Album Review: With You By My Side Santurce by Chic Morrison & Lazaro Prieto
Alright, let’s get into this vibey little gem from Blue Star Records. If you’re into Latin grooves with a splash of jazz swagger, then With You By My Side Santurce is your ticket to an impromptu dance party in your living room—or at least some toe-tapping while you pretend to adult responsibly.
The album kicks off with "Santurce (Guaguanco)," and oh boy, does it slap. This track has that classic guaguancó rhythm—think hips swaying like they’ve got somewhere important to be but no rush to get there. The percussion feels alive, like it’s whispering secrets only your feet understand. And Lazaro Prieto? Dude’s basslines are slicker than a greased-up eel at a pool party. It’s impossible not to bob your head along; I tried resisting once and nearly pulled a neck muscle.
Then there's the title track, “With You By My Side.” Now, if this doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, check your pulse because something might be wrong. Chic Morrison brings the vocals here, smooth as melted butter on a stack of pancakes. The horn section sneaks in just enough sass to keep things interesting without stealing the spotlight. There’s a moment halfway through where everything drops out except for the piano—it’s so simple yet devastatingly effective, like when someone nails the punchline to a joke you didn’t see coming.
George Appleyard, the producer, deserves a shoutout too. He clearly knows how to balance chaos and chill, letting each instrument breathe without turning the whole thing into a snooze fest. Credit where credit’s due—he made sure these tunes hit hard but still leave room for subtlety. Big ups, George.
So yeah, this album isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel or anything, but who cares? Sometimes you don’t need groundbreaking innovation—you just need music that makes you wanna move. Or cry happy tears. Or both.
And now for my random reflection: Listening to this record reminded me why guaguancó will always beat gym workouts. Why lift weights when you can burn calories shaking what your mama gave ya to tracks like these? Just saying.
