Customer Reviews

Complete 78's Vol 1

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

I've heard him play some great music but no on this album of his AT ALL.