This Tito Puente feast covers the waterfront.

Tito Puente's prodigious 1983-1996 Concord run is a superb introduction to "The King of Mambo" in his prime. During that time, Puente - rooted in Spanish Harlem, of Puerto Rican descent - never strayed far from his jazz roots.
In 1983, he started reeling off a string of several Latin jazz albums with octets or big bands for Concord that gave him greater exposure and respect in the jazz world than he ever had.
Among the numbers featured here are rousing salsa renditions of Miles Davis' "All Blues," and Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," as well as other tunes by Thelonious Monk, George Shearing, Chick Corea, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. Some of Puente's best-known compositions including "Oye Como Va," "Mambo King," and "Machito Forever" are also included. Standout tracks include a 4/4 version of "Take Five," and a blisteringly fast "Donna Lee," featuring a wonderful piccolo solo.
“The Best of the Concord Years” provides another chance to hear several fiery Afro-Cuban jazz performances, proving that "The King of Latin Music" refused to slow down, even after it was expected of him.


Tito Puente’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra

The Best of the Concord Years

1983 – 1996




2 CDs / 2000 / 320Kbps


Tracklist / CD 1:
 
1. On Broadway 8:06
2. Ran Kan Kan 5:33
3. Lush Life 5:43
4. Take Five 6:03
5. All Blues 5:11
6. Consternation 4:09
7. Tokyo Blues 5:14
8. Misterioso 4:51
9. Sun Goddess 7:21
10. Contigo En La Distancia 4:34
11. Airegin 4:11
12. Oye Como Va 5:57


Tracklist / CD 2:
 
1. Machito Forever 6:01
2. Donna Lee 4:34
3. Lullaby Of Birdland 4:18
4. On Green Dolphin Street 7:01
5. Mambo King 3:01
6. Sophisticated Lady 5:21
7. Spain 6:20
8. Picadillo A Lo Puente 3:50
9. Equinox 6:56
10. Fiesta A La King 5:52
11. Nostalgia On Times Square 6:19
12. Alluya 2:24


Tito Puente’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra include stalwarts Sonny Bravo (piano), Jimmy Frisaura (trumpet), Mario Rivera (saxophone), Bobby Rodriguez (bass), and percussionists Josi Madera and Josi "Papo" Rodriguez.
Many notable guests sound in as well:
pianists Jorge Dalto, Rebeca Maulesn-Santana, Hilton Ruiz and George Shearing, trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, saxophonist Phil Woods, violinist Alfredo de la Fi, and percussionists Francisco Aguabella and John Santos.


Tito Puente’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra
The Best of the Concord Years
1983 – 1996