You can also buy and/or listen to each individual track:
TITO PUENTE
THE EARLY BIRDLAND YEARS
1951-1956
Well, folks, my dream has finally come true; the live recordings of the King of Latin Music, Tito Puente, are now available on this CD and in upcoming CD's soon to be released. This is a first in a series of live recordings by Tito Puente from the early 50's to the 90's when he met his untimely death. Might I add that many of these recordings are from private collectors who have come to realize that these recordings are very important for the better part of our culture? Today's generation has little concept who Machito, Tito Rodriguez, or Tito Puente were. With this CD you will get a better understanding as to why Tito was called the king. Of the nine tunes on this CD, Tito composed six of them, which I consider classics among the 600 he composed throughout his career.
The first tune is a tribute to the famous NY night club, Birdland, entitled "Mambo Birdland", performed at the height of the Mambo era. This is followed by "Ran Kan Kan", which was recorded for RCA on November 23 1949. This was Tito's first international hit. This is followed by another classic, "Babarabatiri", sung by a young Vicentico Valdes. Next is the "Cal Miller Mambo", where you can hear lots of Jazz phrases that Tito was known for. "Autumn Leaves" features The King on vibes; Tito was the first to play vibes in Latin music. "Esy" is a tribute to the late Esy Morales, who happened to be bandleader Noro Morales' brother and considered one of the greatest flautists of his time. "Mambo Inn" is the National Anthem of the Mambo era, followed by another Tito gem called "Mambo City". The CD closes with Tito and Mongo Santamaria on the haunting "Mambo Diablo."
Enjoy in Peace,
Joe Conzo
Music Historian
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