Various Artists - The Best Of The Mambo Vol. 1 (RCA)

It's a tough task to live up to the title, but this RCA collection spans the handful of artists who meant most to the mambo during the '50s: Pérez Prado, Beny Moré, Tito Puente, Machito, Tito Rodriguez, and Noro Morales. The track listing is stellar as well, gathering Prado's "Mambo No. 5" and "The Peanut Vendor," Moré's "Babarabatiri" and "Que Bueno Baila Usted," Morales' "Maracaibo," Machito's "Zambia," and Puente's "Hong Kong Mambo." Collecting 14 tracks is a greater accomplishment than most other latin compilations, and The Best of the Mambo, Vol. 1 is quite a cheap purchase as well. If you're looking for a short, sharp collection of high-energy mambo, this is it, bar none. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

Name Credits Aldemaro Romero Performer Alejandro Vivar Trumpet Alvaro Farfan Concept Arturo Azenzer Piano Beny Moré Vocals, Performer Bruce Hailstalk Tape Vault Research Dave Kurtzer Sax (Baritone) Dick Baxter Remastering Domingo G. Echevarria Sequencing, Compilation, Concept, Remastering Eddie Eddings Tape Vault Research Generoso "El Tojo" Jiménez Arranger, Trombone Harry Sepulveda Compilation, Sequencing Joe Carioca Guitar Jose Hernandez Arranger Lenny Hambro Sax (Alto) Leslie Johnakins Sax (Baritone) Machito Performer Mario Bauzá Musical Director Maynard Ferguson Trumpet Noro Morales Arranger, Piano, Performer Pérez Prado Arranger, Performer Rafael de la Paz Performer Tito Puente Performer, Arranger, Xylophone Tito Rodriguez Vocals, Performer Vicentico Valdés Performer