My interest in New York City salsa and Cuban son was fueled in part by Descarga.com, an impressive resource for all things Afro-Latin. The Spanish word "descarga" means to unload, but, in musical terms, is Cuban slang for a hot and riotous jam session. You'd often hear about guys getting together in the streets or on the beach for a wild, time-stopping descarga. Providing in-depth interviews with musicians and producers, well-informed think pieces, hard-hitting reviews, and tons and tons of great music, Descarga.com is a great destination for music lovers.

From the site:

Descarga was founded with the intention of giving the genre of tropical Latin music the respect and attention it truly deserves. We believe that this music merits the reverence and admiration that classical music and American jazz have traditionally been afforded. Many, many talented musicians devoted their lives to this music and then died without receiving the recognition that should have been their due. We hope that we can, in our own small way, rectify some of those injustices. Latin music is alive and well and there are many contemporary musicians worthy of our esteem. And, over time, we will pay tribute to each and every one.

This morning, I received a heads-up from JA:

Fwd: 50% Off Every Vinyl LP! Limited Time...

Descarga.com is holding a fantastic Spring Clearance Sale on all of their vinyl titles, many of these rare and hard-to-find classics from the biggest Latin jazz and salsa stars. It's as though the vinyl gods are shining their bright light right down upon my happy head. (Fortunately, I remembered the sunblock this time.)

A quick list through the inventory shows titles from Ruben Blades, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Cheo Feliciano, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, Mongo Santamaria, and more. These are new old stock LPs, factory sealed and said to be in mint condition.

In addition, Descarga.com is offering reduced prices on their entire inventory of Emusica's digitally remastered Fania catalog, including some truly essential discs like The Fania All-Star's Live at The Cheetah, Willie Colon's Asalto Navideno, Joe Bataan's Mr. New York and The East Side Kids, and Markolino Dimond's Brujeria.

Seriously, dudes, just do it. You have until May 14th. I've placed my order.