Charanga '76 ''No Nos Pararan''

Charanga '76

''No Nos Pararan''
( LP TR Records, 1979 )
Catalog # T.R. 1146
--Re-Upload--

Tracklisting & Hide Credits:
A1No Nos Pararan - Ain't No Stopping Us Now
Lead Vocals – Hansel, Raul
Composed By – McFadden Whitehead
Lyrics By – G.R.H. Feralmar
8:37
A2My Forbidden Lover - Mi Amor Prohibido
Lead Vocals – Carmen, Mayra
Composed By – N. Edwards And B. Rodgers
Lyrics By – G. Fernandez
5:02
A3C-U-B-A Is Cuba
Lead Vocals – Hansel, Raul
Composed By – G.R.H. Feralmar
5:50
B1Good Times - Como Vamos A Gozar
Lead Vocals – Carmen, Myra
Composed By – N. Edwards And B. Rodgers
Lyrics By – G. Fernandez
8:43
B2We Are Family - Somos Familia
Lead Vocals – Carmen, Mayra
Composed By – N. Edwards And B. Rodgers
Lyrics By – G. Fernandez
6:43

Notes & Credits:
Format:Vinyl, LP, 33 1/3 RPM, Album
Country:US
Released:1979
Executive Producer – Stanley J. Cohen, Philip DeCarlo
Mixed By – John Ferrara
Producer, Arranged By – Gonzalo Fernandez

Links in comments

Source: Internet

Louie Ramirez & His Latin Jazz Ensemble ''A Tribute To Cal''

Louie Ramirez & His Latin Jazz Ensemble

''A Tribute To Cal''

Originally on Caiman Records, 1986.

Reissued on BGP 1988.

Louie Ramirez with his tribute to Cal Tjader.

Musicians include:

Paquito D’Rivera - sax

Louis Ramirez - vibraphone

Tony Barrero - trumpet

Jose Fajardo - flute

Mario Rivera - flute and saxo

Jose Mangual - percussion

Ray de la Paz - vocals

Nice version of "Milestones"

Tracklisting:

1 Latin Blues

2 Milestones

3 It Could Happen To You

4 Mambo For Cal

5 Soul Sauce

6 Lullaby Of Birdland

7 El Titere

8 Noche De Salsa

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Louie Ramirez ''A Different Shade Of Black''

Louie Ramirez

''A Different Shade of Black''

Salsa 1976

Check this version of "Do it anyway you wanna" by People`s Choice.

Personnel:
Drums - Bernard Purdie
Guitar - Cornell Dupree
Congas - Arthur Jenkins
Percussion - Johnny Rodriguez
Piano - Paul Griffin
Saxophone - Bob Porcelli
Vibraphone, Timbales - Louie Ramirez
Bass - Gordon Edwards, Rasaan Jemmott Mfalme, William Salter
Backing Vocals - Eric Alexander, Liz Lampert, Susan Skye

Tracklisting:
1 Salsa
2 You Need A Man
3 A Different Shade Of Black
4 Latin Rhapsody
5 Laura
6 Do It Any Way You Wanna
7 School
8 Bad Luck
9 Barrio Nuevo
10 If I Should Lose You

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Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers ''Superfreak''

Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers

''Superfreak''

( 1972 LP on Cubop )

Tracklisting:
1 Superfly/Pusherman/Freddie`s dead
2 Judy`s moods
3 Oak Hurst`s Art
4 Scusa Scusa (Why)
5 Don`t mind the tears
6 One more day

Personnel:

Pucho Timbales /Drums

George Michaels-Drums

John Spruill-, Piano (Electric)

Kenny Rodgers-Soprano, Sax (Tenor), Sax (Soprano), Flute

William Bivens-Vibraphone

Al Pazant-Trumpet

Alvin Bunn-Conga

Ernie Adams-Bass (Electric), Bass

Cornell Dupree-Guitar (Electric), Sitar, Guitar

Richard Landrum-Bongos

Ed Pazant-Flute

Marilyn Johnson-Vocals

George Patterson-Arranger

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By Bill

Fabio Fonseca Trio ''Opus Samba''

Fabio Fonseca Trio

''Opus Samba''
(JSR Records, 2007)

