Latin
We're especially heavy on New York sounds of the 60s and 70s -- Latin Soul, salsa, boogaloo, and more!
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Close matches: 24
1
Ray Barretto —
Indestructible (180 gram pressing) ... LP 
Fania/
By this point in his career, Ray Barretto certainly was Indestructible – one of the biggest Latin leaders of his day, working at the forefront of new trends and new sounds! This fact is wonderfully displayed by the front cover, which shows Ray unbuttoning his shirt and taking off his Clark Kent-styled glasses to reveal a Superman costume underneath – and apart from this easy gimmick, the album itself is a straight ahead Latin jammer, with no tricks, no silliness – just a perfect early 70s salsa sound! Arrangements are by Eddie Martinez, Louie Cruz, and Louie Ramirez – and titles include "Ay No", "La Orquesta", "El Hijo Do Obatala", "Indestructible", "La Familia", and "El Diablo". LP, Vinyl record album
2
Fania/
A fantastic classic from Latin percussion legend Ray Barretto – one of his most sophisticated albums of the 70s, and a set that's different than some of his later salsa hits! The album mixes together rootsy percussion and smoother jazzy arrangements – in a manner that keeps things fresh at all points, and which shifts the focus nicely from track to track – creating a really rich sound that's almost unlike anything else he ever recorded! Luiz Cruz plays excellent electric piano, and Adalberto Santiago is on lead vocals on a few tracks – and titles include the extended version of "Cocinando", used as the theme in Our Latin Thing – plus the cuts "Que Viva La Musica", "El Tiempo Lo Dira", "Bruca Manigua", and "Alafia Cumaye". LP, Vinyl record album
3
Fania/
Stunning soul from the great Joe Bataan – a really groundbreaking mix of modes that's right up there with the best of the Spanish Harlem scene of the late 60s! The album is Joe Bataan's debut for the Fania Records label – and the start of an incendiary run of Latin classics that forever changed the face of the New York scene – a mindblowing mix of Latin rhythms and soul-based inspiration, served up in a mix of English and Spanish language lyrics! The title track is a sublime cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Gypsy Woman" – one that's even more heartbreaking than the original – and other titles include "Ordinary Guy", Sugar Guaguanco", "So Fine", "Fuego", and the groovy "Chickie's Trombone" – a tight little jammer that shows that Joe's group also drew plenty of inspiration from the descarga scene too. LP, Vinyl record album
4
Panart/
An incredible collection of records – a series of albums that forever changed the sound of Latin music around the world! These five sets were all cooked up in the changing Cuban scene at the start of the 60s – where musicians were getting looser and freer, with a sound that was quite different than the tighter big bands of a few years before – strongly influenced by changes in American jazz, including the jam session mode that was big on record during the 50s! In a way, these sides are an answer to that – as they feature all-star musicians coming together on long, more spontaneous tracks – often in smaller combos with heavy influence on rhythm, and lots of work from the key soloists on the dates. Each record has a different leader, but often some of the same musicians – and there's some especially great work on trumpet and tenor by other members of the group – at a level that went on to influence the small combo sound of artists like Joe Cuba, the grooves of the Latin Soul/
5
Alegre/
Possibly the greatest album ever from Angel Canales – a 70s salsa classic through and through, and one with great links between the New York scene and Canales' Puerto Rican roots! The tunes are wonderfully heartfelt throughout – sung with a youthful sense of soul that's far different than some of the more emotive modes of previous generations of Latin singers – in a way that really scored big with the younger generation at the time, and which makes Canales one of the key forces helping to change the sound of the music in the 70s. Instrumentation is nice and tight – acoustic small combo work with two trombones, trumpet, baritone sax, flute, piano, bass, and percussion – under musical direction by Juan Torres. Titles include "Lejos De Ti", "Perico Macona", "La Hiedra", "Sol De Mi Vida", "Sabor Los Rumberos Nuevos", and "El Cantante Y La Orquesta". LP, Vinyl record album
