Search - Tito Puente :: The Complete 78's Vol. 3

The third volume of Tito Puente's Classic Tico 78 rpm recordings is exhilarating! 40 tracks on two CD's, some of them released for the first time. Here you will find Puente performing with his big band, playing some of the hit tunes that he made famous during the Palladium or Mambo, like 'Mambo Inn,' and 'Mambo with Me.' This set includes the participation of vocalist Gilberto Monroig. In 1951 Tito Puente was looking for a singer in his orchestra to substitute for singer Vicentico Valdes and Puente offered Monroig the job. Monroig sang for two years with Puente and cut many 78 RPM records. Monroid is best known for the quality of his romantic voice in boleros (ballad), but in this collection we get to appreciate his vocal versatility. Beyond a handful of boleros, Monroig sings fiery Mambos and Cha-Cha-Cha's such as 'Bam Baram Bam' and 'The Silver Star.' The genius of Tito Puente is evident throughout. Puente's Latin big band sounds like none. He was always experimenting with new material. Good examples are the oriental subtle references in 'Confucius Mambo' and the Mambo reconstruction of the Juan Tizol Latin Jazz standard in 'Caravan Mambo.' A true collectors and Latin enthusiast classic.