Hot salsa for every salsa-taste, from swingin' dance-floor power packers by Conjunto Colores, El Gran Combo, and Victor Cruz, to smoother, more romantically swingin' tunes from Jose Alberto, Lalo Rodriguez, and Michael Stuart. Then, a sampling of some of the fusion work going on in salsa, with a plena-flamenco fusion from Plena Libre, a conga-salsa-jazz fusion from Descarga Boricua, and a cumbia-salsa-compas fusion from Joe Arroyo. A little Cuban sound lovingly done by Colombian band Orquesta Sublime, then yet another Cuban homage from that classic '75 collaboration of Celia, Johnny, Justo, y Papo. Eddie Palmieri surprises once again, and we finish with a live number from Roberto Roena y su Apollo Sound.

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A great lineup of mostly classics this time, and a great sampling of all the various styles of salsa. We start with another dance-floor hit from Chino Nunez, then we hear the song that launched Frankie Ruiz's career, the one song that puts him in the company of salsa's greatest. We hear rich performances from La Sonora Poncena, Cheo Feliciano, and Eddie Palmieri's orchestra, then a cover of Roberto Roena's classic "Parece Mentira" from Orquesta Tabaco y Ron. Next, a special look at one of salsa's supergroups--the 1975 collaboration of Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Justo Betancourt, and Papo Lucca that gave us "Recordando el Ayer," one of the finest albums from the Fania catalog. Then, the purely Cuban sound of Manuel Licea, and Africando delivering an homage to Cuban guaracha. And we close with La Sonora Dinamita from Colombia, in one of their early hits.

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Fired up after the Oscar D'Leon concert... This week, we offer a review of that concert, with a brief sample to give you a sense of what it sounded like. But there's much more in this week's show, too: Tito Puente with a tasty mambo, then back to Colombia, for Fruko y Sus Tesos, Sonora Carruseles with Gabino Pampini, and Tupamaros. From Puerto Rico, Pedro Conga's orchestra; then Celia Cruz, and some mellower tunes from Tito Nieves, Jorge Cabrera, Luis "Perico" Ortiz, and Gilberto Santa Rosa in a set of hits from the '90s. And you'll hear a very early example from Eddie Palmieri--1962! And we close with an equally vintage one from Cortijo y Su Combo with Ismael Rivera. So get ready... The Lion of salsa has been loose in Korea! And we're still recovering from it!

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Oscar D'Leon is on a tour of Japan and Korea, si senor! And that's not all! Salsa is in the news for the month of August, with Oscar's tour, plus the release of "El Cantante"--the film about Hector Lavoe. This podcast--the second within a week--is equally eventful, with a look at where Oscar and his band will be performing while in Japan and Korea, and later, a closer look at what the critics are saying about "El Cantante". Plus, we feature Ruben Blades' unique classic, "Buscando America." And the music is as hot as ever, or as beautiful: Besides tracks from Oscar, Blades, and Lavoe, we have Orquesta de La Luz from Japan, Chino Nunez, a rare '60s boogaloo from Ray Rodriguez, more Cuban son and timba from Sierra Maestra, Albita, and Celina Gonzalez, and closing with another groovy Colombian number from Quinto Mayor.Yes, salsa is in the news, and we hope this podcast puts us in the news too--at least for you!

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We're back from vacation and ready to swing with more salsa! This week, it's another set of classics, but this time a bit more laid back. We start with Willie Colon in one of his 90's hits--a tune everyone will know. Then, Poncho Sanchez in a live salsa jam, and Ray Barretto once again. We've got more of the Latin Brothers, too. Then, we take a look at the piano work of Oscar Hernandez, comparing his sound in Barretto's band with some of his more recent work with Ruben Blades. Next, we dance to Africando, then more of the classic Cuban sound with Sierra Maestra and Carlos Embale. Jimmy Bosch gives us a sample of his hard-hitting salsa with a social edge, and Hector Lavoe treats us to one of his great Cuban covers. Roberto Torres closes the show. That's more than an hour, and one of the most fascinating sets yet, from Radio Macondo.

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It's an hour of salsa fuerte this week on RADIO MACONDO, with lots of hot, powerful grooves, and a generous serving of classics. Artists include Edwin Bonilla y Su Son, Nora from Orquesta de La Luz, the Colombia All-Stars, Luis Perico Ortiz, Tito Rojas, Willie Rosario, Justo Betancourt, Poncho Sanchez, Ray Barretto, Oscar D'Leon, and an obscure but fun one from the '60s by Bobby Montez. It's RADIO MACONDO... for that extra kick.

