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George Lamond - Entrega
Prestigio Recordings
By: DJ Eddie Gutierrez
Jun 21, 1999
 Artist: George Lamond
Title: Entrega
Label: Prestigio Recordings
George Lamond gives 100% of himself on his new album under Prestigio Recordings titled "Entrega". "Entrega" is George's first recording as a salsa artist; which happens to also be the 1st Enhanced CD in the Tropical Music Genre. The Enhanced CD features an interview and the music video of "Que te Vas" which was directed by Val Lik (director of Boricua Bond which starred Frankie Negron & Method Man). Who better to pioneer the Enhanced CD format for Tropical Music than George Lamond who has sold millions of records world wide with hits like "Bad of the Heart" & "With Out You". As I told you in the last edition to 'LA'Movimiento, George is no stranger to salsa; he has done coro work for Jerry Rivera and appeared on a duet with Safire (another freestyle legend) on her debut release in 1997. All that aside, George has been working on this album for more than a year, but as the saying goes "everything has its time/todo a su tiempo". Which ironically was the title of Marc Anthony's 2nd album. Ok, aside from them both having a background in freestyle and recording a Juan Gabriel classic, the similarities stop there. I don't think George sounds like Marc at all, in fact George has a pretty unique voice all his own, which all you can agree can not be compared with any other.
The CD begins with the smash hit, "Que te Vas", which I must say I can't help from listening to over and over. The range in George's voice is impeccable and most importantly he does it on clave (beat). Miguel Bonilla does an incredible job with the arrangement starting slow and then building to a climax and bring you back down for what proves to be a joy ride of a song.
Miguel also adds to his credits "Cuando se Ama", "Te Amo" and "Nada (Nothing)". "Cuando se Ama" is beautiful lyrically and was written by Chope, & G. Carella. The song contains a catchy hook in the break that has you humming along "la da, di, da, da" .
"Te Amo" is one of my personal favorites aside from "Que te Vas". I was drawn to the lyrics which were written by Donato & Hal S. Batt. It just makes me want to serenade my girl. Look at the excerpt:
"Eres como fuego y como lluvia
Somos el romance y la lujuria
Solo asi se logra lo impossible
Amondote renacere
De mis cenizas volare
Si este amor respira yo vivire
Te amo y que hermoso es tenerte
Te amo y que extrana es la suerte."
I am inspired by this song and George brings it to life with his interpretation. The song even gets better when Miguel adds the break and the coro of "Como tu no ya ninguna". This song will keep George on the charts because it has radio appeal and a flavor to keep the dance floor going on.
"Nada (Nothing)" appears to have been an english titled "Nothing"
written by Phillip Andreula and translated by Luis D. Cabarcas who George refers to as "Lucho". The track has an interesting arrangement and is very rhythmic and danceable. Again, all the elements are in place and George steps up and hits a home run.
Luis D. Cabarcas adds more than a translation credit on the album he also arranged, wrote and produced tracks like "Solo Palabras" and "Y Ahora Donde Estares". "Solo Palabras" is funky and even has a reggae breakdown. A very catchy tune with George's vibrant voice; it sounds great.
"Y Ahora Donde Estares" is one of the more mellow tunes on the album. The lyrics were written by John & Ed Palermo, Larry Lange, & Jorge Luis Piloto.
George also worked with Angel Fernandez & Juan Gonzalez (who are responsible for Michael Stuart's sound) on "Me Neigo Perderte". I liked this track because George continues to show his versatility by doing yet another different type of style. The tune carries the same feel of a Michael Stuart track, but is different because George puts his signature voice to work.
Added to the list of producer/arrangers is Sergio George with "Si No Estas Aqui". The track starts off like an english ballad and flows into the vocals and a smooth salsa arrangement. George adds in his "ooh Baby's" into this track giving it his unique feel. He breaks into a party with some good percussion and again has you dinging "la, la, la, la-- hey, hey , hey,hey and then finishes off with the a gospel type feel. It kept me intrigued.
Last but not least from the list of producers happens to be the first that George worked with, Ricky Gonzalez. I saved him for last 'cause he is also my favorite producer/arranger of the bunch. Ricky arranged "No Vivere" & the title track "Amor de Entrega Total". "No Vivere" has a great arrangement when made for dancing. This track makes you want to start dancing and twirling all around the Latin Quarter. The piano is always strong in a Ricky arrangement and when he plays in the production he makes the melodies come to life.
"Amor dse Entrega Total" is where George got the title to the record from and was written by the famous European writer Ilan Chester. The Lyrics are strong and powerful. Look at this excerpt:
"Amor de entrega total
Como el rio al mar
Como el dol al cielo, Se entrega"
George sings lyrics with such feeling that only he could sing them and Ricky keeps it interesting.
"Entrega" lives up to its name and is an excellent debut for an already establish artist in the new genre of salsa. 5 Timbales out of 5. (What are waiting for buy it!...It's HOT!)
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Related articles:
| 'LA'Ritmo.com with George Lamond in Detroit - Volcano Grill, Southfield, Michigan - July 1, 2000 (2000-07-28)
| Spotlight on George Lamond - (2000-03-20)
| The Prestige/Prestigio Party - Parranda con 'LA'Ritmo.com (1999-12-24)
| 'LA'Movimiento - Carlos Vives / George Lamond / Frankie Negron / Puerto Rican Power / Charlie Cruz / Carolina Lao / K-Libre / Los Hermanos Rosario / La Makina (1999-11-23)
| Ralph Mercado's 24th Annual New York Salsa Festival - At 'The World's Most Famous Arena' Madison Square Garde (1999-09-15)
| George Lamond - Entrega - Prestigio Recordings (1999-06-21)
| Puerto Rican Day Parade - Sunday, June 13, 1999, New York City (1999-06-20)
| Interview with George Lamond - (1999-06-12)
| 'LA'Movimiento - George Lamond / Tonny Tun Tun / Mannikkmio / Charlie Zaa (1999-06-07)
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