Jimmy Bosch: Salsa Dura

Bosch's second release, under Ryko Latino, carried the unveiling of the soul of a trombonist's air. His first recording as a leader, Soneando trombón, was decidedly autobiographical. Salsa Dura, is no exception. In the recording's cover, he is playing his trombone on top of New York, hence, on top of the world, while contemplating a burning sky. Ironically, only New York seems to be impervious to the celestial fiery glow that also covers the other side of the Hudson. "El trombón criollo, as Bosch is called, is a knick-name that conveys the gritty urban/traditional style longed for in true Salsa. He appears relaxed and barefooted, whilst seated on a thick block with ornamented sharp pointed iron bars as his footstool. This photographic labor gets across a strong urban image that corresponds with the music contained therein. Could anyone figure out the metaphorical implications of the search for tranquility on the roofs of New York? The sky could be a rare sight in the Big Apple, depending on your daily whereabouts. However, his swinging percussive trombone, as well as his semblance, point towards the sky. Perhaps, now more than ever...

Dancers will have plenty to chew on in this compact disc. Assiduous seekers of solo virtuosity will enjoy the engagement of legendary musical guests. Any name-dropping here would be insulting; the list is too long to print. Trust me, there are many bad asses here!

The music sounds tightly free all around. This is type of recording will jar people brainwashed by gritty-less music. The singers follow suit. Two of the tunes are loaded with social awareness. "Impacto tendremos, that deals with the AIDS crisis in a Puerto Rican Plena format, is an example of a distinctive character of Hispanic music. Since no tragedy escapes the attention of the Latin composer, he faces the task of redirecting the resulting tension in a pleasurable way. You can have a lot of fun learning how this tune educates the listening public on this issue. Educating on deadly matters is not something easy to do, and Hispanic music excels in such a role (cf. "La noticia ). The other tune with a clear social orientation is "Pa' mantener tradición that adds itself to a distinguished line of both predecessors and contemporaries arguing for cultural preservation. Wouldn't you rather learn your cultural anthropology lessons dancing to a Guajira? It sure beats reading the PC fictional literature masking as textbooks out there! "La cacharra, could very well serve as the musician's auto ownership international national anthem. The soneos, or vocal improvisations, can be improved, in what remains an energetic dance tune.

Lovers of Conga, Comparsa, and Mozambique have "Canta mi Mozambique and "Toco el trombón for their enjoyment. Everybody simply burns in these festive songs. Bosch gets personal on two Sones. One, "Sigo cambiando, simply states the obvious: "Change is life, and life is change. The quicker we adapt to the realities behind such a commonly overlooked fact, the better our lives will be. Bosch wants to make change an authoritative force in our personal and social improvement. In "La noticia, we participate in Bosch's dealings with the death of a brother. This tune comes from the depth of his being, honoring the memory of a lost relative and fan with a celebration of good danceable musical taste.

Jam sessions are superbly represented in "Un poquito más and "Viento frÃ-o. The latter has Songo intertwined. "Amor por tÃ- is a bolero that salseros relate to "PellÃ-n RodrÃ-guez, and it might have proven to be a bit too much for Frankie Morales. "Vengo de amor, a so-called Yambú, goes to the point immediately, and it gets you there with a smile. Finally, "Speak No Evil, is a straightforward cool sizzling Latin Jazz jam.

Contact: For more information, please contact Ryko Disc or go to the Official Jimmy Bosch Home Page.

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