Obra Maestra (Masterpiece)

Obra Maestra (Masterpiece)

ASIN: B00004TRUP

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The original title of Tito Puente's final album was Por Fin --"Finally"--a reference to the fact that Puente and fellow Latin-jazz titan Eddie Palmieri never had recorded together, despite Puente's work with pianist Palmieri's brother Charlie early in their careers. Obra Maestra--"Masterpiece"--however, is an equally apt description for this set of a dozen mostly uptempo performances recorded shortly before Puente's death in May of this year. While engaging in the infectious dance rhythms and perfectly calibrated, often blaring, ensemble horn statements you'd expect, the group also revels in the many shades of subtlety inherent in the arrangements. Two medleys of mariachis and boleros are especially fine-tuned, and it's gratifying also to hear the rest of the players make room for Palmieri's immaculately off-kilter solo on "Marchando Bien." Puente himself is as sizzling as ever, although he seems content to throw in his lot with the rhythm section, basking once more in the glorious sound. --Rickey Wright

Tracks:

La Ultima Copa
Muddy's Club Blues In Weinheim
Cielito Lindo, La Negra Mariachi Medley
Marchando Bien
Picadillo Jam
El Puente Mundial
El Beso
El Bochinche
Ensename Tu, Piensalo Bien Bolero Medley
Paris Mambo
Yambu Pa' Inglaterra
Itutu Ache

Amazon.com

The original title of Tito Puente's final album was Por Fin --"Finally"--a reference to the fact that Puente and fellow Latin-jazz titan Eddie Palmieri never had recorded together, despite Puente's work with pianist Palmieri's brother Charlie early in their careers. Obra Maestra--"Masterpiece"--however, is an equally apt description for this set of a dozen mostly uptempo performances recorded shortly before Puente's death in May of this year. While engaging in the infectious dance rhythms and perfectly calibrated, often blaring, ensemble horn statements you'd expect, the group also revels in the many shades of subtlety inherent in the arrangements. Two medleys of mariachis and boleros are especially fine-tuned, and it's gratifying also to hear the rest of the players make room for Palmieri's immaculately off-kilter solo on "Marchando Bien." Puente himself is as sizzling as ever, although he seems content to throw in his lot with the rhythm section, basking once more in the glorious sound. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Masterpiece indeed.......2002-12-06

It is dangerous to use a word such as "masterpiece", for it easealy could be abused. The use in this case is more than justified. This is a historical recording musicaly, in its lyrics and arraingments. A must have CD!

Not exactly a masterpiece.......2002-10-24

The sound sounded like it was too polished. I did not like the arangements. It contains an interesting mariachi-salsa popular song(La negra). I don't think this was his best most refulgent recording. A good cd but I would not give it 5 stars. In my opinion his last live recording under his name was 5 stars. Eddie Palmieri was not even on the cd. Ok, he was but it seemed like it. Michael Stuart surprised me with that bolero. excellent voice!. All in all a good cd to have in a collection.

Tito & Eddie combined ... It doesn't get better than this .........2002-06-10

In an album that makes justice to it's title, the two "maestros" waited much too long to give us such a vibrant, masterpice recording. The collaboration of latin legends Oscar de Leon (vocals in Mariachi Meddley and Paris Mambo), Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez (singing Marchando Bien) and Paquito D' Rivera as well as the frantic melodic arranges by Puente, Palmieri and Ray Santos make this CD a "must have" for all latin jazz & salsa lovers. Unfortunately, Mr Puente did not live to see this album hit the stands ...

Obra Maestra.......2002-01-16

This is really a wonderful album. If you're a true aficionado, you'll get right up and start to dance. If you're not, you may soon become one. There are some truly spectacular tunes here. Enjoy!

Often Brilliant, occasionally mundane.......2001-11-18

I have to admit that i've just recently come to the world of Salsa and Latin Jazz in particular. So I must admit that I may not be the best critic of these two legendary artists or this compilation in particular.

But I have to say that the revelation has been utterly joyous. Salsa music is just absolutely phenomenal. Check out spinner.com : The Salsa station and be reborn.

This collaboration is quite satisfying but does at times disappoint. The majority of the cuts are up tempo (flavorful) and infectious. You'd be hard pressed not to tap either your hands or your feet during most of it. But there are a few tracks that are uninspiring but certainly tolerable.

Tracks:

Humilde
Dime T
Seguirin T
Gente Quiere Mambo
Cusi y Su Trompeta
Carmelo y Doosa
Rigo Cha-Cha
Para T
Compadre
Seguirin TInstrumental]

Average customer rating:

Conquistando Al Bailador

Manufacturer: Obra Maestra
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAA1KW
Release Date: 2002-11-19

Average customer rating:

RUMBA PA RUMBEROS
RIGO Y SU OBRA MAESTRA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000TAKX4O

Product Description

1 RUMBA PA' RUMBEROS 2 SI NOS DEJAN 3 YAMBEQUE 4 PA PA PLA PLA 5 MI BONGO 6 ALERTA SALSERO 7 AMOR SIN FE 8 A MIS AMIGOS

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music