Manny Oquendo's Libre - Sonido, Estilo y Ritmo (1991)

Another excellent effort by Conjunto Libre; the band keeps stretching out of their conjunto format into a broader canvas. "Que Humanidad" is a highly charged tune, as the band's powerful rhythm section is quite stimulating. "Estoy Como Nunca" and "Llora Timbero" are quite interesting performances; these tunes seemingly never out of steam, as they are continuously recorded by other bands. Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower" receives the Libre treatment, and it is done with hefty aplomb, as well as the plena standard "Elena, Elena." The early '80s never fazed the band, in spite of the era's cold reception of their genre. This meant a solid commitment to the music, in spite of the constant badgering of newer salsa tendencies.