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Afro | Brasil |
Calypso |
Exotica-Foreign |
Latin | Mid-East Links below are to the Hyp Records guide to records & artists: 
Pertinent records listed & rated: See the Vinyl Safari section for pages on Only Hip Wax items are for sale! Tip: Search idiom (e.g., "Latin soul") or label (e.g., "Fania"). |
The Word: See the top of the Latin 1 page for an introduction.
Three pages of Latin LPs, listed by artist:
Discount: usually free mailing offered; possibly more if multi-item order
Images: for identification purposes only; photo may not be of the exact copy listed/purchased (but usually is)
The Latin All Stars: A-More Cha-Cha & Merengue; Roper RRLPS-1040; 1973; N/N shrink S $25 -- dance-instruction series highly desired for arrangements & playing by Tito Puente, Charlie Palmieri, & Alfredito; Mi China, Mi Hevita, La Pura, Tipica..
The Latin All Stars & the Dancing Strings: A Latin Happening; Roper RRLPS-1041; 1973; N-/E+ S $20 -- dance-instruction series highly desired for arrangements & playing by Tito Puente, Charlie Palmieri, & Alfredito; 13 tunes; Adelita, Agua, Carnival, Siboney..
The Latin All Stars: Latin Jam Boree; Roper RRLPS-1021; 1973; sealed S $50 -- dance-instruction series highly desired for arrangements & playing by Tito Puente & Charlie Palmieri; Soul Bossa Nova(!), Sambo do Jet, Fermin, Historia de un Amor, Franciqua (Machito), Chui Chui, Ring a Ding..
Latin Dimensions [and the voice of Roberto Torres]; Mericana MYS-109; 1972; E-/E+ S $35 -- Latin soul/funk/jazz/pachanga; 2nd of 3 hip, scarce, wonderful LPs by the group; Guajiro, Draculita (horror guajira-pachanga!), Ritmo Caliente, Ri-Ki-Ta-Tun (funky)..
Latin jazz -- see also jazz (& search "latin jazz")
Latin Percussion Ventures, Inc.: Understanding Latin Rhythms Vol. II--Down to Basics; Latin Percussion Ventures LPV-422; 1977; w/booklet & order form N/N S $40 (or N-/N- S $30, specify) -- another fine Martin Cohen production (others listed below, by artist)--the leading instructional records for serious students of Latin percussion; conga, bongo, timbale, ensemble
The Latin Souls: Boo-Ga-Loo & Shing-A-Ling; Kapp KS-3524; 1st N-/N S $90 (or cutout 1st N-/N- S $80, specify) -- Latin soul/boogaloo; unlike their other LP (there are only two!), this first outing is backed by Pete Rodriguez and band!; generally considered the better and more desirable of the pair, where the emphasis is more on music (solos, descarga) than on singing, although you do get both (it sounds more like a great Pete Rodriguez album than it does their harmony-laden second LP, in other words); produced by Pancho Cristal for the always enigmatic and scarce Kapp label; The Party is Over, Guajira Controversial, Hey Lulu!, Fly Me to the Moon, A Place in the Sun, Que Va, In the Midnight Hour, La Banda, Latin Souls Descarga
The Latin Souls: Boo-Ga-Loo & Shing-A-Ling; Kapp KL-1524 white-label promo E+/E+ $50 (or white-label promo E+/V $25, specify) -- mono
Lebron Brothers Orchestra: Psychedelic Goes Latin; Cotique C-1008; 1966; E+/E+ shrink (partial) $200 -- Latin soul; Summertime Blues, Suena, Tall Tale, Mi Mambo, Mary Mary, My Cool Boogaloo, Mala Suerte, Descarga Lebron
Lecuona Cuban Boys w/Candido: Dance Along with; ABC-Paramount ABCS-230; deep groove N/N S $75 (or w/jacket stickered rather than bannered "stereo" N-/N S $50, specify) -- rare, great LP w/the big-band sound augmented by Candido's conga; group founded by Ernesto Lecuona famous on 78 but scarce in modern hi-fi; Creed Taylor prod.; rare in stereo/top shape; Siboney, Jungle Drums, High in Sierra, Malaguena, Say Si Si, Always in My Heart..
The World Famous Lecuona Cuban Boys Play for Dancing; ABC-Paramount ABCS-316; deep groove N/N S $75 -- arr. by the great Rene Hernandez, takes mambo-cha-cha-cha-merengue-bolero to new heights; some vocals but mainly notable for the many riffs & solos in the style of Machito's Afro-Cuban jazz; Creed Taylor prod.; rare in stereo/top shape; Nicolasa, Corazon De Melon, Noche De Ronda, Mambo Sevillano (Prado), Compadre Pedro Juan, Granada..
Ernesto Lecuona al piano con orquesta y sus interpretes; Puchito MLP-511; deep groove E/E $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- Cuban, rare!; w/singers Maria de los Angeles Santana, Sarita Escarpenter, Tomasita Nunez, Zoraida Marrero, Rosa Elena Miro, Hector Fernandez Ramos
Libre: Tiene Calidad/Con Salsa Con Ritmo Vol. 2; Salsoul SAL-4114; 1978; cutout E/N- S $15 -- hip LP by all-star group; Imagines Latinas, Tune Up (Miles Davis!)..
Joe Loco & his Trio: Mambos, Vol. 2; Tico LP-111; deep groove V+/V+ $50 -- Latin; "World's Greatest Swing Pianist"; LP compiles some of his big hits; Cuban Nightingale, Over the Rainbow, Body & Soul, Darktown Strutters Ball, How High the Moon, Stardust, Bei Mir Bist du Shoen, Serenade in Blue
Joe Loco, his Piano & Trio: Mambo Dance Favorites (Vol. 5) 10"; Tico LP-123; deep groove E/E $150; obviously super-rare in any kind of decent shape, so have it!; Matty Singer Mambo, Band Stand Mambo, Monticello Mambo, Colony Mambo, Jive Mambo, Blue Note Mambo, Cocktail Mambo, Mambo en Puerto Rico
Joe Loco & his Quintet: Viva Mambo; Tico LP-1013; orange label N/E+ shrink $75 -- wow! impeccable jacket (same as for 1st press) & what a jacket! (very colorful in '50s poster style); plus, heavy vinyl disc in top shape gives you the best possible combination of clean sound & the real thing from the lost, original NY master; definitely a prize for the collector
Joe Loco: Puerto Rico '68; Liberty/Sunset SUS-5219; 1968; E+/N- S $200 (or E-/N- S $150, specify*) (or E-/E S $100, specify) -- mod Latin soul/Latin jazz; we LOVE this--a totally unexpected West Coast treasure that SWINGS!; on Sunset but NOT a Liberty comp/reissue or anything like that; rather it's a scarce, fresh recording in unique, California style (including mod female chorus) --similar to Al Romero's Onda Nueva-- of original boogaloos as well as righteous interpretations of hits by Joe Cuba, Perez Prado, etc.; strongest recommendation for the serious Latin-soul collector and Latin-playing DJ alike; Puerto Rico '68 (Camel Hop), Besos de Caramelos, Oh Yeah (Jimmy Sabater), Chua Chua Boogaloo, Shing-Ah-Ling, Bang Bang (Sabater-Cuba), Isla Verde, Clap Hands (Perez Prado!), Runnin' Six, Mis Amores; *note: $150 copy has tiny crack in the label dead wax--doesn't affect play, handling, or appearance
La Lupe: Stop! I'm Free Again; Tico CLP-1306; 1972; cutout E+/E+ S $30 -- rare!; last LP by the lusty Cuban bombshell before her comeback; in hot pants & knee-high boots & singing soulful songs w/lighter shades of breakbeat funkiness; loads of star power: prod. Joe Cain; arr. Louie Ramirez, Sonny Bravo, Luis Cruz; Free Again, Lupe Lupe Lupe, Vagabundo, Ouedes Decir de Mi, Mil Besos, Tan Lejos y Sin Embargo te Quiero, La Borracha, Cubana Caliente, Rumberos del Ayer, Con un Nuevo Amor
Lupo: Lupo El Fantastico; Cotique C-1028; cutout sealed $30 (or cutout N/N shrink $25, specify) -- Latin/Latin soul; not rare but worthy one-off on the terrific Cotique label by Lupo (Hiram Velasquez) in a groovy jacket; Boogaloopo, Pata Caliente, Corazon Salvaje, Alma y Corazon, El Gitano Anton, Te Lo Juro Yo..
