Live at Birdland - Dancemania '99

Latin Beat Magazine, Dec, 1998 by Rudy Mangual

TITO PUENTE

Live at Birdland - Dancemania '99

(RMM)

At age 75, Ernesto Anthony Puente, Jr., alias Tito Puente to most of the free world, continues his reign as The King of Latin Music and El Rey del Timbal (The King of the Timbal). A true living legend, Tito has entertained the entire planet for over fifty years to the beat of Latin music and jazz. With 100-plus recording productions to his name, he brings us his latest work, Live at Birdland - Dancemania '99. In celebration of his 75th birthday, Tito and the producers of this production selected the best music from his extensive repertoire, that which made him the King. The results are in this live recording of mambos and chachachas played in the style and sounds of the Palladium era days, the era which crowned Tito Puente the King. Some of the classic jewels of are Mambo Inn, Cayuco, Babarabatiri, and Cua Cua. Flutist Dave Valentín joins in the fun on the composition Flauta y Timbal, one of the many highlights of this live concert recording. The 21 -plus member big band backing Puente is monstrous in sound and talent. Happy Birthday Tito! and Gracias for all your inspiring music.