Oscar D’Leon and Wladimir Reignite Salsa Sizzle on ‘Doble Play’

**** OSCAR D’LEON AND WLADIMIR

“Doble Play”

Universal Latino

Dazzling displays of talent are common in Latin music. Miracles, however, are not. This collaboration between two veteran Venezuelan singers and former bandmates is nothing short of miraculous, one of the most stunning and unexpected comebacks in the annals of salsa.

For 20 years, Oscar D’Leon has been the best live performer in the tropical genre, performing marathon shows full of precision timing and exhilarating improvisation. His studio output of the last 15 years, however, has been consistently disappointing.

During the ‘70s, the singer recorded a number of classic sessions with outfits Dimension Latina and Salsa Mayor. Wladimir was part of both orchestras, lending his smoky voice to silky boleros and more upbeat material. After his departure in 1983, D’Leon’s records began to sound cold and formulaic.

“Doble Play” is a tender ode to the magic of the past. The finale, a 10-minute medley of Cuban standards that includes “Facundo” and “Rumba Blanca,” combines big-band sass with exquisite vocal harmonies.

Even the calculated move of capitalizing on the Buena Vista Social Club craze by performing “Chan Chan” works to D’Leon’s advantage. The pair’s cheeky, riotous version is as good as the one that has traveled the world in the last few years.

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