Various
Mamey Colorao
In this series we bring in some of the names of the Latin Bands based in New York between the 40s and 60s and other recordings done in Cuba by Orquestas or Conjuntos likes Felix Chappotin, Jose Curbelo, La Playa Sextet that were a big influence for the Latinos in New York. We are talking about musicians of the stature of Eddie Palmieri, Mongo Santamaria, Noro Morales, Francisco Aguabella, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader or Machito. A guarachar!! We keep on guarachando! "Mamey Colorao", a well known composition by Peruchin Justiz is the album title of 3rd volume from "AfroCuban Roots of Boogaloo" compilation series of "Zombie Club" by Grosso Records, performed by Tito Puente and later covered on a more electric version by "OCHO". Side A opens out a variety of more traditional Cuban numbers such as "No tiene telarana" by Jose Curbelos Orquesta, "Baile Suavito" a heavy duty tune by Orquesta Aragon and a very well known cha-cha-cha "Rico Vacilon" by Rosendo Ruiz Quevedo on the inimitable voice of Machito and his Afrocubans. "Garbage Mans Chachacha (La Basura)" by La Playa Sextet highlights an electric guitar sound that anticipates the fusion of the traditional and the new sounds that would lead into the "Boogaloo" and "Salsa". A couple of "Son Montuno" round off the A side, "Quimbombo" by Orquesta de Felix Chappotin with the legendary Miguelito Cuni and "La Bolita" with a double entendre of Bimbi and his Trio Oriental. Noro Morales opens the B side with "Vitamina" a traditional mambo followed by "Palo Mayombe" , a pachanga rhythm with a distinctive afro sound of Mongo Santamaria. "El Gavilan" on an exquisite version by Eddie Palmieri on piano and an outstanding brass section that would years later identify the Fania All Stars sound. The last three tracks bring about a turning point on the concept of the album: "Wachi Wara" by Dizzie Gillespie on a Latin Jazz vein performed by the always modern and elegant Cal Tjader, "Titoro" by Tito Puente on a version with a Brazilian vibe at times interpreted by vibraphonist Bobby Montez and to finish off, Francisco Aguabella with "Shirleys Guaguanco", a jazzy tune with a traditional guaguanco rhythm and sound on the congas and bongo with a final Coro reminiscent of the very Cuban "rumba de solar". Amigos, once again, we invite you to listen and dance to these great songs that dont go out of fashion.