Aguanile
Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe · 1972 · from the album El Juicio
Trombones and a wall of drums in a song that calls on the Yoruba orishas: salsa with its African roots out front.
- trombone
- congas
Why it matters
Aguanilé was the first single from El Juicio, which Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe recorded for Fania in 1972. The title is a Yoruba word, often translated as a spiritual cleansing of the home.
The song puts West African religion and music at the center of salsa. Its trombones and drums carry the weight. Marc Anthony covered it for the 2007 film El Cantante.
What to listen for
- The trombones, the signature sound of Willie Colón's band, together with the trumpet, piano and bass.
- The percussion: congas, timbales, bongó, cowbell, maracas and clave all playing at once. Listen to how many layers there are.
- The refrain that calls on the orishas, the Yoruba spirits. Wait for the band to come back to it.
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