Spanish Harlem Orchestra - Across 110th Street (2014)

Spanish Harlem Orchestra has only been performing together since the year 2000, but this baker's dozen of musicians and vocalists swings as if it's been around for decades. That cohesiveness is at full-throttle on Across 110th St, SHO's second release and the follow-up to 2002's Grammy nominated Un Gran Dia en el Barrio. The group mixes classic salsa covers ("Cuando Te Vea, Esperame en el Cielo") with original compositions, and it makes for an unbroken flow of precise musicianship and sweltering instrumental interludes. The legendary Ruben Blades tackles singing duties on four tracks, which gives Across 110th St much of its commercial heft. Equally commendable, though, are the vocal stylings of regular SHO members Ray De La Paz, Marco Bermudez and Willie Torres. Everyone gets a chance to shine on Across 110th St--a very good thing for fans of great salsa music. ~Joey Guerra