{|Eddie Palmieri|}'s 1971 LP {|Vamonos Pa'l Monte|} moves easily from the nearly {|avant-garde|} trumpet-battle opener {|Revolt/La Libertad Logico|} into the new-era-meets-old {|Caminando,|} complete with an excellent electric-piano solo by {|Palmier... Read more

{|Eddie Palmieri|}'s 1971 LP {|Vamonos Pa'l Monte|} moves easily from the nearly {|avant-garde|} trumpet-battle opener {|Revolt/La Libertad Logico|} into the new-era-meets-old {|Caminando,|} complete with an excellent electric-piano solo by {|Palmieri|} himself. He also takes the lead on the seven-minute title-track jam, this time with organ (backed by brother {|Charlie|}), backed by a strong vocal chorus ({|Justo Betancourt|}, {|Santos Colon|}, {|Yayo el Indio|}) and the rugged timbales playing of {|Nick Marrero|}. Above and beyond the irresistible arrangements and intricate playing, {|Vamonos Pa'l Monte|} benefits from one of the best recording jobs of any early-'70s {|salsa|} record, each section -- and practically each musician -- vigorously separated with clear stereo. Though many fans consider it a transition record toward the compositional brilliance of {|The Sun of Latin Music|}, it's actually a much better record for fans of traditional {|salsa|}. ~ John Bush Less