Justo Betancourt, Papo Lucca, Johnny Pacheco & Celia Cruz - Recordando el Ayer (1976)

Spotlighting the 1976 classic album, ‘Recordando El Ayer’ that includes the talents of Celia Cruz, Justo Betancourt, Johnny Pacheco, and Papo Lucca. The album opens with an Ismael Rivera composition titled “Besito de Coco.” Cleverly arranged by Jorge Millet, Celia and Justo take turns on the vocals throughout the album with Pacheco’s distinctive voice, which can be discerned in the background, along with Ramon Rodriguez. “Ritmo, Tambor y Flores” features an excellent piano solo by Papo Lucca. The arrangement is by the multi-talented Louie Ramirez. Sonny Bravo is the arranger on “Se Que Tú”, which features an inspiring tres solo by Charlie Rodriguez. “Reina Rumba” was arranged by Papo and features a solo by Louie Mangual. Papo provides the excellent chart on “Vamos A Guarachar” with a solo once again by Charlie Rodriguez. Composed by Salvador Beneito. “La Equivocada” features a nice three–part harmony by the vocalists in this Sonny Bravo arrangement. “Ahora Sí” is another swinging arrangement by Papo Lucca who also delivers one of his finest solos. The bolero “Cuando Tu Me Querias” was arranged by Louie Ramirez and features a fine vocal performance by Celia and Justo. The classic “Yerbero Moderno” was written by Nestor Mili and arranged by Papo. And finally, “Guillate”, a very danceable Lino Frias composition, arranged by Papo Lucca, rounds out this wonderful array of musical mastery performed by some of Vaya/Fania’s finest musicians.