Machito Inspired (Machito is inspired by Darryl F. Zanuck's production of Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises"); Tico LP-1045; 1st/black/deep groove E/N- $60 -- Latin; top shape!: rare & great collectors item on pre-Roulette Tico (there may be no later pressing); the band w/Graciela is at the height of its power (high-impact horn section, uptempo) in an unusual setting/task/concept; great photo of Machito on the jacket back; Malanga, Sabrosona, Chug-a-lig, In Havana, Cha Cha & Guaguanco, Cha Cha Blues, The Orchestra, Bom Bon Cha, Pineiro, 6 Beautiful Girls, Tumbao, The Herb Vendor
Machito: Soul of Machito; Cotique C-1019; 1968 sealed $200 (or N/E+ shrink $150, specify) (or cutout E-/V+ $50, specify) -- Latin/Latin soul/Latin jazz; long known as a true holy grail for both Machito and Cotique collectors, particularly in top shape (or stereo), this record has loads to offer; Graciela shares the singing, as always (there's great playing too!); Ahora Si (the LP's hit single and the only Latin-soul cut), Jammin' with Machito, Ritmo Melon, Mango, El Santa en Nueva York, Cuatro Patas..
Machito: Soul of Machito; Cotique CS-1019; 1968; E/E- S $125 -- conservatively graded for some marks but plays fine, great value (much rarer than mono)
Machito Goes Memphis; RCA Victor LPM-3944; 1968; E-/E+ $20 -- mod Latin soul; this very unexpected and unusual LP may not quite live up to its potential, but really it's not far off the venerated Claus Ogerman stuff on this label and other mod Latin; the one very significant knockout tune is an outstanding, wailing Latinate cover of "Green Onions" (if any cover can top the original, this is it!), so you need it for that, at least; and it never hurts that Bobby and Richard Marin had hands in producing and writing the liners; Baby I Love You, Hip Hug Her, Knock on Wood, Alfie, Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa, In the Midnight Hour, Shake, Green Onions, Satisfaction (nice clean breakbeats), 634-5789, Soul American, Hold On I'm Comin' (groovy vocal by Graciela, presumably)
Machito & his Afro-Cubans with Graciela: Lo Mejor De/The Best of; Tico CLP-1328; 1974 (older recordings) E/E- $25 -- compilation; w/help from the great Hector Rivera, Joe Cain produced this welcome retrospective of the ground-breaking Afro-Cubans (Mario Bauza, Rene Hernandez, Chico O'Farrill, Jose Mangual, Louis Miranda..); scarce enough itself, the LP finally brings together the classic cuts that neverless now are prized, rare recordings (particularly the Tico versions!); Sopa de Pichon, Si Si No No, Piniero Tenia Razon, Caso Perdido, Noche de Farra, El As De La Rumba, Tibiri Tabara, Quimbombo, Carambola, Adoracion, Asia Minor, La Paella; some marks but plays fine
F.Z. Maldonado/Armando Thomae: The Exciting Latin Beat 10"; SMC/Coda/Starlite ST-6008; E+/N $200 -- prod. Max Urban, rec. in Mexico City; tho not the most important recording, the jacket photo (of conga player) is terrific, the condition impeccable, & it's on Starlite (tiny offshoot of SMC offshoot Coda); truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for even the luckiest/sharpest collector
Malon--Juan Carlos Caceres: "El Camino" "Dale Negro"; London/Fontana 6444-505; 1972; cutout V+/V S $100 -- Latin soul/Latin rock/Latin jazz/Latin funk; significant audible scratch in one cut & a few lesser flaws, such as jacket rub wear, & it's nearly 3x the price some lucky person paid on eBay recently, but it's the BOMB, from Quebec & super rare in the US, so don't expect it to come up again, at least not very often or clean and cheap; terrific!
Jose Mangual, Sr.: Buyu; Turnstyle 1433; 1977; E+/N- shrink S $30 -- Latin percussion/Latin funk; one of the best Martin Cohen productions, from the all-star players (Luis Ortiz, William Eaton, Carlos Patato Valdez, Ralph McDonald, Barry Rogers, Victor Paz..) to the strong tunes; DJs need it for "Black & Brown Boogie" at least; Tito Puente collectors should note that he arranged "Chinatown" & "Bomba a Puerto Rico"
Jose Mangual, Jr.: Tribute to Chano Pozo; True Ventures TV-1001; 1977; N-/N S $50 -- tremendous!; mandatory for all students & fans of Latin percussion (not instructional tho on the Martin Cohen label); also certainly one of the best-ever Afro-Cuban (Latin, Latin-jazz, descarga) or even Latin tribute LPs!; Manteca '77, Down to Basics, Cuero Na'ma, Sonando con Puerto Rico, Guaganco Chano, Sambala, True Venture Theme, Bombe Caribe, Campanero
Jose Mangual & Carlos "Patato" Valdez: Understanding Latin Rhythms Vol. I; Latin Percussion Ventures LPV-337; 1974; gatefold V+/V+ S $15 -- Latin; prod. Martin Cohen; Los Mangual present an excellent introduction to Latin rhythms; anyone learning basic salsa steps (or learning to play an instrument) would do well to use this
Los Mangual: Una Dinastia; Caiman LP-9024; 1986; sealed S $20 -- Latin percussion GODS!: Jose Mangual Sr., Jose Mangual Jr., Luis Mangual, Louie Ramirez..; Hippi Hai, Okere, Bolero Medley (arr. Louie Ramirez), Mazacote, No Hay Salvacion, Guajira y Son, Bomba Mangual
Orlando Marin: Out of My Mind; Decca/Brunswick BL-754159; cutout V+/V+ S $40 -- Latin soul; part of the treasured, hip, scarce Decca series; Sugarfoot Baby, Out of My Mind, Eenie Meenie Chow Chow, The Hustler, Chickie's Cookie..
Orlando Marin: Se Te Quemo La Casa; Alegre JMAS-6015; 1978/1962 (1980 Musica Latina "Special Projects" REISSUE) N-/N S $40 -- salsa; "the one with the firemen on the jacket"; legendary smoker w/Chivirico Davila singing
Ramon Marquez & his Orchestra: Cha Cha Cha's--Mambos--Merengues (jacket: Fiesta Tropical); Fiesta FLP-1201; 1955; deep groove V+/V $20 -- Latin; w/Damiron & Chapuseaux; the 1st 12" LP on Fiesta! (& one of the rarest); great music by the other reknowned, progressive Mexican maestro (sounding much like Prado here), incl. the famous "Chivirico Rhythm"; also: Lessons in Cha Cha Cha, Mambo India, A Little Bit of Mambo, Anabacoa, Mambenque..; some marks & noise but well worth it
Ramon Marquez & his Orchestra Play Along with Bongos; Fiesta FLP-1285; no book deep groove E+/E+ $50 -- Latin instrumental; rare compilation of some of the best on the label, by Mexican superstar (fully embraced by the NYC Latin community) Marquez w/Damiron & Chapuseaux; should come with the Chico Arnez/Sam Ulano bongo-instruction book "Bongo Made Easy" but we have yet to see that treasure; the good news, besides dramatic bongo jacket art & condition, is that it reissues (CLEAN!!!) 5 classic tunes from FLP-1201 & 7 more: Fiesta Tropical, Mambo USA, Chivirico Rhythm, Mambo India, Cha Cha Cha, Rhythm, Sabrosa Peril, Adorable, Principe Cha Cha Cha, A Little Bit of Mambo, Cha Cha Andalucia, Chivirico, Mamboo!
Sabu Martinez -- see jazz
Les McCann Ltd.: Bucket o' Grease; Limelight LM-82043; deep groove cutout E+/E+ S $30 -- Latin soul/mod jazz; fun live set w/Aki Aleong, Booker T. Robinson, Jose Torres..; labeled monaural but stereo (there may be no mono); loaded w/covers of great hits: Hey Leroy (Your Mama's Calling You), Bang Bang, Music to Watch Girls By, Watermelon Man, La Brea, All, Red Top, Yesterday, Boo-Go-Loo, Bucket O'Grease, Fake Out
Orquesta Melodias del 40: Me Voy Pa' Moron; Antilla AP-5; white-label, deep groove E-/N- $40 -- Cuban; classic collectors item by one of the top groups; jacket photo of smartly dressed couple in convertible
Monchito: Viva! Cha Cha Cha; Fiesta FLP-1233; 1st/deep groove E/E $25 -- classic Latin; seriously gorgeous fishnets-&-conga jacket (face is fine, top seam split, dingy white back); disc in great shape (particularly for a 1st press) but there a press bump does sound; besides his smash hit Pao Pao (vocal, terrific, covered by Edmundo Ros), many unusual tunes that stretch way beyond cha cha cha: Guajira, Pru Cu Tun (calypso?), Las Secretarias, No Tequila, Yo Arriba, Mantecadito, Tapate, La Ultima Noche, Una a la Vez, Pancho, Santa Marta
Gilberto Monroig [with Tito Puente]: The Best of Gilberto Monroig; Roulette/Tico LP-1117; 1964; N-/N- $30 -- 12 songs, several uptempo, prod. Pancho Cristal; one of the scarcest Puente LPs but sweetly priced for the collector--snap it up!
