Reviews (3)

Don't waste your time, this is a must !!!!!!!
For anybody who loves Salsa or African music. This guy is unbelievable, an African that can sing Salsa better than any South American ! it's impossible ! You better believe it ! A must-have for lovers of Congolese or Cuban music!
This CD presents a magnificent, seamless blend of dance-able Cuban and Congolese sounds (leaning a little more towards the Cuban on most tracks). From the stellar guitar work of Cameroonian guitarist Louis Wasson to thelively flute work of Nino Jesus Alejandro, this album never ceases toplease and amaze.Blazing congas, powerful horns, fantastic guitars, andsoulful vocals make this music come alive and will get your feet moving!

thsi music is full of fire and passion. that cant be matched
the music that is presented in this amazing cd is filled with a fullspectrum of various cultures.Ranging from hot latin beats to africanhigh-life.This multi-cultural cd will most definately appeal to manywalks of life.The name of the cd is Tata Masamba.Alone that song willsurely go platinum.Ricardo is a multi lingual artist and excells atgrasping the attention of the different societies of languages in which heblows his tune.I personally have been honored to have seen this groupperform on many occaions.Not only do they sound great but they also puton an amazing and exciting show. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Afro-Cuban    3. Afro-Pop    4. Cha-Cha    5. Congo    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Mambo    8. Pop    9. Rhumba    10. Soukous    11. World Beat    12. World Music    13. Zaire   

Editorial Review

The septuagenarian Cuban singer Omara Portundo is the lone female crooner ofthe famed Read more

Reviews (3)

Warm, jazzy vocals
�Warm, jazzy vocals by Omara Portuondo imbed FLOR DE AMOR with a powerful bossa nova and easy listening Latin beat.
Every track a gem
I've been carrying this CD from my car to the house (and back again) for the last 3 weeks. The backup singers will seduce you. Most noticeable is the sound of the instrumentalists, and in particular the delicate nuances they afford and, in general, how INCREDIBLY GOOD it all sounds together. If one is to assume that artist's albums are supposed to improve, in general, over time, then this is in my opinion Mme Portuondo's best to date. This is the sort of album that makes you say (even so soon after its release)

Definite Grammy Nominee
Omara Portuondo's voice would make any song sound good. What this CD lacks in guest stars, Omara makes up for it with some great classic Cuban songs and brazilian influenced arrangements. She even sings the last track partly in Portuguese.As with all these Cuban albums recorded in the EGREM studios, there is a unique sound the old studio environment leaves on the recorded works. This is a great album by the only woman of the Buena Vista Social Club, not too many members are left, enjoy this CD from one of the survivors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bolero    2. Cuba    3. Cuban    4. Int'l & World Music    5. Latin    6. Mambo    7. Rhumba    8. Son   

Features

• Import

Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Big Band Latino    3. Cuba    4. Latin    5. Mambo    6. Mexico    7. Salsa    8. Tropical   

Reviews (2)

Classic tracks
This is the best Perez Prado album available. It has all the originals which were the best. Great sound considering the originalhits (Mambo No.5, Mambo No.8, Que rico el mambo) were recorded in 1950. Ignore the first review that was written by someone who knows little about Perez Prado.

Poorly mastered, amateur mix
Only die hard fans of Prado or folks with no appreciation for a good sounding CD will dig this album. Each track has a different volume and quality level ranging from transistor radio to hifi. BUT, if you want to hear him at his best but can do without Cherry Blossom Pink, check out the CD 'PREZ' The Mambo King, Vol. 1 [Original recording remastered]. It's fantastico and sounds so good it's hard to believe it was recorded in '57. You will feel as if you are driving the strip in Miami in an old convertible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Band Latino    2. Latin    3. Mambo    4. Salsa/Merenge    5. Tropical   

Editorial Review

The dictum "art transcends politics" is aurally illustrated on thisrecording, which chronicles a seven-day get-together in Havana withAmerican, English, and Cuban musicians in 1999. It boasts a broad range ofartists--from blues rockers Bonnie Raitt and smooth jazz saxophonist DaveKoz, to their lesser-known Cuban counterparts like Yadira Lopez, CarlosAlfonso, and Rey Guerra.On "Vacilon," Gladys Knight and Edesio Alejandromerge African-American soul and the Afro-Cuban Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Subjects:  1. Afro-Cuban    2. Jazz    3. Latin    4. Latin Soul    5. Mambo    6. Neo-Soul    7. Rock/Pop    8. Smooth Soul    9. Son    10. Soul   

