Third studio album from the South Bronx's Willie Colon. Cosa Nuestra was originally released in 1969 and was Colon's first great masterpiece along with "recording director" Johnny Pacheco. The playing is precise and intricate while the arrangements are inventive. And peep that cover, depicting Willie as a pinstriped gangster in front of the Manhattan Bridge with a "dead" body at his feet - too gangster! The album opens with the brisk and extravagant one two punch of "Che Che Cole" and "No Me Llores Mas," but there are highlights all over the record. There's the slow and masterful "Ausencia" and the playful, piano driven "Te Conozco." Don't miss the sneering trombone line on "Sangrigorda," either. The musicians are just as brutal as the hitman on the cover, and Hector Lavoe's vocals are some of the smoothest on any salsa record. One of Colon's best albums in his fathomless catalog. Eight tracks in all. Released by Fania Records.

• music label: Fania Records 1969 / 1972

reviewed by Pete O' DeGallo 10/2015