6
Willie Colon —
Asalto Navideno Vol 2 (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
A great second session of Christmas music from Willie Colon in the 70s – served up with the same warm spirits and earthy energy as the first! As before, Hector Lavoe's on vocals, Yomo Toro plays cuatro, and the group's got a rootsy sort of feel that recalls Willie's excellent Good Band & Ugly album – that rootsy style that Willie Colon used a bit in the mid 70s, after charging things up with his youthful break from tradition at the end of the 60s! The cover has a great image of Santa and his helpers gangstering a car mechanic – and Joe Torres turns out some great piano lines, next to the percussion of Milton Cardona and Jose Mangual. Titles include "Cantemos", "Pescado", "Tranquilidad", "Arbolito", "La Banda" and "Recomendacion". (Holiday Music, Latin) LP, Vinyl record album
7
Willie Colon —
Big Break/Fania/
A mid 70s classic from Willie Colon – continuing the progression of his "gangster" image by supposedly having him break out of prison! (Previously, Willie had been brought to justice on the Juicio album – but now on the loose, is described in a wanted poster on the cover – "Willie Colon & Hector LaVoe have been known to kill people with little provocation with their exciting rhythm without a moment's notice"!) That claim might be a bit far-fetched, but considering the strength of Willie's work at the time, it's certainly well-founded – as he and Hector cook things up nicely on this set by bringing in some even-earthier grooves to their blend of 70s salsa modes! The group's got Colon's tight twin-trombone approach firmly in the lead, and other instrumentation is merely piano, bass, and lots of percussion – all very stripped down, and with lots of room for LaVoe's wonderfully evocative vocals. Titles include "Pa' Columbia", "Ghana'E", "No Cambiare", "Barrunto", and "Sigue Feliz". LP, Vinyl record album
(Nice pressing – heavy cover and vinyl, plus 11" X 23" Wanted poster!)
8
Willie Colon —
Crime Pays (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
Classic work from Willie Colon – the "payoff" of his youthful hoodlum routine, and a hard-hitting batch of salsa tunes pulled from earlier records – all in a package that defines his groove of the 70s! Hector LaVoe's on vocals with Willie's group – and he's also standing with Willie on the cover, a nice image that has the two of them dressed as big-time gangsters, standing next to a Rolls Royce! (Wonder what it cost them to rent that for the cover shoot?) But more important than Willie's perpetuation of himself as the bad boy of Latin music, is the overall sound of the record – fierce salsa, with a really strong approach that's as bold and proud as the image which supports it. Solid all the way through, and tracks include "El Malo", "Jazzy", "El Titan", and "Che Che Cole", a nice groover. LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Crime Pays (smoke vinyl pressing) ... LP 27.99(Great pressing – heavy gatefold cover!)
9
Fania/
Classic work from Willie Colon – the "payoff" of his youthful hoodlum routine, and a hard-hitting batch of salsa tunes pulled from earlier records – all in a package that defines his groove of the 70s! Hector LaVoe's on vocals with Willie's group – and he's also standing with Willie on the cover, a nice image that has the two of them dressed as big-time gangsters, standing next to a Rolls Royce! (Wonder what it cost them to rent that for the cover shoot?) But more important than Willie's perpetuation of himself as the bad boy of Latin music, is the overall sound of the record – fierce salsa, with a really strong approach that's as bold and proud as the image which supports it. Solid all the way through, and tracks include "El Malo", "Jazzy", "El Titan", and "Che Che Cole", a nice groover. LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Crime Pays (180 gram pressing) ... LP 26.99(Great pressing – nice heavy cover too!)
