordion that reminds us of the symbiotic relationship that Colombian music has
with the Antilles.
04. “Heroes De Borinquen” (“Borinquen Heroes”) - Canario Y Su Grupo
One of the great pioneers of early Puerto Rican music is the vocalist and bandleader, Manuel
Jimenez, who is better known simply as Canario. In his “no-holds barred” style, Canario sings
of a violent confrontation between Puerto Rican Nationalists and the police. The rhythmic
arrangement and vocal style is an example of the island’s country music and is simply called,
seis. This is a great example of socio-political lyrics of a bygone era.
05. “Perdon” (“I’m Sorry”) - Daniel Santos
This is one of the most famous works by Pedro Flores. It is performed here by none
other than the masterful vocalist, Daniel Santos. Although it is obvious that he has not
fully developed his famously peculiar way of phrasing, one hears how the charismatic
artist makes this truly great song his own.
06. “Obsesion” (“Obsession”) - Beny More/Pedro Vargas
Sometimes a great song has the privilege of being selected in order to showcase a historic
collaboration between two artists. This is the case with this version of Pedro Flores’ song,
as one of the greatest singers in the history of Cuba, Beny More, teams up with the enigmatic
Mexican vocalist, Pedro Vargas. It is important to note that the incredible band on this track
is none other than The Beny More Orchestra.
07. “Ran Kan Kan” - Tito Puente
What else can be said about the indisputable Rey Del Timbal? Well… that he was also a great
vibraphone player. On this version of his beloved standard, the King shows off the jazz
improvisational skills that made him a Latin Jazz pioneer. Some players might have more
“chops” and others might be more innovative, but nobody sounds like the greatest of them
all: Mr. Tito Puente.
08. “Perfume De Rosa” (“Rose Perfume”) - Cortijo Y Su Combo
Speaking of "innovative," this is arguably one of the most innovative and influential groups in the history of Caribbean music. By combining strictly folk afro-rican rhythms with 1950’s
“hipness” and social consciousness, percussionist Rafael Cortijo and vocalist Ismael Rivera
joined forces to create the unabashed sounds of Cortijo y su Combo. They were the prophets
of the future of tropical music; the standards of attitude to which the artists of the dominant
late 20th century-style of salsa were measured.
09. “Luna De Miel En Puerto Rico” (“Honeymoon in Puerto Rico”) - Bobby Capo
One of the most versatile songwriters of Puerto Rico was the singer, actor and world-
renowned composer, Bobby Capo. A writer who felt comfortable writing boleros, cha-chas,
plenas and even salsa, Bobby is known for writing some of the biggest hits of his time.
Notice the sublime changes in tempo throughout the recording.
10. “Siete Notas De Amor” (“Seven Notes of Love”) - Los Panchos
This song by Chago Alvarado is performed here by the internationally acclaimed Trio Los
Panchos. Once an institution and now a legend, this “supergroup” performed all over the
world going as far as China, Russia, and Japan. The act was originally formed in New York City in 1944 and performed until 1993. Chago Alvarado himself had first recorded the song
in 1956 with his own trio which included Johnny Albino on vocals. Johnny later became the
lead singer of Los Panchos when they added this gem to their repertoire.
11. “En La Casa De Pepe” (“At Pepe’s Home”) - Mon Rivera
One of the most influential vocalists and songwriters in the 60's Latin music scene was
scat-singing Efrain “Mon” Rivera. Most importantly, Mon is credited with introducing the
four-trombone line-up (sans trumpets) that helped lead the salsa revolution of the 60’s.
This innovation led to the creation of Eddie Palmieri’s Conjunto La Perfecta and Willie Colon’s
group. Playing on the landmark album, “Que Gente Averigua” (which this song is taken from),
is Eddie Palmieri himself with La Perfecta members, Barry Rogers (trombone) and Ismael
Quintana (coro).
12. “Bello Amanecer” (“Beautiful Dawn”) - Tito Rodriguez
This is one of the most beautiful odes ever written about Borinquen. Composed in 1955 by
singer-songwriter Tito Henriquez, this version features the pristine vocals of the charismatic
Mambo King, Tito Rodriguez. Notice the incredible recording quality for its time and the
impeccable phrasing of one of Puerto Rico’s most famous artists.
13. “Cortaron A Elena” (“They Cut Elena”) - Canario Y Su Grupo
Canario is back and this time with a 1960’s rendition of one of the most famous examples
of how plenas were the equivalent of “newspapers in song.” “Cortaron A Elena” depicts a
neighborhood scene in which a woman is assaulted with a knife.
