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Tito Puente: The Rough Guide to Tito Puente
You want eccentric? Try "Black Brothers," a slice of Latin blaxploitation soundtracksilly, funky, and endearingly quirky. Much the same assessment can be applied to Puente's "Meditaceo," a version of Jobim that is more Spanish Harlem than Rio in flavor. Then Puente backs that torchiest of Cuban torch singers, La Lupe, on a sexy and hysterically pitched "Jugando Music." And then there's "Oya Como Va," the version Carlos Santana might have sanitized for millions, and a riotous version of "I Could Have Danced All Night," originally from the My Fair Lady Goes Latin album on the Fania label, like most of this material.
Latin music purists will probably turn up their noses at this campy a compilation, which also makes the heretical move of spotlighting Tito's vibraphone playing rather than highlighting his timbales. But look behind and beyond these willfully eccentric choices. You'll hear Latin musical genius at its most inventive, humorous, and entertaining, particularly backing Celia Cruz in an affectionate tribute to Benny More. Tito Puente was a percussion giant in both Latin and jazz contexts, and this collection does justice to his unstoppable energy, sharp intellect, and winsome wit.
Track Listing
Jugando Mama; Mambo Tipico; Penjamo; Malanga Con Yucca; Mas Bajo; Pachito Eche; Fiesta Con Puente; Piano Pachanga; El Que Usted Conoce; Salsa Y Sabor; Black Brothers; Vibe Mambo; En El Cafetal; Los Hermanos Pinzones; Guiro 6/8; TP
Personnel
Tito Puente
drumsTito Puente: percussion, vibraphone; La Lupe, Celia Cruz, Vicento Valdes: vocals; plus various others (unlisted).
Album information
Title: The Rough Guide to Tito Puente | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: World Music Network