Reviews (6)

Strongly Recommended
The musical selections on this compilation range from early field recordings of son montuno, its antecedents and variants (including an example of chang��) through to the sextetos, septetos, conjuntos, orquestas and big bands. Each track makes for enjoyable listening and illustrates something unique and important to the development of this wonderful Cuban art form.
This is it! Cuban Music Central!
I've been introduced to Cuban music by BVSC, a few years ago. My wife is aprofessional musician and we love the rythms of Carribean and esp. Cubanmusic. Since them, I've had a chance to delve more into Cuban music, whichI adore, and even travel to Cuba with a professional percussionist whoworked with such musicians as Riccardo Egues (hi Andy!) One of the two best Cuban discs in existence
Along with "el son es el mas sublime," this is the other disc you must own if you like the whole BVSC thing.Unlike BV, these are the original recordings, but if you don't buy these CD's before they go out ofprint, you may never be able to hear authentic Cuban music from the 30'sand 40's.Every song is a classic.I like para bailar el montuno myself,but every song is great.The notes are helpful and the selectionunbeatable.Truly a superlative disc.One of the few Cuban discs thatshowcases all the various country styles:guajira, changui, son and sonmontuno. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20's    2. 30's    3. 40's    4. 50's    5. 60's    6. 70's    7. Afro-Cuban    8. Conjunto    9. Cuba    10. Cuban    11. Int'l & World Music    12. Latin Continuum    13. Mambo    14. Pop    15. Salsa    16. Son    17. Sonero    18. Tropical    19. World    20. World Music   

Reviews (6)

Classic Latin Magic
Great selections, great sound; hard to believe these weren't original stereo recordings.
Excellente!
Just got this today and it's exactly what I hoped for! The other reviewers were on the mark! The earlier Cugat orchestration and arrangements are so lovely and evocative.I'm a sucker for the sound of old recordings--these are from the 30's--they just had a warmth that is lost as recording equipment improved.But I still must get something with Besame Mucho . . .

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, KID
This compilation of Cugat recordings from 1935-1946 is one of the "sexiest" CD'S my collection.If you're a fan of many Hollywood films of that period these arrangements will send chills up your spine. Close your eyes and you're sitting at the Waldorf Bar in white tie with Bogie or George Raft; or you're an OSS agent sitting in a South American cabaret with Andrea King keeping one eye on Conrad Veidt and the other on Akim Tamiroff. The tunes are familiar and haunting.You may not remember the titles but you'll recognize the music of that genre.Several vocals by Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore add to your listening delight.The slow samba "BAIA" is an elixir with greater power than Viagra. The other rumbas, congas and tangos are superb; Cugat's distinctive rhythmic arrangements cast a hypnotic spell on the listener. Buy this album! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Cuban Jazz    2. Big Band    3. Cha-Cha    4. Instrumental Pop    5. Latin    6. Latin Jazz    7. Latin Music    8. Lounge    9. Mambo    10. Rhumba    11. Tropical   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (21)

Funny and Original Songs!!
I find this CD very interesting to listen to!! I could not believe that the person who produced and compiled this album was none other than Weird Al Yankovic!! That was a cool surprise!! The very first sonng on this CD is comical and excellent to dance to!!!! The other songs bring me back lots of memories when Lucy was doing her funny routines on the show!! I find this CD very enjoyable to Lucille Ball fans!!!!

Babalu Music!
I have just purchased this cd.If you like the music on I Love Lucy, you will just LOVE this cd!!My favorites are Cuban Pete and We're Having A Baby.If you like latin or cuban music, this is the cd to buy!