Bobby Montez & his Orchestra: Viva!; World Pacific WP-1404; 1961; deep groove E/E S $100 -- Latin jazz/vibes; top West Coast Latin-jazz figure famous for "Jungle Fantastique"; w/Carlos Avelar piano, Ray Rivera conga, Mike Gutierrez timbales, Ruben Provencio bass; on of the most desired/scarcest of his 5 LPs (all great), it's one of only 2 on the jazz label & what a killer it is--100% original compositions!!!; Guajira Josephina, My, Tremendo Cha-Cha, Garden of Allah, Jungle Stars, Brazilian, But Heaven Knows (best cut!), Holiday in Havana
Bobby Montez: Hollywood Themes in Cha Cha Cha by Montez; GNP/Crescendo GNP-38; deep groove V+/N- $90 -- Latin jazz; 1 of 5 LPs (all but Jungle Fantastique devilishly scarce--among the most elusive in Latin jazz) by the great West Coast composer/vibist Montez (comparable to Tjader & Touzet at their best); terrific despite the unsexy title (CA never did market Latin or jazz well), from the exotic Invitation to the smoking mambo "Picnic"; that the disc is/plays in heroically top shape is just icing on the cake
Bobby Montez & his Quintet: The Music of Lerner & Loewe; GNP/Crescendo GNP-46; deep groove E+/N- (mono LP in "stereo" jacket) $125 -- Latin jazz; 1 of 5 LPs (all but Jungle Fantastique devilishly scarce--among the most elusive in Latin jazz) by the great West Coast composer/vibist Montez; terrific & hip despite being show tunes (as with the "Hollywood Themes" LP, don't let that stop you)
Noro Morales: Lecuona's Afro-Cuban Suite; RCA Vik LX-1100; 1957; deep groove N-/E $40 -- famous for its gorgeous, hall-of-fame jacket (similar to that for "Safari w/Sabu"); it's also top work by the [Cuban] father of Latin music, his best for RCA
Monte Moya & the Surfers: Percussionata; Everest 5212; E+/N- $75 -- Latin jazz/vibes/exotica; rec. on 35mm film, it's a spectacular rarity (from Melrose, LA, CA) hardly any even serious collectors know about; for style think mid-'60s Cal Tjader, Puente, & other great vibes players; beautiful exotica jacket!; I Waited So Long, Black Orchid, Lucero, Masa Coti, Mose's Mamba, Mint Julip Run, Summer Time, Ayre's Mamba (sic-all titles)
Alfredo Munar w/Candido: Ernesto Lecuona; Montilla FMS-2097; E/N- S $25 -- Cuban; top, rare interpretation of the great man's work by accomplished, Havana-born concert pianist; Cuban Medley, Siboney, That Afternoon, Dust on the Moon, Palmtree Lullaby, Breeze & I, Lucumi Dance, La Comparsa..
Sexteto Nacional: Come Se Baila El "Son"; Bravo B-104; deep groove V/V $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- Cuban; our best value in an authentic Cuban LP; vocal, uptempo, & better than Buena Vista Social Club (like modern Arsenio); jacket & disc have wear but it plays nicely, & for this quality at this price, that's all that matters: GREAT & RARE!
[Tito Puente Presenta] Noraida: La Barbara del Mundo Latino; Tico LP-1223; white-label promo(!) E/E+ $30 -- rare treasure for Tito Puente collectors; Puente did all the music (w/1 Charlie Palmieri arrangement & 1 by Porfi Jimenez); Noraida's somewhat like La Lupe tho better, & she's Beny More's ex!; nicely priced--snap it up!
Orquesta Nuevo Ritmo de Cuba: The Heart of Cuba; GNP Crescendo GNP-47; 1959; 1st press E/N S $30 (or later press N-/N S $25, specify) -- charanga/exotica; as historically important as it is musically wonderful, this is the ONLY LP made by only the second US charanga, formed in 1956 by Cuban conguero Armando Sanchez (with Rene Hernandez & others); recorded in New York, not LA (see p.183 of Max Salazar's book "Mambo Kingdom"); also we think it became Mongo Santamaria's first group; essential for their very exotic (as in, EXOTICA) Afro-Cuban original "Cuban Jungle" (awesome--worth it for that even if you're not big on charanga); until it gains the reputation it deserves, it remains a great bargain!
Claus Ogerman (Soul Searchin', Watusi Trumpets, Latin Rock, Saxes Mexicanos) -- see pop
Orquesta Olivieri: A Swingin' Combination; Speed SS-104; 1968; E+/N S $150 -- Latin soul; uptempo & swinging all the way; it's one of the best on the tiny but ALL GREAT Speed label (& don't you believe for a minute that cheesy reissues do justice to the sound of the originals); Don't Be Shy (fantastic masterpiece), African Guajira [with African Twist], Wabble with Boogaloo, El Musico (Mario Ortiz), A Swingin' Combination (Al Santiago)..
Ralfi Pagan; Fania SLP-377; Venezuelan pressing N/N shrink S $30 -- Latin soul/sweet soul; the Smokey Robinson of Fania, a unique & wonderful act (but a tragic figure shot to death after only 3 LPs, all great); import but well worthwhile as the original is quite rare!; a couple of smoking funky cuts (e.g., "Ain't No Big Thing" & "Latin Soul," which refers to James Brown) but that's just part of the story
Charlie Palmieri: Latin Bugalu; Atlantic SD-8166; 1968; cutout N-/N- S $60 -- Latin jazz/Latin soul/descarga; Mambo Show, Uptight, Bugalu, Bitter Sweet, Cote Pa La Cola, Panama's Boogaloo, Clusters, A Night to Remember; anyone lacking a clean stereo original should snap it up at this price!
Charlie Palmieri: Impulsos; Coco 118; 1975; cutout N-/N- S $30 -- Latin/Latin soul; one of two great ones on Coco (w/a couple of funky Latin-soul cuts for DJ use--see titles below); w/Tito Puente, Vitin Aviles, Menique, Victor Velazquez..; King Charles (El Rey Carlos), Aunque tu Mami no Quiera (If Mama Don't), Sobando el Piano Merengue (Piano Caresses Merengue), Te Quiero a Ti (Darn That Dream), No Esta en Na' (Into Nothing), Comelon Hustle (The Hog Hustle), Porque me Enganas (Why Deceive Me), Estoy Friza'o (I'm Froze), Buchipluma Na' Ma' (You're All Mouth), Dame tu Corazon (Gimme Your Love)
Eddie Palmieri: Azucar Pa' Ti/Sugar for You; Tico LP-1122; 1966; 2nd/orange E/E $50 -- his 2nd great Tico LP; heavy vinyl!
Eddie Palmieri: Mambo con Conga is Mozambique; Roulette/Tico SLP-1126; 1966; orange N-/N S $40 -- fantastic classic of progressive Latin; Mi Mambo Conga, Suetate la Lenga, Pobre Pedro, Estamos Chao, Ajiaco Caliente, Manha de Carnaval..
Eddie Palmieri: Sentido; Coco CLP-103; 1973; N*/N shrink S $60 (or E-/E+ S $45, specify) (or E-*/E- S $30, specify) -- Latin; highly desirable for the deep-funk monster "Condiciones que Existen/Existing Conditions," one of his funkiest tunes (great for DJs); *jacket back same as jacket face
Eddie Palmieri: Unfinished Masterpiece; Coco CLP-120; 1975; N/N S $20 -- yes, it is finished; features a nice descarga "Cobarde" & the free-form piano "Random Thoughts"; Lalo Rodriguez sings & of course the lineup is all-star; Jeremy Steig among the guests; perfect original low-priced!
Eddie Palmieri & Cal Tjader: Bamboleate; Tico JMTS-1414; 1977 (reissues SLP-1150; 1967; N/N shrink S $30 -- the better of their 2 great collaborations; Come An' Get It, Samba do Sueno, Guajira Candela, Bamboleate, Mi Montuno..
Joe Panama: The Explosive Side of Joe Panama; Decca DL-74890; 1968; cutout N-/E+ S $300 -- one of the rarest --if not THE rarest-- in the great Decca series has not only great boogaloo (vocal & instrumental) but also Latin jazz (jazz mambo/descarga) & even a sweet soul ballad!; Soul Sister, What's My Name, Vida, Gunslinger, Jazz Latino, Tu Eres Mi Vida, Don't Bother Me (terrific Latin-soul instrumental), Oye Morena, Echale Pa' Fuera
Los Papines; Caribe 215 (Cuba); N-/N S $200 -- Cuban/conga/jazz/descarga; a stone killer from Cuba in the hip period (early '70s), this rare groove has it all: very obscure group/title/LP, terrific percussion, hip jazz-mambo feel w/improvisation that's well on the way to descarga, great b/w jacket photo (4 Papines jumping over their congas); we're extremely proud to offer this!; Congas de mi Cuba, Tambores Felices, Zarara, Mi Quinto, La Cachamba, La Lechoncita, Si-No, Para que Niegas?; jacket edges neatly clear-taped
Los Papines: Guaguanco Con To'Los Hierros; Manopla 1022; 1973 (Cuba); E+/N S $100 -- Cuban/conga; terrific group scores big w/outstanding percussion-led tracks, all guaganco except as noted: Fantasia en Ritmo (rumba), Los Barrios, La Columbina (Columbia), Seguire sin Sonar, Sabor a Conga (conga), Leccion de Esclava, A Parche Solo, Dona Chana, Te Canta Mi Tambo (Afro), Tasca Tasca
Joey Pastrana: Let's Ball; Cotique C-1006; 1967; SIGNED! cutout E+/N $150 -- Latin soul; "Are you ready for an explosion in Latin soul, a trip into the deepest bugaloo?"; autographed to none other than Max Salazar in 1975 (we have several from his collection); jacket has a note or two written by Salazar & a mild water stain on the back (otherwise beautiful); Jack Hitchcock, Johnny Rivera, Chicky Perez, Ismael Miranda among the star performers; highly desirable for several killers: Let's Ball, Jammin' w/Joey, My Shingaling..
