Bobby Valentín - Rompecabezas (1971)

Marvin Santiago (who sang with Cortijo y Su Combo, Lito Peña, Johnny El Bravo, and Roberto Angleró) makes his debut with Valentín outfit. This was a landmark in the careers of both singer and bandleader, since their public acceptance and chemistry were almost magical. Recorded in Ochoa Recording Studios in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this album was a great success, with hits like "Papel de Payaso" (written by C. Curet Alonso), "Pobre Soy," and "Vete Pa'lla" being surefire hits with the maddening salsa crowd in the early '70s. Neat backup work by Paquito Guzman, Ismael Miranda, and Cheo Feliciano.~José A. Estévez, Jr.