The local musician (he plays timbales and cuatro, a small instrument that looks something like a ukulele, in Tropicoso, Salsa Caliente and Zumba) rummaged through his collection and came up with a list of the major acts of the day.

They're all salsa and they all use the traditional salsa instrumentation of three-piece rhythm section, four-piece horn section, bass, piano and three female singers out front. They're also all available, if not locally, at www.descarga.com.

His list:

• Fania All Stars: The group is made up of Latin solo stars of the '70s. Their Greatest Hits CD is a terrific starting point. So is the two-CD set Celia Cruz and the Fania All Stars Live in Africa.

• Celia Cruz: The Cuban version of the big band singer, Cruz toured with the All Stars but is also known for her solo career. You can't go wrong with her 100% Azucar (Sugar), a greatest-hits CD spanning close to 50 years.

• Ruben Blades: He's an actor now, but in his singing days he released 56 CDs, including the two-CD set of his Greatest Hits.

• Willie Colon (With Ruben Blades): Almost anything by this late artist will do, but Siembra comes more highly recommended than most.

• Tito Puente: Again, almost any one of his 126 CDs fits the bill, but his Best of Tito Puente showcases the artist Radina calls a genius on timbales and vibes.

• Los Van Van: The name of this Cuban group translates to the Go Gos, and they're a little bit controversial because their brand of salsa is more progressive the most of the bands. Best bet: The Legendary Los Van Van: 30 Years of Cuba's Greatest Dance Band, a two-CD set that comes complete with a 106-page booklet.

Jim Knippenberg