Editor's Pick:
Former conguero for Angel Canales, NYC based percussionist Joe Collado has produced a highly enjoyable cd on which he plays congas, bongos, timbales, piano and keyboards. It's a mix of Latin jazz and old school salsa jams. Collado is joined by horn player Jose Raul "Lips" Morales Jr. Collado was voted "Best Percussionist" 2009 by Miami New Times Magazine, and listening to "Old School Jam" it's easy to hear why. Collado has successfully parlayed his years of experience into creating Solo Joe. The result is distilled, essential, rich dance grooves without pretense. Highly Recommended.
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Joe Collado is a true master of the Latin Rhythm. In his first solo effort, entitled "Solo Joe", his expertise shows through on many levels, from his rich latin percussion mix to his energetic piano stylings. Joe's composition style ranges from Afro-Cuban (Puerto Rican style) salsa, to New York themed Latin Jazz, to smooth listening Jazz, to Rock, Funk and Soul, and even Latin Disco (Old School Jam-Club Remix). At times the music is evocative of the smooth influence of Lonnie Liston Smith (Love 94), at other times, the fiery latin jazz of Eddie Palmieri shines through (Old School Jam). Then sometimes you'll swear your listening to Santana without the guitar (Guajireggae). Joe's wife Jackie chimes in on Rican Rumba, giving the sound some real street cred. 

In all, Joe's personal style of rhythmic latin jazz is overwhelming with Joe's own approach to music and life. Recorded and engineered by Joe himself and mixed and mastered by South Florida's studio genius Galo Rivera. FIVE STARS *****

Joe Collado is the Miami New Times Percussionist of the Year for 2009 and is the founder of Miami's Roots of Rhythm ensemble.
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