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A real mix this week, with some of the finest examples of classics, Colombian hits, and hot Cuban grooves. We start with a 1978 track by La Salsa Mayor, then into contemporary salsa romantica  from Edgar Joel and Hector Tricoche. Next, off to Colombia for Los Nemus, Tupamaros, and the Latin Brothers. Plus, a gorgeous, soulful track from Africando. Then, more classics--three in a row from the Fania label, with Johnny Pacheco (Fania's founder!), Louie Ramirez, and the Blades/Colon duo once again. We seal it all up with two hot numbers from Cuba: Isaac Delgado and Charanga Habanera.

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More of that tasty Macondo blend this week, with swinging modern hits from Edwin Bonilla, George Delgado, Frankie Ruiz, Jose Alberto, Victor Manuelle, and Eddie Santiago. Then a hot classic set from Africando, Tito Puente, Hector Lavoe, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, and El Gran Combo as it was in the 60s. Then, closing with a smooth cha-cha from Chocolate Armenteros.

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It's the first podcast in two months, and we can't wait to dance that salsa once again! We're back every week through the summer, and we kick things off with a great lineup of hot Colombian, smooth romantica, and classic mambo and charanga. Artists this week: N'Klabe, Alberto Barros y Los Titanez de la Salsa, Yorman D'Leon, Johnny Rivera, Tito Rojas, Mimi Ibarra, Roberto Blades; then classics from Conjunto Rumbavana, Beny More, Ray Barretto, Hector Tricoche, Fruko y Orquesta, and Africando. We have missed that Macondo blend, and now we can't wait to get another cup!

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You've found the only podcast on the Internet with a full hour of hot, classic-edged salsa, spiced with a touch of Cuban son. That's RADIO MACONDO. Back for a another cup of the Macondo Blend? Each week, we serve it up hot, in a brew of new and classic together. It simmers, it boils, and sometimes it steeps, smooth and mellow. This week's artists, in the order we drop them into the pot: First, the hot set, with Sonora Carruseles, cuz we know how much you like that; Yolanda Rayo; Frankie Ruiz; Salsa Fever; and Victor Manuelle. Then, the classic set, with Louie Ramirez ; Hector Lavoe; and two from Willie Colon in collaborations with Ruben Blades and Celia Cruz. Then, for that double shot of Cuban, Los Van Van and Son de Aca. NEW! Buy the music you hear on this podcast at Amazon.com! Pass your mouse over the artists' names in this week's show notes, and you will see a featured album. Click on the Amazon link in the window, and browse the album. Every Purchase helps support Radio Macondo! And visit the new RADIO MACONDO store... click on the link to the left of this blogpage. There you will find the latest salsa releases, offered in association with Amazon.com. AND NOW... As a public service to our listeners, you can now shop at Descarga.com. Albums not available at Amazon now have links to Descarga.com, the largest Latin music retailer on the Internet.

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We like to think to think of ourselves as a contributor to "global warming"... seems like every week just gets hotter around here. This week, we spread even more hot rhythms around the globe with these artists: Jose Alberto, Rikoson All Stars, Ruben Blades, Ismael Miranda, Willy Chirino and Celia Cruz, Oscar D'Leon, Tito Rojas, Quinto Mayor, Juan Luis Guerra, Joe King, El Gran Combo, and for the finale, Tito Puente.  No worries, though. This kind of heat will make even the polar bears happy.

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This week, we light that salsa fire with two dance favorites from Celia Cruz and DLG. Then, some swinging, hot Cuban salsa from Descarga Boricua, Adalberto Alvarez, and La Gran Banda de Venezuela. Next, we cool things off with a few guajiras--mid-to-low tempo, great for new dancers--featuring Chocolate Armenteros, Africando, and Sonora Dinamita with their particularly Colombian style. Ruben Blades leads the final set, followed by some salsa pop from Jerry Rivera and Chayanne. It's one of the swingin-est hours yet, this week on RADIO MACONDO.