Joey Pastrana & his Orchestra: The Real Thing/El Verdadero; Cotique C-1053; N-/E+ shrink $60 (or stereo CS-1053 cutout V+/V+ S $35, specify) -- Latin/Latin soul; scarce LP by one the leading lights of the label; beautiful b/w jacket; w/such ringers as Chivirico Davila & Jack Hitchcock; panorama of Latin influences & creativity; Colour My World, The Real Thing, The Gate, Skin Deep, Guajira con Joey, Pastrana llego..
Joey Pastrana & his Orchestra: Discos Bailables/Music to Dance By; Cotique DBS-004; cutout E-/E S $50 -- Latin soul; great, rare compilation drawn from his 1st 4 LPs (which are rare period, forget about stereo!); jacket lists Cotique LPs 1001-1055 & features images of most of the Cotique stars; Rumors, Riki Chi, Jala con Joey, La Guida, Los Cosas de la Vida, Malambo, Problems, Rumbon Melon, Asi Na Ma, Sincerely
Armando Peraza: Wild Thing; Gryphon G-923 (Skye Heritage Collection, formerly Skye SK-5D; 1968) N/N S $30 -- Latin soul/-rock/-jazz/conga by Cuban conga star; w/Cal Tjader--who co-prod. w/Gary McFarland--, Johnny Pacheco, Sadao Watanabe, Chic Corea, Bobby Rodriguez..; Wild Thing, Mony Mony, Souled Out, Funky Broadway, Red Onions, Viva Peraza, Al Bajar el Sol, Granny's Samba
La Playa Sextet: Care to Cha Cha Cha?; Mardi-Gras LP-5001; blue deep groove E+/V+ $25 (or blue deep groove E-/V $15, specify) -- the 1st 12" LP on the classic NY label presents the group after already nearly a decade of seasoning (liners provide valuable bio & photo); the tunes are among their biggest hits (from earlier & w/the release of this set); Jamaica, Johnny Guitar, Care to.., Delicado, Garbage Man's Cha Cha Cha, Prelude in Rhythm, Dry Cocoanuts, Martian Cha Cha Cha, Batakum, An Evening of Cha Cha Cha, Chiquita, The Ambassador; NB: borderline/possible forward skip in 1st seconds of Side 2 (played fine at 2g but not 1.5g)
La Playa Sextet: Papas Fritas; Musicor MM-2103; E/E $50 -- mod Latin/Latin rock/Latin twist; one of the most unusual La Playa LPs (and rare!) & the most interesting/useful for DJs besides their even rarer boogaloo LP (also on the label); with their signature guitar now fully electrified & amplified, "Come on Seven" is the stone killer (we've always had a blast pairing it w/"The Bird" from Lalo Schifrin's Liquidator ST--see jazz page for that), & the rest is hot too (great for all who appreciate uptempo Latin rock, Latin twist, boogaloo, Mexicali brass, & other mod-Latin forms; those hoping for more straight-ahead Latin may not dig it); rocks, jumps, swings!
La Playa Sextet/Al Castellanos/Emilio Reyes: Cha Cha Cha-Mambo; Mardi-Gras LP-5003; E+/E+ $30 -- one of the essential, great, earliest LPs on the classic NY label; 10 cuts by La Playa Sextet (Laughing Cha Cha, Mambo Batiri, Teasing Cha Cha, My Cuban Sombrero), Al Castellanos (Together 1-2-3, Merengue Ta Ka Ta), & the scarce but wonderful Emilio Reyes (Delightful Cha Cha, Occasional Man, Cha Cha Bar, Cafe Mambo); loved for the goofy, '50s party-scene jacket as much as the music
Perez Prado Plays Mucho Mambo for Dancing 10"; RCA Victor LPM-21; E/as is $20 -- mambo; the classic, 1st, 6-cut mambo LP by the master; decent jacket, worn disc (pops & noise but plays amazingly well, especially by 10" standards); recommended as jacket upgrade, placeholder, or in conjunction w/clean versions of these tunes (where reissued on 12" LPs); Mambo #8, Pachito E-Che, Oh Caballo, Babarabatiri, Mambo #5, Pianolo
Perez Prado: Mambo Mania; RCA Victor LPM-1075; 1955; N-/E+ $25 -- his first 12" LP features Cherry Pink but the rest are some of his now lesser-known early hits, including mambifications of standards, tributes to Marilyn Monroe, Stan Kenton, Billy May, etc.; awesome jacket of his face in purple closeup
Perez Prado w/Shorty Rogers: Voodoo Suite Plus Six All-Time Greats; RCA Victor LPM-1101; (c)1955; E/E- $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- great early one w/stellar, dramatic, intense Afro-Cuban Suite (all of Side 1) & a sensational voodoo-dancer jacket
Perez Prado: Havana, 3 a.m.; Caytronics/Arcano DKL1-3173; 1978/1956 (import/reissue of RCA Victor) E/N- ES $25 -- rare electronic-stereo version (worthwhile even if you have mono original)
Perez Prado: Latin Satin; RCA Victor LPM-1459; 1957; N-/E $20 -- one of the scarcest of the early, classic, 1950s, Victor LPs; great for both the soft-focus jacket and a set that's typical of him in the period including some tawdry mambifications of such major hits as "Sway" and "Tabu"; Perfidia, Lamento Gitano, Perhaps,Perhaps,Perhaps, Green Eyes, Sway, Come Closer to Me, Frenesi, You Belong to My Heart, Estrellita, Tabu, Always in My Heart, Adios
Perez Prado: Rockambo; RCA Victor LPM-2308; 1961; E-/N- S $25 -- mambo rock/Latin rock; "The orchestra with the beat"; one of Prado's most desired Victor titles; kicks off the Latin-rock/Latin-twist hybrid a year before the twist hit!; Rockambo Bop, Rockambo Baby, Rockambo #4, El Rikitiki, Rockambo a la Prado, Oh Oh Rosie, Guadalajara, San Remo, Julie is her Name..
Perez Prado Features the New Dance "La Chunga" by the Arthur Murrays; RCA Victor LSP-2379; 1961; "2S" press V+/N shrink S $25 -- Latin dance rock; don't let the dance-studio tie-in and clumsy title fool you, this is a smoker from his experimental Latin-rock/Latin-twist period; along w/"Rockambo," "Twist Goes Latin," & "Our Man" it's one of his essential, uptempo, late, great RCA LPs (and for some strange reason very scarce in stereo)
Perez Prado: Twist Goes Latin; RCA Victor LSP-2524; 1962; N-/N- S $60 (or mono LPM-2524 1st press N-/N $50, specify) (or mono 1st E/N $40, specify) -- Latin dance rock/Latin twist; 1 of his rarest, most fun, & sought-after LPs (some have called it the holy grail of his US Victor LPs but we seem to find it); completely revved-up, as if all of his fastest 33rpm tunes are played at 45!; WILD & CRAZY CHICKS ALWAYS DIG IT!!!; thrill-stuffed, zany, madcap, Latin-twist versions of Sway, Patricia, Cherry Pink, Hava Nagilah & more
Perez Prado: Dance Latino; [RCA Victor LSP-3330; 1965;] Australian import RCA Camden CAMS-134; N-/N- S $40 (or German Gema import E-/N- S $30, specify) -- his final US Victor LP (before returning to Mexico and getting funkier) is the hardest-to-find, for most people; Abulaby Laby (exotic), Cricket Serenade, One Night, Fast Goodnight (calypso!), La Rubia, Surfside 6, Keep Dancing..