14. “Ojos Chinos” (“Chinese Eyes”) - El Gran Combo
When Rafael Cortijo and Ismael Rivera had to quit the music business for a few years due
to legal problems, their band decided to go on without them. This is how one of the longest
lasting (44 years as of this writing) and hardest working bands in all of the Americas got
started. El Gran Combo, led by pianist Rafael Ithier, is a Puerto Rican institution and “world
ambassador” of the island’s tropical rhythms. This is one of the earliest and dearest
recordings written by trumpet player, Kito Velez, and sung by a young Andy Montanez.
15. “Lamento Borincano” (“Puerto Rican Lament”) - Marco Antonio Muniz/Rafael Hernandez
One of the best and most internationally famous songs in the Puerto Rican canon is the
touching and universally themed “Lamento Borincano.” This masterpiece, a song about a
1920’s Puerto Rican campesino who goes to the city to sell his harvest, touches on the
economic hardships of the common man while the sublime melody carries you through
the highs and lows of the protagonist. This most famous version is exquisitely performed
by the Mexican vocalist, Marco Antonio Muniz, and was recorded under the musical
supervision of Rafael Hernandez himself.
Disc: 2
01. “El Cumbanchero” - Ismael Rivera
This song contains one of the best known motifs in 20th century music and has helped
solidify Rafael Hernandez as one of the greatest composers in any language. There have been so many important versions of this song that it was difficult to choose one for this compilation. That being the case, we are definitely satisfied with this version sung by none other than El Sonero Mayor, Ismael “Maelo” Rivera.
After the end of the original Cortijo y Su Combo and the creation of El Gran Combo, Ismael
worked in various projects before his celebrated career as a solo artist. One of these
projects is an incredible album that he did with Kako y su Orquesta. It is here that Maelo
made his mark on “El Cumbanchero.”
02. “Dejame Hablarte” (“Let Me Speak to You”) - Danny Rivera
During the 50’s and 60’s, another important wave of music that was being heard on the
island was la cancion romantica. Artists that championed this music include Chucho Avellanet,
Lucesita Benitez, Marco Antonio Muniz, Lissette Alvarez, Gilberto Monroig and the featured
artist on this recording, the great, Danny Rivera. “Dejame Hablarte” became one of the most
important titles in this genre by reaching domestic and international acclaim. This song was
composed by singer-songwriter Edmundo Disdier who began performing as a member of the
late 40’s group, Trio Universitario, and went on to an incredibly versatile career that includes
extensive work in the opera world.
03. “Nuestro Juramento” (“Our Oath”) - Olimpo Cardenas
One cannot compile a repertoire of Puerto Rican music without including the
internationally acclaimed composer, Benito De Jesus. Don Benito, whose Trio Vegabajeno
took him throughout the Americas, helped the group reach wide audiences with his
songs, including “Brisas De Navidad,” “Tarde” and one of the most popular songs in
Latin America, “Nuestro Juramento.” “Nuestro Juramento” has been recorded by some
of the world’s most important artists such as Jose Feliciano, Julio Jaramillo, Charlie Zaa
and Felipe Rodriguez. For this compilation we have included the first international artist
to record this song, the stylish Peruvian singer, Olimpo Cardenas.
04. "Amigos" ("Friends") - Gilberto Monroig
Many of the great Puerto Rican composers have been women. One particular songwriter whose works have been recorded by some of the greatest interpreters of romantic music is Ketty Caban. Here she is being recorded by the iconic Gilberto Monroig. Monroig started off his career as a soloist before becoming lead singer of The Tito Puente Orchestra in the 1950s. He later began a prolific career as a recording artist which includes over 30 albums, and a repertoire that consists of material from just about every composer featured on this compilation.
05. “Alma Adentro” (“Soul Within”) - Linda Ronstadt
One of the greatest composers in Latin America is multi-instrumentalist, Sylvia Rexach.
Sylvia was catapulted to fame as the founder of the first domestically acclaimed all-
women musical combo in Puerto Rico, Las Damiselas. Known for her personal
compositional style, Ms. Rexach’s music came from her personal experiences and torrid
love affairs which struck
a chord with audiences the world over. After her untimely death in 1961, her music
reached even greater heights as some of the greatest interpreters of romantic Latin
music recorded her work. “Alma Adentro” is performed here by none other than the
Mexican-American chanteuse, Linda Ronstadt.
