A crackling live set from Tito Puente – recorded at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1977, and more of a straight Latin jazz set than most of his other work of the 70s! The performance is really wonderful – classic Tito without any other trappings at all – Puente in the lead on timbales and vibes, working with a lively large group who are clearly schooled in the stylings of the mambo years of the 50s, but who bring a much more contemporary feel to their music overall! There's no electric instrumentation at all – and players include Mauricio Smith on flute, Richard Pullin on trombone, and Albert Shikaly on tenor. Frank Figueroa sings a bit on the performance, but the main focus is instrumental – and titles include "Oye Como Va", "Tito's Odyssey", "Delierio", "Babarabatiri", "Pare Cochero", and "El Rey Del Timbal". CD