DESCRIPTION
Proudly presenting our reissue of the sought-after 1978 album Ritmo Y Sabor by Cuban master bongo player Manteca — a deep, hypnotic excursion through Afro-Cuban and mambo rhythms that invites full immersion.
Originally released in 1978, Ritmo Y Sabor appeared on various pressings from labels such as GRC, Desca Records, and Sound Triangle Records. Stripped-back and lo-fi in character, it delivers a pulsating dose of instrumental Latin-jazz dancefloor magic.
Predominantly built around percussion and bass, the record features Carlos "Rico" Ramirez on bass, Carlos Patato on congas, Nelson Padron on timbales, and Lázaro Pla aka Manteca himself as bandleader. A legend in Cuban music, Manteca rose to prominence playing with Ernesto Lecuona and the Cuban Boys, yet only a handful of recordings exist with him as a featured soloist or bandleader.
A whirlwind of percussive brilliance, this album brims with intensity and movement regardless of tempo. Highlights include:
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‘Afro Funky’ – a Latin-funk breakbeat powerhouse with a fluid walking bass line anchoring explosive percussive energy.
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‘Rumbon En Casa De Cando’ – fast, furious, and perfect for jazz dance purists.
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‘Sabor A Mantecado’ – a hypnotic, trance-like groove with minimalism and rhythmic interplay at its core.
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‘Cosas De Manteca’ – raw, relentless, and heavy on the Latin funk vibes, conjuring a raucous percussive session in full swing.
This is a must-have Afro-Cuban rhythmic triumph — a rare moment captured of Manteca and his ensemble in full flight, pushing the groove to exhilarating heights.
TRACKLIST
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Rumbon En Casa De Cando
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Afro Funky
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Sabor A Mantecado
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Abacua
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Son Montuno
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Cosas De Manteca
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Gozando El Timbal