Just as anybody even halfway serious about learning blues must get The Complete Robert Johnson, this set is completely essential to anyone with even a passing interest in Latin music as it has evolved since World War II. B... more »ut this is not a package of dry scholarship. Puente has always been a master of the groove, whether it be mambos, boleros, salsa, or boogaloo. From early selections such as "Mambo Inn" to his recent works on Concord, Puente has always been more than just a showman. The original "Oye como va," included here, simmers at least as hard as Santana's amped excursion. This is a truly wonderful package, pointing up to the strongest points in a career always short on weak points. --Skip Heller« less
Just as anybody even halfway serious about learning blues must get The Complete Robert Johnson, this set is completely essential to anyone with even a passing interest in Latin music as it has evolved since World War II. But this is not a package of dry scholarship. Puente has always been a master of the groove, whether it be mambos, boleros, salsa, or boogaloo. From early selections such as "Mambo Inn" to his recent works on Concord, Puente has always been more than just a showman. The original "Oye como va," included here, simmers at least as hard as Santana's amped excursion. This is a truly wonderful package, pointing up to the strongest points in a career always short on weak points. --Skip Heller
Tito's gonna be dead, and you'll be telling people...
hyland_john | nashville | 01/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i've been listening to him for years! I must admit that line from Stripes and the authorship credit on Abraxas induced me to buy this.I love it! Everyone should have some Tito... You cannot be still while listening to this."
Great Music by The King Of The Mambo
David Hernandez | Valrico, Florida United States | 01/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was the first and only Box Set that I have of "El Rey" and I must say that this boxed set is the greatest collection of music ever recorded it has some great songs including Que Te Pedi, Celia & Tito, Donde Estabas Tu, and Nina Y Senora to name a few. The reason I like this boxed set is because it gave you 50 of the greatest tracks ever made plus it is a great starter for people just getting into latin music or Tito Puente in general. So if you are in the mood to dance then this 3 cd set is for you."
One of the Greatest Percussionists in the World
David Hernandez | 10/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bill Cosby approved! A great boxed set by a great percussionist! Very few musicians have achieved what Mr. Puente has done. Many of contemporary artists are in the music business just to make money, but Mr. Puente does it for the pure joy and excitement of music... oh yeah, the money's good too!"
Tito's the greatest and '50 Years of Swing' proves it.
David Hernandez | 07/16/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"'50 Years of Swing' is a true masterpiece! It is composed of Tito's greatest hits over the past 50 years and some new never-before-released tracks. This set will satisfy anyone, regardless of the kind of music they listen to. It gives you a taste of real music, Tito style. You can't get any better than this."
The definitive Puente collection
hyland_john | 02/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This retrospective is a Latin Jazz/Salsa music lover's dream come true. All of the classics and more. Puente's influence on modern music is immeasurable and this collection shows why. Check out the originator!"