Perez Prado: Concierto Para Bongo; United Artists/UA Latino LS-61005; 1967 (reissues United Artists UAS-6489); N-/E+ shrink S $50 -- scarce, funky, mod tour de force rec. in Mexico City; "Cayitano" is one of his first funk tunes plus several more very happening mod things (Claudia, Mamma A Go Go, A Go Go, Estoy Acabando), the original "Fantasia," & the side-long title monster
Perez Prado: Estas Si Viven (The Living End); United Artists/UA Latino LS-61032; 1968; N-/N S $40 -- "El Temp de Los Monkees" (the Monkees TV-show theme) gets all the attention but the rest of the LP is good too; most of the other 11 cuts are by Deodato & other Brasilian stars (but here done mod Prado style); as with Concierto Para Bongo, rec. in Mexico City & hard to find, esp. in top shape
Perez Prado: El Senor Ritmo; LA-Orfeon LP-12-685; 1970; Mexico E-/E- S $40 -- Latin/Latin rock; Mambo Barroco, Casatchok, Norma de la Guadalajara, Rio Don, Tema de la Zorra (Lalo Schifrin!), Yellow Rose, Black Magnolia (hip guitar!), Mambo del Taconazo, Las Golondrinas, Negro es Negro (Black is Black), La Banda de Sinaloa; disc looks perfect but there is some noise
Perez Prado: Dimension; LA-Orfeon LP/E-12-766; 1970; Mexico E-/E- S $75 -- mambo/Latin funk/Latin rock; oddly, the Mexican version is dated 1971 but this licensed Los Angeles version has a 1970 date; anyway, it's a major find; Historia de Amor (Love Story), La Bikina, Mi Camacha, Gloria, Si Estuvieras tu Conmigo, Afrodita, El Mas Grande Amor (The Greatest Love), Sexomania, Tecolote, A La Camita, Cerezo, Esperancita
Perez Prado Now; Contour 2870-385; 1974/1972 [brown jacket] N-/N S $90 -- Latin/funk; import version of the masterpiece Escandalo, rec. in Italy w/Don Alfio singing; Chicago Banana, Brazil, Tommy, El Campesino, Il Venditore di Noccioline (Peanut Vendor), Escandolo No. 1, Escandolo No. 2, Cangrejo, Que es lo que pasa?, Smack, Nadie, Tequila
Perez Prado: Ciliegi Rosa; Uni Funk AR-03022; 1974/1972; Italian N/N S $125 -- Latin/funk; compilation of cuts from his 2 funkiest "rare groove" LPs, rec. in Italy w/Don Alfio singing: the terrific Escandalo & Love Child; top cuts incl. "Imperfect" (funky Moog), "Tequila" (funky update), & "Que es lo que pasa?" (fantastic funk); all great, rare, & in a groovy jacket
Perez Prado, Henry Mancini, Al Hirt: 3 Great Bands; Gema/RCA Victor LSP-2722; German import, deep groove E+/N S $25 -- even the US issue is very scarce; essential for the 4 great Prado cuts (not on his own LPs!): Caravan (WILD version!!!), I Only Have Eyes for You, Para Mi, L'Hippopotame (another unbelievably wild one!!!)
Pucho & the Latin Soul Brothers: Dateline; Prestige 7616; 1969 blue/trident promo E-/E- S $60 -- soul jazz/Latin soul; tunes by Pucho associate Ray Rivera & others; w/the Pazant brothers, Neil Creque, and the usual crew; rare & contemporary w/"Jungle Fire" though not as funky/great/pricey, but good mix of jazz and Latinate stuff; plays well w/noise just on the ballad "Bim"; Dateline, How Did it Happen, Ain't Nothin Can't Happen, Tell Me, Listen to Louie, Bim, Yambo
Pucho & the Latin Soul Brothers: Yaina; Groove Time GRT-10001; 1993 (reissues Right-On 5000) N/N shrink S $25 -- soul jazz; licensed, well-done, faithful, West Coast reissue of a major rare groove from 1969-1970 or so; w/Harold Alexander on flute; covers "Hard Hats" (by Pucho associate Ray Rivera), Neil Creque's Cease the Bombing, Kenny Burrell's Chitterlings con Carne, and Coltrane's Naima, among others
Tito Puente, his Vibes & his Rhythm Quartette 10"; Tico LP-124; deep groove V+/V+ $75 -- 2nd jacket (a.k.a. "At the Vibes," Vol. 6) w/rare sketch of Puente on face & photos/liners on back; historic & very rare collectors item!; Rainfall, Philadelphia Mambo, Cool Mambo, The Continental, The Carioca, Temptation, 1626 Madison Avenue, Autumn Leaves
Tito Puente: Cha Cha Chas for Lovers; Roulette/Tico LP-1005; 1960; N-/E $30 (or E+/E- $25, specify) -- FANTASTIC! vital, classic/groundbreaking, rare/collectors-item recordings compiled on hi-fi 12" LP (earlier in lo-fi as singles & super-rare 10" LP)--one of the earliest & best Tico 12" LPs; everyone should have this!; Suavecito, Almendra, Prelude to Rhythm, Cha-Cha-Cha, Pare Cochero, Cha-Cha Mambo, Los Marcianos, La Palma, Al Ritmo del Cha-Cha-Cha, Todos Bailan mi Cha-Cha-Cha, Cuidado con la Mano, Goza mi Cha-Cha-Cha
Tito Puente: Cha Cha Chas for Lovers; Tico LP-1005; 1960; deep groove E+/E- $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- 1st press, not bad but possibly has a skip (if so, well worth grinding out, as it's a great bargain)
Tito Puente: Puente in Percussion; Roulette/Tico LP-1011; 2nd jacket--jackhammer photo, w/liners, deep groove E-/V+ $30 (specify) -- Latin/percussion; a major classic, like Top Percussion but scarcer/more of a collectors item; essential percussion feature that broke ground and set new Latin-percussion standards for years to come; features young superstars-to-be Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, & Patato Valdes; all original tunes: Tito on Timbales, Stick on Bongo, Congo Beat, Timbales Solo, Four Beat Mambo, The Big Four, Swinging Mambo, Tito & Mongo on Timbales
Tito Puente: Puente in Percussion; Roulette/Tico LP-1011; later flexi pressing, 1st jacket, w/liners E+/N $30 (specify) -- as above but reissued in flawless shape & w/a rare revival of the 1st jacket design (blue-yellow sketch, as shown), which is a collectors item in the original (here you get the full effect but in a clean modern edition)
Tito Puente: Mucho Puente; RCA Victor LSP-1479; 1958; E-/V+ $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- one of the classic, great RCA LPs, scarce in stereo; Mambo Beat, The Late, Late Scene, Night Ritual, Malibu Beat Night Hawk, Lullaby of the Leaves, Son de la Loma, Duerme (Time Was), Tea for Two, Poor Butterfly, Tito's Guajira..
Tito Puente: Top Percussion; RCA Victor LSP-1617; E/E- S $25 -- legendary!; one side Afro-Cuban, the other NY Latin percussion (like Puente in Percussion); w/Aguabella, Mongo Santamaria, other greats; a very important, highly influential, thrilling LP; Ti Mon Bo, Hot Timbales, Obatala Yeza, Elequana, Obaricoso..
Tito Puente: Dancing Under Latin Skies; RCA Victor LSP-1874; 1959; 1st press N-/N- S $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- "Latin Dances"; priced low for a slight warp but plays fine (clean stereo 1st press!); Cuban Pete, Brazil, Yours, Tampico, Frenesi, Port-au-Pleasure, Juanita, Sand in My Shoes..
Tito Puente in Puerto Rico; Roulette/Tico LP-1088; E+/E+ $50 -- scarce/highly desired LP "recorded live" (excited playing, excellent studio-quality sound, but minus the crowd sounds of later live LPs); music represents the best of all of the things TP was doing at the time (after the instrumental mambo-jazz vibes of earlier Tico), although Side 2 kicks off with "Babarabatiri," harkening back to his most smoking mambo jazz of the '50s; it's mostly very uptempo stuff; & we're very pleased with the shape of both jacket & disc
Tito Puente: Mucho Puente/Plenty Puente; Roulette/Tico LP-1115; 1964; E-/E S $25 -- Latin; one of his better ones from the mid-period Tico years in GREAT SOUND (you need the original NY pressings, as the masters were lost in 1972); New Guanguanco, Mas Bajo, Juguetes del Destino, Flamenco Mood, Y Ahora Que, Joropo Jorocon, Ban Ban Quere, A Noro Morales, El Conquistador, Carminova, Sin Nada, Pobre Corazon
Tito Puente: Tito Puente's 20th Anniversary; Roulette/Tico LP-1151; 1967/1966; N-/N shrink S $50 (or cutout E/N- $30, specify) -- Latin soul, Latin jazz, Latin all rolled up in one of his very best LPs (overlooked bc of the title but it's GREAT & ESSENTIAL), definitely one of the hottest TP LPs on the label; Fat Mama (Latin-soul smash hit!), Mambo a la Tito, Africana (earlier done on a great Quincy JonesJ Mercury LP we love), Work Song, Aqui, Algo Nuevo..
