Released in 2001,
Keeper of the Flame isn't a compilation, an anthology, or a best-of. Instead, this package finds Concord reissuing
Poncho Sanchez' first two Picante dates, 1982's Sonando and 1983's Bien Sabroso, as a two-CD set. Those albums weren't
Sanchez' first ones ever -- before signing with Concord, the conguero recorded two LPs for Discovery in 1979 and 1980, respectively. Neither Sonando nor Bien Sabroso ever went out of print, and those who already have those albums on CD have no reason to acquire
Keeper of the Flame. However, this double-CD is well worth obtaining if you don't have those albums on CD. Back in 1982-1983, Sonando and Bien Sabroso set the tone for
Sanchez' Concord output -- like his subsequent albums, both are dominated by instrumental Latin jazz but contains a few salsa vocal numbers as well. The noteworthy salsa tracks on
Keeper of the Flame include the spirited "Este Son" (featuring vocalist
Jose Perico Hernandez) and the infectious cha cha "Sonando," which is based on
Ray Barretto's "Cocinando." As solid and rewarding as this material is,
Sanchez would only get better as the 1980s progressed. But
Keeper of the Flame reminds listeners that his association with Concord got off to a promising start with Sonando and Bien Sabroso. ~ Alex Henderson