Ruben Blades' socially-conscious salsa-pop, backed again by the dynamic Son Del Solar. The album clearly makes a crossover bid with guest appearances by Linda Ronstadt and Joe Jackson, as well as bilingual lyrics in the package. As the title suggests, the material here paints scenes from Blades' typically keen barrio perspective. Opening ESCENAS on an introspective note is "Cuentas Del Alma," a moving portrayal of a mother's fear of the dark and endless pining for her departed husband. To the sound of synth-wails and a salsa-inflected pop beat, Blades intones with dreadful finality the words, "heart dues can never be paid in full." The dirge-like "Tierra Dura" captures the dry, desperate famine of mid-'80s Ethiopia in both lyric and tone, with slowly-passing images of unforgiving deserts and a mournful melody. Moving into funkier territory, "Sorpresas" is the tough sequel to Blades' revered "Pedro Navaja" with its clever tale of thieves, deception, and the barrio night. "Silencios" is Blades' balladic duet with Linda Ronstadt, extra sugar cubes included.
Panamanian singer/songwriter Ruben Blades is a key figure in contemporary Latin music. He came to New York in the 1970s and entrenched himself in the salsa scene, writing for and performing with a number of key players, and forming a significant partnership with salsa legend Willie Colon. In the '80s, Blades's solo career took off as he set about modernizing salsa with his group Seis del Solar. Around the same time, he embarked on a successful acting career that would continue for decades. Blades's music is often strongly informed by his activist politics, a fact that became duly apparent when he ran for President of Panama in 1994.
Vinyl Collector's Information/Trivia:
Linda Ronstadt is singing a sad but very, very beautiful duet with Ruben Blades on this spanish album
Elektra Records is a record label started in 1950 by Jac Holzman and Paul Rickholt, who both invested $300. It, along with Holzman's Nonesuch Records, was acquired by Kinney National Company in 1970 for $10 million. Holzman remained in charge until 1972, when Asylum Records and Elektra were combined and Asylum's director (David Geffen) was put in charge. Holzman were to start Discovery Records.
Photos of the LP's cover: RUBEN BLADES - ESCENAS with Linda Ronstadt & Joe Jackson |
Album's Front Cover |
![]() |
Album's Back Cover |
![]() |
Close-up Photo of Record Label |
![]() |
Note: The photos on this page are of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Track Listing of: RUBEN BLADES - ESCENAS with Linda Ronstadt & Joe Jackson |
Rubén Blades is a legendary Panamanian singer, songwriter, actor, and politician, known for his contribution to the Latin music genre, as well as his political activism. Born in Panama City, Panama, on July 16, 1948, Blades grew up in a middle-class family, where he developed an interest in music and culture from a young age. He began playing guitar and singing in his teenage years and went on to study law at the University of Panama before pursuing his career in music.
Blades's music career began in the early 1970s, when he joined a salsa band called Ray Barretto's Orchestra as a vocalist. His debut solo album, "De Panamá a Nueva York," was released in 1970 and featured the hit song "El Cazanguero." Over the next few years, Blades released several more albums, including "Siembra," which became one of the best-selling salsa albums of all time. The album included the hit song "Pedro Navaja," which became an instant classic and one of Blades's most famous songs.
Blades's music is known for its socially conscious themes and political commentary, addressing issues such as poverty, injustice, and corruption. His songs often incorporate elements of different Latin American genres, including salsa, bolero, and folk music, creating a unique and eclectic style. Blades's influence on Latin music is undeniable, and he has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his career, including several Grammy Awards.
Aside from his music career, Blades has also made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in films such as "The Last Fight," "The Milagro Beanfield War," and "Predator 2." In recent years, he has also become involved in politics, serving as the Minister of Tourism in Panama from 2004 to 2009 and running for the presidency in 2019.
Throughout his career, Blades has remained committed to using his platform to bring attention to social and political issues. He has been a vocal advocate for human rights, environmentalism, and democracy, and has used his music and celebrity status to raise awareness and funds for various causes.
Latin, Salsa, Latin-Jazz
Escenas is the 1985 album by Ruben Blades with appearences of Joe Jackson and Linda Ronstadt.
Show DetailsLatin, Salsa, Latin-Jazz
"Greatest Hits Special 2 Record Set" is a compilation album of Ruben Blades, produced by Jerry Masucci and released in 1983.
Show DetailsLatin, Salsa, Latin-Jazz
Maestra Vida: Primera Parte is the first Salsa Opera and was the project by Ruben Blades.
Show DetailsLatin, Salsa Music, Latin-Jazz
Nothing but the Truth is the first album sung in English by the Salsa singer Ruben Blades. Lou Reed was guest musician and the album was produced by Tommy Lipuma.
Show Details