10
Willie Colon —
El Juicio (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
Supposedly the end of Willie Colon's early "crime" career – as the title and cover imply that he's finally been brought to trial! Don't worry about Willie being beaten down, though, because the music on the album is every bit as fierce and powerful as ever – and features a number of long tracks that really stretch out in a highly percussive groove! The group's great – with Jose Mangual on bongos, Joe Torres on piano, and Milton Cardona on conga – as well as Hector Lavoe still in the lead on vocals. Titles include "Aguanile", "Pan y Agua", "Seguire Sin Ti", "Timbalero", "Pirana", "Ah Ah O No", "Si La Ves", and "Sonando Despierto". LP, Vinyl record album
11
Willie Colon —
Lo Mato (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
This is about as strong as you can get from Willie Colon – he's holding a gun to some cat's head on the cover! (And hip hoppers think they invented the gangster image!) More than just a catchy picture, though, the image is really important at a symbolic level – as the guy Willie's capping is an older one, possibly a bloated bandleader from years past, being shoved out of the way by Willie's leaner, cleaner sound and style. The album more than lives up to that picture, too – as it's filled with hard-hitting salsa numbers that show Willie and crew refining their sound even more from their already-strong previous albums. Includes the long cut "Junio 73", a really wonderful number, plus loads of other great ones that include "Guajira Ven", "Vo So", and "Calle Luna Calle Sol". LP, Vinyl record album
12
Willie Colon & Hector Lavoe —
Vigilante (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
Willie and Hector really open things up here on this excellent early 80s session – going for longer tracks that really expand upon their classic sound of the 70s! There's a very ambitious approach to the music – with more passages that shift between vocals and instrumentation than before, and an overall sound that changes up mood and tone, sometimes a number of times within the same tune. That's not a bad thing, either – as it really gets them past a formula, into whole new territory! The work was originally intended for a soundtrack, but stands quite well on its own – and titles include "Pase La Noche Fumando", "Juanito Alimana", "Vigilante", and "Triste Y Vacia". LP, Vinyl record album
(On 180 gram vinyl!)
13
Willie Colon & Ruben Blades —
Siembra (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
A classic 70s salsa jammer from Willie Colon – working here with his one of his greatest vocalists – the young Ruben Blades, back before he'd crossed over to super-huge success! The album really marks a departure for Willie – moving past the bad boy style of earlier records, that kind of "tough guy in the hood" look – into a mode that was more open to other Latin scenes, and which marked an even greater rise to Latin stardom – really warm, open-handed, and a push forward with a new level of power and maturity. Titles include "Dime", "Plastico", "Buscando Guyaba", "Maria Lionza", "Ojos", and "Siembra". LP, Vinyl record album
14
Celia Cruz & Tito Puente —
Alma Con Alma – The Heart & Soul Of Celia Cruz & Tito Puente (180 gram pressing) ... LP Tico/
A really great project from Tito Puente – maybe not his only collaboration with Celia Cruz, but maybe one of the best – a top-to-bottom album of unified vision, topped with sublime vocals from the legendary lady! The set was arranged and produced by Tito – and brings together tunes that are maybe a bit rootsier than some of his other work – that return to tradition that Puente was clamoring for as the 70s began, as a way of shaking off what he felt were the worse influences of the Latin Soul youngsters (not something we agree with ourselves!) The vibe of the album is quite different than its 1970 date – more like something from pre-Castro Havana at times, but with an updated, more sophisticated sense of arrangements and percussion. Titles include "Guiro 6/
15
Fania All-Stars —
Live At The Cheetah Vol 1 (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
Killer early work by the Fania All Stars – caught live at the legendary Cheetah club, which was the heart of the New York salsa scene at the start of the 70s! The album is easily one of the best by the group – and features long tracks that really capture the jamming intensity that occurred on stage when this many great artists were brought together in one space – kind of the "next step" for the older descarga mode put forth at the start of the 60s, pushed forward into the prouder, more unified Latin scene of the 70s! All Stars on this date include Ray Barretto, Larry Harlow, Bobby Valentin, Willie Colon, Johnny Pacheco, and others – and titles on this first volume include "Quitate Tu", "Descarga Fania", and "Anaconda". LP, Vinyl record album
16
Fania/
Killer early work by the Fania All Stars – caught live at the legendary Cheetah club, which was the heart of the New York salsa scene at the start of the 70s! The album is easily one of the best by the group – and features long tracks that really capture the jamming intensity that occurred on stage when this many great artists were brought together in one space – kind of the "next step" for the older descarga mode put fort at the start of the 60s, pushed forward into the prouder, more unified Latin scene of the 70s! All Stars on this date include Ray Barretto, Larry Harlow, Bobby Valentin, Willie Colon, Johnny Pacheco, and others – and titles on this second volume include "Ponte Duro", "Estrellas De Fania", and "Ahora Vengo Yo". LP, Vinyl record album
(50th Anniversary Edition pressing!)
