Johnny El Bravo - Esta Es Mi Nueva Version (1974)

Esta Es Mi Nueva Version is a studio album by Puerto Rican percussionist (conguero), vocalist, and bandleader Johnny "El Bravo" Lopez, released in 1974 on his own independent label, Horoscopo Records.

The album marked a significant milestone in the musician's career, when he took complete control of the creative and publishing process, creating one of the most uncompromising and powerful examples of independent salsa of the 1970s.

The album's title, "Esta Es Mi Nueva Version" ("This Is My New Version"), perfectly reflected the new stage in Johnny Lopez's life. After several years of successful work on major labels (such as Mambo and All-Art), where he became famous for his boogaloo and pachanga hits, Johnny founded his own label, Horoscopo. This freed him up: his sound became rawer, streetier, and more uncompromising.

The album's main selling point, besides Johnny's virtuoso conga playing, was the powerful, charismatic vocals of frontman Tony Vega (not to be confused with the later romantic singer of the same name) and brilliant arrangements aimed at sophisticated salsa dancers. The record is literally woven from a pumping bass rhythm, explosive piano passages, and piercing trombone licks. The release enjoyed immense popularity in Puerto Rico, Colombia (especially Cali), and New York, and today the Horoscopo vinyl original is a cult and prized find for DJs and collectors of classic 70s salsa.