Tito Puente Mambo Diablo CD

Although he was never inactive, the 1980s found Tito Puente in a bit of a renaissance. His exciting Afro-Cuban jazz band had found a home on the Concord Picante label, and his music was increasing in popularity again. This particular CD has a stronger than usual repertoire, including "Take Five," "Lush Life" (done as Latin jazz), "Pick Yourself Up" and "Lullaby of Birdland"; the latter song has its composer George Shearing guesting on piano. Puente wrote half of the arrangements, contributed some excellent playing on timbales and vibes, and is heard heading a spirited three-horn, three-percussion octet. Very enjoyable music. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at Coast Recorders, San Francisco, California in May 1985. Includes liner notes by Pablo Guzman.

Personnel: Tito Puente (vibraphone, marimba, timbales, percussion); Mario Rivera (fiddle, flute, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jimmy Frisaura (trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone); Ray Gonzalez (trumpet, flugelhorn); George Shearing, Sonny Bravo (piano); Jose Madera (congas, percussion); Johnny Dandy Rodrigues, John "Dandy" Rodriguez, Johnny Rodriguez (bongos, percussion).

Liner Note Author: Pablo Guzman.

Recording information: Coast Recorders, San Francisco, CA.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Tito Puente; Johnny Dandy Rodrigues; Mario Rivera; Ray Gonzalez; Jose Madera; Sonny Bravo; Jimmy Frisaura; Bobby Rodriguez.

Personnel: Tito Puente (vibraphone, timbales, percussion); Mario Rivera (soprano & tenor saxophones, flute); Jimmy Frisaura (trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone); Ray Gonzalez (trumpet, flugelhorn); George Shearing, Sonny Bravo (piano); Bobby Rodriguez (bass); Jose Madera (congas, percussion); Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez (bongos, percussion).