Puerto Rico : plena, bomba, mambo, guaracha, pachanga 1940-1962

Puerto Rico is roughly a thousand miles south-east of Miami, Florida, in the Caribbean, and has had close links to the U.S.A. for well over a century. The fruits of some links can be heard on this very listenable, very accessible release. (…) Twenty-two of the 44 on offer here are by Cortijo Y Su Combo, leaders of Afro-Puerto Rican music in the latter years of this collection’s timespan – their music varies from big band sound of “Ensililala” to the “trance” sound of “Druma Cuyi” from 1962, a “ritmo oriza”. Note also that there is a “Pachanga“ track here from a young Eddie Palmieri, later to become a major figure in both Latin jazz and salsa. If vintage Latin sounds are your bag, this is a wonderful set well worthy of your attention. Do check it out. Par Norma DARWEN - BLUES & RHYTHM