Batacumbele Showcase 1981-1988

Batacumbele started with the idea of Angel "Cachete" Maldonado in 1980 to put together a band with some new innovative approach to Afro-Caribbean rhythms. After having arrived from Puerto Rico to Nueva York, Angel had established himself as a percussionist and most specifically as a bata player for which he was called upon in recordings for various artists. He became the bongocero for La Conspiracion and Harlow Orchestra before joining Tipica 73. Their recording they did in Cuba with the masters had a tremendous impact on Cachete. Tipica 73 were welcomed and treated very well during their stay there. Every night, new young bands performed for them what was the leading bands in the songo period. Groups like Los Van Van & Ritmo Oriental were creating a new sound with a fusion of folkloric rhythms with contemporary funk. So the meeting of pianist Eric Figueroa and bassist Eddie "Guagua" Rivera in Nueva York was what lead Cachete to start the group. They focused on creating their own version of Cuban songo with a Afro-Boricua blend of bomba and plena. They created their own batarumba variation and had a brief but productive period in the 80s with 4 albums. Their first in 1981 Con Un Poco De Songo created a big buzz and impact in Puerto Rico. The band featured many fine musicians that were to gain international recognition such as percussionists Giovanni Hidalgo, Anthony Carrillo, Richie Flores & Endel Dueno. The band also consisted of trumpeter and vocalist Jerry Medina, flutist Nestor Torres, Papo Vazquez on bones and Ignacio Berroa on drums. This mix also includes tracks from their live albums put out on Montuno Records. ¡Disfruta!

1 Batacumbele
2 Cachita
3 Dame Un Traguito
4 Se Le Ve
5 Muévete
6 En Aquellos Tiempos
7 A La I Ole
8 Sin Egoismo
9 Got Blood
10 La Tia
11 El Ma' Chevere
12 Batacumbele Te Saluda

El Mix Es Cultura

"la timba no es como ayer"

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