Tito Puente: Para Los Rumberos; Roulette/Tico SLP-1086; 1972; flexi E+/N S $30 (or flexi cutout N*/N S $25, specify) -- one of his smoking best from the Latin-soul era; prod. Joe Cain; Para Los Rumberos (covered by Santana!), Batuka (a Santana cover!), China, Palladium Days, Guayaba, Nina y Senora, Salsa y Sabor (w/Charlie Palmieri on organ); *cutout has writing on jacket back (in the margins)--previous owner taped as he bought & never played the vinyl again
Tito Puente: Pa'Lante!/Straight; Roulette/Tico SLP-1214; 1970; flexi cutout N/N shrink S $65 -- AWESOME!; 2 Latin-soul wonders (Hit the Bongo, Watchit) are legendary, stone funky killers & the rest is great too; one of the scarcest & most-wanted Puente LPs; prod. Puente w/A&R by Charlie Palmieri; w/original inner sleeve
Cheo Belen Puig: Danzones del Ayer Vol. II; Kubaney MT-114; green deep groove E-/N- $20 -- Cuban; top Cuban label, great record!
The Exciting Joe Quijano & his Pachanga-Cha-Cha Orchestra: La Pachanga Se Baila Asi; Columbia CL-1744; 1962; black 6-eye E/E- $30 -- rare debut for the label features 12 tracks; Side 1 is good pachanga; Side 2 features cha-cha-cha in various forms; standouts are Bobby "Valentin's Cha Cha" & what may be the masterpiece of the LP: the guajira-cha-cha-cha "Yo Soy El Son Cubano"; graded/priced low for plenty of light wear (surface) but plays nicely
Joe Quijano: Fiddler on the Roof Goes Latin; MGM SE-4284; sealed S $60 (or MGM/Latino 10,013 promo V-/E+ S $25, specify) (or mono MGM E-4283; N-/N $40, specify) -- Latin jazz/Latin; while the whole thing is excellent (one of Quijano's best LPs), the fantastic Mr. Fox arranged it (good luck finding Charles Fox's other legendary Latin-jazz LPs); many tunes in various tempos are outstanding but the legendary mambo-jazz smoker is "Sunrise, Sunset"
Joe Quijano with Strings; Cesta SLP-5000; N/N shrink $50 -- arr. & cond. Charles Fox, it's all ballads but nicely done; rare & top shape--can't beat it (last of the original CESTA LPs); La Hora de Llorara (Crying Time), Solo Pienso en Ti (Goin' Out of My Head), Quien, Sinceridad, Amor Inolvidable (Affair to Remember), Te Esperare, Mentiras Tuyas, Te Fuistas, Amor de Ilusion, Cita a Las
Joe Quijano: Ahora; Coco CLP-114; 1975; AUTOGRAPHED! cutout E/N S $30 (or unsigned/uncut N-/N S $30, specify) -- scarce, great '70s salsa LP; prod. by Harvey Averne w/musical director Charlie Palmieri; all-star cast: Barry Rogers, Chocolate Armenteros, Vitin Aviles, Ray Rivera..; Paella/Desengano Cruel, Tema de Broadway, Bailen y Gozen (Miguelito Cuni), Streaking, El Enamorao, Juguetes del Destino, Mapale, Salieron Pocos
Johnny Rae's Afro-Jazz Septet: Herbie Mann's African Suite; United Artists UAS-5042; 1959; 1st/deep groove N-/E- S $60 (or mono UAL-4042 E+/E- $30, specify) -- Latin jazz/vibes; terrific, from the gorgeous, hall-of-fame jacket to the fantastic sound (1st-rate; almost no noise), very scarce in stereo!; w/percussion masters Jose Mangual, Patato Valdes, Victor Pantoja, Philly Joe Jones; Bobby Corwin (piano) and Herbie Mann on flute; St. Thomas, Sorimao, Jungle Fantasy, Bedouin, Sudan, Ekunda, Guinean
Don Ralke: Bongo Madness; United-Superior US-7801 (formerly Crown CLP-5019); E-/E- $25, specify) -- bongo bop/Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz/flute/bongo; w/Jack Burger, Buddy Collette, Don Tosti, Tom Wofford; sensational/exploitative (including some noise as you always get with Crown) but w/first-rate people, terrific original music, great playing, groovy jacket art (part of a series of similar good stuff on Crown); uniquely this edition claims to be stereo but it's either electronic or mono; Calypso Cubano, Afro-Bop, Mgombo, Bembe Negro, Pasion Caliente, Ritmo Marteo, Afro-Mambo Alegre..; BONUS: we're throwing in a spare original jacket, which gives you the liner notes (even most Crown editions don't have them)
Carlos Ramirez Sings Latin-American Favorites 10"; SMC Pro-Arte SMC-502; deep groove V+/N- $50 -- Latin; vocal by famed member of the original Arsenio Rodriguez orchestra, here w/the Roberto Valdes Arnau Orchestra; price/condition/early number make it a bargain (& that's all before considering the Arsenio connection); paper sleeve has edge wear & tape but all text area intact; Granada, Bahia, Belen, Ay Ay Ay, Lamento Gitano, Jurame, Te Quiero Dijiste..
Louie Ramirez: In the Heart of Spanish Harlem/En el Corazon de Harlem Espanol; Mercury SR-61121; 1st cutout E/E+ S $100 -- Latin soul; smoking LP (serious boogaloo) w/singer Bobby Marin by one of the true heroes of Latin/Latin soul/Latin jazz (responsible for many heavy LPs but rarely took leader credit); probably w/Ozzie Torrens; Lucy's Spanish Harlem, The Boogie Man, The New Breed, Love it Up, The Crazy One, The Bigshot..; slight water stain on the jacket (right edge, just in the white border) but otherwise terrific
Louie Ramirez & his Latin Jazz Ensemble: A Tribute to Cal Tjader; Ace/BGP 1013; 1988 (reissues Caiman LP-9025; 1986); E/N S $25 -- Latin jazz; w/Jose Mangual, Fajardo, Paquito D'Rivera..; smokin' uptempo Latin-jazz set, not just a fitting tribute to Tjader; a sleeper on Caiman, it greatly impressed the UK Ace people, who wasted no time in reissuing it (that story is in the Ace liner notes--the Caiman has no liners)
[Ricardo Ray &] Bobby Cruz: En Navidad (jacket: En Fiesta Navidena/Merry Christmas); Fonseca SLP-1116; white label, deep groove E-/as is $100 -- Xmas boogaloo; so worn it looks like death but plays heroically well; distracting noise just in some tracks (mostly fine); best Xmas Latin-soul LP there is, bar none!
[Ricardo Ray &] Bobby Cruz: En Navidad (jacket: En Fiesta Navidena/Merry Christmas); Performance 8520 (1983 Venezuelan reissue of Fonseca SLP-1116); N-/N $75 -- '80s Venezuelan reissues are much better than the notoriously poor '70s ones & it's Fonseca!
Ricardo Ray [& Bobby Cruz]: Se Solto/On the Loose; Alegre SLPA-8500; as is S $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) or free w/any other Richie Ray/Bobby Cruz LP; wear/noise but still exciting, great LP!
Ricardo Ray: Jala Jala Y Boogaloo; Branston/Alegre SLPA-8570; 1st/thick vinyl E/E- S $40 -- Latin soul/Latin; Latin-soul superstars Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz reach their peak in these classic 2 volumes (& for most it's the best Latin soul they'll ever hear, as the earlier Fonseca is so rare); it's also a highlight/masterpiece for Alegre & producer Pancho Cristal; Richie's Jala Jala, Baby Don't You Cry, Colombia's Boogaloo, Stop Look & Listen, Lo Atare La Arache, Cabo E, Gentle Rain, 3 & 1 Mozambique, Bomba Camara
Ricardo Ray: Jala, Jala Boogaloo Volume II; Branston/Alegre SLPA-8630; N-/E shrink S $45 -- Latin soul/Latin; Latin-soul superstars Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz reach their peak in these classic 2 volumes (& for most it's the best Latin soul they'll ever hear, as the earlier Fonseca is so rare); it's also a highlight/masterpiece for Alegre & producer Pancho Cristal; Tin Marin, Musica Ye Ye, Aquel Dia, Mr. Trumpet Man, Iqui Con Iqui, More Richie, Que Se Rian, Las Caraquenas
Ricardo Ray & Bobby Cruz: Los Durismos/The Strong Ones--Salsa y Control; Alegre SLP-8700; 2nd V+/V+ S $25 -- Latin soul; fantastic, one of their best, hard to find, esp. in stereo; some marks & noise in spots but generally a respectable player; Lighten Up Baby, Lazy Day, Pancho Cristal, Yo Soy (Babalu), Libre Soy..
