Cuban Carnival
Maestro Ernest "Tito" Puente has more than 100 titles under his name, some truly excellent, and none better thanCuban Carnival. Recorded in 1955 and 1956 with an orchestra powered by a rhythm section that included bona fide stars such as Mongo Santamaria, Carlos "Patato" Valdez, and Candido Camero on percussion,Cuban Carnivalshows Puente at the top of his game, pushing the standards of the music but never forgetting the dancers on the dance floor. The excitement of "Pa'Los Rumberos" (later revisited by Santana), the elegance and muscle of the cha cha cha "Que Sera," or the rootsy flavor of "Elegua Chango" and "Oye Mi Guaguanco" come through clearly--and the arranging needs no apologies. It still sound modern. This is Puente at his best.--Fernando Gonzalez