Ruben Blades - La Rosa de Los Vientos

An album that deserves considerably more attention than it has received, this Blades' lovely return to Panamanian roots, and an extremely appealing introduction to the traditional music of Central America. The work is done by young Panamanian musicians on acoustic instruments native to the culture. On both the title song and “Alma de tu Flor,” the mood is light and relaxed, the melodies easy, and the vocals warm and inviting. “Todo Mi Amor” is a ballad with spare accompaniment. Many of these songs recall salsa’s early days. The Afro-Caribbean drum patterns, the horn arrangements, and Bládes’ singing style recalls the early days of salsa. Don’t miss this!

ABOUT RUBEN BLADES
Born in Panama in 1948, Blades grew up loving American rock, but a 1963 military conflict with the U.S. changed his focus to Latin music. Blades sang with Latin bands while studying law at the University of Panama. When military action closed his school, Blades visited NYC, played some dates and recorded, then returned to Panama in 1974 to complete his degree. After working as a lawyer for the Bank of Panama and rehabilitating convicts, Blades left for NYC, where he worked in the mailroom at Fania, a Latin label. He next worked for Ray Baretto, then joined Willie Colon, and later became a member of the Fania All-Stars. Blades won Latin NY magazine’s Composer of the Year award in 1976. More recent collaborators include Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, and Sting. Acting credits include The Two Jakes and The Milagro Beanfield War . Always politically active, Blades ran a close second in Panama’s 1994 Presidential election. And in 1997, he debuted on Broadway in Paul Simon’s The Capeman.