Los Calvos – …Y Que Calvos! (El Palmas Music, 2022)
El Palmas Music has reissued “Y Que Calvos!” (and how bald), the second, and final, album by acclaimed Venezuelan salsa band Los Calvos (the bald headed). The album was originally released in 1968.
Los Calvos was known for its irresistible dance rhythms that incorporated the heavy hits of a drum kit, a rare instrument in salsa at the time. In fact, the band had two drummers, Frank “Pavo” Hernández and Alfredo Padilla.
The two vocalists on the album were Carlos “Carlín” Asicio Rodríguez and Carlos “Calaven” Yanes. Calaven had a captivating technique that allowed him to improvise and scat as well.
Los Calvos’ bandleader was superb pianist Ray Pérez, who skillfully led the ensemble’s descargas (jams). Pérez was one of Venezuela’s first-class bandleaders. He also led other bands like the acclaimed Los Dementes, Los Kenya and others.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.