Ricardo Ray & Bobby Cruz: In Orbit; Branston/Alegre LPA-886; 1971/1970; sealed cutout $50 (or E/E- $35, specify) (or cutout E-/V+ $25, specify) -- one of their best and by far weirdest/most psychedelic; features strange, creative, inspired versions of TV themes by the Monkees and even Woody Woodpecker(!!!); hip jacket art rounds out a groovy far-out space trip from the height of the Latin-soul era; you won't find this good a treasure available at this low a price for very long; Ricardo Ray in Orbit (descarga), Last Train to Clarksville (vocal and instrumental versions), The Woodpecker/Bombo Camara, Cactus Flower, Ad Libs
Ricardo Ray & Bobby Cruz 1975; Vaya VS-33; 1974; cutout E/E+ S $30 -- mod/Latin soul; "Richie Ray 1975" is the major funky cut on a solid winner
Emil Richards' Yazz Band: Yazz Per Favore; Palladium PLP-105; 1988/196? (REISSUES Del-Fi DFST-1216) N/N S $30 -- Latin jazz; w/Francisco Aguabella & other percussion gods (besides ER himself), it's one of the best Latin-jazz masterpieces going, truly fantastic oddity on of all things [originally] a California surf label(!); we expect never in our lifetimes to see any copy of the original (it's that rare), much less a clean one, but we're thrilled to have bought the last few of these out-of-print beauties; one of the best of the rarity-reissues from Spain's Palladium label; grab it while you can (as we did)
Pedrito Rico en Nueva York; Tico LP-1137; promo V+/E- $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- famous Spanish tenor captured in 12 songs by Pancho Cristal; if you like him, you need this original
Chollo Rivera & the Latin Soul Drives: By Chollo; Cotique CS-1037; E+/V+ S $100 -- Latin soul; a rare one-off (rarer still in stereo), to us it's the pride of the label, as the totally original, swinging, & hip "Black & Blues" ranks among the top 5 Latin-soul songs (easily our favorite Cotique cut); plus there's the legendary cover of James Brown's "I Got the Feeling"; the sweet-soul ballad "I Could Never Hurt You Girl" (also highly desirable & known from a compilation); other goodies: Latin Soul Drive is Here, Swing Que Va (jala jala), Montuno Con Soul, I'm the One Who Loves You, Pega Pega, Para Que Gose Mi Gente, Melodia; priced low for significant wear & some noise but a strong player everywhere it counts --at least-- & a great jacket
Hector Rivera: Let's Cha Cha Cha; Mercury MG-20137; deep groove E/E+ $75 -- Latin jazz/Latin; the late master's 1st LP & a smoking GREAT ONE!; scarce & way, way ahead of its time w/killer mambo-jazz tunes (like the legendary Columbia LPs); said to be the Machito orchestra backing; 10 tunes all composed by Hector Rivera; perfect except some light surface marks that don't sound
Hector Rivera: Viva Rivera!; Columbia/Epic LN-3804; E-/E- $250 -- Latin jazz/Latin; you probably know already, but here goes: mambo descarga "Ya Se Formo" is the legendary smoker (although a couple of others come close); one of the holiest of grails, hallmarks, and highlights of serious Latin collecting (got little attention when released but demand since has far outstripped the tiny supply); surface marks don't sound; neat clear tape on the top seam, some other minor cosmetic flaws but nothing shabby; RIP Hector!
Hector Rivera & the Latin Renaissance: Hecto-Mania; 4 Points FP-1236; 1970; E/N- S $300 -- Latin soul/Latin funk/Latin jazz/Latin/sweet soul; legendary rarity with plenty to please everyone (very strong cuts, whether instrumental or vocal, ballad or uptempo), from the Latin collector to the sweet-soul fan; far-advanced over the earlier boogaloo classic, "At the Party"
Hector Rivera: Para Mi Gente; Tico CLP-1309; 1973; N/N shrink S $60 -- prod. Joe Cain; canta Julian Llanos; w/Vitin Paz, Ray Romero, Hector Lavoe..; post-Latin-soul in the strict sense but a total smoker w/much that DJs will love & use; 7 of the 10 tunes are Rivera's own; great percussion solos & jazz spice it up
Hector Rivera: Lo Maximo; Tico CLP-1324; 1974 sealed S $30 (specify) -- famous for its "King Kong" jacket; 10 great cuts, mostly uptempo; prod. Joe Cain; w/Tony Molina, Cachao, Luis Mangual, Vitin Aviles, Hector Lavoe, Menique..; thx to a lucky buy, we're able to offer this on the cheap, w/absolutely no strings: stereo, original/1st press, uncut, unopened, unplayed perfection!!!
Hector Rivera: Lo Maximo; Tico CLP-1324; 1974 white-label promo cutout E/N S $25 (specify) -- unplayed DJ promo!; neat hole cutout in the upper right corner (just white border area); as great an offer as on the sealed copy listed above--snap it up!
Ismael Rivera con sus Cachimbos: Esto Fur Lo Que Trajo El Barco; Tico CLP-1305; 1972; N/N shrink S $30 -- prod. Joe Cain; Mana Mana (aka Mah-Na Mah-Na!), La Gata Montesa, Traigo Salsa, Yumbo Agua Tana Oh!, San Miguel Arcangel..
Ray Rivera: The Now Sound of the Ray Rivera Orchestra; MGM/Latino LAT 10,001; yellow-label promo (all copies are) V+/E S $75 -- Latin soul; entirely hip, funky, unusual, & really wonderful, thanks to all-star arrangers Mauricio Smith, Ray Maldonado, Jack Hitchcock, Eddie Martinez!; heavy sound, too--DEEP BASS!; probably also Pucho on percussion (sounds like it), as they appear on each other's LPs otherwise (& Pucho covers "Hard Hats" on the Yaina LP); Got My Mojo Working, Hard Hats, Tiddly Winks, Sumptin' Like Dat, Afro Girl, Salt Mines, Guava..
Marco Rizo: The Mark of Rizo; Sesac S-201/202; N-/N deep groove $50 -- star Cuban pianist's rarity on a tiny NY label from the '50s; Sambalero, Siesta Rock, Encantadora, Fiesta Time, Por Que, Ah! Cha Cha Cha, Cecilia, Infatuation..
Marco Rizo, his Piano & Rhythm: Piano & Percussion; Tico LP-1076; black deep groove E/N- $40 -- Cuban/Latin piano; our favorite Tico LP by Rizo, as not only are his playing & arranging great, but it's uptempo & exotic, a bit like an exotic-percussion record; Cancion de Gail, Bruca Manigua, Danza Lucumi, The River, Sambalero, Sabre Dance, Kitten on the Keys, Tabu, Joey's Song, Hawaii, Gitanerias, Ritual Fire Dance
The Sounds of Marco Rizo: Bossa Nova; Alshire/Somerset SF-18800; E/N S $25 -- Brasilian jazz/piano bossa; the maestro from Havana (famous in NYC later) made what is easily one of the finest LPs for the label, from the brilliant jacket art (color modern mozaic) to the top production/sound to Rizo's terrific playing, arrangements, & combo; Desafinado, Pianologue, My Bossa Nova, Chopin Goes to Rio, Nadine, Rio Bossa, One Note Samba, Lucy Bossa, Ritmo Quiente, Portrait in Blue, Dreaming, Chit-Chat
Arsenio Rodriguez: Primitivo; Roost LP-2261; V+/V+ $150 -- Afro-Cuban; prod. by Teddy Reig, it's one of his best, liveliest, most engaging recordings; as with the "La Magia" LP, it's folkloric but deliberately & very successfully made to excite (especially the singing and other vocalizing)
Arsenio Rodriguez: La Pachanga; Roulette/Tico LP-1092; V+/V+ $125 -- prod. by George Goldner; our favorite rare Arsenio LP, it's an uptempo smoker!
Arsenio Rodriguez: Arsenio Dice.../Arsenio Says...; Roulette/Tico LP-1175; cutout N-/E+ $200 -- his 2 on Tico are among the most prized, hip, & difficult to land; magnificent shape
Arsenio Rodriguez y su Conjunto: Exitos de; Seeco/Tropical TRLP-5005; 1958 orange label E-/E- $45 (or green label E-/E+ $30, specify) -- earlier recordings (originally 78s); worth it just for the wonderful jacket depiction of Arsenio but also serves as the entry point to AR LPs (not as rare as others)
Arsenio Rodriguez y su Magia: La Musica Afro Cubana; CBS/Caliente CLT-7049; 1973 (reissues rarer Epic) E-/N S $100 -- "Quindembo--Afro Magic"; his most exciting work, combining a lifetime of mastery w/modern production values; roots music (folkloric w/exciting singing & other vocals) amped up considerably for the demands of the times--really wild!; great jacket photo too; easily the best AR LP that isn't quite a major collectors item--yet
Arsenio Rodriguez y su Conjunto Vol. 2; Ansonia SALP-1418; N/N- shrink [E]S $60 -- harder to find than Vol. 1 but just as good
Freddie Rodriguez: La Versatilidad de Freddie Rodriguez; UA Latino L-31001; 1967; 1st press E/E+ $80 -- Latin soul; rare, great one on super thick vinyl!; prod. by Joe Cain w/plenty of dance-floor-packing smokers for DJs!; Freddie plays a La Playa-style guitar (nice touch & unusual!) but the sound generally is like the best on Cotique or Musicor, with flute & far-out horns going descarga behind the mod beat; Lolypop (INFECTIOUS--"Sweet, sweet lollipop"), Guajira Borincana, Don't Cry, No Me Pertenece, New York is Boss, Banana Baby (YUM), Going Nowhere (FANTASTIC), Esta's en Nada, Lu-Lu Boogaloo (MOVER), Anoche Son, Swing Para Ti Parts 1 & 2 (great descarga that COOKS--very Arsenio)
Giraldo Rodriguez y sus Tambores Bata: Afro--Ritmos Afro-Cubanos Tambores Bata; Orfeon LP-LAB-08 (non-gatefold US version); N-/E- $100 -- Afro-Cuban/Santero/Bata; this & the LP by Grupo Afro-Cubana (Afro-Frenetic/Hi-Fi Cuban Drums) are the 2 most significant LPs of this type--both rare, essential, & in high demand by collectors; great jacket art, liners, 12 tunes (partly vocal/chant) & incredible drumming; light marks on Side 2 sound only slightly/briefly
Pete Rodriguez y su Conjunto: Latin Boogaloo; Alegre LPA-852; E+/E $100 -- Latin soul/Latin; his first for the label has 8 great tunes, all boogaloo/guajira or descarga or both; awesome stuff
Pete Rodriguez: Oh, That's Nice/Ay, Que Bueno!; Alegre LPA-860; promo N-/N $60 -- Latin soul; one of his essential good records; impeccable advance copy!