Note:
Fabio Fonseca was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1961. He began playing piano at eight and while in his teens he balanced studies of classical music with electric experiments on the Wurlitzer, Fender Rhodes, MiniMoog and Yamaha organ in the company of other young, local musicians.
In 1981, Fonseca was invited by drummer Sergio Naidin to join Nota Vermelha, a band of young locals including future Brazilian pop stars Fernanda Abreau and Leo Jaime. A year later, at the age of 22, Fonseca was invited to play with the funk band, Brylho. Fonseca made his debut as a recording artist in 1985 with his band Cinema-a-Dois, on the national hit "Não Me Iluda" (RCA). His eponymous solo debut was issued by WEA in 1988, right before he joined Ed Motta’s band, where he wrote what became Motta’s signature hit, the funked-out dance floor classic, "Manuel".
The 1992 album, Tradução Simultánea (Philips), featured much of Fonseca’s best work of the time and was notable for the beautiful "A Mulher de 15 Metros", with Luiz Melodia sharing vocal duties and the legendary João Donato providing a sumptuous orchestral arrangement and lyrical piano accompaniment.
Fabio Fonseca spent the rest of the twentieth century’s last decade establishing his credentials as an influential producer for former bandmate Fernanda Abreu and many others including Marina Lima, Luiz Melodia, Edson Cordeiro, and rapper Gabriel O Pensador. His musical work over the last fifteen years also includes many arrangements and dates on a variety of keyboards for such artists as Lulu Santos, Dom Um Romão, João Donato, Ithamara Koorax, Ed Motta, Seu Jorge, and the rock band Paralamas.

Tracklisting:
01.Samba De Nanh
02.To High
03.Vida Vira Vida
04.Dormideira
05.Cochise
06.Traducao Simultanea
07.Samba Da Copa
08.Cantagalo
09.A Mulher De 15 Metros
10.Missing Dom Um
11.Mr Bertrami
12.Pro Rene

Source: The IAJO web site.

The CD was ripped as MP3/320.

Courtesy of Lupo

Ari Borger Quartet ''AB4''

Ari Borger Quartet

''AB4''

Tracklisting:
1 Trip Song
2 Na Pressao
3 Blind Man
4 No Caminho do Bem
5 Nem Vem Miles
6 Senor Blues
7 Acid Groove
8 B3 Solo
9 Blue Monk
10 Tributo a Oscar Peterson
11 Soul GI

Source : Internet
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By Bill

The Latin Jazz Quintet ''Hot Sauce''

The Latin Jazz Quintet

''Hot Sauce''
( LP 1962, Tru-Sound Records )
Catalog # TRU-15003

Tracklisting:
1. Polly's Delight
2. Summertime
3. Blue Moon
4. 'Round Midnight
5. Ain't Dat Right
6. April Afternoon
7. Out of This World

Personnel:
Juan Amalbert Conga, Leader
Bobby Capers Sax (Alto)
Bill Ellington Bass
Artie Jenkins Piano
Jose Ricci Piano

Review by Scott Yanow:
The Latin Jazz Quintet, under the direction of conga player Juan Amalbert, is best-known for backing (and often ignoring) Eric Dolphy during two sessions during 1960-61. This CD reissue, which contains music originally released on two LPs, gives the group an opportunity to star. Their brand of bop-flavored Latin-jazz is pleasing if often bordering on easy-listening. In addition to the leader, this release features altoist Bobby Capers, (on half of the numbers), vibraphonist Willie Coleman, either Jose Ricci or Artie Jenkins on piano, bassist Bill Ellington and Phil Newsom on drums and timbales, giving one a good example of their music.

Courtesy of Bill

The Latin Jazz Quintet ”Latin Soul” Re-Uploaded

The Latin Jazz Quintet

”Latin Soul”
( LP Prestige/New Jazz 1965 )
Catalog # NJ 8231

Tracklisting:
SIDE A
1.Blues waltz
2.Milestones
3.Sunday go meetin’
4.Mambo bobbie
SIDE B
1.Rip a dip
2.Monk’s bread
3.Red top
4.Dilly dali

Personnel:
Juan Amalbert Leader & conga drum
Bill Ellington Bass
Bobby Capers Alto sax
Artie Jenkins Piano
Jose Ricci Piano
Willie Coleman Vibes & melodica
Phil Newsom Drums & timbales

Prestige New Jazz 8321 1965

Original post on the free blog: 24/08/2007

Courtesy of Bill

Assim Assado "Assim Assado"