I love this cd so much
This is a must have for all diehard Lucy fans, or even just casual fans. This cd will bring back all the great memories from the show...and plus, Desi is just a great musical artist. I love, love, love this cd... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 50's    2. Latin    3. Popular Music    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores    6. Television Soundtrack   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

His most comprehensive anthology to date.
Tito Rodriguez was undeniably and undoubtedly THE best bolero singer of all time. His ultra-smooth voice, perfect diction and overall class and elegance put him in a class all by himself. His romantic boleros remain both timeless and as relevant today as they were when originally recorded. This mostly-superb collection focuses primarily on boleros with a few uptempo dance tracks thrown in for variety's sake. My only complaint is that such beauties as "Tu Panuelo", "Embrujo Antillano", "Quien Lo Diria", "Razon" and "Besar" were left out. This is still one (double) CD you'll want to pump up REAL LOUD as you cruise down the avenue, boulevard or freeway as it's REAL MUSIC --undeniably!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bolero    2. Charanga    3. Cuban Jazz    4. Latin    5. Latin Pop    6. Latin Pop/Rock    7. Mambo    8. New York Salsa    9. Salsa    10. Tropical    11. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Similar in scope and tone to Putumayo's Read more

Reviews (8)

Not particularly memorable
I stopped listening to this album a loooong time ago.It was taking up space,so I traded it in.
Fantastic fun
Lovely, lilting music that's also sophisticated and fun. If this is what Cape Verde sounds like, I want to live there! Of the Putumayo CDs I own, one of my definite favourites.

Very enjoyable...good intro to music from cape verde
I found this to be a most enjoyable CD.Its very rich in flavor that good international music has.Far from the 'hollowness' of some of the manufactured pop that we often get in the U.S. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cape Verde    2. Int'l & World Music    3. Latin Continuum    4. Mambo    5. Morna    6. Pop    7. World Beat Collections    8. World Music    9. Worldbeat   

Editorial Review

This remastered retrospective gathers together choice recordings from Tito Puente's greatest decade: the 1950s. Puente brought big-band jazz to traditional Afro-Cuban music and fostered an American craze for Cuban music, which originated in Puente's native New York City. Read more

Reviews (7)

Increible calidad de sonido para un album tan viejo
Yo he comprado varios albumes de musica latina classica, para poder entender mejor la evolucion de la musica.Este disco sin una duda tiene el mejor sonido que he oido que haya sido grabado hace tanto tiempo.Parte de la razon es que consiguieron las grabaciones originales para conseguir el mejor sonido posible.
Very impressive
I started getting into 50's Latin music about a year ago, and this cd made it's way to me. It's at times soothing and at times infectiously energetic. I dance to this cd while cooking or getting dressed - it's one of those cd's you dance to no matter what you're doing. Great big band, hip-shakin' stuff.

The Best of Tito Puente Vol 1
To the writer Karen Tito Puente is not Cuban, he is Puerto Rican. This CD is the best. Never judge a CD by its cover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Cuban Jazz    2. Big Band Latino    3. Cuban Jazz    4. Latin    5. Latin Continuum    6. Latin Jazz    7. Latin Music    8. Latin Pop    9. Leader    10. Mambo    11. Salsa    12. Tropical   

Editorial Review

Fittingly, Tito Puente's final album (save for a collaboration with Eddie Palmieri) finds the great bandleader-percussionist taking a young audience into the past with an in-concert set of classics including the title track, "Ban Ban Quere," and, of course, "Oye Como Va." The energy never wanes as Puente visits his many styles ("Cha Cha Cha Mambo," for one) and tempos. Particularly hot is the percussive breakdown on "Guaguanco Margarito," which is both smashing and subtle in the way of only the very finest jazz. "I'm gettin' to ya!" the ebullient Mambo King exclaims more than once between songs; he sounds as if he were just as pleased as in the midcentury years he spent inventing this music. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (9)

five star all the way
I have worn out, if possible, two cd's.I am an avid lover of latin music, danced many a year at the Palladium listening to the likes of Tito.Was so happy for the CD.All of it is superb.Ran can can, oh my goodness.Dance until you have cramps or as Tito puts it, "have an ambulance for me after this one.He will always be the MAMBO KING.His mucical timing, you can't get any better. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!