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One salsa song packs as much of a kick as three cups of coffee--or at least that's what DJ John thinks. And how did he arrive at that conclusion? Well, he heaped on 11 scoops of high-energy, big-hit salsa, fine Colombian grade, including Roberto Blades,Yolanda Rayo, Grupo Niche, Orquesta El Equipo, and Colombia All-stars. And just as we were about get a cup, the pot exploded with Tito Puente and La Lupe, followed by Orquesta Gitana. Then, we were finally able to kick back and savor the aroma with some son cubano from Septeto Matamoros and Adalberto Alvarez. And of course, no coffee break would be complete without a generous helping of ... Azuca'!... from the Queen herself, Celia Cruz. And for that extra shot of espresso, we finish with hit mambo-salsa from Cubanismo. We figure that's the equivalent of 33 cups of coffee for every single listener. But no one's counting...we're too busy dancin'. Yes, you'll be addicted, but with no caffeine nerves afterwards.

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Spring is just one week away... the mornings are chilly but the days are gorgeous! And this week on Radio Macondo, we're playing salsa to fit the season, with a great mix of hot stuff to warm you up and cool stuff to help you relax and take in those gentle spring breezes. First, the hot salsa, and we mean fiery: Joe Arroyo with one of his best-known numbers; Kent Gomez with a salsa/boogaloo/jazz fusion from the '70s; and La Sonora Carruseles once again, this time featuring sultry Cubana Raquel Zazoya on vocals. Then, we relax a bit, with mid-tempo bomba-salsa from Ruben Blades and Willie Colon; Willy Chirino, and Peru's own Melcochita. Turning down the heat quite a bit now, it's Victor Manuelle, Ray Sepulveda, La Fuga, and Pedro Conga in a great set of Salsas Romanticas. But, wait, it is nearly spring, after all, so we've got to celebrate with one last, blistering number from Edwin Bonilla (don't dare miss that one!) <img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/noscript?tag=radimacopodc-20" alt="" />

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RADIO MACONDO gives you the hottest salsa every week, and this one is a scorcher, starting with Sonora Carruseles, then Maraca, Fatal Mambo, La Salsa Mayor, La Sonora Poncena, Oscar D'Leon, Tito Rojas, Orquesta de la Luz, and Orquesta Mulenze. Then, from Cuba, some simmering son, turning hot at the end, with Papo Oviedo, and a new one from Ahi Na' Ma'! Every track just raises the temperature even more, this week on Radio Macondo.

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The hottest, swinging-est hour of music on the Internet! This week, we dance and groove to salsa from across the Americas, with Jose Mangual Jr., Ray Barretto, Quinto Mayor, Sextero Cafe, and Louie Ramirez. Then, El Gran Combo once more, along with Gilberto Santa Rosa. Back to Colombia, too, with Luis Alberto, The Latin Brothers, and Fruko y Sus Tesos with Joe Arroyo. Plus classics and Cuban hits from Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe, Cubanismo, and Los Van Van.

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This week, Valentine's Day is on the way, and Cupid is buzzing around the studio at Radio Macondo. Yes, it's an hour of nothing but love songs with swing y sabor. Every song this week is a modern romantic classic! Willy Chirino lights the candle, then a whole host of Salsa angels join to serenade you and get you dancing with that special someone: Willie Colon, Roberto Blades, Marc Anthony, El Gran Combo, Gloria Estefan, Orquesta de La Luz, Grupo Niche, Sierra Maestra, Afro-Cuban All-Stars, and Ruben Blades. It's an hour designed to make your heart beat, y con clave tambien. An hour for lovers... this week, on RADIO MACONDO.

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The hottest hour of music in the podisphere, with a great selection of up-tempo, classic-sounding salsa. The bulk of this week's selections come from Puerto Rico, starting things off with Ray Barretto, then Pete Rodriguez. El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico returns with a recent hit, then two numbers from Willie Colon, including one from that immortal duet with Celia Cruz. Then, we drop by Colombia, for a look at Joe Arroyo's social commentary. Next, back to Puerto Rico with a gorgeous live number from La Sonora Poncena. But that's not all... There's also Oscar D'Leon, Africando, Jose Alberto, and, from Cuba, Manolito y Su Trabuco. Straight ahead, unstoppable salsa... Salsa, y na' ma'! This week, on Radio Macondo.

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It's the hottest hour of music in the podosphere, and this week, we reach back and pay tribute to '70s salsa... No, wait, '20s salsa... Oh, whatever. We start with some modern dance favorites from Sonora Carruseles, Frankie Ruiz, the MP All-stars in an unabashedly self-promoting, but tasty, track, and Orquesta Tabaco y Ron. Then, it's time to play "Name that Tune" once again, and this time DJ John tests us with an easy one, reaching all the back to, yes, the 1920s. Next, into a classic set, with Mario Bauza, an encore from Larry Harlow's Orchestra, and both the Palmieri brothers, back to back once again. Finally off to Cuba, with two tracks from the island, and one from Miami Cuban superstar Willy Chirino. Young or old, everybody's got a reason to dance at MACONDO!

