ZohoMusic.com - Latin Jazz With A New York Vibe

The high-level throbbing excitement of a Latin band in the city. Swinging tempos burst from left to right on the bandstand and the guiro sounds out a sharp rhythm. The bongos, conga drums and timbales pop and roll and operate like the well-tuned engine of a sports car. Full sonorous saxophones explode melodies that are promptly answered by brilliant trumpets and trombones with a series of counterpoint phrases that stimulate the imagination. Someone in the crowd yells “Watch out! That band is really sw

ingin' and smokin'”! Who are they listening to? The Mambo Legends Orchestra!
Come now and join the band in a new exciting musical journey; their first release where they say “Watch Out! ¡Ten Cuidao!” The musicians of the Mambo Legends Orchestra are legendary artists who have played vital roles in making Latin music what it is today. These are the former All Stars of the Tito Puente Orchestra, the guys who have dedicated their lives to making this music. As Tito Puente would say “This band has over 500 years of combined experience”.

The leaders of the Mambo Legends Orchestra are John 'Dandy' Rodriguez, Jose Madera and Mitch Frohman. John 'Dandy' Rodriguez is the son of John Rodriguez Sr. who played and recorded with many bands in the 40's, 50's and 60's. John Jr. spent over 30 years with the Tito Puente Orchestra, is a veteran of the Tito Rodriguez Orchestra and founder of Tipica 73.

Jose Madera, the musical director of the band, also grew up in a musical family. His father Jose (Pin) Madera Sr. was part of the original Machito Orchestra. His musical arrangements played a key role in the Afro-Cubans early successes. Following his dad's cue, Jose also joined Machito and became a well known musical arranger for many established bands from the 60's to present day. He then joined the Puente aggregation, where during his 31 year stay, he wrote many arrangements for Tito. Jose appears on well over half of the King's recordings. Mitch Frohman, who runs the band, was a 25-year member of the Puente Orchestra. He also is a veteran of Mongo Santamaria's band, is an original member of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and is the leader of The Bronx Horns.

“Watch Out! ¡Ten Cuidao!” is the culmination of a year-long endeavor from a group of musicians who decided to document the incredible energy of their many live performances in an exciting studio recording. This recording indeed proves that the band can do incredible things on their own. In the last year, the Mambo Legends have seen an outpouring of support, communication and cooperation from fans, DJ's, promotors and dancers internationally. This is music YOU wanted to hear! For musicians, for those who have believed, and for all of their fans, this is “Watch Out! ¡Ten Cuidao!” and this is for YOU! In the words of Joe Conzo, “Put on your dancing shoes and swing to the Mambo Legends! I'm sure that the two Tito's and Machito are smiling down upon them and saying 'Well done fellows'”!

Composers and Arrangers: Disc 1
1. Canela Bella | Comp: Luis A. Pinzon/ Mary Toucet/ Fernando Rentas | Arr: Ricky Gonzalez
2. Funny | Comp: Prince/ Neil/ Broughton | Arr: Jose Madera
3. Conmigo, Candela Brava| Comp: Tony Cala | Arr: Sonny Bravo
4. Rareza Del Siglo | Comp: Bebo Valdes | Arr: Oscar Hernandez
5. Donde Va Maria| Comp: Jesus Guerra | Arr: Jose Madera
6. Vamos Pa'l Guateque | Comp: Luis A. Pinzon/ Mary Toucet/ Fernando Rentas | Arr: Louis Bauzo
7. Para Todo El Mundo Rumba | Comp: Hugo Gonzalez | Arr: Jose Madera
8. Interlude 1| Comp: Ricky Gonzalez