Wide Hive Records founder Gregory Howe, known for his production work for Variable Unit, DJ Zeph, Calvin Keys, and as the composer of dissent*, releases a new collection of ten salsa and Latin soul compositions entitled Gregorio Howe Y Compadres: Salsa Blanco.
For its first seven years, Wide Hive Records was located in the Mission district of San Francisco, and there it developed the Hispanic roots from which Salsa Blanco was born. The sound of the album hits that classic Latin-soul sound that lands somewhere in between the more rocky flavors of Malo or War, and the more jazz minded Latin artists, such as Eddie Palmieri. Several tracks are co-written with Variable Unit bassist Matt Montgomery, and dissent keyboardist Matt Cunitz. The horn arrangements are by Michael Rinta, a trombonist and arranger who has performed with the likes of Fania All-Star Larry Harlow, among many others.
Guest guitarist virtuoso Calvin Keys plays on two tracks, as do many of the other artists who performed on his new Wide Hive release, Vertical Clearance; such as Doug Rowen, Thomas McCree, and Mingo Jr. (son of salsa great Mingo who played with Mongo). Also featured are Ara Anderson (from Tom Waits recent recordings), and two salsa gurus: Danillo (who recorded and toured extensively with renowned percussionist and band leader Ray Baretto), and guest vocalist, Nu Yorkican native congiero, and troubadour Ray Martinez. Dissent vocalist Nathalie Sanchez is featured on "Cambio De Tiempo," and Lisa Rein sings background vocals on several tracks.
Embodying both a festive attitude and a driving current, Salsa Blanco reflects a musical journey through the streets of San Franciscos Mission district. Starting at a Tapas bar on Valencia Street, the album journeys to the alleyways along Capp Street. From there, it ventures further on into the urban wilderness and beautiful cacophony that is Californias preeminent barrio.
*Dissents last two releases, Primal Deconstruction and Swap Meet Seers, both received 4 star reviews in URB.