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The hottest hour of music on the Internet is back again, this week featuring a great mix of salsa, son, mambo, and plena--romantica or dura, classic or new. We start with Eddie Torres, then a tribute to Cuban tres player Nino Rivera by the Afro Cuban All-stars; then into some "sweet" salsa, with Victor Manuelle and Jose Alberto delivering some tasty, mellow treats, and Ismael Miranda reminding us how this music can make us fall in love. Next, DJ John plays "Name that Tune," as he takes a look at one of the greatest and most covered of all Cuban standards--written, of course, by Miguel Matamoros (pictured at right), and performed by Tito Puente. Celia Cruz joins in with a classic 60's son-boogaloo, followed by Joe Cuba with Cheo Feliciano, and Larry Harlow's great 70's big band. We go bold and brash with Hector Lavoe in one of his defining live performances, then Fruko y Sus Tesos from Colombia. And we close out the podcast with a real Puerto Rican plena. What a mix! It's simmering at first, exploding at the end... RADIO MACONDO!

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RADIO MACONDO takes you into the new year, with the hottest weekly hour of music in podcasting: an hour of pure salsa, classic and new. This week's artists: Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Quintana, Pedro Jesus, Hansel y Raul, Erick, Descarga Boricua with Justo Betancourt, Roberto Roena y Su Apolo Sound, Bobby Quesada with some true boogaloo, Hector Lavoe with Willie Colon, and Orquesta Reve from Cuba.

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Bien vestido y listo para las fiestas! That's RADIO MACONDO for the New Year, as we celebrate with a sampling of the newest, brightest, and hottest salsa acts today. Every track this week...with the exception of one classic...was released in mid-2006, and these hot sounds are what's carrying salsa into the New Year! Here's who's coming to the party: Tito Rojas, with the holiday greeting, Pequeno Johnny paying tribute to the ladies, Pedro Conga, Alberto Barros and his Titanez de Salsa, and Anthony Cruz. Then, a hot new one, just in, from Africando, and a blistering performance from Son Cafe. Next, a little salsa romantica with Cesar Aviles, Giro, Tito Gomez, and one classic from Grupo Niche. Finally, we send out the old year old-style, with Daniel Ponce and a traditional rumba. So, make us a part of your New Year's celebration... play us at your party, or use it to warm up for the gala! It's RADIO MACONDO... the hottest hour in podcasting!

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This week, DJ John keeps the talkin' to a minimum and the salsa to the max, spinning up-tempo dance-floor favorites from Jose Alberto, Ismael Miranda, Orquesta de la Luz, Oscar D'Leon, Hector Tricoche, Adolescents' Orquesta, Pasion Juvenil, Johnny Ray, Jerry Galante, Rey Ruiz, and India. Then, a classic from Fruko y sus Tesos with Joe Arroyo, and closing out with Beny More doing a tribute to Chano Pozo. Non-stop swingin' and swirlin', this week on Radio Macondo.

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Radio Macondo... The only audio podcast devoted solely (and SOUL-ly) to pure Salsa, with a dash of the Cuban son thrown in. And this week: One of the major trends in salsa has always been the "supergroup"... Gatherings of the hottest stars to jam! RMM does it every year, but Fania did it first. And this week, we hear two examples of Fania All Stars givin' their everything to pay tribute to their music. Test your singer-savvy, and see how many of these voices you can recognize! Then, into a great set of salsa romantica, with Jose Alberto, Tito Nieves, Maelo, Oscar D'Leon, and Grupo Niche.  Next, Tito Puente and La Lupe cut loose for a frenzied performance, and we hear Bebo Valdez with a little jazz-mambo. Also: down to Puerto Rico for more Plena Libre, then another gorgeous number from the tightest salsa band on Earth: Africando. Take the salsa-singer challenge... on RADIO MACONDO!

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RADIO MACONDO returns after another studio upgrade, and the salsa sounds even better! This week's playlist includes Edwin Bonilla, Quinto Mayor, Tony Vega, Rafael De Jesus, and La Gran Banda de Venezuela. Then, a touching story about how Radio Macondo reaches even to the remotest parts of Cuba--where there is no Internet! A special request for DLG goes out, then more salsa romantica from Luis Damon and Jose Alberto, followed by a gorgeous love song from Ruben Blades. Plus, The Latin Brothers from Colombia, a classic son from Sierra Maestra, and a contemporary plena from Eddie Palmieri.

