Craft Latino: Tito Puente; Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe

One of the major benefits of the current vinyl renaissance is the availability of albums long forgotten, but in vital need of renewed attention. Concord Record's Craft imprimatur has been at the forefront in terms of releases that benefit from excellent sound and quality control. Especially fortuitous have been the reissues from the Latin music holdings of the Tico and Fania labels. This is classic music that now seems to have earned its rightful place among those who have far and wide-ranging tastes.

Tito Puente
El Rey Bravo
Craft Recordings
1962/2023

Although its place in history is sealed by one lone track, the entire program of Tito Puente's El Rey Bravo is the stuff of legend. Made famous by Santana's 1970 version on Abraxas (Columbia), "Oye Como Va" is heard in its original form on this 1962 dance classic from the timbale master and bandleader. Among a distinguished cast of musicians, prominent names include Johnny Pacheco on flute, Bobby Rodriguez on bass, and José Mangual Jr. on bongos.

Puente and crew utilize a style of Latin music called charanga, which is characterized by the prominent use of flute and violin. "Tokyo De Noche" is a standout here due to the mercurial violin playing. The "cha cha" beat of "Tombola" is punctuated by a full vocal choir. High-flying trumpets pierce the veil on "Traigo El Coco Seco." With tongue firmly in cheek, saxophones and trumpets trade phrases before the vocal chorus elicits their feline chant on "Gato Miau, Miau."

Willie Colon & Hector Lavoe
Asalto Navideño Vol.2
Craft Recordings
1973/2023

From the venerable Fania Records label, founded by Italian provocateur Jerry Massuci and musician Johnny Pacheco, comes the second volume of Asalto Navideño. The first collection led by Willie Colon and Héctor Lavoe became somewhat of an underground classic. The title translating roughly to 'Christmas assault,' the music stems from the Puerto Rican tradition of parranda, which is very much like the Anglican practice of caroling.

Craft Recordings has celebrated the 50th anniversary of the second volume of Latin greatness with another stellar reissue mastered by Kevin Gray. The results are just as rewarding as its predecessor. With Yomo Toro's sparkling work on cuatro and Lavoe's astonishing vocals, the mood is one of celebration and dance. The range of material is also diverse, with a samba-school temperament evident on the stunning "Recomendacion." Studio banter and an ebullient vocal choir bring home the beautiful "Tranquilidad." An incendiary "Cantemos" speaks volumes in terms of Lavoe's credentials as one of the greatest salsa singers ever.

Tracks and Personnel

El Rey Bravo

Tracks: Malanga Con Yuca; Oye Cómo Va; Tokyo De Noche; Tombola; Traigo El Coco Seco; Africa Habla; Batacumba; La Pase Gozando; Tito Suena El Timbal; Donde Vas; Gato Miau, Miau.

Personnel: Tito Puente: leader and timbales; Johnny Pacheco: flute; Bobby Rodriguez: bass; Jose Manguel, Jr.: bongos.

Asalto Navideño Vol.2

Tracks: Pescao (Potpourri Sambao); Recomendación; La Banda; Doña Santos; Cantemos; Pa' Los Pueblos; Arbolito; Tranquilidad.

Personnel: Willie Colon: leader and trombone; Yomo Toro: cuatro; Hector Lavoe: vocals.