17
Hector Lavoe —
La Voz (180 gram pressing) ... LP Fania/
A classic bit of 70s salsa gold from vocalist Hector Lavoe – a record done in close collaboration with Willie Colon, with whom Lavoe had worked on a great run of albums during the late 60s and early 70s! The set's got a slightly warmer and more straightforward feel than some of Willie's records – but still features arrangements and production by Colon, as well as a two-trombone, two-trumpet section that brightens up the tunes with a proud brassy finish! Piano is by Mark Dimond – nice and bold, with those dark edges of his we really like – and titles include "El Todopoderoso", "Emborrachame De Amor", "Rompe Saraguey", "Mucho Amor", "Tus Ojos", and "Mi Gente". LP, Vinyl record album
18
Tico/
Great 60s material from Tito Puente – one of those key Tico sides that have him really changing his sound up for the decade, and working with a slightly leaner vibe than his RCA recordings a few years before! Tito's not in boogaloo mode here, but he's definitely got an ear towards some of the younger, small combos who were showing up on the scene – and hit this sharpness that was as if he were reborn again – a great move, even though as "the king", he could have rested on his laurels! Titles include "Batacumba", "Malanga Con Yuca", "Donde Vas", "Gata Miau, Miau", "Africa Habla", and the classic "Oye Como Va", one of Tito's all time greatest! LP, Vinyl record album
19
Tito Puente —
Para Los Rumberos (180 gram pressing) ... LP Tico/
A heavy groover from Tito Puente – recorded in a back to basics style, but with a hard percussive edge! The sound here has plenty of jazzy touches – almost in the mode of Tito's funky big band records of the mid 70s, but with less of the funk or the large group touches – almost a 70s jazzy update of his best work from earlier years! The set is proof that Puente could keep his fire burning brightly even through many years of changes in Latin music – and the set features titles that include "Batuka", "China", "Palladium Days", "Nina Y Senora", "Para Los Rumberos", and "El Catire". LP, Vinyl record album
20
Ismael Rivera Con Kako —
Lo Ultimo En La Avenida (180 gram pressing) ... LP Tico/
A great meeting of talents in the studio – as Ismael Rivera sings lead vocals for Kako's smoking combo, complete with congas by Patato Valdez! The sound here is a great – rootsy and highly percussive on the bottom, yet smooth on the top thanks to Ismael's vocals – sung here in a style that's slightly soulful, and reaching out with a good degree of personal inflection. The whole thing's a nice precursor to more popular salsa modes of the 70s – and titles include "La Cumbita", "Moti-Agua", "Cantar Maravilloso", "Mi Negrita Me Espera", and "El Truquito". LP, Vinyl record album
(50th Anniversary heavyweight vinyl pressing!)
21
Pete Rodriguez —
I Like It Like That (A Mi Me Gusta Asi) (180 gram pressing) ... LP Alegre/
A fantastic little album of Latin Soul – a perfect example of why Pete was known as the "King Of The Boogaloo" during the 60s! The group's having a non-stop party on the album – breaking it hard with heavy piano lines, rumbling bass underneath the grooves, tight timbales, and some shouted lyrics in English that are always very catchy. The title cut, "I Like It Like That", is the sort of groover that you'll be singing for years – even after hearing it only once – and the album's filled with other great cuts, like "Pete's Madness", "Micaela", "Si Quires Bailar", "Soiy El Rey" and "3 and 1". LP, Vinyl record album
22
Tico/
A massive batch of boogaloo gems – all wrapped up in one mighty package! Tico Records was one of the first great New York indie labels to focus on Latin music in the postwar years – and by the time of the huge late 60s boom in the world of Latin Soul, the label were definitely in a great position to turn out some killer work from a variety of artists! Some of the label's artists were aging, but reinvigorated by the energy of the younger generation – who also got access to the top shelf Tico presentation, as they brought in some of the best soul styles from East Harlem to trim things down from the larger Latin ensembles of the previous generation, and really send things home with a funky sort of groove. This set's a great overview of these key years at Tico – and titles include "Sock It To Me" and "Psychedelic Baby" by Joe Cuba, "Tighten Up" and "The Horse" by Al Escobar, "Fever" by La Lupe, "Be's That Way" and "Bobo Do That Thing" by Willie Bobo, "El Watusi" and "Babalu" by Ray Barretto, "Hit The Bongo" and "Coye Como Va" by Tito Puente, "My People" by Joe Panama, "Come An Get It" and "The African Twist" by Eddie Palmieri, "Aquarius/
