Artist: Tito Puente
Album: Dance Mania
Year: 1958
Tito Puente's another artist I've never heard, or if I have, haven't realized it. This one, Dance Mania, was pretty similar in flavor to Machito's Kenya album that I listened to earlier. The big difference being that Puente's music is more dependent on vocals and less dependent on loud horns. About half of these songs or more feature Spanish vocals, and a number of them featured the vibraphone, a cool-sounding instrument if there ever was one. Some of this stuff reminded me of the Tropicalia stuff that Beck was doing in the late 1990's, which was kind of cool to see. I thought the final cut on the album "Saca Tu Mujer" was definitely the best, with a catchy piano melody, interlaced male/female vocals, and bright brass.
I'm not sure if salsa, or most dance music in general, is really up my alley. I'm a white guy and a somewhat uncoordinated one at that. I guess what I'm trying to say is that while I can admire this music for what it is, it's not something I'd return to often. I prefer my music to be a little more on the cerebral side, which is why I think I have a pretty strong preference for Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis when it comes to jazz. Puente is catchy and danceable, but there's not a whole lot here (in my opinion) to pick up on with repeated listens. If you like salsa dancing you'll eat this stuff right up. I'll say this one is worth a listen, but this is likely the only time I'll hear Señor Puente.
Rating: Worth a listen
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