Amazing, entrancing, brings back such memories...
It's no mystery why this won a grammy when it was released.It's absolutely stunning.Tito Puente never really failed to please, even when he was experimenting with his sound during the halcyon days of 110 st in Spanish Harlem - when much salsa and latin jazz took on a decidedly psychedlic feel a la the Lebron Brothers and much of what Fania/Allegre was putting out.Even though Tito looked down on much of that Boogaloo vibe, he dipped his hands into it a time or two as well.Even then, he struck gold.
Get up and dance!
I am something of a neophyte to Latin music, and I'm glad I started with this record.The enthusiastic playing and intricate rhythms make it almost impossible to remain in one's chair while listening.One is inspired to get up and move.The ensemble playing is outstanding and the energy is palpable and infectious.This group gets into a groove and never gets out.Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Cuban Jazz    2. Big Band Latino    3. Cuban Jazz    4. Jazz    5. Latin    6. Latin Continuum    7. Latin Jazz    8. Latin Music    9. Latin Pop    10. Leader    11. Mambo    12. Salsa   

Reviews (4)

Happy Happy Joy Joy
What can one say! Nana can do no wrong. Each new recording is unique in it's own way. This album is a lot of fun to listen to. Very upbeat and intimate. You can tell just by listening to the album that they had a lot of fun recording it. It's fresh and alive, very untypical when compared to so many studio recordings these days. Nana's voice is also very well suited for the Spanish Language. All of her Spanish recordings are excellent.

Stunning!
The international chanteuse brings her sound up to date for this stunning release. Samples boleros and latin sound bytes are all utilised in an effort to keep with the times and it all makes for a moody, sultry latin sound that compliments Nana's vocals perfectly. "Piel Canela" and "Me Voy Pa'l Pueblo" are flawless. "Despierta Agapi Mou" is a perfect mesh of Greek and Latin Sound and "Espinita" and "No Me Quiras Tantos" display Nana's perfect vocal abilities, more than any fan of Nana's would have imagined possible! The finest moment come on the very intimate "Besame Mucho"! This album is a smashing success!

Fantastic new latin album
I always thaught that latin music is very suitable for Nana Mouskouri and she showed us already in the past years that also in this field she is one of the rare artists who are able to do magic. Her ability do adopt a style of music, a language, a feeling, a spirit is simply fascinating. With this new album the latin Ms. Mouskouri showed once again what a talent she is and how much she learned and developped with all the years in the music scene. The album regroups twelve of the most beloved bolero themes which everyone knows who is interested a bit in this kind of music. Song number thirteen is a welcome new version of one of her early Greek songs with new Spanish lyrics. The production of the album is wonderful and spirit and joy are very well captured on it. I only can gratulate Ms. Mouskouri for how graceful she continous her way in her long career. My favourite songs on this album are wonderful versions of Besame Mucho, Piel Canela, Angelitos Negros and Usted. Very good also Me Voy Pa'l Pueblo and Bachata Rosa and not to forget the old Greek song with a new latin sound Despierta Agapi Mou. No me quieras tanto and Piensa en mi are in my opinon the weaker points in this album but all in all this is one of the best Mouskouri productions in years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Bolero    3. Cabaret    4. Latin    5. Latin Music    6. Latin Pop    7. Mambo    8. Mexico    9. Spain    10. Torch Songs    11. Vocal    12. Vocal Pop    13. World Music   

Features

• Live

Reviews (12)

UNBELIEVABLE!!!
THIS CD ROCKS!!! Recorded live at Lincoln Center in 1999. If you missed this concert, fear not. Just listen to this CD and you're there. My favorites are La Dicha Mia, Quimbara and Bemba Colora. The colaborations with the Great Tito Puente, La India(her god-daughter) and the fabulous Johnny Pacheco are genius, just like her. This CD is a total spirit lifter. You'll want to take Salsa dance lessons just to keep up. To be able to achieve the feeling of actually being there live on a CD is a total gift. Very well engineered.

