A great album from Cheche Mendoza and his Los Satelites combo – a group who first formed in the 60s, but who were really hitting their stride by the time of this record! The combo hail from Venezuela, and have a vibe that's nicely different than some of the New York and Puerto Rican groups of the time – maybe a slight touch of Colombia in the rhythms, although the piano and trumpet lines are definitely in an early salsa mode – served up in a small group style that's definitely inherited from the Joe Cuba Sextet, but taken in a nice new direction. Vocals are by Mauricio Conde and Cheche himself – and the group features piano from Nano Ladera, trombone from Cesar Monges, and trumpet from Cesar Fuentes. Titles include "Hochum", "Sufre Y Goza", "Pensando En Ti", "Este Tipo No Este En Na", "Doce Cascabeles", "Satelite Jala Jala", "El Tostao", and "El Triunfo". LP, Vinyl record album

A really wonderful record from this cool combo from Venezuela – young, tight, and full of energy throughout on this late 60s set – almost as if they were taking cues from the New York scene, but also serving up some of their own groove too! There's still some older pachanga elements in the mix, but those are blended with more of the sharper groove of the mod 60s combo years – in a lineup that mixes trombone with violin, flute, and some mighty nice piano from leader Nelson Gonzalez! Titles include the smoking "Descarga Boogaloo" – plus "Guaguanco En Mi", "Pachanga Juap", "Nelson Swing", "Tongolelel", "Danzon De Caracas", "La Ra La La", and "Ki Ki Ri Ki". LP, Vinyl record album