Tiki Central / Tiki Music / Exotica sounds from Tito Puente
Post #659916 by ikitnrev on Tue, Nov 27, 2012 9:01 PM
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Tue, Nov 27, 2012 9:01 PM
I recently purchased a great five CD box set of Tito Puente titled 'Quatro - the Definitive Collection' and it is definitely a winner. The set is comprised of 4 entire classic Puente LPs from the late 1950's (Cuban Carnival, Night Beat, Dance Mania, Revolving Bandstand) and adds one bonus CD of other tracks/ outtakes. \The Puente LP 'Tambo', considered the most exotica of all his LPs, is NOT included in this set. I knew that Puente specialized in Cuban / Tropical Latin music, but I wasn't aware of the exotica content of a few of his songs. A quick search of youtube found these four, which I consider the most exotica of the set .... thought I would share them with you
After listening to these CDs, it is easy to see how Puente influenced artists like Martin Denny and Esquivel, whose first LPs were released shortly after the first Puente LPs of this box set. Puente's Latin music does feature lots of brass, so the overall effect is not quite as soothing as Denny's exotica, but the quality and musicianship on these CDs is amazing. Tito Puente served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Santee during WW2, where he saw battle in the South Pacific -- further connection to the world of classic exotica? The Quatro box set is quite nice - the presentation and sound quality is top notch - here is a link to a promotional video advertising this box set, released just a few months ago. This set is limited to 5000 copies, so they may not be around for long. Vern |