Susan Hansen
Representante de la Salsa
Jazz Caliente Records
www.susanhansen.com
By George W. Harris

The fact that electric violinist Susan Hansen is in the forefront of this snappy disc of salsa music is enough to put it heads above all of the other latin recordings. I mean, anything besides trumpet and trombone is a breath of fresh air, and she makes the going worthwhile. She leads a hot HOT band through some originals as well as some Rat Pack songs put through the Salsa’d Waring Blender to give a disc that sounds like it’s Cruise Night in Van Nuys.

Rousing tunes like the title track give way to lusty performances like “Si No Contigo” and “I Want To Love You” that not only feature a sizzling rhythm team, but on the latter Kaspar Abbo’s vocals spill over with passion. Hansen’s violin work is a Central Amercan blend with gypsy overtones, as she dis;payes on “Las CXalles de Chicago.” The reading of the 70s pop hit “Vehicle,” is a pumper, while the shark suited “Frank Sinatra Cha Cha Cha” with “Fly Me To The Moon,” as well as “Beyond The Sea” have an over the top machismo that is irresistible. If you can’t afford a live band for your next outdoor party, this is a great alternative.