Mambo of the Times
Frankie Morales (Cobo)

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If you've listened to the last recordings of maestro Tito Puente, you'll recognize Frankie Morales' vocals. Here on his third solo release his voice sounds clear and on fire and by adding Puente's band, you have a smoking, swinging CD.

The title track starts off in English, then switches to Spanish to recreate that palladium mambo feel of the 50's. The band swings as if Tito was still there. This joint will get your ass of your seats. On the tribute Ya se nos fue, Morales and the band create a salsa dura track straight out of the 70's. The horn section is on fire; Pablo Nuñez holds the forth with his timbal solo. This song should've been at least 10 minutes long! Las mujeres en la fiesta showcases Mario Rivera's saxophone playing. SWINGING!

A virtual who's who of musicians in the New York area participated on this CD: Isidro Infante, Ricky González, José Madera, Sonny Bravo and Ray Santos. And how can you go wrong when your coro section is Adalberto Santiago, Ray de la Paz and José Mangual?

The only drawbacks (to me) were a couple of numbers attempting to do salsa romántica (monga). But, just press the skip button on those tracks and you have a very danceable, swinging, and complex, beautiful release. Tito must be in heaven dancing to this one.

Songs:
1- Mambo of the times
2- Quién
3- Ya para qué
4- Esa mujer
5- Escondidos
6- Ya se nos fue
7- Las mujeres en la fiesta
8- Reclamo por tu cuerpo
9- Cosas del amor
10- Mensajero del amor

 

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This page was last updated on 22-Jan-2005