06. “Esperame En El Cielo” (“Wait For Me in Heaven”) - Nana Mouskouri/Dyango
This beautiful piece of music by Francisco Lopez Vidal is showcased here in a unique duet
between world-renowned singer, Nana Moskouri, and the famous Spanish pop singer, Dyango.
07. “Celos” / “Amor” (“Jealousy” / “Love”) - Shakira
This medley of two songs by Pedro Flores is presented here with an unusual performance
by the Colombian pop singer, Shakira. Bringing to the table her own unique style of
interpretation, Shakira helps bring two of Don Pedro’s most famous songs to a new audience.
08. “Si Dios Fuera Negro” (“If God Were Black”) - Roberto Anglero
Sometimes there are songs that are so catchy and hooky that you are dancing and humming
them without even knowing it. This song by the great salsa songwriter, Roberto Anglero, does
just that. A list of the artists who have performed Anglero’s material is a virtual “who’s who”
in the salsa genre. From El Gran Combo to Bobby Valentin, from Marvin Santiago to his own group, Roberto has solidified his position as one of the premier songwriters in the genre.
09. “Preciosa” (“Precious”) - Marc Anthony
This is one of the most beautiful songs by Rafael Hernandez. This ode to Puerto Rico could
easily substitute the island’s national anthem. Here it becomes a “tour de force” for one of
the biggest artists today: Marc Anthony.
10. “Mar Y Cielo” (“Ocean and Sky”) - Jose Luis Rodriguez
In 1952, Los Panchos were looking for a new lead singer. Upon Rafael Hernandez’
recommendation, they found one in multi-talented singer-songwriter, Julito Rodriguez. Not only did Julito’s smooth vocals become an important part of the group’s appeal, but
so did his songwriting skills. “Mar Y Cielo,” one of his most popular compositions, is
featured here as performed by the Venezuelan icon, Jose Luis Rodriguez (“El Puma”),
along with a new line up of Los Panchos.
11. “Que Sabes Tu” (“What Do You Know”) - Luis Miguel
Singer, songwriter, producer, radio and television commentator; it seems that La Reina De La
Guaracha, Myrta Silva, did it all. Her career took off after being chosen by Rafael Hernandez
to form part of the already famous Cuarteto Victoria. It was after this that she developed her
talents as a songwriter with hits like “En Mi Soledad” and “Asi Es La Vida.” In the late 40’s and
early 50’s, she became one of the biggest names in the entire Latin American region. After
becoming a television personality in the late 50’s and early 60’s, she proceeded to embark on her most prolific era as a songwriter. It was then that she composed "Que Sabes Tu," which is performed here by one of the biggest superstars in the music world today: Luis Miguel.
12. “Olas Y Arenas” (“Waves and Sands”) - Roselyn Sanchez
This is a very different “take” on Sylvia Rexach’s beautiful standard. An adventurous Roselyn Sanchez interprets this song with her usual sensual flair.
13. “Perdida” (“Lost”) - Elizabeth Meza
Aside from Puerto Rico’s monumental achievements in Latin popular music, one cannot
negate its equally important developments in the Latin Jazz arena. We showcase this here
by presenting a composer who is one of the young lions of the genre: Jose Negroni. Negroni,
along with his son Nomar, is part of the new movement that is revolutionizing Latin Jazz in
the 21st century. This bossa nova that Negroni composed with the Mexican vocalist Elizabeth
Meza is also featured in her album, “Fascinacion.”
14. “5 Minutos” (“5 Minutes”) - Naldo
Reggaeton is an example of how Puerto Rican music is alive and has continued to evolve
throughout the years. Harking back to the “street consciousness” that the salseros had in
New York during the 1960’s, reggaeton fuses contemporary “reggae-rap” with electronic
rhythms that are based on the folkloric Puerto Rican Bomba. One of the writer-producer-
artists who has been at the forefront of this movement is Naldo Santos. Having worked
with the biggest artists in the genre on various releases, Naldo is now going “solo” with
his debut release entitled, “Sangre Nueva.” Here, Naldo shows off his romantic side with
this “love song for the 21st century.”
15. “Paga Lo Que Debes” (“Pay Your Debt”) - Michael Stuart
Over the past decade, salsa superstar, Victor Manuelle, has become one of the most talented
singer-songwriters in the tropical music scene. Here he composes a rousing track for vocalist
Michael Stuart. The hard-hitting production of the song harks back to the days of 60’s and
70’s salsa. The syncopation of the chorus makes one want to dance!
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