Customer Reviews

El Rey

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

 

 

Even though I skip the first track (Oye Como Va) because it is overplayed both by Tito and Santana, I still give the album 5 stars.

An excellent variety of Mambo and Latin Jazz songs. The Coltrane songs are reworked with such skill that I am amazed. It sounds like all the band members have been working with these melodies in their heads since birth. Such fluidity and natural groove.

So, I'm driving home in the late 80's, listening to WBGO, when they played the cover of "Equinox" from this record. I got off at the next exit, found a record store, bought the album, and continued on my way home.
What else can I say, that is how good this is.

I originally bought this CD because of Ran Kan Kan, which was the only song I knew (besides Oye Como Va).Honestly, I am not much of a Tito Puente fanatic, I just wanted THAT particular song and since it was cheap, I bought it. I was surprised when listening to the album how much I liked it. "Oye Como Va", most have listened to, but the rest, like Rey del Timbal are a great collection of mambo, salsa and latin jazz from, "El Rey del Timbal" (even though I consider Endel Dueño to hold that title. In few words, this is a must buy, coming from someone who is not a Tito Puente fan.

Recorded live at The Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, California in May 1984.

1. Oye Como Va
2. Autumn Leaves
3. Ran Kan Kan
4. Rainfall
5. Giant Steps
6. Linda Chicana
7. Stella By Starlight / Delirio
8. Equinox
9. El Rey del Timbal