If the name of Chamaco Ramírez doesn't ring a bell, his rugged voice will bring a pleasant shock of recognition to even the most casual salsa aficionado: as a vocalist with the orchestra of Puerto Rican bandleader Tommy Olivencia in the '70s, Chamaco recorded such memorable Afro-Caribbean anthems as "Plante Bandera" and the self-penned "Trucutú." He also released a criminally underrated solo album in 1979. Entitled Alive And Kicking, it has just been re-released by Fania on both physical CD format and as a digital download.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1941, Chamaco began working with bandleader Olivencia while he was still in high school. His vocal qualities, sense of humor and impeccable timing bring to mind fellow soneros Ismael Rivera and Héctor Lavoe. Sadly, Chamaco fell prey to the drug addiction that plagued so many other singers of '70s salsa. He spent some time in prison, and was murdered in the streets of New York in March of 1983. He was only 44.

Strangely enough, the cover of Alive And Kicking, recorded four years before his tragic death, depicted him emerging unscathed from inside a coffin. This image was, indeed, prophetic. Chamaco's charismatic persona lives on through his recordings, and his solo album should be reappraised as one of salsa's forgotten masterpieces. Recorded with a no-frills conjunto that has no trouble generating instant Afro-Cuban combustion, the album includes the rootsy son montuno "San Agustín," the hardcore salsa dura tune "Así Son Bongó" and a lush bolero titled "Respétala," with a wonderfully arranged brass section. Fittingly, it closes with a tasty version of "Fania" - the Cuban standard previously recorded by Johnny Pacheco, launching the label that would forever change the history of tropical music.

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The year was 1967. The boogaloo fad was reaching its highest point. A new generation of Afro-Caribbean musicians was getting ready to take over the world. It was then that Fania Records released a revolutionary album that was actually sponsored by the old guard: its recording director was none other than Dominican bandleader Johnny Pacheco. Entitled El Malo, the LP marked the debut of Nuyorican trombonist and songwriter Willie Colón. He was joined by a young vocalist freshly arrived from Puerto Rico: Héctor Lavoe.

Now re-released as part of Fania's ongoing mission to make rare salsa classics widely available, El Malo is a surprisingly assured first album. Boasting the gritty, funky sonics that would turn future Colón/Lavoe songs like "Che Che Colé" into mega-hits, the session mixes the traditional Afro-Cuban vibe of "Borinquen," "Jazzy" and the title track with the raw Latin r&b excitement of "Skinny Papa" and the shing-a-ling "Willie Whopper." More than 40 years after its original release, El Malo sounds hip and timeless in the new millennium.

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August 26, 1971. A date that all salsa aficionados hold close to their hearts. The historic Thursday evening when a supergroup known as the Fania All Stars took the stage of the Cheetah club in Manhattan. The performance would be captured on both record and film: released on the two-LP set Live At The Cheetah, and as part of the movie Our Latin Thing. The infamous salsa explosion of the '70s begins on that very day. A musical movement that would change the face of Latin music forever.

Because genre-defining albums should never go out of print, we are re-releasing both volumes of Live At The Cheetah, with remastered sound. For aficionados who are just beginning to discover Fania Records and the salsa genre, this is an essential purchase. Beyond its historical significance, there are some sterling musical moments to be found in these two albums.

Consider the lineup: cementing the Fania All Stars as the most dazzling tropical combo in the history of this music, every single performer in this orchestra was a star in his own right. The musicians were Ray Barretto on congas; Willie Colón on trombone; Larry Harlow on piano; Johnny Pacheco as musical director; Roberto Roena on bongó; Bobby Valentín on bass and Orestes Vilató on timbales. The singers - both as lead vocalist and members of the most glorious coro ever assembled - were Tito Puente crooner Santitos Colón, Cheo Feliciano, El Cantante de los Cantantes Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Miranda, Pete 'El Conde' Rodríguez and Adalberto Santiago. Plus such guest stars as Yomo Toro, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz.

Highlights of Live At The Cheetah include a smoldering "Estrellas De Fania," the apocalyptic 16 minute-long "Quítate Tú" with all singers trading improvisations, and a raucous "Anacaona" with Cheo Feliciano in top form - a version that rivals the classic studio rendition of this tune.

Live At The Cheetah Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 are available for purchase on both CD and digital download.