Mambo Music

I Will Survive : (Single 5:45)

A unique arrangement of CHARANGA and JAZZ and a disco hit from the past make for a very interesting and exciting recording by this orchestra of very talented women.

The Millenium Bug : (Single 4:27)

Back in 1999, Chico Mendoza and myself decided to create a cute record about the new millennium. We came up with an exciting composition which Chico's band, OCHO, learned quickly, and we were ready to record. We used the services of the late, great flautist/saxaphonist, Mauricio Smith. This writer, Bobby Marin played vibes, Chico played keyboard but we needed the right singer. I phoned Joe Bataan, who hadn't recorded in 10 years, and he agreed.

I've kept this record under wraps until now. With the holidays approaching, and the Boogaloo craze coming back to life. And especially now that the famous Joe Bataan is back on the scene again. Why not??

Cuba Que Lindo : (Single 7:04)

Celia Cruz visited Miami several years ago and performed one of her greatest shows. Here is a sampling of that wonderful night.

Ay San Antonio! : (Single 3:31)

1978 El Sonido Records Written by Felo Barrio
Produced by Bobby Marin and Mauricio Smith
This Charanga orchestra was founded by conguero George Maysonet (born in Catano,P.R. ) in 1977. Charanga America released their biggest hit "Ay San Antonio" in 1978 and created a lasting impact on New York dancers that has existed well over 30 years. Sung by Felo Barrio and Gene Hernandez of Orq.Broadway fame, this classic features Eddie Drennon on voilin and the late Mauricio Smith Sr. on flute.

Cambia El Tumbao : (Single 2:47)

Rafael Cortijo, a veteran bandleader out of Puerto Rico, has been heralded as being the King of the Plena/Bomba. Dances and styles originating in Puerto Rico. Together with Ismael Rivera, Cortijo went on to record hits dating back to the 50’s.

Sofrito : (Single 3:31)

Once in a while, it takes certain unrelated ingredients to blend into a good meal, picture or music. The Afro-Jazz influences by Mongo Santaria, while given a new feel by the rappin' from Dshon has certainly created an interesting Jazz/Afro/Rap recording.

Puchunga : (Single 5:16)

Hector Rivera is an unsung hero when it comes to Afro-Cuban music dominance. A fine pianist/arranger he shows off his skills in this recording. Produced by Bobby Marin

Hijo De Yemaja : (Single 3:47)

Former singer for Eddie Palmieri orchestra, Ismael pursued a solo career by signing with United Artists Latino Records. This recording was arranged by Louie Ramirez and produced by Bobby Marin.

Jumpin' Around : (Single 2:25)

Some say that the Latin Boogaloo sound will never die. Johnny Rodriguez and Angel Rene's recording has helped to keep it alive. A driving Louie Ramirez arrangement gives the music a 'pop' feel. Composed and produced by Bobby Marin. Vocal by Willie Torres.

Encuentro : (Single 4:50)

Produced by Tony Gio Arranged by Isidro Infante
When you speak of the great combinations in Latin music Tito Puente & Vicentico Valdes, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz come to mind.I thought Celia Cruz and Ray Barretto were great together.Another such combo who unfortunately recorded together too few times were the late great Louie Ramirez and Puerto Rican vocalist Tito Allen.Here the singer tells you of the encounter - the "titan" of rhythms & song and bandleader Louie Ramirez have arrived! With trumpets & baritone sax,the band comes in with mucho swing and the tailor-made Louie Ramirez sound. Along with Gil" Pulpo" Colon on piano, Papo Pepin handling the congas, Pete Miranda on baritone and the legendary Adalberto Santiago on coro- Louie swings it with his timbal- on "EL ENCUENTRO".

Feo Pero Sabroso : (Single 4:09)

From the Louie Ramirez archives comes this 1974 recording which features some of NY's finest musicians like Mike Collazo, Frankie Malabe, Victor Paz, Alfredo Delafe. Victor Velasquez does the vocals. Louie plays vibes, piano and timbales on this funky Son Montuno. Produced by Bobby Marin.

The Early Years : (Album)

Very rare Live! recordings by Machito and his Afro Cuban Orchestra. Never previously released recordings from performances given over 40 years ago.

