Sabor

Vocalist Angel Canales debuted on pianist Mark “Markolino” Dimond’s fierce 1971 album Brujería, instantly setting himself apart from other salsa vocalists with his odd, somewhat nasal voice, incantatory approach to lyrics and unexpected emphases. Four years later, on his solo debut Sabor, he was arguably even weirder. But his voice fits perfectly with the loose, jazzy arrangements, which feature a broader range of horns than usual — flute, trumpet, trombone, and baritone sax. Canales’ instinctive approach to his performances, and the band’s energetic playing, make this a uniquely vivid and exciting album; “Sol de Mi Vida” (“Sun of My Life”) and “Hace Tiempo” (“Long Time”) are particular highlights, as is the ballad “La Hiedra” (“The Ivy”).