After several undistinguished albums in the early 80s, D鈥橪e贸n began a return to form with 1984鈥檚 Con Cari帽o. Between 1985 and 1987 D鈥橪e贸n issued a succession of albums featuring some of his strongest material, inspired playing and assured arrangements, which justified his position as one of salsa鈥檚 true international stars. The definitive albums of this period were 1987鈥檚 Riquiti..! and La Salsa Soy Yo. In June and October 1988, D鈥橪e贸n demonstrated his live reputation by playing three sell-out concerts at London鈥檚 Hackney Empire. The last was recorded and broadcast in 1989 as a programme in BBC television鈥檚 Rhythms Of The World world music series, then released as Oscar D鈥橪e贸n Live, the first salsa video to be issued in the UK.
