NYC Salsa

El Gran Combo explores the ongoing musical relationship between New York and Puerto Rico to maximum effect on the anthemic "Un Verano En Nueva York." It was in the Big Apple that Dominican bandleader Johnny Pacheco met his favorite singer, boricua crooner Pete 'El Conde' Rodríguez. Check out their "La Esencia Del Guaguancó." A live version of Cheo Feliciano's "Anacaona" is taken from the Fania All Stars concert at the Cheetah club that officially jumpstarted the salsa explosion of the '70s.

One of the many unsung heroes of NYC salsa, the late keyboardist Markolino Dimond recorded such timeless slices of salsa as the funky 1971 jam "Brujería." A pioneer of the Latin Soul scene, Joe Bataan could delve into authentic salsa like the best of them - as demonstrated on the percolating "Muñeca." Written by Cheo Feliciano, "El Ratón" simmers with tension and suspense.

Aided by the nasal vocalizing of Ray Bayona, trombonist Jimmy Bosch keeps the spirit of hardcore salsa alive on "El Avión De La Salsa." Known for her torrid ballads and boleros, Cuban diva La Lupe recorded her share of upbeat guarachas — like the rollicking "Soy Hijo Del Siboney." A forgotten Rubén Blades gem, "No Hay Chance" is a salsa dancer's delight.

Without New York, there would be no salsa as we know it. It was in this one-of-a-kind melting pot that a rebellious generation of young Nuyoricans interacted with musicians who had just arrived from Cuba and Puerto Rico. The musical conversation that ensued was rich and intense, cementing an edgy sound that took basic Cuban formats into a new direction by fusing them with American jazz, soul, R&B — and a touch of Puerto Rican folk. From Tito Puente and Ray Barretto to Héctor Lavoe and Celia Cruz, this list pays tribute to the many musical legends who blossomed in the Big Apple.