Chacon Y Su Orquesta - Su Sabor (2016)

As implied by the lighthearted, whimsical cover art, Chacon y Su Orquesta were certainly a youthful, fun look at the salsa of the 1960s. However, one should not underestimate the power of youth. Considering the different standards often applied to musicians whose target audience may be not old enough to drive, Chacon, Su Orquesta y Su Sabor is spotless and swinging. Discovered by producer Pancho Cristal on one of his many visits to Puerto Rico, Chacon had made quite a name for himself among the young dance scene due to his enthusiasm and ear for detail. Recorded in Caparra Heights, Puerto Rico, this disc certainly reflects the high standards of the bandleader, as well as his connection with a younger audience. It seems that nearly every record in the Latino dance genres recorded from the mid-'60s to 1975 included some boogaloo in its repertoire, much to the chagrin of modern listeners. This particular album is no exception. Though mostly performed well, and seldom getting in the way of the excellent musicianship throughout, Chacon is certainly guilty of trying to leap onto that trendy bandwagon. The inclusion of some Puerto Rican mozambique and guaguancó goes far toward making up for other stylistic transgressions that even today cause Latino musicians to hang and shake their heads. It would be worthwhile to see what a fine bandleader may have done with a little more maturity and some years under his belt.