Craft Latino marks the 50th anniversary of Lucky 7 with a special reissue of the landmark salsa album from pioneering bandleader Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound. Featuring the mega-hit “Mi desengaño,” plus such cross-generational favorites as “Fea,” “Mala maña,” and “Que me castigue Dios,” the long-out-of-print album returns for the first time since its 1976 release - now in a 24bit remaster version.

In 1988, the year in which Héctor Lavoe tried to kill himself by jumping from the nineth floor of the Hotel Regency in Condado, Puerto Rico, the Fania All Stars faced a wave of sensual and cosmetic salsa with the production “Bamboleo”.

“Mucho Mejor” was one of 3 studio albums Ruben Blades recorded to fulfill and exit his contract with Fania records. The 1984 recording was recently re-released in digital format.

Despite the fact that there is almost no information on this set by Panamanian-born singer, songwriter, and actor, Ruben Blades – other than songwriting credits and a track listing – it's one of his finest recordings. Doble Filo is a stew of Latin styles from son ("No Hay Chance"); to rhumba ("Mi Jibarita"); to downtown New York-styled salsa ("Chana"); to slick boleros ("El Cantante"); and to the occasional ballad in trademark Panamanian style. Recorded in 1986, after his first romance with American critics was over, Blades took all the sheen off his recordings for Fania. The material on Doble Filo reflects his band, his arranger, and his own truly amazing abilities as a singer. With only seven tracks on the album – four of which he wrote – it's a brief offering, feeling more like an EP than a full-length; but even in its slickest moments, in which he updates his native land's sound as he does on "Duelle," Blades manages to generate genuine excitement with his delivery. It's a shame there are no musicians' credits here, because it would be nice to see if any of Blades' old mates from Willie Colon's bands are here. Doble Filo is the "real" Ruben Blades.

Simón Cifuentes, with only 13 years old, is already emerging as a talented multi-instrumentalist. So much so, that he recently performed with Carlos Vives at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.

Bandleader/conga player Ray Barretto continued to assert himself as one of the premier mainstream salsa catalysts of the early '70s with one of his most celebrated albums. Barretto, bass player Andy Gonzalez, pianist/arranger Louis Cruz, timbales master Orestes Vilató, and bongo player Johnny Rodríguez contribute to the band's tough rhythm section; of course, vocalist Adalberto Santiago is a knockout on tunes like the hilarious "Se Traba" and the memorable "Alma Con Alma." One of Barretto's top albums of the 1970s and another example of what made New York salsa so special.

This album highlights the remarkable talents of Markolino, who wrote and arranged every selection. His expressive keyboard work serves as the driving force behind the orchestra, guiding dynamic arrangements that flow effortlessly and invite the listener into the music. This album delivers energy, groove, and artistry in every note.

Craft Latino releases the post-50th anniversary reissue of Ray Barretto’s classic salsa album, Que Viva La Música. A landmark title in the influential bandleader and conguero’s prolific catalog, Que Viva La Música features such favorites as “Cocinando,” “La Pelota,” and the title track – all performed by Barretto’s legendary original band (including Adalberto Santiago and Orestes Vilató).

A 1968 album with Barretto in midst of his most productive period. He had made inroads into pop and jazz markets and was a dominant figure on the Latin jazz and salsa circuit. The album not only provided the great conga player and percussionist with a nickname, it yielded hit single "Abidjan" and also brought personnel changes. Joseph Roman replaced Rene Lopez on trumpet (he'd been drafted), and Tony Fuentes joined the group on bongos.

THE SONS OF BUENA VISTA are nothing less than the legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club, passed on to a younger generation of world-class Cuban musicians who grew up alongside the great masters of traditional Cuban music. These heirs to late legends like Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, and Rubén González bring the unmistakable charm of Cuban classics to the world.

“El Baquiné de Angelitos Negros” marks a very important turning point in Willie Colón’s prolific salsa career. Firmly heralded as a salsa icon by 1977, the year this album was originally released, Colón was already looking for alternate musical roads.

For over 30 years, Putumayo has introduced audiences to the best of Latin music. Get ready to move and groove to the rhythms of salsa, son jarocho, merengue, cumbia and more with Latin Dance Party!

A master of the traditional and the progressive, the styles of the past and the bright, swinging future, Eddie Palmieri is one of the most influential Latino pianists of the 20th century. His extreme versatility and artistic vision are brilliantly displayed on The Sun of Latin Music. While most Latin jazz musicians fall into either staunch traditionalism or pursuing progressive ideas to the detriment of groove and accessibility; Palmieri marries both ideals effortlessly. With smooth, danceable rhythm, lush vocals, and a clear center to the song, combined with sophisticated arrangements, tunes like "Desea Salvaje" and "Nunca Contigo" both swing the dancer and captivate the discriminating listener.

Eliades Ochoa, the Cuban singer, songwriter and guitarist well known as one of the original members of Buena Vista Social Club, returns with his brand new album 'Guajiro', a collection of beautiful and melodic songs that cements his reputation as one of the most important artists to come out of Cuba in the last century. Featuring guest artists Rubén Blades, Joan As Police Woman and Charlie Musselwhite.

Alive And Kicking by Chamaco Ramírez is a vibrant reissue of the salsa legend's iconic album, released as part of Craft Latino's year-long celebration of Fania Records' 60th anniversary. This remastered edition brings new life to Ramírez's dynamic vocals and the explosive arrangements that define the golden era of salsa. The album captures the raw energy and soulful essence that made Chamaco a beloved figure in Latin music, offering a timeless experience of Chamaco's enduring legacy.