Review: Charlie Donato’s Son Ideal “Por LaCalle Del Medio”

Reviewed by Renan Morales (DJ REY BORICUA)

This new musical production direct from Puerto Rico by Charlie Donato’s Son Ideal “Abriendo Camino” is Charlie’s first solo venture after being the Bassist for Gilberto Santa Rosa for over 15 years. The band swings on the Charanga tune “Abrele Camino a mi son” with Gilberto Santarosa on coro along with Charlie Donato and an awesome violin solo by Cesar Diaz. Another monster dance number is “Por la calle del medio” which is Salsa with a Charanga swing. Son Ideal also does a remake of the famous Louie Ramirez tune “Vamonos de Aqui”. Son Ideal blends Salsa with Charanga and definitely makes it work nicely. Charlie Donato played Bass for Louie Ramirez, Charanga Ideal, Adalberto Santiago and Gilberto Santa Rosa among others. This cd is Highly Recommended!!!
The track we’re featuring is “Por La Calle Del Medio”

Musicians on the cd:
Guillermo Andujar, Jose Gazmey, Charlie Donato – Bass, Jose Torres Pajai – Piano, Sammy Garcia, Tito De Gracia –Congas, David Cuba – Timbal, Hector “Tempo” Alomar, Richie Bastar – Bongo, Rolando Alejandro – Trompeta, Cesar Diaz, Violin, Edwin Gonzales – Trompeta, Nelson Vega – Tenor Sax, Elliott Cintron – Trombon, David Irrurita, Trombon, Benjamin Vega – Flute, Carlos Gabriel Donato – Electric Guitar, Carlos D’Castro, Juan Jose Hernandez, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Alex Ojeda, Rebeca Zambrana, Charlie Donato – Coro, Alex Ojeda- Vocals, Charlie Donato – Vocals

Song Titles:
1. Guaguanco Son Ideal
2. Abrele El Camino Al Son
3. Por La Calle Del Medio
4. Hay Un Amor
5. Vamonos De Aqui
6. Que Se Vayan Al Diablo
7. Conducta Irracional
8. Si Tienes Un Amor
9. Si No Te Quieres Tu
10. Wapadapadao