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It's the 50th podcast--and the first anniversary--of RADIO MACONDO! Come celebrate with us, as we drop an hour of all-star, dance-floor shakin' salsa. Attending the party will be Oscar D'Leon, El Gran Combo, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Michael Stuart, Ray Barretto with a classic live set, Africando, Gloria Estefan, Roberto Torres, Irakere, Grupo Niche, and La Sonora Poncena. Every name's a super star this week--and these are some of DJ John's favorites, as we celebrate one full year of the only podcast on the Internet devoted solely and purely to salsa... RADIO MACONDO!

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It's a grab-bag this week on Radio Macondo, so reach right in, grab a track or two, then grab your favorite partner. Or, grab another rum and coke, or a cigar. Cualquiera te mueve -- sacala! We've got mambo from BOTH Tito Puentes... el junior Y el senor. We got El Gran Combo, Celia Cruz with Willie Colon (yep, once again!), then Marc Anthony and Ray Sepulveda. But the grand prize is Maraca and his orchestra in a huge 10-minute jam, recorded live in France, then, for another helping, a 10-minute afro-caribbean suite from Descarga Boricua, and a Cuban classic updated by Cubanismo. It's a weekend of variedades--a veritable sancocho... on Radio Macondo.

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RADIO MACONDO pays tribute to Puerto Rico--the beautiful island that provides the engine behind this music... Salsa! We check out some of the contemporary hits by bands from Borinquen, many of whom were present at the conception of salsa in early '60s New York. The roll call?... Ismael Miranda, Willie Rosario, Johnny Ray, Bobby Valentin, Tony Vega, Johnny Rivera. And of course, no set of salsa boricua would be complete without at least one track each from Willie Colon, El Gran Combo, and the Palmieri brothers... and we got 'em! But there's much more to salsa than Puerto Rico, so we take a side trip to Cuba for a taste of modern charanga with Candido Fabre, then down to Colombia for a classic from Joe Arroyo, and finally over to Santo Domingo for a smash hit from Manolo. Puerto Rico... the heart of Salsa, the custodian of rhythm... the land of dancing. And we go there this week, on Radio Macondo.

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This week, we've got more variety and styles than ever, and more reasons for you to take a partner and start dancing! We open with Oscar D'Leon in his hit tribute to Cali, Colombia, then Sonora Carruseles. Next, it's The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Tipica 73, and a very old classic from Tito Puente. Henry Fiol, Papi Oviedo, Celia Cruz with Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Juan Luis Guerra, Los Tupamaros.... What a night for dancers! What way to swing or just groove.

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Our last podcast was hot! So, this one is smoooooth. And that's because we're starting out with a tribute to the son montuno, with four examples of how contemporary artists interpret this beautiful classic form. We start with Maraca, then Orquesta La Palabra from L.A. Next, it's Ruben Blades paying his tribute to son--with a "special guest" vocalist... or is he? And Cubanismo joins in with another version of a great Cuban classic. But that's not all for this podcast, because after all that gorgeous son, we have contemporary hits from Celia Cruz, Tito Nieves, then into a set of romantic salsas with Tony Vega, Miles Pena, Jerry Rivera, and George Lamond. Miguel Matamoros once wrote, "There is no more sublime way to soothe the soul than with the son montuno" -- "No hay mas sublime que el son, para el alma divertir." And that's what this week's podcast is all about. So take a break for a while... in Macondo.

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It's one of our hottest hours yet! A steady stream of propulsive, high-impact salsa, starting with Celia Cruz and Willie Colon in their classic, swinging tribute to Miguel Matamoros. Then, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz kick off a jala-jala, and the party doesn't stop there! We got Ray Barretto, Sonora Poncena, Oscar D'Leon, Ruben Blades, Plena Libre, Andy Montanez with the Latin Dimension, and Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez. Cool things down only at the end, with a return to Matamoros and one of his songs performed by Cuban masters Sierra Maestra, then one of Los Van Van's iconic songs--"Anda Ven y Muevete." The cost of fuel gettin' you down? Stock up on some of our kind of energy. For the dancer, it's hotter than jet fuel.