Assim Assado

"Assim Assado"
( LP CID Records, Brasil, 1974 )
Catalog # 8003

Tracklisting:
1. Viva Crioula
(Miguel de Deus)
2. Na Boca da Estrada
(Miguel de Deus)
3. Até
(Miguel de Deus / Vanir Roberto)
4. Sombras
(Miguel de Deus / Fernando Rangel)
5. Morena
(Miguel de Deus)
6. Pedaços
(Miguel de Deus / Adolfo)
7. Sol Amarelocinza
(Miguel de Deus)
8. Rock Blue
(Miguel de Deus)
9. Sol, Sal, Sol Tropical
(Miguel de Deus)
10. Lunática Marciana
(Miguel de Deus / Marciana)

Review:
The band name and album cover reveal explicitly the impact of: Dry and Wet. Investing in androgyny, progressive rock and samba-soul, Just Baked tried to be a response of small Industrial Company Records to the enormous success that the Dry and Wet made by the young audience. Lead by Miguel de Deus (ex crests), who signed most of the compositions and takes the guitar and vocals, the group never got off the ground, leaving only this single disc, now almost forgotten. Curiosity: In 1977 Michael of God (Miguel De Deus) falls headlong into funk, throwing the very interesting (and rare) "Black Soul Brothers"

By Celo

Reality "Reality"

Reality

"Reality"
( LP Blue Elephant Records, Nederland, 1972 )
Catalog # 855.012 H

Tracklisting:
A1 - Gachero
Written-By - Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , R. Llanero , William Lindfors
A2 - War
Written-By - Leslie Vos , R. Llanero
A3 - Music In My Head
Written-By - A. Monzon , Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , R. Llanero
A4 - Mack One
Written-By - R. Llanero , Reality
A5 - Change The World
Written-By - C. Yang , Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , Leslie Vos , R. Llanero
B1 - Across The Ocean
Written-By - Frank Douglas, R. Llanero , Roel Burnet, William Lindfors
B2 - High Winds
Written-By - Frank Douglas, R. Llanero , Roel Burnet
B3 - Acapulco Gold
Written-By - Frank Douglas, R. Llanero , Roel Burnet
B4 - Guyana Groove
Written-By - A. Monzon , Frank Douglas, Leslie Vos , R. Llanero , Roel Burnet
B5 - Nowhere To Hide
Written-By - C. Yang , Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , R. Llanero , Renold Shearman

Personnel & Credits:
Bass - Jules McDonald
Congas - Roel Burnet
Drums - William Lindfors
Guitar - Frank Douglas
Organ - Glenn Gaddum
Timbales - Rudy Van Wilgen
Vocals - Leslie Vos , Renold Shearman

Review:
One of the best European funk (dutch) in afro brasilian funk groove vein. RAW INSTRUMENTAL FUNK! With So many killer tunes, “Gachero”, “Mack One”, “High Winds”, “Acapulco Gold”… Exist also a brasilian pressing on Polydor out the same year.
Reality band was started in 1970 in Amsterdam by 8 musicians born in Suriname, Curaçao and Aruba. Their first album was released by Dureco - Pink Elephant label. Two years later, on their second album, the group was called "Tony Sherman And Reality". In 1973 T. Sherman went solo with another album, and the group Reality changed for "Solat" name, another great funky Band.

By Celo

Willie Bobo ''Feelin' So Good''

Willie Bobo

''Feelin' So Good''
( LP Verve Records, 1966 )
Catalog # V6-8669

Tracklisting:
A1 Sunshine Superman 2:57
Written By - Donovan
A2 Call Me 2:30
Written By - Hatch
A3 Dichoso 3:17
Written By - Gimenez
A4 Sunny 2:48
Written By - Hebb
A5 Reza 2:50
Written By - Lobo-Buerra
B1 Feelin' So Good 2:58
Written By - Keys
B2 Yesterday 2:04
Written By - Lennon-McCartney
B3 Sockit To Me 3:25
Written By - Keys
B4 Tahiti 1:50
Written By - Thielemans
B5 To Be With You 2:51
Written By - Gimenez-Torres
B6 Li'l Red Riding Hood 3:01
Written By - Kessler-Blackwell

