Fania All Stars - Social Change (1981) - Lp

The Fania All-Stars is a musical ensemble established in 1968 as a showcase for the musicians on the record label Fania Records, the leading salsa record company of the time.

In 1964, Fania Records was founded in New York City by Jerry Masucci, an Italian-American lawyer with a love for Latin melodies, and Johnny Pacheco, a composer and bandleader, born in the Dominican Republic.

Masucci later bought out his partner Pacheco from Fania Entertainment Group Ltd., and was the sole owner for many years until his death in December 1997.

Throughout the early years, Fania used to distribute its records around New York. Eventually success from Pacheco's Cañonaso recording would lead the label to develop its roster. Masucci and Pacheco, now executive negotiator and musical director, respectively, began acquiring musicians such as Bobby Valentín, Larry Harlow and Ray Barreto.

Fania All-Stars studio releases never quite catch the excitement of their live concerts recordings.

This 1981 release has the in-the-pocket grooves these professionals can deliver, but never quite clicks.

Using a sax as the lead on "Samba Pa Ti" was a great idea; sadly, the sour tone undermines the way the soloing should change from lyrical delicacy to slow burn.

The other forays into various genres are equally uninspired, and the overall effect is easy listening.




Side A
A1. Back To My Roots  (8:03)
A2. Salsalito  (6:17)
A3. Samba Pa Ti  (5:18)

Side B
B1. Shining / Beautiful Morning  (4:53)
B2. 12 Bar  (4:08)
B3. Gato's Tune  (6:06)

Notes
Release:  1981
Genre:  Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Latin Jazz
Format:  LP
Label:  Fania Records
Catalog#  SLP 594

Vinyl:  Good
Cover:  Good

€ 5,00