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RADIO MACONDO is clear for takeoff once more! Yes, it's the first new production in nearly two months, from a brand new studio--and you'll hear the difference. Our first stop on this week's tour of Salsamerica is Cuba, with the Afro-Cuban All Stars, followed by a sample of Timba from Charanga Habanera, then more contemporary Cuban salsa from Angel Bonne. Next, it's on to Colombia, with Los Nemus and Alfredo de La Fe. On our return flight to Cuba, we stop by Puerto Rico for Andy Montanez and Willie Colon. Then, back to Cuba for some classic '50s rumba from Beny More. And Radio Macondo just doesn't stop moving: Ismael Rivera once again, then to New York for an alternative to 70s Fania. We close this mix with two more Cuban classics from Compay Segundo and Adalberto Alvarez. Yes, the musical flights are resuming, and all tickets are on us!

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This week, it's a rerun of a show made in December 2005, but with some new content added. It's a great hour of salsa variety, starting with Celia Cruz's cover of "Patica de Chivo," then hits by Frankie Ruiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Orquesta Tabaco y Ron. Then, more mid-tempo hits from El Gran Combo and Johnny Rivera. Then we pump up the tempo with a charged performance by Yolanda Rayo from Colombia. Next, it's off to Cuba once again, with conguero "Patato" Valdez and his groovy band "Muchachos del Barrio." We top it all off with classics from Ismael Miranda and Eddie Palmieri.

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This salsa swings so much that our DJ had to bring along TWO pairs of shoes! Yes, were burned up the carpet with this week's lineup: Spanish Harlem Orchestra with Ruben Blades, Willie Rosario with Tony Vega, Oscar D'Leon, Adolescentes, and Miles Pena. The heat got so heavy that he had to cool us down with some traditional Cuban sounds: modern charanga from La Orquesta Original de Manzanillo, then into traditional guitar-driven son from Septeto Matamoros. But the real treat went down as smooth as a creamy helado: a sprawling 8-minute son from Conjunto Oriente. And just when we thought the fire was out, he stoked it up again with some Puerto Rican plena by Angel Torruella, then burned us to a cinder with yet another high-energy bomba-salsa from Cortijo y Su Combo with Ismael Rivera. AAAGGGUUUAAA!!! And a very special welcome to our listeners at Sky Valley Radio, FM 88.1 on Victoria Island, Canada. Sky Valley Radio-the worldjazzbeatfunkaliciousreggae station! Visit Sky Valley Radio's website.

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Back again, and ready to swing! This week's lineup: Yet another searing mambo-jazz from Tito Puente, then down to Cuba for another hit from Maraca. Contemporary hits from Los Titanes, La Sonora Poncena, El Gran Combo, Marc Anthony, an all-star performance by merenguera Brenda K. Starr featuring Tito Nieves and Victor Manuelle, and India. Then, a tribute to Al Santiago (pictured), the late producer who started the first latin record label in New York, Alegre Records, and spawned an industry, featuring a rare relic from his collection. More classics from the Alegre-Fania years, with Eddie Palmieri, Cortijo y su Combo with Ismael Rivera, and Willie Colon with Hector Lavoe. And a very special welcome to our listeners at Sky Valley Radio, FM 88.1 on Victoria Island, Canada, joining us for the first time. Visit Sky Valley Radio's website.

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It's our 40th post, si senor! DJ John is still taking a break from production, but we've been going back through all those podcasts we've made to see what we USED TO sound like. Yes, the Radio Macondo Podcast has evolved. Back before DJ John started hogging the microphone, before we started doin' all that research, there was just.... the Salsa! And so, to celebrate our 40th posting (and to give DJ John an excuse to avoid his production deadline) we're re-posting our very first one, from November 2005! You'll hear that hokey old, over-long opening promo, and DJ John's early attempt at some documentary work. But mostly you'll hear pure, straight-ahead salsa, all hits and classics. And as a special treat, we'll even give you the whole playlist (Aww, come on, RIAA, we've been good so far, so give us a break...!) Ruben Blades, "'Tas Caliente" Hokey over-long promo #1 Oscar D'Leon, "Mi Negra Esta' Cansa'" Ismael Miranda, "Es Mas" Not-so-hokey promo (still used today) Sonora Poncena, "Fuego en el 23" Melcochita, "A Comer Lechon" Andy Montanez, "Dulce Veneno" Paquito Guzman, "25 Rosas" Hector Tricoche, "A Corazon Abierto" DJ John presents... Cuco Valoy Cuco Valoy, "Juliana" Cuco Valoy, "Corta Tu Cana" Isaac Delgado, "24 Dias" Gilberto Santa Rosa, "Pa' Quererse No Hay Que Verse" Y asi es... Radio Macondo, in retro! Enjoy!