Credits:
Artwork By - Acy R. Lehman
Engineer - Val Valentin
Photography - Ken Whitmore
Producer - Pete Spagro, Teddy Reig

Notes:
Format:Vinyl, LP
Country:US
Released:1966

Review:
One of the Verve albums that focuses on Willie Bobo's talents as a singer -- still very much in the tight Latin Soul style of Willie's other work from the time, but with more vocals on the tracks -- done in Willie's rough-styled soulful mode! Includes the groovers "Feelin' So Good" and "Sock It To Me", plus "Lil Red Riding Hood", "Sunshine Superman", "Call Me", "Dichoso", and "Sunny". Very nice pop Latin soul groove!
Content provided by Dusty Groove America©, Inc. © 1996-2010 (Copyright © 2010, All rights reserved)

By Pier

Amazonas "Amazonas Play Santana"

Amazonas

"Amazonas Play Santana"
( LP Stereo Gold Award Recordings, UK, 1973 )
Catalog # MER 377

Tracklisting:
A1 - Black Magic Woman
Written-By - P. Green
A2 - Oye Como Va
Written-By - Tito Puente
A3 - Amazona
Written By - C. Dobbie , D. Ashanti
A4 - No One To Depend On
Written-By - C. Escobedo, M. Carabella
A5 - Saragossa
Written By - C. Dobbie , D. Ashanti
B1 - Jingo!
Written-By - M. Olatunji
B2 - Samba Pa Ti
Written-By - C. Santana
B3 - Sierra-Do-Mar
Written-By - L. Muller
B4 - Just In Time To See The Sun
Written-By - C. Santana, G. Rolie, M. Shrieve
B5 - Song Of The Wind
Written-By - C. Santana, G. Rolie, M. Shrieve
B6 - Primevil Return
Written-By - L. Muller

Review:
"The pulsating erotic dance rhythms of the best in Afro-Latin percussion. Fluid guitar solos with various spellbinding instrumental colours in a tribute to the hypnotic genius of Santana."
One of the best of Leo Muller albums. Includes a wicked version of "Jingo" and his own track "Sierra Do Mar". Not to mention the hot cover!...

By Celo

Ray Barretto "Eye Of The Beholder"

Ray Barretto

"Eye Of The Beholder"
( LP Atlantic Records, 1977 )
Catalog # SD 19140

Tracklisting:
A1 - Here We Go Again 4:59
Written-By - Joe Sample
A2 - Señor Funk 4:44
Written-By - Marcus Fiorillo
A3 - Eye Of The Beholder 4:25
Written-By - Gil Goldstein
A4 - Salsa-Con-Fusion 6:10
Written-By - Barry Finnerty
B1 - Numero Uno 4:47
Written-By - Wilton Felder
B2 - Expresso 4:05
Written-By - Gil Goldstein
B3 - Leti 6:59
Written-By - Guillermo Edghill
B4 - Tumbao Africano 4:28
Written-By - Ray Barretto

Personnel & Credits:
Artwork By [Art Direction] - Bob Defrin
Artwork By [Cover Photography] - Sunset On Mars, NASA
Bass - Jeff Berlin (tracks: A2, A3, B1 to B4), Wilton Felder (tracks: A1, A4)
Drums - Steve Ferrone (tracks: A2, A3, B1 to B4), Terry Bozzio (tracks: A1, A4)
Drums [Bata] - Angel "Cachete" Maldonado (tracks: B4), Ray Romero (tracks: B4)
Engineer - Lew Hahn (tracks: A2, A3, B1 to B4), Rik Pekkonen (tracks: A1, A4)
Guitar - Barry Finnerty (tracks: A1, A4) , Marcus Fiorillo (tracks: A2, A3, B2, B3)
Guitar [Lead] - Ray Gomez (tracks: B4)
Keyboards - Eddie Martines (tracks: B4), Gil Goldstein (tracks: A2, A3, B2, B3),
Joe Sample (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1, B3)
Percussion - Rafael Cruz (tracks: B3, B4)
Percussion, Congas - Ray Barretto
Producer - Stix Hooper, Joe Sample, Wilton Felder
Saxophone [Bariton, Soprano] - Roger Rosenberg (tracks: A2, A3, B2 to B4)
Saxophone [Baritone] - Bill Green (tracks: A1, A4, B1)
Saxophone [Soprano] - Bill Green (tracks: A1, A4)
Saxophone [Tenor] - Pete Christalieb (tracks: A1, A4, B1),
Todd Anderson (tracks: A2, A3, B2 to B4)
Synthesizer - Clif Carter (tracks: B4)
Timbales - Jimmy Delgado (tracks: B4)
Trombone - Garnett Brown (tracks: A1, A4, B1),
Reinaldo Jorge (tracks: A2, A3, B2 to B4)
Trumpet - Gene Arnold Goe (tracks: A4), Luis "Perico" Ortiz (tracks: B4)

