Conjunto Chappottín and his Stars was founded in 1950: African
Cuban tres-guitarist, composer and bandleader, Arsenio Rodriguez,
known as el Ciego Maravilloso, or the Marvelous Blind One, had settled
in New York to recover his vision. He decided from there that his All Stars
band, which he left in Cuba during his 1948 move to New York, should be
transferred into the professional care of his first trumpetist, Felix Chappottín.
From that moment, the original Arsenio Rodriguez All Stars band was
transformed into Conjunto Chappottín y sus Estrellas. The group was Led by
Felix Chappottín with Luis (Lili) Martinez Grinan as the arranger and Miguelito
Cuni the lead singer. Under the leadership of Felix Chappottín, only to be
compared with Louis Satchmo Armstrong, the band rose to international
fame, moving and amusing dancers in different parts of the world.
( info from AfroCubaWeb )

I bought this lp from a friend who used to collect Cuban music with passion.
One day when he was in need of money, he sold me his entire collection
with the idea to buy it back some other time. Unfortunately Dirk has left
this world a couple of years ago. I am taking care of the music, keeping it
together and sharing some of it with you, like today. Hope U like.

I found that the same lp was also released with
a different cover, as shown in small picture,
don’t know which one was the original.

tracks;

1   Romance fatal
2   Que se fuñan
3   Cienfuegos tiene mi guaguanco
4   Canto al monte
5   Yo si como candela
6   Nosotros los amalianos
7   Jala la pata
8   Pa bachatear
9   Y del vedado que
10  Yo soy tiburon
11  Los jovenes de la defensa
12  A bailar con la guajira

We had volume 2 in september 2009, use our search-bar
for a quick find. I was very honoured to receive a comment
by Mr. Sosseh’s nephew. Today’s turn goes to volume 1. Son
montuno and guaguanco Laba Sosseh’s way, a blend of latin
with African sauce and spices. Presented and accompanied
by the great Monguito, ‘el Unico’, enjoy..

tracks;

1 Micorason
2 Ade-ade
3 Boniboni
4 Yatinama
5 Sitierra

If you are a Celia Cruz fan, this LP with the legendary
Sonora Matancera is one not to miss in your collection.
With her champion voice she is the queen in practically
all latin styles. A handfull is displayed on this album. Afro,
Son Montuno, Bolero-bon-bon, Rumba, Ritmo Charanga,
Milonga, Bembe, Merengue and Ritmo Guason, some of
which are straight from the village. Enjoy
‘Sabor y Ritmo de Pueblos’.

tracks

1 Rinkinkalla
2 Al son del pilon
3 Retozon
4 Cuba bella
5 Oye mi rumba
6 Vengan a la charanga
7 Cogele el gusto
8 La milonga de España
9 Chango
10 Merengue arrimao
11 Traigo para ti
12 Imoye

Monguito’s unique voice is what gave him his name ‘el unico’.
He’s one of my all time favourite latin singers and spoils us
with 10 sweet songs, perfect material for your saturdaynight.
Enjoy Monguito ‘el unico’.

tracks;

1 Seboruco
2 Que te hace pensar
3 Pasito tun tun
4 La protesta de Baragua
5 Don Ramon
6 No hay yaya sin Guayacan
7 Vida, que beso !
8 Sacando palo del monte
9 Mi guaguanco es moderno
10 Al son del Carame

West African sonero Laba Sosseh is here with a splendid album
from 1980. Together with the great Monguito he brings us some
son montuno African style. Produced by Aboudou Lassissi on the
Sacodis label from Abidjan. Best of both worlds I would say.

tracks;

1 Boranito
2 Leyli
3 Sitierrita
4 Yamanek
5 Marie Gomis

What a nice pick-nick this would be, roasted porc, bottle of beer,
some son montuno in the background and a view over wheatfields as far
as the eye reaches. The music on this album tastes just as sweet.
Special guest on saxophone is the legendary Dexter Johnson.

tracks;

1 Igualita que tú
2 Monte Ruz
3 Voy pa’ Sierra Morena
4 Lo que mas me gusta
5 A comer chicharrón

It must have been 1997 or 8 when one of my friends gave me this ticket
for my birthday. It was for a night in the Amsterdam theater ‘Carré’.
Performing that evening was the fantastic group, Buena Vista Social Club.
It was also my first encounter with Pio Leiva who was one of the old
Cuban singers in the original set up. Wim Wenders was filming the band
for his movie that evening and we had a sweet time. This is an old LP
by Pio Leiva I found not so long ago. One of our visitors requested
some Cuban folk and I thought this one to be appropriate.

tracks;

1 Oye como suena
2 El pirimpimpin
3 Como mango
4 Te lo juro
5 Pobre Nicolas
6 El Pio mentiroso
7 Mis tres mujeres
8 Chachaguere
9 Anabacoa
10 Dime adios Caramelina
11 Adios Mariquita linda
12 Cariñoso si, mentiroso no

Ever since I first heard the voice of Celina Gonzalez, I am
under her spell. She’s got such power in her singing, superb.
Just get this album and it shall convince you.

tracks;

1 Quiero bailar con Celina
2 Romance guajiro
3 Oracion a la caridad
4 A un presidiario
5 Yo soy el punto Cubano
6 Mi conga por Santiago
7 A Francisco
8 Celina canta a Puerto Rico
9 Papa candelo
10 Su laud
11 Anda
12 Son guajiro del monte

The brothers Cuco and Martin Valoy are from the Dominican
Republic but they played mostly Cuban style Son, Merenge
and Salsa aswell. Their voices matched like bread
and butter. This is son montuno like you haven’t heard much
before, absolutely great. You can find plenty more of the
brothers at Listentoyourears, listed at our sidebar.
Enjoy Los Ahijados.

tracks;

1 La lechuza
2 Virgencita del consuelo
3 No compay
4 Traicionera
5 Malli
6 Bailalo y gozalo
7 Deja gozar mi negra
8 Quiero un vacilon
9 El huerfanito
10 Calma y olvido
11 El son del campesino
12 Mi son Cubano

From Cuba, this is Conjunto Casino, well known for their renditions
of many styles. Founded in 1937 as Sexteto Casino and grew
stronger eversince. Ansonia guarantees a fine piece of Latin
music oncemore.

tracks;

1 Tu me brindaste tu amor
2 Basta ya de llanto
3 La cuerda floja
4 Besame o mienteme
5 Papa y Aji
6 Ven ven
7 Vivo en la montaña
8 Siempre
9 Ocoricoco
10 La naturaleza
11 Besame alma mia
12 Que titingo