DESCRIPTION
Proudly presenting Mr Bongo’s reissue of a bona fide Latin classic from 1979 by Cuban-born violinist Alfredo De La Fé. Based between New York and Colombia, Alfredo collaborated with some of Latin music’s greatest names, including Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colón, and Roberto Roena, as well as disco and soul legends like Sylvester and Aquarian Dream.
His debut album Alfredo is sublime and unfolds in two distinct halves. The A-side is a rich offering of Latin dancefloor gems, with Alfredo breaking new ground by placing the violin at the heart of his arrangements. Tracks like ‘Toca Alfredo Toca’ and ‘Charangueando’ showcase his virtuosic solos front and centre — a pioneering addition to Latin music at the time.
The B-side, however, is where things take an unexpected and thrilling turn. ‘Hot To Trot’ is a string-heavy Latin groover drenched in disco-funk and bubbling Brazilian percussion. A favourite of the legendary Larry Levan, it became a staple at the Paradise Garage — a foundational space in modern club culture. The track has since appeared on compilations curated by Louie Vega, Dave Lee, and Danny Krivit, and remains a mainstay for selectors around the world.
Other standouts include a cosmic, string-drenched Latin jazz reimagining of ‘My Favourite Things’, which evolves into a psychedelic percussive jam, as well as the hypnotic ‘Que Rico Bailo Yo’. The album closes with the brilliant ‘Canto Del Corazón’ — a journey that begins with avant-garde textures and bass-driven funk before landing firmly in a triumphant Latin groove.
A true masterpiece from the trailblazing "El violín de la salsa" — Alfredo is an essential album that deserves pride of place in any collection.
TRACKLIST
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Toca Alfredo Toca
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El Casabe
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Charangueando
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Que Rico Bailo Yo
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Hot To Trot
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My Favorite Things
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Canto Del Corazón