Hector Lavoe – Comedia

Releases like this are why I love VMP, not an album I would pick for myself as I know nothing about Salsa but just smokes both musically and sonically. In that sweet spot where you can dance to it but interesting enough for deep listening.

So glad VMP picked this up. This and La Voz were the only Lavoe LP's I didn't have original copies of, and this one especially was crazy expensive. Just 2 weeks ago, browsing the Sounds of Universe shop in Soho, London, there was a VG Venzuvelan copy of this prized £50.00. So it was a good feeling to know that I would be getting the Kevin Gray cut soon. And now it's here, and it sounds specatcular. The glossy jacket printed at RTI is the cherry on top. Sleeve note booklet is very good too, and there is an original insert. I can't imagine an OG copy would come close! All of the other Lavoe LP's now need their Kevin Gray remastered version. Not counting the Willie Colon LP's, that's two already done (this and La Voz) , and five more LP's to go! Come on Fania/Craft/VMP!!!

A very full, rich and sharp sounding pressing. As usual, Kevin Gray did a killer job cutting this record. My only issue is that there are a few dropouts during El Cantante but Kevin had no control over that, only god knows how the master tape had been stored over the years. Absolute salsa masterpiece. Que descanse en paz el cantante de los cantantes, Héctor Lavoe!