Notes:
Produced for Crusaders Productions, Inc.
Recorded at Hollywood Sond Studios, Hollywood, California, except A1, A4 recorded at Atlantic Studios, New York, New York.
1977 Atlantic Recording Corporation.

Review:
A great little album from Ray even if it is a bit different than some of his other work from earlier years. The feel is kind of 70s R&B, with a jazzy touch, and if you're not looking for straight Latin stuff this is actually a pretty great album as Ray gets the group to work smoothly together, absorbing influences from Latin funk of the 70s, into a sound that owes a lot to more mainstream jazz funk of the time. The record includes the excellent cut "Here We Go Again" a great midtempo number with a perfect steppers groove plus the cuts "Tumbao Africano", "Leti", and "Expresso".
From Dusty Groove America, Inc. (Copyright © 2010, All rights reserved)

By Celo

Gonzalez "Our Only Weapon Is Our Music"

Gonzalez

"Our Only Weapon Is Our Music"
( LP EMI Records, 1975 )
Catalog # EMC 3100

Tracklisting:
A1 Got My Eye On You
A2 Da Me La Cosa Caramba
A3 The Love You've Given Me
A4 Ain't It Funny
A5 Rissoled
B1 Nothing Ever Comes That Easy
B2 Ahwai Five-O
B3 D.N.S.
B4 Love Me, Love Me Not
B5 Our Only Weapon Is Our Music

Personnel & Credits:
Robert Ahwry - Guitar
Bud Beadle - Saxophone
Ron Carthy - Trumpet
Roy Davies - Keyboards
Lance Dixon - Synthesizer
Mick Eve - Saxophone
Ken Freeman - Synthesizer
Steve Gregory - Saxophone
Malcolm Griffiths - Trombone
Preston Heyman - Drums
Gordon Hunte - Guitar
Glen LeFleur - Drums
Godfrey McLean - Percussion
Chris Mercer - Saxophone
Allan Sharpe - Percussion
Larry Steele - Bass
Bobby Stignac - Drums
Viola Wills - Vocals
Lenny Zakatek - Guitar

Review:
Second album by the group, a set of funky tracks with a very clubby groove, between boogie and jazz funk, with lots of tightness, with two great instrumental "Ahwai Five-O" & "Rissoled".

By Celo

The Beaujolais Band ''Mind How You Go''

The Beaujolais Band

''Mind How You Go''

Released worldwide in 1990 on Acid Jazz Records. Features the radio hits "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Old Hat, New Hat"

Tracklisting:
1. Mi Banda Llego (Beaujolais, Perrin, Edwards, Pattman & Pla)
2. A Fine Vintage
3. Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers)
4. Old Hat, New Hat
5. Descarga Na' Ma'
6. Mount Kashima
7. Water Falls
8. So Much For That
9. Killer Joe (Benny Golson)

All tunes written by Roger Beaujolais except where stated.

Featuring:
Roger Beaujolais: vibraphone & marimba
Roland Perrin: piano (not track 9)
Simon Edwards: bass & coro
Pete Eckford: congas
Dave Pattman: bongos, percussion, timbales (track 9) & coro
and guests
Roberto Pla: timbales (tracks 1,5,6,7,8,)
Roy Dodds: drums (tracks 2 & 4)
Alison Limerick: coro
Conal Fowkes: piano (track 9)

Produced and mixed by Simon Edwards, Dave Pattman & Roger Beaujolais. Arranged by the Beaujolais Band. Recorded Oct 1989 & April/May 1990. Released June 1990 on Acid Jazz Records. Catalogue No. JAZID CD24 & JAZID LP24

More info:
The Beaujolais Band (http://www.rogerbeaujolais.com/band.htm)

Not available on the free blog edition.

