Rubén Blades is one of the most successful vocalists and songwriters in the history of Panamanian music and salsa. A former member of bands led by Ray Barretto and Willie Colón, Blades has continued to influence salsa music with his highly literate, politically tinged lyrics and his modern arrangements, which substitute the usual horn and Latin percussion sections with synthesizers and drum sets. His most recent album, titled Salswing!, is a historical journey and a recognition of the origins of Latin jazz and the mutual influences between son cubano (the rhythmic Afro-Caribbean music) and swing.