23
Various —
It's A Good Good Feeling – The Latin Soul Of Fania Records ... LP Fania/
A mighty nice little package – one that's overflowing with the special sort of Latin and soul music hybrids that rose up from the Spanish Harlem scene in the late 60s – the kind of cuts that helped establish Fania Records as one of the most important Latin labels around – and one of the grooviest too! These aren't the 70s salsa tracks that Fania spread across the globe – but the more New York-styled numbers that often had English language lyrics in the lead, sung by a soulful vocalist – and set to small combo rhythms that were overflowing with energy, and plenty of touches of jazz, soul, and funk! 2LP set features great notes on this special time in Latin music – and many titles are presented in their rare 45rpm single mixes. The set comes with 26 gems that include "Geronimo" from Bobby Valentin, "Willie Baby" by Willie Colon, "Hey Girl" by 125th Street Candy Store, "Batola Boogaloo" by Bobby Quesada, "Camel Walk" by The Latinaires, "Silent Heart" by 125th Street Candy Store, "Ungawa" by Ali Baba, "Spinning Wheel" by El Apollo Sound, "Let's Get Together This Christmas" by Harvey Averne, "Some Lonely Heart" by Ronnie Marks, "Grazin In The Grass" by Orchestra Harlow, "Soul Drummers" by Ray Barretto, "Micro Mini" by Harvey Averne, "Mess Around" by Larry Harlow, "Juicy" by Monguito Santamaria, "Johnny's No Good" by WRLC, "Just A Little While" by Ralfi Pagan, "Shaft" by Joe Bataan, and "Just Try A Little Harder" by Butter Scotch. LP, Vinyl record album
24
Fania/
A mighty nice little package – one that's overflowing with the special sort of Latin and soul music hybrids that rose up from the Spanish Harlem scene in the late 60s – the kind of cuts that helped establish Fania Records as one of the most important Latin labels around – and one of the grooviest too! These aren't the 70s salsa tracks that Fania spread across the globe – but the more New York-styled numbers that often had English language lyrics in the lead, sung by a soulful vocalist – and set to small combo rhythms that were overflowing with energy, and plenty of touches of jazz, soul, and funk! These are all the mixes from the rare 45rpm singles issued by Fania back in the day – and although the songs are wonderful, the collection together is even cooler as a whole – dozens of tracks, including some really rare ones – all bound up in a 7" book-styled cover, with 60 pages of notes, and a bonus funky 45! Titles include "Silent Heart" by 125th Street Candy Store, "Micro Mini" and "Make Out" by Harvey Averne, "Too Much Lovin" and "So Fine" by Joe Bataan, "Willie Baby" by Willie Colon, "Soul Drummers" and "Mercy Mercy Baby" by Ray Barretto, "Geronimo" and "Funky Big Feet" by Bobby Valentin, "Mercie" by Ralph Robles, "Camel Walk" by The Latinaires, "Batola Boogaloo" by Bobby Quesada, "Grazin In The Grass" by Orchestra Harlow, "Spinning Wheel" by El Apollo Sound, "Hey Sister" by Monguito Santamaria, "Who Is The Girl For Me" and "Look At Her" by Ralfi Pagan, "New York Soul" by Ray Barretto, "Some Lonely Heart" by ronnie Marks, "Let's Get It Together This Christmas" by Harvey Averne, "Shaft" and "If I Were A King" by Joe Bataan, "Johnny's No Good" and "Blonde Latin Blues" by WRLC, and "Today" and "Try Just a Little Harder" by Butter Scotch. Lots more too – and the bonus 7" single features two promo tracks recorded for DJ Symphony Sid – one by Joe Bataan, the other by Bobby Valentin! CD
Possible matches: 2
25
Willie Colon —
Hustler ... LP Fania, Late 60s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Brilliant early work from a young Willie Colon – a true hustler if there ever was one! The album has an amazing energy that really bridges a number of Latin scenes – it's part descarga jamming, part Latin soul, and part traditional Latin – put together with a no-nonsense approach that makes the whole thing come off like magic. A young Hector LaVoe is on lead vocals, but the real star here is the group – who have a lean, mean, stripped-down sound that's really great! Includes the jammer "The Hustler", plus "Eso Se Baila Asi", "Havana", "Guajiron", "Montero", and "Que Lio". LP, Vinyl record album