Courtesy of Bill

The Joe Cuba Sextet ''Wanted Dead Or Alive (Bang! Bang! & Push, Push, Push)''

The Joe Cuba Sextet

''Wanted Dead Or Alive (Bang! Bang! & Push, Push, Push)''
( LP Tico Records, 1966 )
Catalog # SLP 1146

Tracklisting:
A1 Bang! Bang!
A2 Mujer Davina
A3 Oh Yeah
A4 La Malanga Brava
A5 Que Son Uno
B1 Sock It To Me
B2 Asi Soy
B3 Triste
B4 Alafia
B5 Push, Push, Push

Notes:
Pancho Cristal - Producer, Liner Notes
Joe Cuba Sextet - Performer
Format:Vinyl, LP
Country:US
Released:1966

Review:
Wanted Dead or Alive (Bang! Bang! Push Push Push) is part Latin, and part basic Latin soul (boogaloo). The boogaloos are very simple, relying on chants that live crowds could follow easily. In fact, this was a major album that drove the boogaloo dance scene in New York. But while the two title tracks remain essential examples of the idiom, they are quite dated now. Of the rest, "Cocinando" clocks in at nine minutes but is not the tremendous Eddie Palmieri-style jam or descarga one might hope. "Que Son Uno" is the most enduring track. With its hypnotic percussion and vibes, it could have been side-length. A vintage party record, Wanted offers good material in a variety of styles. In hindsight, however, it may be most interesting as a precursor to the masterpiece My Man Speedy.
By Tony Wilds
(AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Biography:
Joe Cuba's music career started with La Alfarona X in 1950. In 1955 the Joe Cuba Sextet came into being and his vibraharp sound caught on. In 1962, when the group recorded "To Be with You" for Seeco Records, the band began to soar to popularity because of Nick Jimenez's arrangements and the vocals of Cheo Feliciano and Jimmy Sabater. When the boogaloo era arrived, the majority of the popular New York bands were put out of work. The Cuba sound changed with its recordings of "El Pito" and "Bang Bang"; it not only sold millions but enabled The Cuba sextet to enjoy the #1 spot in the Latin music world along with the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra.
By Max Salazar
(AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Courtesy of Bill

Ronnie Cuber ''Cubism''

Ronnie Cuber

''Cubism''
( Fresh Sound Records, 1991/2002 )
Catalog # 5033/FSRCD 188

Tracklisting:
1. Arroz Con Pollo (R.Cuber)
2. I Ronic (R.Cuber)
3. Cubism (R.Cuber)
4. Cheetah (R.Cuber)
5. No Smokin' (H.Silver)
6. In A Sentimental Mood (Ellington-Mills)
7. Barra-Cuber (R.Cuber)
8. Ponta Grossa (R.Cuber)

Personnel:
Ronnie Cuber (bs, ts)
Joe Locke (v, kb)
Michael Formanek (b)
Bobby Broom (g)
Ben Perowsky (d)
Carlos Patato Valdez (cgas)

