Customer Reviews

Coke

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I first became aware of this album years ago while living in Detroit Michigan. I was listening to WJZZ, a jazz station, when I heard it. Later I received a call from a friend of mine asking me did I hear, "Why can't we be lovers", by Coke Escovedo. I said I did and it was a sweet tune. I went to work on the following Monday and everybody was singing that song. I mean Blacks and Whites and Spanish. Later, people starting singing "Rebirth" from the same album. That album was played for almost 2 years in the Detroit Area. Every Club or party you went to was playing something from that album. A friend and I did research on Coke Escovedo. He is the father of Sheila E. He is a Latin Perforer. He is well known in the Latin, (Spanish) community. He has been a well kept secret. About 2 years ago I realized I did not have this album anymore. I ask around at different record shops. I'am from the old school. Knowbody had heard of it. It was not listed. I became familiar with computers and started looking on the internet. It is not on vinyl anymore, and is hard to find on a CD. However, With the help of Amazon, I have found it. Let me tell you, I'am a single man and the ladies loved it 15 years ago and they still love it today. The most common question asked by men and women when they hear it is, "who is that". My answer is COKE. The next thing they say is please play that again, and what CD shop did I buy it from. All I can tell you is that when young adults and Baby boomers here this for the first time, they all want to know who it is and where they can purchase it.

For those of you that really don't know how Latin Rock percussion came to be then this is what you need to be concentrating on. First of all "SURE" no one can stand up to the master Tito Puente, but when it comes to taking the Latin percussion rhythm rock to an all different level well then you have the Latin rock master "Coke". Coming from a family that bleeds nothing but true latin percussive blood he gave so much an influenced so many with his style of playing whether it be traditional or latin influenced rock. In talking to Abel Zarate, guitar player of the original "Malo" band, he was a Timbale player that held back nothing. When talking to Abel about the song "Nena" on "Malo's" first lp, he told me that Coke had recorded the Timbale part in one take and did not even look back once the tape was rolling. Abel said he was so taken by the energy that Coke had and gave to the first "Malo" lp. For those of you that know Timbales and or respect them, then you will always have a different appreciation when you hear the Timbale riffs on the song "Nena". Never have I heard such a style and sound that has influenced so many Timbale players in the crossover Latin rock field, and then to know that he came from a traditional Latin music back ground. Coke died so early but left his mark that stands alone, he played on some " Lydia Pense & Coldblood" tunes in the early days when latin Percussion was just coming around to the rock field. I believe that my all time favorite Timbale player and Latin Rock percussion player " Jose Chepito Areas" took what he could from this great master and came unto his own. Don't get me wrong people, not taking anything away from the masters who brought Latin Ritmo percussion to the states. But to take it to the other side so to speak in a way that no other Percussion player did, because of maybe the tradition on the Conga or Timbale. Coke opened up a way for all that felt the rhythm to show no barriers and apply it the song, no matter what style it was. Just listen to Chepito on the song "Cruzin" from the Abraxas Pool cd and you will hear the open free form style that was so present in "Coke". Though he was here for so little time, I believe that he was a opening door for so many players to come. This is a Cd that is a opening to the ears and a lesson to players and must not be ignored. Ask any true player and they will speak of the name "Coke Escovedo"...

I first heard this album (yes it was on wax when I first heard it in the 70's) I returned home to Massachusetts from Germany and everybody was listening to "Coke". I absolutely fell in love...Through moving and packing I lost the album and have been looking high and low for it...I was told that I would have to peruse flea markets for old throw aways...I was talking music with a coworker and he said I can find any music online, so I challenged him. Within minutes he had found this album for me and I am totally excited. Thx for having it available. I should probably order two, because I am sure to wear it out!

You do not have to be of latin descent to enjoy the sweet sounds of Coke. It's for anyone who appreciates good music.
The last time I heard this album I must have been around 7 years old.
As soon as I read the titles of the songs they brought back memories of my mom singing and my dad playing the congas.
I hope they remaster it and set it to cd because I would love to share it with my children and for it to be there for generations to come.

Im a fan of Chicano/Latin soul. I like this man's music. I think that his work with Azteca, (his band) Malo and Santana is much better. This is still very soulful and R&b influenced with a touch of Latin at times. for fans and collectors I recommend "Back to the Barrio" - rare and hard to find Chicano classics vol. 1. this has many rare and out of print songs from the 70's. Contact Chorizo Records www.chorizomusic2003@yahoo.com Good luck!

I have this L.p. in vinyl and it's fantastic! please give this more exposure. I cant seem to find it in a CD. so please make it available
soon. gotta have it!!!!