Isaac Delgado
L-O-V-E
Calle 54 Records
www.calle54records.com
By George W. Harris

Here’s a guy that’s got a great idea, and does it just right. Singer Isaac Delgado (love it when a Latino has a Hebrew name!) does a tribute to Nat King Cole and the standards of the swing to bop era. What’s so special about that, do you say? Well, this guy does them in SPANISH, with a sizzling salsa-styled band (John di Martino/p, Charles Flores/b, Dafnis Prieto/dr, Pedor Martinez,perc) and horn section. And, to top it off, Delgado goes Mojido style by pouring over a couple songs a guest appearance of brother Freddy Cole to add even more flavor to the meal.

Delgado croons with picante seasonings on gorgeous takes of “Perfidia” and a clever take of “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face” (A Su Mirar Me Acostumbre) that has a perfect tinge of regret. “Piel Canela” and “No Tengo Lagrimas” have an extra Pico de Gayo’d with a gracious horn section, while brother Freddy lends his crushed peppered voice to a thrilling “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” and “Green Eyes.” The comingling of these two voices is vocal-ease at its absolute zenith. If you want a little extra heat from your Cole, try this one out!