Renowned Puerto Rican vocalist Andy Montañez has spent decades defining the sound of salsa, but his artistic journey began with a different rhythm entirely. Long before he rose to international prominence with El Gran Combo and Dimensión Latina, the 84-year-old icon was a dedicated bolerista, cutting his teeth in intimate settings with guitar accompaniment.
This October, Montañez circled back to those formative years with the release of Boleros que cantó el Sonero Mayor. The project serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Ismael Rivera, a figure who served as both a personal mentor and a lifelong creative inspiration for Montañez. Remarkably, the recording showcases a voice that retains its signature warmth and interpretive nuance, proving that his connection to the genre has only deepened over the last sixty years.
Montañez’s history with the bolero is extensive. His early career included stints with Luis Morales’s group and the Trío Los Duendes, and he has frequently admitted that he finds a unique personal fulfillment in the romanticism of the bolero that often surpasses his passion for salsa. This affinity has manifested in several notable projects over the decades, including collaborative albums with Ismael Miranda, a joint record with Pablo Milanés, and a dedicated tribute to Cuban singer Fernando Álvarez.
For this latest endeavor, the production leans into a sophisticated, jazz-inflected soundscape. Under the direction of bassist Ramón Vázquez, the arrangements provide a fresh, contemporary texture to the classic songs without stripping away their emotional core. The album features a roster of esteemed guest performers, including Omara Portuondo, iLe, Milly Quezada, Nayeli Selene, and Jacqueline Capó. The inclusion of the latter, daughter of the late Bobby Capó, adds a poignant layer to the tracklist, particularly on their duet, "Si Yo Pudiera."
Beyond the technical execution, the album represents a full-circle moment for a titan of Latin music. By revisiting the repertoire of Ismael Rivera—an artist who encouraged him during his youth—Montañez is not merely performing songs; he is honoring the legacy that helped shape his own identity. Even after a career spanning more than six decades, Montañez continues to demonstrate the curiosity and vocal stamina required to breathe new life into the music that first captured his heart.
