DESCRIPTION
Continuing the Mr Bongo Cuban Classics Series, this edition shines a light on Los Reyes 73 and their sensational 1975 debut LP. While the album saw several pressings under different titles and artwork, the music remained constant—a vibrant, Afro-Cuban-funk masterclass blending psychedelic rock, Latin rhythms, and deep funk. The result is a fiery, genre-blurring gem that ranks as one of the standout records from 1970s Cuba, and a firm favourite at Mr Bongo HQ.
The group only released two albums and a handful of 7" singles, but their popularity in Cuba and their later inclusion on compilation albums helped propel their music to wider international audiences.
Produced by the esteemed Raúl Gómez, the album features a cast of legendary Cuban musicians. It was directed by Santiago Reyes and Ovidio Guerra, with arrangements by the likes of Ricardo Eddy Martinez, known for his work on Expreso Ritmico (1978), and contributions from Ignacio Herrera, Mario Valdes, and Gilberto García. Notably, one of the tracks was penned by Miguel Ángel Rasalps of Los Van Van fame.
The record seamlessly blends traditional Cuban Son with psychedelic and funk elements. Whether it’s the scintillating opener ‘Grandes Amigos’, the trippy, expansive ‘Adeoey’, or the cosmic groove of ‘Un Lamento Hecho Cancion’, every track pulses with the spirit of experimentation and the richness of Cuban musical heritage.
For this official reissue, Mr Bongo selected the Mexican Pentagrama Records artwork—featuring striking bird-themed cover art—as the visual presentation, while the original Cuban edition was released by the state-run Areito label.
A dazzling and long-overlooked Latin masterpiece finally available again on vinyl.
TRACKLIST
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Grandes Amigos
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Ya Ves Te Quedaras
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Necesito De Alguien Como Tu
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Si, Llego La Primavera
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Adeoey
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Piensa Que No Has Cambiado
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Finalizo Un Amor
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Un Lamento Hecho Cancion
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Si Llegara Alli
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Baila Que Baila Mi Son