INFINITO
WILLIE ROSARIO



The most exciting albums of the salsa movement were recorded between 1973 and 1978. Willie Rosario, known as El Rey del Ritmo ("King of Rhythm") has stated in the past that Infinito, released on the Inca label in 1973, is the best album in a career that so far spans more than five decades.

Willie was returning to live in his native Puerto Rico. Staying behind in New York was singer Chamaco Rivera, who had performed hits such as “De Barrio Obrero A La 15” and “Nicolás” on the albums Donde Nace El Ritmo and Más Ritmo.

Infinito found Rosario introducing José 'Junior' Toledo, a versatile singer who lost his life in the '90s as a result of his addiction to drugs. Rosario believes that Toledo is the best singer who ever performed in his orchestra, with all due respect to such excellent vocalists as Miguel 'Meñique' Barcasnegras, Chamaco Rivera, Bobby Concepción, Guillo Rivera, Tony Vega and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

“I've always said that Infinito is my favorite album, and for a variety of reasons," says Rosario. "The main reason was Junior, who lent his voice to all the numbers, without any problems or hesitation. The last cut he recorded was also the hardest one, 'Juventud Siglo 20'. His vocal ability, and the way in which he interpreted the material was just unique. Junior was a great sonero, bolero interpreter and composer," added Willie remembering the man from Humacao, a village in the Western section of Puerto Rico.

Toledo wrote the son montuno “Tumbao Revolución” and the guaguancó “Juventud Siglo 20,” a song which, ironically enough touched on the damage that drugs do to young people. Boasting Frankie Figueroa and Adalberto Santiago on backup vocals, the record also includes the guaguancó “Arrepentíos Pecadores” ("Repent, You Sinners") one of Rosario's few self-penned compositions.

“I've written my share of songs, but I've never said to myself that I would sit down and do it one way or another," adds Rosario. "The lyrics came naturally to me. Every time I wrote a song, the melody came first and then I searched for the lyrics. In 1973, I saw things that happened in life, which motivated me to write this song. A number of protestant churches have requested that song, and a choir in my catholic church performed it as a ballad." The tune is boosted by a stunning conga solo by Papo Pepín.

Infinito also includes the guaguancó “Echame La Culpa A Mí” by Tite Curet Alonso. Toledo builds up a montuno, singing about the reasons behind a failed love affair. He showcases his romantic side on the boleros “Todo y Nada” and “Lágrimas y Tristeza.” His version of Antar Daly's bolero is as sentimental and nostalgic as the 1973 recording on Justo Betancourt's LP Pa’ Bravo Yo.

His interpretation on “Ajiaco Caliente” is arguably superior to Ismael Quintana's with La Perfecta and Eddie Palmieri. Anyone who still has doubts about Toledo's creativity as a sonero should pay attention to his work on “Soy Rumbero” and “Amigo De Qué,” yet another Willie Rosario composition.

The bandleader met Toledo in New York when he was singing with the band of Nelson Feliciano - he was literally exchanged with Chamaco Rivera. “Junior had his issues, but he was always clean and didn't fool around," remembers Rosario. "I did notice, however, that he was somewhat bipolar. One day he'd be filled with hope about his career, and the next one he looked utterly dejected."

The arrangements on Infinito are by Bobby Valentín and Louie Ramírez, who can be heard playing the vibes on Gato Barbieri's Latin jazz cut “Last Tango in Paris.” Vinnie Bell contributes an electric guitar solo on this track.

35 years after its original release, Infinito's hits are still a vital part of Willie Rosario's repertoire. The bandleader himself is happy to witness the reissue of his all time favorite record.



Credits

Willie Rosario – Timbales
Alfredo Rodríguez – Piano
Julio Romero – Acoustic Bass
Papo Pepín – Congas
Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez – Bongo, Cowbell
Chep Pullman – Baritone Sax
Héctor “Bomberito” Zarzuela – Trumpet
Larry Spencer – Trumpet
José Riollanos – Trumpet
Freddy Gaud – Trumpet
Louie Ramírez – Vibes
Vinnie Bell – Electric Guitar

Lead Singer – José “Junior” Toledo
Backup Vocalists – Adalberto Santiago, Frankie Figueroa
Guest Stars – Louie Ramírez, Vinnie Bell

Producer – Willie Rosario
Recording Directors – Willie Rosario, Louie Ramírez
Arrangements – Bobby Valentín, Louie Ramírez
Recording Engineer– Jon Fausty
Recorded at – Good Vibrations Sound Studios, NYC
Original Cover Photography – Roberto Schneider
Original Cover Design – WE-2 Graphic Designs, Inc.




Written by Jaime Torres Torres
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