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It's an hour of "mostly classics" on RADIO MACONDO, starting with a set of true salsa treasures: Ray Barretto in a track from the 1987 album "Aqui Se Puede," then The Lebron Brothers with the original "Salsa y Control." Next up it's Cheo Feliciano, "Mapeye," and Celia Cruz with one of her last recordings, from 2001. We continue in the classic mode with two examples of son montuno from Cuba, then we hit the dance floor with yet another authentic mambo from Tito Puente. Other classics include Cortijo y Su Combo with Ismael Rivera from 1963, Colon and Lavoe with "El Malo" from 1968, Henry Fiol from 1983. We close with a set of contemporary hits from Tito Rojas, Eddie Torres with Jimmy Sabater, and Pocho Perez's Orchestra from Colombia.

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Summer temperatures are here, and RADIO MACONDO has some scorching salsa from the likes of Luisito Rosario, Albita, and Bobby Valentin. But we don't want TOO much heat, so we cool things down with a Latin jazz number from Ray Barretto, followed by a nice, groovy son-salsa from Celia Cruz. El Gran Combo pays its classic tribute to summer in New York, and Tipica 73 to traditional Cuban son. And we wrap up this ode to summer with four contemporary hits: Los Titanes, Domingo Quinones, Van Lester, and Luis Damon.

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Headin' down to Cali! That's our itinerary for this week... at least for a few minutes... We start with Orquesta Guayacan (photo at right) and Sonora Carruseles, two of the biggest bands from Colombia. Then we zip up to San Francisco for some cutting-edge salsa-jazz from Orquesta Gitana and Francisco Guayabal. We throw in another Tito Puente essential before hearing still another classic from Eddie Palmieri, and a modern hit in the classic mode from Bobby Valentin. Then, a great set of contemporary salsa romantica from the studios of New York, with Jose Alberto, George Lamond, Frankie Negron, and Jerry Rivera. No seatbelt reqired, but you'd better keep your dance shoes firmly tied. Radio Macondo is your guide once more for a grand tour of Salsa-merica!

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We start off this week with big, modern hits from Junior Gonzales, Edgar Joel, Jon Secada, Ismael Miranda, and Tony Vega. Then, into classics with Tipica 73--Jose Alberto on lead vocal--plus Henry Fiol, and yet another great classic late '60s hit from Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe. Then, we shine the spotlight on some Cuban sounds, from the country folk of Eliades Ochoa (photo at right) to the '50s charanga of Orquesta Aragon, then back to today with Orquesta Original de Manzanilla and Plena Libre.

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RADIO MACONDO is your weekly venture into Salsa and all its afro-cuban variants. And this week, DJ John is havin' a mambo-fit, and he wants to pass it on. He kicks things off with some '70s "Funktuno" from Fania All Stars, then into a whole mambo set, with Tito Puente and Beny More (photo at right), plus tributes to More and the mambo years by Oscar D'Leon and Cubanismo. Then, into classic salsa, featuring Hector Lavoe's masterpiece, "Periodico de Ayer." Willie Colon is featured, too, with three full songs, including songs he wrote and performed with Ismael Miranda and Celia Cruz. Last, some contemporary hits from Willie Rosario with Tony Vega singing, Frankie Ruiz, and that inspirational anthem, "Vivir Lo Nuestro," by India and Marc Anthony.

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Salsa! Straight, shaken, and, yes, swirled. That's the cocktail we're offering at Macondo this weekend. Oh, and a little Cuban son for a chaser. Here are the tastes we're pouring in, and each alone packs a punch: First, Orquesta de La Luz with its brand of Mambo; then a '90s hit from Eddie Palmieri, another from Sonora Poncena, and a little Colombian "Chotorra" from Madera Fina. After letting it set for a minute or two, we add some lighter sounds, with salsa romantica from Adolescentes, Tranzas, Jose Alberto, Frankie Ruiz, Hector Tricoche, and Roberto Blades. We slip in an early '80s classic from Andy Montanez, then, for the final touch, a profile of Cuban son master Papi Oviedo. Guaranteed, 100% pure, all natural, but no hangover. And you'll keep coming back for more!

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RADIO MACONDO salutes everyone about to take part in the May 1 marches to call attention to the conditions and lives of the 40 million-plus Latinos living in the United States, as well as the millions of immigrants of all nationalities. Then, we celebrate this marvelous Latin contribution to American music known as Salsa, with tracks by Jose Alberto, Los Van Van, Tito Nieves with Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, and Ismael Miranda; Chino Nunez and La Sonora Carruseles--all tracks of salsa ABOUT salsa. Then, into contemporary hits with Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Roberto Blades. And we close out this celebration with examples of son-about-son by Papi Oviedo, Sierra Maestra, and Ismael Miranda. Uplifting rhythms, and plenty of grooves, as we get ready for May 1.