A joy of latin music / Una joya de la musica latina !
Incredible CD, her voice sounds like a trumpet singing with a deep, warm and colorfull sound, with precission and feeling.
Not my favorite.
I was disappointed.The CD doesn't have the type of Salsa music that would make me want to dance. Bummed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cuba    2. Latin    3. Latin Continuum    4. Latin Jazz    5. Latin Music    6. Latin Pop    7. Mambo    8. Salsa    9. Salsa/Merenge    10. Son    11. Tropical    12. Vocals   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Subjects:  1. Big Band Latino    2. Bolero    3. Cuba    4. Cuban    5. Latin    6. Mambo    7. Rhumba    8. Son    9. Sonero    10. Tropical   

Reviews (4)

great salsa
Africando is just fantastic,really much better than the majority of actual salsa groups.Just can't get enough and keep on playing.Thanks Rafael E.Rodriguez

I'm hooked.
I have all five of Africando's CDs and I'm waiting for the next one. Give a listen.

outstanding lyrics and rhythms!!
A very pleasant surprise for those new to African salsa...very well known band from Senegal and popular in the New York City latin salsa clubs.These guys will make you want to get dancing and moving to smooth salsabeats!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Afro-Pop    3. Cha-Cha    4. Int'l & World Music    5. Mambo    6. Pop    7. Salsa    8. Salsa/Merenge    9. Son   

Reviews (2)

Nostalgia Done Well!!
The music on this CD is extremely well produced.Nostalgia from early music, the vocals performed in orginal spanish by early spanish stars of their day.
Xavier Cugat--a classic film favorite!
If you have watched a lot of classic films from the 40s you have probablyseen Xavier Cugat and his band appearing in some of them (like "A DateWith Judy," "Mexican Holiday," and some of the EstherWilliams movies).You will also have heard some of the music from this CD. If you like the latin nightclub scenes from 40s classic films, you willprobably like this CD as well.Sure, the music seems kind of campy now,but listening to this CD is kinda relaxing -- a remnant from a simpler time(at least on celluloid).Tune into that Hollywood Golden Era vibe.Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Cuban Jazz    2. Big Band    3. Cha-Cha    4. Instrumental Pop    5. Jazz    6. Latin    7. Latin Jazz    8. Lounge    9. Mambo    10. Rhumba    11. Tropical   

Reviews (1)

TENEMOS TODA LA MUSICA CUBANA AQUI
TENEMOS TODA LA MUSICA CUBANA AQUI EN LA PUENTE DE CALIFORNIA 626 968 3666 LLAMENOS. ESTAMOS 15806 AMAR ROAD EN LA PUENTE ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Charanga    2. Cuba    3. Cuban    4. Latin    5. Latin Music    6. Mambo    7. Salsa    8. Son    9. Tropical   

Features

• Import

Subjects:  1. Big Band Latino    2. Cuban    3. Latin    4. Mambo    5. Rhumba    6. Son    7. Tropical   

Reviews (2)

Summer Cruisin' Music
Somehow I got the bug in my bonnet that I had to fill my CD collection with inordinate amounts of lounge music. So as I was flipping through the disks at my local used CD store, I ran across an entry in the Ultra-Lounge series as well as this accidental goodie tucked away like a dirty little secret. At first I was going to pass it by, but I caved and threw it in with the stack of other lounge goodies I found. I wasn't dissappointed. I can't wait for the weather to heat up so I can crank this in the car and cruise. The title says it all, Latin Rhythmns in Hi-Fi indeed. If this music doesn't get to you, then I'm afraid you have no soul. Don't be a square, if you run across this collection, pick it up. If you don't I'm afraid there's no hope for you daddy-o.

Take in small doses
Not the strongest title in this series, the music on this CD is a bit too frenetic for background music, too obscure for casual fans of Latin exotica. This CD is certainly enjoyable in measured doses, but 14 straight tracks of ping-ponging stereobongos and timbales can be a bit wearing. Since Amazon hasn't listed the performers, here they are (by track numbers) : 1. Augie Colon, 2. Miguelito Valdez and His Orch. with Machito and His Afro-Cubans, 3. Xavier Cugat featuring Lina Romay, 4. Yma Sumac, 5. Hugo Montenegro, 6. Perez Prado, 7. John Buzon Trio, 8. Lenny Dee, 9. Orizaba and His Orch., 10. Richard Hayman, 11. Sir Julian, 12. Hugo Montenegro, 13. Belmonte and His Afro-American Music, 14. Duke Ellington. Spectacular cover, by the way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 50's    2. 60's    3. Big Band    4. Cocktail    5. Cuba    6. Latin    7. Latin Pop    8. Latin Pop/Rock Collections    9. Lounge    10. Mambo    11. Popular Music    12. Rock    13. Space Age Pop    14. United States of America