Customer Reviews

Oye Como Va: Dance Collection

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is easily one of the best Tito Puente CDs availabe. A compilation of some of Tito's best songs, these versions inspire awe and intense dancing. In addition, the notes by Joe Conzo succinctly detail Puente's life from the beginning of his musical career (or at least by the time Tito was 13 ... ), Tito's influences, playing with Machito, to the Navy in WWII, to the Palladium era and beyond.

Even just the mention of the infamous and influential Palladium establishes the authenticity of the biography, the music and the album. Within the New York Mambo scene, abundant reference is still made to the Palladium, both to the music and the dancing (which cannot exist without each other). Conzo notes that "Ran Kan Kan" was first recorded in 1949 -- a fact that many of the people 'in the know' today are not familiar with.

This CD is so good that for a while, it was the first thing I wanted to hear in the morning and the last music I wanted to hear at night. Don't miss this one!

Thanks go first and foremost to the creators and second to those who chronicle the music, the musicians and the culture. The growth in this art achieved by the next generation will only be possible because they learned from you.

I love this album. I have a bunch of Tito's stuff, close to all of it, I imagine. (I don't think anyone has every Tito album, not even Tito.) This one's nearly as hot as his 50's releases. He just gets more tasteful and refined without damping his red-hot latin soul. And I love Carlos, but this is how Oye Como Va is SUPPOSED to sound

In my view there is no more joy-filled, sensual,
life-affirming pop-music t h a n the best of
Afro-Cuban/Latin Jazz . . when playing M a m b o !
The multi-layered rhythms never tire ear or mind . .
a n d demand attention to the musical genuis that
creates and improvises at such high levels of excellence.
Underscored . . when performed 'at the speed of light.'
It can be a 'religious experience!'
A sun-filled 'goose-pimply' one.
Welcome to one c.d. that captures this spirit.
With a sound quality as up to date as last evening's
concert.
Tito "takes no prisoners" in this one.
One 'cannot-go-wrong' in placing t h i s c.d.
within your collection!
My best to the best within . . .
- Richard Tuft.
(...)
* Title of a Bravo cable t.v. documentary,
home-recorded in Fall of 2002.

***** *****

I became a fan of Tito and Latin music after listening to this wonderfully ecclectic CD. Being a musician myself, I was in awe of the great players and Tito's leadership. The beats are fantastic, guaranteed to move you. Buy it, and try it, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

The name fitted him perfectly. No one has ever and will ever record music the way he did. His style was one of a kind. Many may copy him, but they will never match him. This album is truly wonderful. Latin jazz is wrapped up with him. He makes you want to just get up and dance!

This collection is a lot of fun percussion with typical Latin mambo beats. It's got enough variety to keep you interested but it's still pretty easy listening. A fun addition to anyone's dance collection.

Looking at the others reviews I sincerely think you were too much generous or you don't know the music of Tito. I bought this CD and I was desapointed for the lack of energy authenticity by the quality of the arrangements.
This is not a bad CD but the oldies are FAR BETTER.

I dare anyone to just "sit" and listen to this music. The Master takes you for a wonderful ride with this "Best of" collection. The last cuts are live and are some of the best live recordings I've ever heard. Guaranteed to get you going!

This is a great CD if you want to pick some of Tito's hottest dance tunes. I got it because I wanted a clean audio file of Tito's vibraphone arrangement on Maria Cervantes. The audio quality is very good on this one. Good tunes.

Tito Puente Made Incredible Music.The Grooves&Arrangements were Ahead of Their Time.You Feel The Emotions&Vibes all The way Thru here.his Music was World Music.The Musicians are Great as well.it's very Essential.