The Best of Dance Mania

Performer: Tito Puente
Artist: Ray Barretto
Distributor: BMG (distributor)

Notes: Personnel includes: Tito Puente (leader, arranger, timbales); Santitos Colon (vocals); Allen Fields, Jerry Sanfino, Tony Buonopastore (saxophone); Bernie Glow (trumpet); Ray Coen, Gilberto Lopez (piano); Ray Barretto (congas). Producer: Fred Reynolds, Marty Gold. Compilation producer: Domingo Echevarria. Recorded at Webster Hall Studios, New York, New York between November 1957 and August 1960. Includes liner notes by Joe Congo. Digitally remastered by Dick Baxter (BMG/RCA Digital Studios). Personnel: Tito Puente (vocals, vibraphone, timbales, percussion); Santitos Colon (vocals, guiro); Yayo el Indio, Otto Olivar, Vit�n Av�les, Felo Brito (vocals); Shepp Pullman, Peter Fanelli, Jerry Sanfino, Rafael Palau, Allen Fields (saxophone); Pedro Boulong, Gene Rapett, Pat Russo, Doc Severinsen, George Lopez , Frank Lo Pinto, Bernie Glow, Jimmy Frisaura (trumpet); Gilberto Lopez, Ray Coen (piano); Francisco Aguabella (drums); Julio Collazo, Ray Barretto, Carlos "Patato" Valdes (congas); Ray Rodriguez, Jose Mangual (bongos); Joe Rodr�guez (timbales). Recording information: Webster Hall Studios, New York, NY (11/21/1957-08/15/1960). Arranger: Tito Puente. One of the best aspects of Afro-Cuban music is that is lends itself well to stylistic amalgamations. On this early Tito Puente effort, the Mambo King successfully blends together authentic salsa with contemporary jazz. Recorded in 1957 and 1960, this album gives more latitude to individual soloists. It also features a full big band bolstered by harmonically rich horn arrangements. Clearly, the orchestrations on THE BEST OF DANCE MANIA borrow generously from jazz. However, Puente's musical focus never belies his salsa roots. The opening track, "Dance Mania," is the perfect example of Puente's Latin jazz leanings. In addition to the fiery brass and reed parts, this tune includes spirited improvisations from three saxophonists (baritone, alto, and tenor) plus trumpet. "Una Mujer" sees Puente on vibraphone, and his jazzy introduction again points to a stylistic confluence. Overall, THE BEST OF DANCE MANIA does more than illuminate Puente as a virtuosic timbalero. This disc also highlights his inventive arranging skills and charismatic leadership. (Note: This reissue presents alternate takes of numerous tracks.)

Jazziz (9/95, p.94) - "...For those with both a casual and a deep interest in Afro-Cuban music, THE BEST OF DANCE MANIA is essential listening."

New York City-born percussionist Tito Puente infused his big-band music with the mambo sound he helped to popularize in the US. He started out playing with the likes of Noro Morales and Machito before starting his own band in the late 1940s. Known as "King of the Mambo," Puente styled himself after the great swing-era band leaders, and ruled for years over a dance-oriented world of Latin rhythms spiced with jazz and pop. Through mambo, cha-cha, salsa, and more, Puente's career weathered the ups and downs of musical trends, and the iconic band leader, who passed away in 2000, ranks as a legend of Latin jazz.

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