Review of Salsa

A diligent attempt to educate non-Hispanics about the roots of Salsa music. However, the film's real media value is as a historical documentary on the greatest salsa musicians of all time- the Fania All Stars. Historic also, because it was the first time the great Celia Cruz played with the Fania stars. Ray Baretto, "Hard Hands" did his thing side by side with the great master Cuban percussionist, Mongo Santamaria. Also, a vintage look at Hector Lavoe, "The Voice", the naturally talented and raw salsa singer who was the subject of the recent film- El Cantante. Performing also was African musician, Manu Dibango who illustrated the influence of African rhythm in salsa music. Another highlight in the film is a performance by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico who today are recognized as- The University of Salsa Music; for their: over 40 years of great music and performances and more than 50 albums. They recently had a long overdue recognition by being awarded a Latin Grammy for best Latin Music Album. The film provides the rare opportunity to see perform together the great Fania musicians/arrangers: Willie Colon-grand trombonist, Johnny Pacheco, Larry Harlow, Nicky Marrero, Bobby Valentin, Yomo Toro, Roberto Roena, The best ever salsa singers: Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Julio Betancourt, Santos Colon, Hector Lavoe (he merits mention again), Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Quintana. Another treat was Jorge "Malo" Santana performing with the Fania All Stars, he is the brother of the legend, Carlos Santana and a pretty good guitarist himself--definitely in the genes. The documentary aspect of the film re:the roots of Latin performing arts in the US was interesting. Geraldo Rivera is host/narrator- a few years earlier he was legal counsel for the Young Lords Party, the Puerto Rican counterpart to the Black Panther Party. Honorable mention was given (film clips) of early Latin artists such as Desi Arnez, Carmen Miranda. Delores del Rio, Rita Rio. I can watch this repeatedly and be entertained every time, also a great party film, especially among OG salsa fans.