Customer Reviews

Latin-Esque

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I first picked up a copy of this "Latin-Esque" album back in 1963 on the old RCA vinyl LP. I reallyy didn't know what to expect when I first dropped the tone arm onto the record - I soon found out! My ears and eyes (yes it involved your "vision") and mind/soul was overwhelmed.
From the first sounds of "Raspa" the involvement of "stereo sound" was now part of the musical arrangement.
The snappy latin rhythms of "Chacito (Pedacito)" and on into "Cachita" and you are hooked on Esquvel's sound/vision.
I always enjoy his alternatingly mellow and explosive brass arrangement/presentation of "You Belong To My heart".
Stereo sound was still something new and Esquvel utilized the technology to make his musical presentation something veryy special.
This album is more than worth owning and listening to often.

This would be Esquivel's last large orchestra recording for RCA (until they released his unreleased LP in the late 1990s). All the tunes are Latin themed. Again he dazzles the listener with cool orchestrations and unusual pans across the stereo spectrum. All the top notch players are on board again from Bass Flute to screaming Trumpets (whatever happened to Louis Valizan, Esquivel's lead player?). Only available as an import and super hard to find, so get it if you find it! It is hard to put back on the shelf once you have heard it!

I bought my first Esquivel vinyl in 1962 while stationed in Japan titled Latin-Esque.
I purchased it more for the novelty of the record jacket rather than the contents and was I in for a wonderful surprise when I played it. Although it was made during the "3 channel" stereo technology of the time, Esquivel used his talents to bring us the Ultra Modern latin music that has no comparison to this day. Oh, there were TWO orchestras separated a block apart recording this album. You gotta hear this!

This album is a flashback to the era of the development of Stereophonic sound. It has a lively percussive Latin Big Band sound. The ping-pong motion of the instruments from left to right at times can be hokey, but that was the feature they were trying to highlight about stereo recording - spacial awareness. Probably the best Esquivel Album besides Whatchamacallit.

We will never order from this company again. The WRONG item came in the correct packaging. It was never acknowledged and was eventually credited but not until after 6 calls and numerous e mails. Who can spend that time --?? Its a simple solution--never order from Doolicity again.