Quintessential Classic Salsa Song

Hi all,

At the classes / club I go to, once a month there is a live descarga salsa band / jam session. Guest or visiting musicians are actively encouraged to join in and play with the band - now, I sing, and my instructors wife (a musician who often jams with the band) suggested that I should learn a couple of the staple 'classic' salsa songs so i could take over or join the sonero for a track or two....so here's the question...which song would you choose? I don't necessarily mean your fave track i mean what do you think are the best and most well known / most played salsa songs? The ones the band will know. I have no idea. I have a lot of salsa music, but i don't really know which are the most traditional / popular tracks. I listen to what I like you know? As I'm a non spanish speaker and will have to learn the music in Spanish i can really only afford to learn a couple at first and I can't afford to choose the wrong tracks. All guidance greatly appreciated. Please help me I love to sing and I love salsa, can't imagine anything better than combining the two! (oh except dancing in the musical breaks)

I would look at song that are already interpeted by several artist. Chan chan or el pito are to songs that come into my mind.

Listen to the band play and chose the song that you like the most from their repertoire

That would be a good plan if I have ever recognised anything they play. Most of the stuff I listen to is quite modern.

Of course, I don't know what style of music this band usually plays... Is their repertoire very oldschool?
But I think "un monton de estrellas" or "me libere" are songs that are played very often...
If they play any romantica - perhaps something from Victor Manuelle or Gilberto Santa Rosa?
Or the most popular songs from Marc Anthony? I'd choose "contra la corriente" :roll:
Or Johnny's favourite (b/c he sings it at almost every congress) - "y hubo algien"

Classic suggestions

Bilongo
Castellano (que bueno baila usted)
Vamonos pa'l monte
Anacaona

to name four. They all have simple guajeos, are easy for musicians to jam to, and pretty accommodating of inspicariones as regards rhythm and line.

Have fun!
Loo