Directo al Corazón (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Gilberto Santa Rosa (background vocals); Gilberto Santa Rosa (vocals); Edwin Colon Zayas (guitar, cuatro, tiple); Jorge Laboy (guitar); Anatoly Rosinsky, Shari Zippert, Mari Tsumura, Patricia Johnson , Peter Kent, Armen Garabedian, Miwako Watanabe, Charlie Bisharat (violin); James V. Ross, Marilyn Baker, Evan Wilson, Denyse Buffum (viola); Miguel Martinez, Suzie Katayama, Larry Corbett (cello); Jesus Caunedo (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Angel Torres (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Frank Perez (tenor saxophone); Jan Duclerc, Tommy Villarini (trumpet); José "Jochy" Rodríguez (flugelhorn); Moises Nogueras, Moises Nogueras (bass trombone); José Lugo (piano, keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, programming, drum programming, percussion programming); Arturo Ortiz (Fender Rhodes piano, programming, drum programming); Pablo Padin (keyboards, congas, bongos, timbales, percussion); Milton Sesenton (keyboards); Johnny Torres (bass instrument); Efrain Toro (drums, tabla, percussion); Rafael "Tito" DeGracia, Tito de Gracia (congas, bongos, timbales); Jimmy Morales (congas); Joseph Fonseca, Victor Manuelle, Willie Torres, Jerry Rivas (background vocals); Raffi Torres, Jorge Diaz, Antonio Vazquez (trombone).

Audio Mixers: Rolando Alejandro; José Lugo; Ronnie Torres.

Audio Remixer: José Lugo.

Recording information: Alfa, Puerto Rico; Negrele, Music, Puerto Rico City; O'Henry Sound Studio, Los Angeles, CA; Rolo Studio, Puerto Rico.

Photographer: Mariella Sosa.

Arrangers: Johnny Torres; José Lugo; Milton Sesenton; Tommy Villarini; Javier Fernández; Pablo Padin; Arturo Ortiz.

Puerto Rican singer Gilberto Santa Rosa has enjoyed massive success throughout Latin America and beyond for his particular brand of salsa. Santa Rosa is also a master ballad stylist, an area that gets plenty of attention on 2006's DIRECTO AL CORAZON. There are a few key uptempo tracks here, but those looking for a sustained batch of high-energy salsa may be disappointed. Nevertheless, Santa Rosa's rich, expressive voice is in fine form throughout this 10-song set.

Evidently someone at Sony International advised Gilberto Santa Rosa that what the Latin music world really needed was more heartfelt pop love songs -- and that's exactly what he made on the 2006 release Directo al Corazón, although the CD begins with the confident, mature salsa that made him the superstar he is. The majority of the playlist reveals a side of Santa Rosa, arguably one of the most credible salsa vocalists around, that most of his fan base never knew existed -- the side that lives and dies for keyboard-drenched balladry -- although Directo al Corazón is still peppered with the simmering grooves and skillful improvisation that are more typical of Santa Rosa's records. The production and musicianship throughout remain top drawer, and even Santa Rosa's vocal performance is at his usual high level. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez

Evidently someone at Sony International advised Gilberto Santa Rosa that what the Latin music world really needed was more heartfelt pop love songs. Whether he bought it or not, one may never know, but that's exactly what he made. Though Santa Rosa's 2006 release Directo al Corazón begins with the confident, mature salsa that made him the superstar he is, this path is quickly abandoned. The majority of the playlist reveals a side of Santa Rosa, arguably one of the most credible salsa vocalists around, that most of his fan base never knew existed. The side that lives and dies for keyboard-drenched teary-eyed balladry. Though Directo al Corazón is peppered with the simmering grooves and skillful improvisation that is more typical of Santa Rosa's records, it aches for more. Gilberto spends much of the time swimming in a sea of emotion and reverb, which completely masks his strengths as a vocalist. Though he's never been one to go completely over the edge for intensity, Santa Rosa seems to barely ever rouse from sleep. Though the production and musicianship throughout are top drawer, and even Santa Rosa's vocal performance is at his usual high level, this release marks an artistic direction that doesn't quite put his best foot forward. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez minimize