Reviewer: Descarga.com It takes just a note or two to hear that La Excelencia is different. A group made up of younger salsa musicians, it plays raw and hard, with none of the sweetening that gunk up pop salsa. This is unprettified salsa dura, with the percussion cranked, lots of breaks, the voices loud, almost distorted. It?s the sound of a tough working band, the sort that used to be everywhere in New York and now are rare to find. It?s unapologetic, and unafraid of its tradition, and the cd?s staying in my player for a long time. The real deal doesn?t show up that often, and here it is. Celebrate it. Highly Recommended Reviewer: Latin Beat Magazine Those who witnessed up close and personal the "Salsa Explosion of the 1970's" in New York City and Puerto Rico remember and agree that the majority of the musicians and bandleaders were mostly youngsters in their late teens and early twenties. Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, Larry Harlow, and Ismael Miranda, to mention a few, were young musicians experimenting with the new urban sound of salsa.Now, inspired by the masters of salsa is this new group from New York City that goes by the name of "La Excelencia." Percussionists Jose Vazquez-Cofresi and Julian Silva formed the band, featuring a young ensemble that would appeal to their generation, while performing and creating "salsa dura" (hardcore salsa) with a positive social message. This debut CD "Salsa Con Conciencia" (salsa with a conscience) delivers 10 original scores, showcasing the versatility and depth of the band. The tracks swing with beautiful harmonies and powerful arrangements of free-flowing horns and lively percussions. Lead vocalists Rene Leslie and Edwin Perez command the spotlight with arresting readings full of social messages that enlighten the listeners to everyday situations in peoples' lives. Tasty choruses complete each track, delivering high-octane rhythms, without losing essence and true roots of salsa. Check out the tracks La Lucha (featuring guest rapper Shanny), La Salsa y el Guaguanco, and Boogalu Pa' Colombia. These young-bloods are the real thing. - Editor: Rudolph Mangual, (November 2006 Issue)