La Playa Sextet

The La Playas (not to be confused with the La Plata Sextet, a knockoff on Seeco) were the most popular group on New York's Mardi Gras label. Although in later years numbering as high as a dozen players, the group originally was a spare sextet distinguished by a strong, rhythm-guitar sound. The guitar and lively tempos always made them as much Latin rock as progressive Latin. Their association with Tito Rodriguez meant sharing key members of what would become the Eddie Palmieri outfit. That factor alone makes some of the United Artists records notable, while the two Musicor LPs are unique for other reasons. Papas Fritas really is mod Latin rock in The Champs style. It's lightweight but fun, with a few excellent tunes. The subsequent "Bailando el Boogaloo" LP features Louie Ramirez, interesting jazz elements, and one very strong boogaloo rarity which makes the whole thing a "holy grail" of Latin soul. Both of these LPs are nearly impossible to find; by contrast the Mardi Gras and UA records can be merely elusive.

Buying: Snap up the Musicor items if you see them; almost all the Mardi Gras and United Artists LPs are very worthwhile. But beware of budget-label reissues and repackagings.

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