Brujeria

Personnel: Mark Dimond (piano); Danny Reyes (trumpet); Richie Montanez, Fudgy Torres (trombone); Antonio Tapia (congas); Louie Rivera (bongos).
Liner Note Authors: Larry Harlow; Bobby Marin.
An associate of Willie Colón's late-'60s band who also shepherded Héctor Lavoe's early solo career, Mark Dimond was a splendid pianist with a deft touch, as well as an excellent arranger. His first LP of the '70s appeared on the Vaya label thanks to help from Larry Harlow and Johnny Pacheco. Although it was something of a one-shot (only one other album appeared under his name), it's one of the more interesting salsa records of the classic era. Dimond's piano playing was in similar company to Eddie Palmieri, playful and elegant, but Brujeria allows him a lot of soloing space. Ismael Quintana and Justo Betancourt lend their vocal weight to the coro, while Angél Canales provides lead vocals (the LP was at one point even reissued under his name). If it had been released under Willie Colón's or Larry Harlow's name, Brujeria might not have the esteem that many salsa fans give it, but it's still a strong statement from a group that should've recorded more. ~ John Bush