This is the second volume of one of the most important musical projects undertaken by the Fania label. The classic Tico 78 RPM recordings of Tito Puente are made available in digital quality and with the informative liner ... more »notes of Joe Conzo (a confidant and historian' of the late "King of Latin Music" Tito Puente.) The 40 tracks are from the early period of Puente's musical career, when he wrote and performed some of his best material. This release makes a good argument for the history of Afro-Cuban based dance music being separated into two periods, before Puente and after Puente. The King's arranging skills are remarkable for its time. Only Puente can find so many different and interesting ways to play the mambo, as in "Calypso Mambo," "Mambo En Blues," "El Mambo Diablo," "Mambo Night," "Mambo Birdland" and "Mambo Mist." Listen to Puente's Latin transformation of jazz standards, such as "Autumn Leaves," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "What Is This Thing Called Love." One of the greatest ever documentaries of maestro Puente.« less
This is the second volume of one of the most important musical projects undertaken by the Fania label. The classic Tico 78 RPM recordings of Tito Puente are made available in digital quality and with the informative liner notes of Joe Conzo (a confidant and historian' of the late "King of Latin Music" Tito Puente.) The 40 tracks are from the early period of Puente's musical career, when he wrote and performed some of his best material. This release makes a good argument for the history of Afro-Cuban based dance music being separated into two periods, before Puente and after Puente. The King's arranging skills are remarkable for its time. Only Puente can find so many different and interesting ways to play the mambo, as in "Calypso Mambo," "Mambo En Blues," "El Mambo Diablo," "Mambo Night," "Mambo Birdland" and "Mambo Mist." Listen to Puente's Latin transformation of jazz standards, such as "Autumn Leaves," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "What Is This Thing Called Love." One of the greatest ever documentaries of maestro Puente.
CD Reviews
This is CD is taken directly from the original 78's
Daniel Medrano | Anaheim, CA | 11/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The previous reviewers obviously didn't tap into the fact that these recordings are taken directly from the original 78's (hence the title). The master tapes of these recordings are long gone so this is the only way you are going to hear these historic/classic songs. People from the "digital age" need to stop being so picky and appreciate the fact that someone was generous enough to lend the original 78's to make this CD. The only other way to hear this music is to buy original copies of the records which are extremely rare and go for hundreds of dollar each. I'm happy with this CD and highly recommend it to hard core fans who care more about content than fidelity."
Warped tone 78's
Music Lover | San Francisco | 09/26/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I am a big fan of Tito Puente and was hoping to hear something beautiful from "The Complete 78's, Vol. 2" but was highly disappointed. I'm sure each of the 78's sounded wonderful when played years ago when fresh from the store, but on this CD they now sound as if they are warped. Very little scratches are heard, but continual playing in and out of speed and key. The songs are super; Puente and his band were obviously the masters of Afro-Cuban Jazz. So if you are purchasing this CD to get an understanding of his complete repertoire this might be an album for you, but for the sound, you must be willing to survive this dramatic change of tone. Maybe my one star was one to many for in some songs the tone almost makes me cringe."
Not the best, but I'm thankful for it
Steve Sando | Northern California | 12/02/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Some of the audio is really bad, but I suspect this is because of lost or damaged masters, not remastering. And compared to the first volume, the material is less consistent, starting off with some really dire tracks with the really dire DeCastro Sisters. Things don't really get back on track until Disc 2 of this set, which is far superior.
I wouldn't be without these discs but they are really for fans, not casual listeners."
Wow! Great music!
El Cubanito "Ed" | 02/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Considering that some of these came from 78 copies instead of original masters, it's still one heck of a collection. The "Master" takes are great! Those of us blessed enough to remember these as they sounded then, can appreciate this collection for what it is and the effort it took to compile. I have copies of some of these and am glad to hear "fresher" copies than mine. Many thanks for this reissue. They can still make your feet move! Any "lovers" out there will truly appreciate tracks like "La Gloria Eres Tu". As soon as spring arrives, look out. Mambo party, here you come!"
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1