Suavemente (CD - 1998)

Personnel: Elvis Crespo (vocals); Maximo Torres (guitar); Jose Diaz (saxophone); Luis Aquino (trumpet); Richard Marcell (piano, keyboards, bass); Luis A. Cruz (piano); Miguel Gonzalez (bass); Hector Herrera (conga, percussion); Jose Dario del Rosario (tambora); Alexis Fratacelli (guiro); Henry Garcia, Juan Castro, Raldy Vazquez, Roberto Cora (background vocals).

Recorded at AQ-30 Studio De Ricardo Marti, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

SUAVEMENTE was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Performance.

Personnel: Elvis Crespo (vocals, background vocals); Maximo Torres (requinto); Jose Dario del Rosario (tamboura); Jose Diaz (saxophone); Luis Aquino (trumpet); Richard Marcell (piano, keyboards); Luis A. Cruz (piano); Hector Herreras (congas, percussion); Alexis Fratacelli (guiro); Juan "Tun Tun" Castro, Roberto Cora, Henry Garcia, Raldy Vázquez (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Roberto Cora; Papo Rios.

Recording information: AQ-30 Studio, Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

Director: Richard Marcell.

Photographer: Rafi Claudio.

Arrangers: Marcos Carrera; Juan "Tun Tun" Castro; Roberto Cora; Israel Raynoso Casado; Richard Marcell.

Let us speak of apt adverbs. The comely Elvis Crespo makes his U.S. debut with a soft touch indeed, on SUAVEMENTE. Mostly moderate in tempo, this assortment of merengues takes its time as it entices. So just know that this is not your tio's merengue--you'll have barely reached the faster-burning tracks by the time your blood is pumping bien calentado.

Crespo commands attention on the title track with his pleading style and deliciously seductive vocal exhibition. Entrancing horn lines stretch and spiral over a bassline full of whimsical personality. For those of you who are young and feeling that sweet amor, "Nuestra Cancion" (Our Song) may easily become an anthem. The cantante and backup singers keep an exchange that is full of playful energy throughout, juicing cuts like "Yo Me Morire" up to glad heights. Powerful yet reposed in presence, Crespo has laid down a melodious delight in SUAVEMENTE. minimize