Tito Rodriguez: Latin Jewels; Roulette/Tico LP-1047; promo E/E $30 -- basic instrumental Latin but lovely jacket & very scarce (nearly all pre-UA Tito Rodriguez is, & you need the original pressings); Granada, Ojos Verdes, Quiereme Mucho, Frenesi, Duerme, Noche de Ronda, Quizas Quizas Quizas, Amapola, Piruli, Martha, Cuando Vuelva a tu Lado, El Manicero (Peanut Vendor)
Tito Rodriguez: Three Loves Have I (cha cha cha-mambo-guaganco); RCA Victor LPM-1389; 1957; 1st jacket (pink background)/1st press N-/N- $75 (or same but E+/E $60, specify) -- his most smoking album of the Victor/Tico days (heyday of the Two Titos battle) & seriously rare collector's item (as are all his Victor LPs, but this one's by far THE BEST); Yambere, Asi...Asi, My Tobi's Blues, A Llegado el Guaguanco, Esto Es Mambo, Barito, Baranga, Sabroso Mambo, Guaguanco Bonito..
Tito Rodriguez: Three Loves Have I (cha cha cha-mambo-guaganco); RCA Victor LPM-1389; 1958/1957; 2nd jacket (dark background)/1st press N/N $100 -- the 2nd jacket is far rarer and more appropriate for the content, but this was still before TR found a wide audience and big sales; just remind us it's in our own collection, if you would
Tito Rodriguez: Me Lo Dijo Adela y Otros Exitos; RCA Camden ACL1-0196(e); 1973/1954-55; sealed cutout ES $40 -- rare, remastered, post-mortem compilation w/liners by Geraldo Rivera features Victor tracks from the era of "two Titos" battling to be mambo king at the Palladium; you'll be very hard-pressed to find the originals (those 1st 2 LPs are deadly scarce), never mind land them in top shape; Me Lo Dijo Adela, El Baion, Besame Mucho, El Mujeriego, Abarriba Cumbiaremos, Desarrecuestate Nene, Ya Lo Puedes Decir, El Chango de Maria, El Jamaiquino
Tito Rodriguez: Motion Picture Themes Cha Cha Cha; United Artists WWR-3507; 1960; cutout (staple holes) E+/N- $30 -- in the "Deluxe 3500 Series" featuring "Wall to Wall Sound" it's one of his scarcer titles (particularly among the UA LPs); film hits, cha cha cha style: Exodus, Unforgiven, Ruby, Midnight Lace, Magnificent Seven, Never on Sunday, Picnic, Apartment, Gigi, A Summer Place, Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Sundowners
Willie Rodriguez Orchestra; Fonseca LP-1120; black label N-/E+ $250 -- Latin; cant. Adalberto Santiago w/what's really Ricardo Ray's orchestra (as with most Fonseca); not really Latin soul but a great one in supreme condition; Colorin Colorao, El Ritmo Lo Traigo Yo, Sueltate La Lengua, Fuego de Amor, Monte Adentro, Mi Montuno, Mozambique, Cimarron
Shorty Rogers Meets Tarzan--Music from "Tarzan, the Ape Man"; MGM SE-3798 1st/deep groove E/E+ S $100 (or mono E-3798 1st/deep groove E/E $75, specify) (or mono E-3798 1st/deep groove V+/E $50, specify) -- Afro-Cuban jazz/exotica (comparable to Puente's "Tambo," Gillespie's "Afro," & Sabu's "Sorcery"); fantastic, highly desirable, & rare (one pressing only, we think)!; w/Modesto Duran(!!!), Frank Rosolino, Bud Shank, Pete Joly..; despite the cheesy title & jacket pose (Shorty carried in the arms of TV Tarzan Denny Miller), it's a truly incredible, SMOKIN' POWERHOUSE; The Elephants Wail, Los Barbaros, Paradise Found, Trapped, Los Primitivos, Oomgawa, Tarzanic Suite
The Romanticos de Cuba: Cuba Libre; Musidisc MS-16001; deep groove N/E+ S $15 (any 5 $15 LPs for $50) -- Cuban; classic romantic LP on one of our favorite labels (everything on it is good); great cocktail/dancer jacket too (worth it for that alone, esp. here in perfect shape!); Verda Tropical, Carioca, Danse Avec Moi, Pa-Ran-Pan-Pan, Cerejeira Roas, El Manisero, Cote d'Azur, Negra Consentida, Cubanacan, Lamento Borincano
Charlie Byrd/Aldemaro Romero: Onda Nueva/The New Wave; Columbia/CBS KC-31025; 1971; V+/N S $60 (or promo w/timing strip V+/E- S $45, specify) -- Venezuelan bossa w/mod chorus (like the Novi Singers, Somethin' Cool, & other great late-'60s/early-'70s mod vocal/bossa); the Onda Nueva records are all coveted rare-groove legends!; features drummer Frank Hernandez (a rare-groove superstar in his own right); Romero was a longtime Tito Puente associate and major star of Venezuela; and of course some people want it for Charlie Byrd (rare one for him, too); You Get Me Crazy (Tona, Gafa Y Boba), It Never Ends (Anauco), What the World Needs Now is Love , Sueno de uno Nina Grande, Moliendo Cafe, Romance, El Gavilan, Pajarillo en Onda Nueva, Pray for Me I'm in Love (Tema De Amor), El Catire, Carretera
Aldemaro Romero & his Onda Nueva; Columbia/CBS KC-31253; 1972; sealed promo S $150 (or N/E+ shrink S $100, specify) -- uptempo Venezuelan bossa w/mod chorus (like the Novi Singers, Somethin' Cool, & other great late-'60s/early-'70s mod vocal/bossa); all of the Onda Nueva records are coveted rare-groove legends & this is perhaps the best!; jacket of attractive couple prancing in surf; for decades a major star of Venezuela and Latin music, Al Romero had earlier LPs on Victor & a long association w/Tito Puente; It's Impossible, And Still I Love Her, It Never Ends, Little Love Bird, Someone, Two, Venezuela, Bluesette, Sweet Madness, Sunrise Sunset, Never Can Say Goodbye(!!!)
Edmundo Ros: Hair Goes Latin; London/Phase 4 SP-44134; gatefold; N/N S $25 (or N/N- S $20, specify) (or cutout N-/E+ S $20, specify) -- beloved/legendary for the groovy-camp jacket/title as well as the very strong "Hare Krishna (Be In)," which is far better here as Ros' solo than his later version (duet w/Caterina Valente); recommended for both Ros fans & the odd-pop collector!
Edmundo Ros: Caribbean Ros; London/Phase 4 SP-44208; 1974; cutout E/N S $25 -- one of his best & not easy to find; deep, pronounced bass & funky conga bring out "Tequila" & a funky oddball called "Mama Loves Pompa" (we think of them as Ros' only "rare grooves"); rest mostly '70s standards like "You Are the Sunshine of My Love" but nicely done
Willie Rosario: Two Too Much; Musicor MS-6039; E/V- $60 -- Latin soul; the definitive rare pressing (original Musicor, stereo); sensational jacket in great shape, and the music is wild, very useful for the Latin-soul rare-groove DJ; disc wear is looks much worse than it sounds, which isn't bad!; priced accordingly (would be 5 times higher if clean)
Sonny Rossi & the Concord Hotel Orchestra: Cha Cha at the Concord; Mardi-Gras LP-5014; E+/V+ $20 -- Latin; rare title, great jacket; some marks and a little noise here and there but worth it
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