Complete 78's Vol 1

Tito Puente | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 12, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Fania
• ASIN: B001CITRLM
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,061 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #6 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Cuba > Big Band
  • #18 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Cuba > Mambo

Editorial Reviews

The classic Tico 78 RPM recordings of Tito Puente and his Orchestra and Quartet (1949-1955) are remastered and carefully assembled by Joe Conzo (a Puente confidant and historian). Nobody had recorded so many singles at that time. Yet many of these recordings have never been available on CD until now. These recordings showcase the true genius of Tito Puente, documenting his transition from conjunto bandleader to big band arranger, composer, conductor and creator of a sound that became popular throughout the world. The songs included in this two-CD/40-track release package will set your dancing feet on fire. Among the many gems here are Tito's selfpenned 'Mambo Macoco,' 'Mambolero,' featuring Vicentico Vald‚s on vocals, the Latin jazz track 'Esy' and 'Mambo Gallego' (heard on the film The Mambo Kings.) This one is for historians, collectors and listeners of incredible dance music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The essence of Tito. My feet just want to dance!, September 24, 2008

By 

Robert G. Martinez "Doctor of Rock" (Brooksville FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Complete 78's Vol 1 (Audio CD)

Holy Smokes! I haven't heard some of these songs since I was a kid in the streets of New York during the early and mid 1950's. These are the recordings that made Tito Puente a household name all over the world. He was the real "Mambo King". Nice liner notes also tell of his life and the recordings. His band was amazing and I'd forgotten how good these were. My feet just want to dance..or move. If you love the old Cuban/Latin sound of Mambo, you'll love this. Great for your next party!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Mambos!, February 16, 2009

By 

El Cubanito "Ed" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete 78's Vol 1 (Audio CD)

I grew up listening to more than a few of these tracks as a kid. My family was from The Bronx in the late 40's and went to many dances at The Palladium during this era. I remember the feeling when these songs played at a party. I still have the album this cover was taken from. Hearing them again, in a lot cleaner shape, is a blast! Definitely some great early Tito Puente sides here. Lots of great Timbal playing. Pick this up if you are a lover of early Cuban/Mambo music. There is definitely something here for you. Someone else said it, it is hard to keep your feet still!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, neglected era for Tito, November 12, 2008

By 

Steve Sando (Northern California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Complete 78's Vol 1 (Audio CD)

This collection isn't for beginners but if you're a Puente fan, you'll love this. The discs are much jazzier than I would have thought and there are lots of solos for timbales and piano. I think the sound "restoration" is a bit aggressive but it's not horrid and it's much better than on other available compilations. Let's face it- these recordings weren't meant for the ages. They were for dancing and for the moment. We're lucky to have what we have. Great vintage graphics. I'm ordering volume two after hearing this.