Hold On I'm Comin': (Single 2:14)

Machito's sister, Graciela, worked as a vocalist for Machito's Afro Cuban Orchestra since their days in Cuba, over sixty years ago. In this production, Graciela teams up with renowned Cuban vocalist, Rudy Calzado, to do their unique rendition of the Sam & Dave hit, "Hold On, I'm Comin'". Musical arranger is Louie Ramirez, Produced by Richard Marin.

Mamey Colorao : (Single 3:58)

The OCHO band, led by Chico Mendoza, was a driving force in the Latin Jazz market in the 70's. This recording was released on the El Sonido label, produced by Bobby Marin. The illustrious Tito Allen does a remarkable job on the vocals.

Aprende A Querer : (Single 5:31)

PRODUCED BY RICHARD MARIN Comp.& Arr.by T.RIOS
Heavy on the mambo! Arguably Orlando Marin's best. Matancero Justo Betancourt makes his U.S. recording debut here and the future Fania All-star sings the warning "learn to love- I won't last forever". With Orlando Marin, the leader, on timbal; Chickie Perez on bongo & pianist Paquito Pastor, the orchestra shines. Make no mistake, with everything from the swing, sharp breaks & bright trumpets to the on-the-mark cowbells & rhythm section-this one is a winner.

Coro Miyare : (Single 5:29)

Written By Johnny Pacheco. Produced by Bobby Marin
The all-girl (minus one) Charanga band, "Pasion," pays tribute to Johnny Pacheco and the Fania All-Stars with their version of this 1981 hit. Note how the chorus of Deborah Resto, Miriam Felix & Cecelia Lopez are intertwined with the rhythm section which included timbalero Willie Martinez..Led by flautist Connie Grossman and Betsy Hill on violin, this Charanga group lasted only a few years but were considered by some quite unique and innovative. This selection goes out with the hypnotic chant..."Coro Miyare"!

Day By Day : (Single 3:11)

Mambo King Tito Puente is joined by Brazilville, a band that includes jazz greats Zoot Sims and Bill Potts, as well as Salsa greats, Charlie Palmieri and Louie Ramirez in this rare, obscure recording. An incomparable Jazz/Mambo/Brazilian fusion that swings to no end. Produced by Richard Marin.

... The Early Years : (Album)

During a career that spanned more than five decades, Puente became a musical legend in Latin music and jazz circles. He made more than 100 albums and created more than 200 compositions. Puente received numerous awards for his work, including five Grammy Awards. Sometimes called the "King of Latin Jazz" or simply "El Rey"—The King—he made an indelible mark on the popular culture.

Top Cuban Artists
Musica Cubana: (Album)

Latin Love : (Album)

Boleros De Amor : (Album)

Cao Cao : (Single 2:56)

Cao Cao was one of the most popular mambos of its time. Here is a rendition by vocalist VITIN AVILES backed up by LA PLAYA SEXTET.

Fuikiti : (Album)

Victor Guillermo Toro (Touro) (born in Ensenada, Puerto Rico on July 26, 1933) is a guitarist and one of Puerto Rico's most famous cuatro players. Toro is probably best known for performing the opening theme song to the 1971 Woody Allen film Bananas, and for his contributions to various Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe's albums, particularly the by-now classic "Asalto Navideño" and "Feliz Navidad".

I believe it was 1974, when Bobby Marin produced a Christmas album by Yomo Toro and Miguel Poventud. Until recently, the tapes were lost. Bobby did manage to find four of the tracks which are included in this extended play CD. Yomo Toro is famous for his performances with Marc Anthony, Willie Colon and the Fania All Stars. He is recognized at the premier player of the Cuatro, an instrument shaped to look like a guitar but with four strings.

She: (Single 3:24)

This song was written by Bobby Marin for an upcoming Ocho recording. Bobby laid down the vocal track for another singer but that didn't work out. Here is the original track with Bobby's vocal on it.

Ritmo Del Monte: (Single 4:26)

Kimbya: (Single 4:20)

El Cisco Kid : (Single 4:01)

El Cisco Kid is given the Latin Pop treatment in this 1974 recording. Vocals by Bobby Marin, Jimmy Sabater, Freddie Delgado. Produced by Bobby Marin.