OK folks, one of salsa's best live performances has finally made it to DVD. This nearly three-hour live concert from 1991 -- held at the Bellas Artes theater in Puerto Rico -- celebrates Bobby Valentin's 25 years as Puerto Rico's premier bassist-bandleader. Here Mr. Valentin leads his superb band through hit after hit like De Nuevo A La Carga, Complicación, Naci Moreno, Huracan De Pasión, Fidelidad, Prestame Tu Caballo, Pirata De La Mar, Soy Boricua and many others. No less than ten esteemed vocalists participated in this tremendous event. They are: Johnny Vazquez, Marvin Santiago (who has, sadly, passed away a few days ago), Frankie Hernandez, Luigi Texidor, Vicentico Valdes, Rafu Warner, Luisito Carrion, Marcelino Morales, Giovanny Lugo, and Ramsey Rios. Pretty impressive. It is obvious that much attention and planning was made with respect to the photography, which could not get much better than on En Vivo Desde Bellas Artes. This multi-camera shoot is directed with intelligence and a clear knowledge of where the cameras should be in a salsa performance. Hats off to the director of photography -- very well done. This is Puerto Rican salsa at it's hard-driving best, and clearly defines Mr. Valentin as a much respected bandleader and arranger. His continued popularity is proof that he is in a class by himself. 2-sided DVD: 2 hours and 57 minutes. A salsa lovers must-have. (review by Descarga)
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