26
Papo Vazquez —
Carnival In San Juan ... CD CuBop, 2003. Used ... Out Of Stock
Crack Latin from trombonist Papo Vazquez – one of the strongest sets we've ever heard from Cubop Records, a label that's always pretty darn great! Vazquez' vision here is quite strong – working with a big group to craft some tunes that are surprisingly lean while still managing to be deep and evocative. Papo's horn is at the lead – working in in a style that seems to stretch back to older work by Chico O'Farrill, but which also pushes on in a combination of Puerto Rican salsa and west coast Latin jazz. A really great set throughout – with titles that include "Stuffy Turkey", "Las Torres", "Mundo Bizarro", "Carnival In San Juan", "Vianda Con Bacalao", "Carlitos Coco", and "Snow Angel". CD
Partial matches: 5
27
Costeno/
One of the most obscure salsa albums to come out of the Colombian scene in the 70s – a set that features top-shelf instrumentation from members of Fruko's combo, and vocals from singer Jacky Carazo! Jacky's got a great approach that almost seems to echo the Latin soul generation at times, but with vocals that are all in Spanish – and which are really well-suited to the soaring grooves of the group – who deliver some especially tight horns over the well-crafted piano, bass, and percussion at the core! The record's got all the charms of the best Fania work of the time, but a nicely different vibe too – in part because of the wider sense of rhythm on the Colombian scene. Titles include "El Despertar", "Alma", "Mi Canto", "El Negro Bembon", "Donde Sta Donde Sta", "Mi Cumbia", and "El Baile Del Raton". LP, Vinyl record album
28
Elegua/
A totally wonderful little record – a jazz set with a bit of a Latin vibe – part electric, thanks to some great Fender Rhodes – which is mixed with percussion and a really well-crafted horn section! The tracks are long, and very jazzy – put together with a style that's laidback, but tight at the same time – in a group led by trumpeter Rahdy Montero, with electric piano from Amuni Nacer, tenor from Michael Lawrence, trombone from Tim Sessions, and plenty of percussion too! Titles include a fantastic version of "Tell Me A Bedtime Story" – plus "Mambo Ajeno", "Planeta Pimienta", and "Extasis". (Jazz, Latin) LP, Vinyl record album
29
Maledetta Discoteca (Italy), 2023. New Copy ... $27.99 35.99
These guys are definitely Latin Freaks – of the sort who like to mix heavy percussion with some clubbier instrumentation – all at a level that would make 70s salsa disco giants like Joe Bataan or Eddie Drennon mighty proud! This Italian group have a great way with the music, and have really crafted something wonderful and amazing – a full, rich sound that draws from the sharpness of salsa instrumentation, yet which has more focused grooves for the dancefloor – tight horns on top, nice percussion on the bottom, and sweet keyboards and basslines right down the middle! There's vocals on the set from a few female singers – and the great Joe Bataan joins the group on the title "Can't Help Foolin" – next to other cuts that include "Juanita Shing A Ling", "Divine Dance", "Boogie With Your Baby", "Little Black Woman", "Latin Freak", and "Tiene O Tempo". (Deep Funk, Latin) LP, Vinyl record album
(Note: These copies have two slightly bumped corners from shipping – and are priced accordingly to reflect that defect, which is very minor.)
30
George Guzman —
Introducing George Guzman ... LP Fania/
Amazing Latin soul – and the first record ever by the youthful George Guzman! The grooves kick in from the word "go" – with strong electric bass setting the scene, and lots of dark, descending blue notes – copped from 60s soul and jazz influences, and crafted perfectly to fit the Spanish Harlem sound of the time! Lyrics are mostly in English, and nearly every track is a mad groover – of the sort that will make your stereo perk up its too-tired ears! Trust us, this one's a gem – a record we'd recommend to anyone – and filled with wonderful tracks like "Lazy Boogaloo", "French Boogaloo", "Herba Buena", "Chant Of The Isles", "Marilu", and the goofy "Banana Freak Out"! LP, Vinyl record album
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