![Héctor Lavoe - El Sabio](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HectorLavoe-ElSabio.jpg)
Curiously, this album includes only five songs sung by Hector Lavoe yet fans consider this superb package of recordings his finest piece of work when it comes to hard salsa (salsa dura). This 1980 release features the Tito Rodriguez composition, “El Sabio,” formerly recorded by Tito Rodriguez during his years feuding with rival bandleader Tito Puente, when they would sarcastically refer to each other in song; This version was nicely arranged by Jose Febles. Hector gets romantic in his interpretation of the Luis Marquetti composition, “Plazos Traicionero,” a song made famous, years earlier, by crooner/salsero Vicentico Valdes. “Noche de Farra,” another classic, sung by Hector in his inimitable style is arranged by Jose Madera. The instrumental, “Para Ochun,” is an old Cuban classic done in Mambo style. This is an instrumental recording showing off the work of Hector’s band. “Alejate” is by far the hit of the album. Hector really shines in this Jose Febles arrangement which includes violins to give it a nice touch of class. “Llore” is another Febles arrangement which was composed by Jose Febles. He also demonstrates his talent as trumpeter which is witnessed in his solo. “Ceora” is arranged as a rumba and features the band once again. —Bobby Marin
![Featured image for “Héctor Lavoe – El Sabio”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HectorLavoe-ElSabio-150x150.jpg)
![Featured image for “La Crema de New York – El Party”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/LaCremadeNY-Cover-150x150.jpg)
La Crema de New York – El Party
![Featured image for “Azuquita Y Su Orquesta Melao – Pura Salsa”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Azuquita-cover-150x150.jpg)
Azuquita Y Su Orquesta Melao – Pura Salsa
![Featured image for “Orquesta Harlow – Hommy (A Latin Opera)”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/HarlowOrquesta-Hommy-150x150.jpg)
Orquesta Harlow – Hommy (A Latin Opera)
![Featured image for “Orquesta Harlow – Salsa”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/OrchestraHarlow-Salsa-150x150.jpg)
Orquesta Harlow – Salsa
![Featured image for “Ocho – Ocho”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/OCHO-cover-150x150.jpg)
Ocho – Ocho
![Featured image for “HÉCTOR LAVOE – LA VOZ”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/LaVoz-Album-Cover-150x150.jpg)
HÉCTOR LAVOE – LA VOZ
![Featured image for “Ismael Rivera – Esto Si Es Lo Mío”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IsmaelRivera-EstoSiEsLoMio-Cover-150x150.jpg)
Ismael Rivera – Esto Si Es Lo Mío
![Featured image for “La Sonora Ponceña”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SonoraPoncena-150x150.jpg)
La Sonora Ponceña
![Featured image for “Johnny Pacheco, Celia Cruz – Celia & Johnny”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Celia-Johnny-coverart-150x150.jpg)
Johnny Pacheco, Celia Cruz – Celia & Johnny
![Featured image for “Willie Colón and Rubén Blades – Siembra”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SiembraCover-1500-150x150.jpg)
Willie Colón and Rubén Blades – Siembra
![Featured image for “Angel Canales – Sabor”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sabor-Cover-Art-1500-150x150.jpg)
Angel Canales – Sabor
![Featured image for “Louie Ramirez – Típico (feat. Victor Velazquez)”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LOUIE-RAMIREZ-TIPICO-150x150.jpeg)
Louie Ramirez – Típico (feat. Victor Velazquez)
![Featured image for “Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Roberto-Roena-Y-Su-Apollo-Sound-1970-150x150.jpeg)
Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound
![Featured image for “Tipica 73”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Tipica-73-Tipica-73--150x150.jpeg)
Tipica 73
![Featured image for “Cheo Feliciano – Cheo”](https://fania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Cheo-Cheo-Feliciano-150x150.jpg)