Tito Puente: Party With Puente!

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: October 1, 2000

A compilation from nine Concord Picante sessions, Party With Puente! includes selections from the following albums:

Out of this World
El Rey
Mambo Diablo
Un Poco Loco
Salsa Meets Jazz
On Broadway
Goza me Timbal
Master Timbalero
Mambo of the Times

Covering the period 1983-94, the albums feature strong Latin jazz performers such as congueros Francisco Aguabella & Jose Madera, trumpeters Jerry Gonzalez, Charlie Sepulveda & Ray Vega, pianists Jorge Dalto and Sonny Bravo, and saxophonists Mario Rivera, Mike Turre & Bobby Porcelli. Part of Puente’s lasting appeal lies in the fact that he (1) never became predictable, and (2) carried on a high-energy performance every time out. Concord’s compilation bears witness to this testimony.

Edgardo Miranda, the featured guitar soloist for "On Broadway," provides a stellar performance with Puente’s smaller ensemble. "Killer Joe" and "Descarga" stand out for their "killer" piano and baritone saxophone solos, respectively, along with Puente’s big band. As solo vibraphonist for his cha cha cha "Azu Ki Ki," the leader sets up a passionate mood for an earth-shaking improvisation from his pianist. Again on vibes for "Guajira Soul," Puente trades fiery fours with flute. Of the four selections featuring the leader’s powerful timbale tirades, "Take Five" offers the most energy. Can you mambo in five? Thousands have.

Track Listing: Descarga; Oye Como Va; Take Five; Killer Joe; Ran Kan Kan; Guajira Soul; Salsa Caliente; On Broadway; Lambada Timbales; Azu Ki Ki; Things to Come.

Record Label: Concord Music Group
Style: Latin/World