Customer Reviews

La Perfecta

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Because so many of Eddie's recordings for the Tico and Alegre labels are undisputed classics, it's extremely daunting to choose one over all the others (most are excellent). This one, however, features the two-trombone lineup and most of La Perfecta's peerless musicians (Barry Rogers, Bobby Rodriguez, Tommy Lopez, etc.) and the vocal spice and improvisations of the great Ismael Quintana. Buy it while you still can.

Bought this album on LP when first released. Without checking the album, my recollection is it's Eddie's debut. Many reviews on Amazon about which Palmieri album is best introduction. I'd pick this one for obvious reasons but also because every track is a gem. Also note that Eddie dropped the trumpets after this album for his subsequent two-trombone style.

I have an extensive collection of "salsa" albums from the golden age (50's through 70's) before salsa romantica diluted this most viscerally exciting of all music. This collection includes almost all of the output of Puente, Barretto, Palmieri, Santamaria, Cuba, ... I can go on and on. In retrospect, Palmieri was to me the King ... with Barretto not far behind. That helps characterize my tastes for you. If you're resonant with that, I highly recommend you get everything available that Eddie ever recorded!

An excellent recording by Eddie Palmieri & company. In reality, Palmieri has been amazingly consistent with his musical quality. Pick from any of his recordings and you'll find (with very few exceptions), his work to be always top notch. In this album, recorded in 1964, Palmieri & Conjunto La Perfecta cooks it up just right. The arrangements are clear and focused and suprisingly, do not sound dated at all. The brass section is tight and though there are no extended solos (that would come in later releases) they more than make up for it in harmonic interplay. The percussion section rivals the best of any group past or present. What you get here is conjunto workmanship at it's best. A beautiful album, well put together and crisply recorded. A young Ismael Quintana is heard on vocals doing what he has always done best, Sonear with sabor y dulzura. One of the best albums released by one of Palmieri's best bands. You can't go wrong with Palmieri and this one is no exception. Get this one!!!

1. Conmigo
2. Mi Isla Preciosa
3. Presente & Pasado
4. Mi Guajira
5. Mi Pollo
6. Oigo un Tumbao
7. Tema La Perfecta
8. Ritmo Caliente
9. Gavilan
10. Te Queiro, Te Quiero
11. Cachita
12. Bailare Tu Son

Musicians
Eddie Palmieri - piano
Ismael Quintana - vocals
Barry Rogers - trombone
Joao Donoato - trombone
Harold Wegbreit - trumpet
Al Dirisi - trumpet
Dave Tucker - trumpet
George Castro flute
Manny Oquendo - timbales
Charlie Palmieri - percussion
Mike Collazo percussion
Chickie Perez - percussion
George Miysonet - percussion
Joe Rivera - bass
Chivirico Davila coro
Victor Velazquez - coro
Willie Torres - coro

This album was from my youth and I purchased and lost it when I married and moved to PR. I was so happy to find it on Amazon and bought it immediately and it is as good as I remembered it. It featured the late great Barry Rodgers on trombone. This is vintage Palmieri before he moved more to a Latin Jazz style.

Eddie brought attention to the two-trombone horn section with this group. His salsa work is some of the best. This is a great introduction.