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Feelin' a little blue? Maybe spring's gettin' you down with a little hay fever. Or maybe you're missin' your favorite dancer. Or maybe you're just tired of all the negative attitudes in modern American rock. Well, we've got a prescription to fix your soul right up! It's called... Salsa. Take a dose of Johnny Polanco's "Receta", then a heaping spoonful of Willie Rosario. Your treatment includes some sensual healing from Jose Alberto, Rey Ruiz, Victor Manuelle, and Alfredo de la Fe. Then, what you need is a vacation down in Puerto Rico, with some classic Eddie Palmieri and Tipica 73. And, of course laughter is the best medicine, with some crazy, rare Cuban mambo from Juana Bacallao and Tito Puente. Whatever's got you down, you can forget all about it, and "swing-you-conmigo," on RADIO MACONDO.

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We're reprising some of the early RADIO MACONDO podcasts from 2005...reposting some of the shows that have long since rolled off the blogpage, so everyone new to the show can catch up. And this week, we offer a whole range of hits, kicking it off with yet another Celia Cruz smash. Following up on last week's profile of Grupo Niche, we take a look at one of their musical breakthroughs--"Cali Pachanguero." DJ John plays around with some clave, and then pays tribute to the poeta de la salsa, Ruben Blades. It's another salsa flashback... from RADIO MACONDO.

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RADIO MACONDO is proud to reprise one of our early podcasts--this one featuring a profile of Colombian band Grupo Niche and it's controversial leader Jairo Varela. Plus, the usual hits and classics to inspire your heart, mind, and ... feet! RADIO MACONDO--Pura Salsa, Puro Son...Pura Onda!

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This week, a second helping of fresh salsa, just added to the RADIO MACONDO collection. We liked the fresh stuff so much last week, we had to come back for more. Featuring: Oscar D'Leon and Dimension Latina in that classic from 1972, "Lloraras"; then Andy Montanez and Dimension Latina in a "Lloraras" near-sound-alike; another 90s hit from Puerto Rican Power. Then, into another sample from the Fania Remasters, just out this year: This time it's Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe in a cut from the 1968 album "El Malo". Mongo Santamaria then introduces La Lupe in a track from 1963. Plus more recent classics from Chocolate Armenteros, Chino Nunez, and Celia Cruz. And we wind things down with a set of new hits from now: Africando, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ismael Miranda, and Jose Alberto. Still got room for more of the fresh stuff? Come on into our kitchen!

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RADIO MACONDO celebrates Spring... con sabor! We welcome it with a set of tracks you won't hear (yet) on the stream--a sampling of music DJ John has just added to the collection. Featured are two tracks from a new digital remastering of the whole Fania catalog: Eddie Palmieri's "Vamonos Pa'l Monte" and Cheo Feliciano's "Anacaona," both just re-released in gorgeous digital sound. Then two newly added Tito Puente classics, and some early Puerto Rican Power with Tito Rojas singing. Last, you'll find out what DJ John considers perhaps the most "important" salsa recording ever made, and we close with more new additions by Caravana Cubana and Grupo Folklorico de New York. It's a show of classics, all made fresh as... well, Spring. And that's what RADIO MACONDO does best.

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RADIO MACONDO helps you say bye-bye to the busy week and hello to the weekend, starting with Maraca's hit "Castigala." Featured also: an '80s classic by the duo Celia Cruz and Willie Colon, then a string of contemporary hits. The hour closes with one of the DJ's favorites: "Canto a La Habana" by Celia Cruz, plus an updating of the classic "Moliendo Cafe" by Africando, and a true bomba from Puerto Rico by Rafael Cortijo's orchestra. Tired of the work week? Tell it to get outa here!

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Latin Jazz and salsa legend Ray Barretto passed away on February 17, 2006. As a very special tribute to his music and career, we offer a special two-part podcast. In part 1, we explore Ray's sound through the 1960s, featuring outstanding examples of his charanga and boogaloo recordings.

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Latin Jazz and salsa legend Ray Barretto passed away on February 17, 2006. As a very special tribute to his music and career, we offer a special two-part podcast. In part 2, we hear the powerful salsa of the early '70s, featuring a classic live set recorded in 1976, then a taste of Ray's jazz explorations.

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