Justo Betancourt & Conjunto Borincuba – ¡Presencia! (1978)

In this recording, Betancourt & Conjunto Borincuba turn in an amazingly varied repertoire, which added a new notch in Betancourt's career at a time when newer audiences were looking for musical alternatives. Ray Santos and Jorge Millet, at the busiest points of their arranging careers, turn in top-notch charts for "La Tapa Al Pomo" (composed by Anam Munar) and C. Curet Alonso's "Presencia," respectively, while "Camarón" (also by Alonso) made quite an impression with the salsa clientele of the times. "Merengue a Quisqueya" (arranged and composed by José Lantigua) is a serviceable merengue, designed to capitalize on a growing trend. Sadly, Conjunto Borincuba dissolved after this effort, but this recording is a testimony that salsa, despite the merengue competition that started kicking in its heels, was always looking for a fresher and more creative ambience.~José A. Estévez, Jr.