Note:
Recorded in New York City, 1991
Release Date: 11/16/2004

Comments / Reviews:
Ronnie Cuber is without question one of the greatest baritone saxohonists of all time. Composer/arranger and leader of his own groups that goes back to 1959.
Ronald Edward Cuber was born in 1941 in Brooklyn, New York on Christmas Day. While a teenager he played at the 1959 New Port jazz Festival in Marshall Brown's Newport Youth Band and recorded several albums with the band. In fact, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Mr.Brown, because prior to that time Cuber had been concentrating on the tenor saxophone but he had a tenor player and offered Ronnie the baritone chair. George Wein and Gerry Mulligan went to Ponty's in New York and bought him his first baritone the next day.
By 1962 he had recorded with Slide Hampton, then went on to work and record with Maynard Ferguson's band from 1963-65. The following year Ronnie took the jazz world by storm as part of the orginal George Benson Quartet in a swinging hard bop quartet driven by the mighty Hammond B3 organ of Lonnie Smith. The band recorded 4 memorable albums for John Hammond at Columbia Records. After a stint with Lionel Hampton and filling the coveted baritone chair on Woody Herman's Band, Cuber augmented his New York session work by performing and recording with the the great Latin bands of Eddie Palmeri, Charlie Palmeri, Mario Bausa and Mongo Santamaria. Simultaneous to his early tenue with Palmeri, Ronnie was playing alongside and recording with R&B legend King Curtis while and backing Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.
After stints with Lionel Hampton in 1968, Woody Herman's Orchestra in 1969 and as a freelancer he recorded a series of fine albums both as leader and as a sideman for Xanadu. Ronnie performed with Lee Konitz's Nonet from 1977 to 1979 every monday night in New York City and recorded recorded with the Nonet. In the mid 1980's Ronnie recorded for Projazz in both straight-ahead, latin & R&B settings and in the early 1990's he headed dates for Fresh Sound, Steeplechase and Milestones.
In the late 70's he became first call Baritone player on the recording scene in New York City and continued to record with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Eddie Palmeri, Andy & Jerry Gonzalez, vibist Bobby Paunetto and his own albums on Xanadu. In the 90's he recorded three projects for Steeplechase and Fresh Sound records.
Cuber has become increasingly in demand as a clinician and guest artist at university and college music programs around the world. Ronnie's solo performances, composing and arranging artistry and experience in jazz, R&B, funk and Latin music has just taken his career to the next level when he performed for the 5th time in 10 years with the Metropole Orchestra of Holland. He continually draws rave reviews and enthusiastic audiences, whether he appears as leader, with the Mingus Big Band or his labor of love, The Baritone Saxophone Band. His latest project is a very much in demand quartet with organist Lonnie Smith, with whom he has a history that goes back to the 1960's George Benson Quartet.
Ronnie who'd developed a reputation as a soul-jazz man, established himself as a fiery Latin-jazz soloist and eventually earned the kudos as the leading hard-bop stylist among the baritone saxists of his generation. After recording more than 2000 projects; an exciting amalgam of hard bop, soul, R&B and Latin his playing sounds stronger than ever and is instantly recognizable.
From freshsoundrecords.com (Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved)

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Although this date was recorded in 1990, it has only recently been reissued. It is a solid effort. Cuber's the leader, and the date is built around his baritone sax. But the sidemen - Joe Locke on vibes, Michael Formanek on bass, Bobby Broom on guitar, Ben Perowsky on drums and special guest Carlos "Patato" Valdez on congas - all contribute inspired performances, too.
Cubism is not "smooth" jazz, but it's certainly got some smoother elements. And it's not outwardly commercial, but it has a certain accessibility and toe-tapping quality that might make it appealing to listeners who are scared off by rawer and more experimental forms of jazz. It's not a Steve Coleman record, and it's not a Sun Ra record, but if you walked into a club today (and remember, this date is more than ten years old) you'd likely agree there's some good playing going on. There's just a little cheese (the "Cool Jerk" funk groove) and everything is played with a good deal of chops, enthusiasm and energy. Cuber adds two classics (Duke Ellington's “In A Sentimental Mood” and Horace Silver's “No Smokin'”) to a lineup of his originals. “In A Sentimental Mood” is an especially good vehicle for Cuber's dusky, warm baritone sax sound. Drummer Perowsky - a fixture on both the downtown and mainstream jazz scenes - is burning on this (relatively) long-ago date. This record could be an interesting artifact for Perowsky fans. His signature voice and power was already apparent in 1990 - although there is a slight hint of the Dave Weckl/fusion drum school madness from which he emerged. Check the Pat Metheny Travels-era cymbal pinging and Lyle Mays-style synth wash on the last track, which was probably written and produced to be radio-friendly (not that there's anything wrong with that). Thankfully, guitarist Bobby Broom stays away from a Metheny-derivative sound.
This review first appeared in the November 2002 issue of All About Jazz: New York
By Jon Wagner from All About Jazz (Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved)

Courtesy of Bill

Fania All Stars ''Social Change''

Fania All Stars

''Social Change''

Andy's Note:

I purchased this on holiday in Spain 1981, it still has the 250pts sticker on it!
The Fania All Stars with guests Gato Barbieri, Steel Pulse, Eric Gale, David Spinozza, Idris Muhammed.
Plenty of good stuff on this a joy to play almost 30 years on. I hope you agree.

