By 1978 Ismael Miranda had little to prove. Recording since a teen in the late 1960s, the Puerto Rican-born, future Fania All Star solidified his presence as a Salsa bona fide through early recordings with Larry Harlow’s ‘Orquestra Harlow’, and further cemented his stature with the remarkable solo debut1973’s Asi Se Compone Un Son. Miranda’s recordings were both frequent—he, like Fania did not slouch—and frequently brilliant, as the Pretty Boy Of Salsa became a star and major proponent for Salsa and Latin music as a whole over the ensuing decades.
For Joaquin Joe Claussell, forays into the historically prodigious and inimitable Fania catalogue would be incomplete with Miranda’s benefaction. The selection here is key: taken from the late ‘70s LP Sabor, Sentimiento Y Pueblo, ‘Me Voy Ahora’ is a gorgeous rhodes & strings-buttressed bolero of ornate proportion. Coming in at a compact 3:10, the tune’s beauty is withdrawn before you know it, the contrasting crescendos and lush groove proving ripe for endless possibility. Claussell duly capitalizes, with Mike Rodriguez’ trumpet prevailing alongside the distinguished percussion work of brother Jose ‘Cochise’ Claussell, rendering the 10 minute ‘Boriqua Version’ a wonder to behold in sustained dynamism. The ‘Latin 12” Dub Version’ on the flip further pushes the track’s rhythms and structure into a thoroughly bolstered sonic update without sacrificing any of the suppleness which made the original worth such careful consideration. With only a few hundred copies pressed more than a decade ago, this masterwork from the ceaselessly inventive Claussell couldn’t return any sooner.
For Joaquin Joe Claussell, forays into the historically prodigious and inimitable Fania catalogue would be incomplete with Miranda’s benefaction. The selection here is key: taken from the late ‘70s LP Sabor, Sentimiento Y Pueblo, ‘Me Voy Ahora’ is a gorgeous rhodes & strings-buttressed bolero of ornate proportion. Coming in at a compact 3:10, the tune’s beauty is withdrawn before you know it, the contrasting crescendos and lush groove proving ripe for endless possibility. Claussell duly capitalizes, with Mike Rodriguez’ trumpet prevailing alongside the distinguished percussion work of brother Jose ‘Cochise’ Claussell, rendering the 10 minute ‘Boriqua Version’ a wonder to behold in sustained dynamism. The ‘Latin 12” Dub Version’ on the flip further pushes the track’s rhythms and structure into a thoroughly bolstered sonic update without sacrificing any of the suppleness which made the original worth such careful consideration. With only a few hundred copies pressed more than a decade ago, this masterwork from the ceaselessly inventive Claussell couldn’t return any sooner.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: Big Joe's certainly rolling out the 12"s at the moment. His never-ending purple patch seemingly running on dark matter. This right here though, might be my current favourite from this year's crop. I'm sure he saves his most creative energies for the Fania material...TRACK LISTING
A. Me Voy Ahora (Joaquin's Boriqua Version)
B. Me Voy Ahora (Joaquin's Latin 12" Dub Version)