By Andy

The Latin Jazz Quintet/Eric Dolphy ''Caribé''

The Latin Jazz Quintet/Eric Dolphy

''Caribé''
( LP Prestige/New Jazz Records, 1960 )
Catalog # NJLP 8251

Tracklisting:
Sunday Go Meetin'
First Bass Line
Mambo Ricci
Blues In 6/8
Spring Is Here
Caribé

Personnel & Notes:
Eric Dolphy (as, bcl, fl)
Carlie Simons (vib)
Gene Casey (p)
Bill Ellington (b)
Manny Ramos (d, tim)
Juan Amalbert (cga)
Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ, August 19, 1960
** Also issued on Prestige MPP 2503 entitled "Eric Dolphy - Caribe". Fantasy OJCCD 819-2.

Review:
The innovative Eric Dolphy plays alto, flute and bass clarinet solos on this set led by Juan Amalbert & His Latin Jazz Quintet. The problem is that the other musicians essentially ignore Dolphy, never reacting to his explosive flights, seemingly content to play their quiet rhythmic bop music as if he were not present. Still, Dolphy's improvisations make this odd date worth picking up.
By Scott Yanow (AMG)

By Pier

Mongo Santamaria "Our Man In Havana"

Mongo Santamaria

"Our Man In Havana"

( Fantasy Records, 1993 )

Catalog # F 24729

Personnel on selections #1 - 10 :

Mongo Santamaria - Congas, Drums

El Fine, Armandito - Trumpets

Julio - FlutePaquito - Piano

Niño Rivera - Tres

Pepito, Bol - Bass

Willie Bobo - Bongos, Timbales

Yeyito - Bongos, Triangle

Gustavito - Guiro

Cheo Junco, Armando Raymact - Vocals

Personnel on selections #11 - 20 :

Mongo Santamaria - Congas, Drums

Luis Santamaria - Vocals (on #11, #15)

Merceditas Valdés - Vocals (#12-14, 17)

Macucho - Vocal on #19)

Mario Arenas, Carlos Embale - Vocal on #18

Finco, Carlos Embale - Vocals (on #16 and #20)

Willie Bobo - Bongos, Timbales

Other musicians on #11 - 15 include :

Marina, Alfredo, Adriano, PapoMario, Joseito, Jesus, Babino, Romiro, Romay playing Bata Drums,Bell (Agogo), and Large Net-Covered Rattles (Shekere)

Other musicians on #16 - 20 include :

Fuico, Joseito, Alfredo, Julio, andOliverio playing Two Tumba Drums (Quinto and Llamador) and Sticks (Palos)

Recorded in early 1960

Tracklisting :

01 Jamaicuba

02 Manila

03 He Guapacha

04 Cha Cha Rock

05 Vengan Pollos

06 Barandanga

07 Linda Guajira

08 Vamos A Gozar

09 Miss Patti Cha Cha

10 Viva La Felicidad

* Mongo Santamaria - Our Man In Havana (Fantasy LP 3302,

LP 8045,F 24729, FCD 24729-2)

11 Tele Mina For Chango (God Of Thunder)

12 Olla De For Olla (Wife Of Chango)

13 Yemaya Olodo For Olla (Mother Of Chango)

14 Yeye-O For Ochun (Counterpart Of Venus)

15 Wolenche For Chango (God Of Thunder)

16 Agua Limpia (Guaguanco)

17 Ochun Mene (Columbia)

18 Mexico (Guaguanco)

19 Manana Son Manana (Columbia)

20 Complicaciones (Guaguanco)

* Mongo Santamaria - Bembé (Fantasy LP 3311, LP 8055)

= Mongo Santamaria - Our Man In Havana (Fantasy F 24729, FCD 24729-2)

Review :

The two records that make up Our Man in Havana (the other date was originally called Bembe) were recorded in 1960 during a visit to Cuba by Mongo Santamaria and Willie Bobo. The first set is superb, featuring an unusual mixture of instruments for a Cuban band: two trumpets, flute, piano, tres (Nino Rivera), bass, timbales, bongos, guiro, conga, and two vocalists. The playing by the local musicians is of high quality, and the ten selections are quite enjoyable. Unfortunately though, that project is combined with the cuts from Bembe, which are in a very different style. The latter project has the music performed entirely by vocalists, other than the percussion of Santamaria and Bobo. Consisting of folk melodies and religious songs, with the emphasis totally on the chanting and singing, the music is intriguing from a historical standpoint but the jazz content is nil on this emotional date (which has Merceditas Valdes taking the vocal on four numbers). So, overall, this reissue is definitely a mixed bag.

By Scott Yanow [AMG]

By Rob