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Percussionist/vibist/pianist/arranger/bandleader Tito Puente brought the cha cha and mambo to great artistic and commercial heights during the 1950s as a resident of New York's Palladium, along with the Tito Rodriguez and Machito groups. Puente was born in New York City on April 23, 1920 of Puerto Rico parents. He originally had designs on becoming a dancer, until his dreams were thwarted by an injury. His interest in big-band music began in earnest while he was in the Navy during World War II. He went on to study briefly at Juilliard School of Music. During 1945-'47, Puente played in a variety of settings, including time with Machito, Noro Morales and with his newly formed Piccadilly Boys. His recording career began in earnest during the 50s. Puentes interest in jazz also picked up during this period, as evidenced on Dance Mania and Top Percussion. His style then was to avoid a superficial fusion of jazz with Latin elements, reflecting his already deep knowledge of the authentic links between salsa and jazz. Puente maintained a big band until 1981, when he formed his Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble. He has written a number of crossover standards, including "Oye Como Va" and "Para Los Rumberos." Recordings, which number well over a hundred, include Tito Puente & His Latin Jazz All Stars (Concord Picante, 1993), Live At The Village Gate (Sony Discos, 1992), The Mambo King (RMM, 1991), Salsa Meets Jazz (Concord Picante, 1988), Un Poco Loco (Concord Picante, 1987), El Rey (Concord Picante, 1984), On Broadway (Concord Picante, 1982), New Cha Cha/Mambo Herd (Laserlight, 1958), Dance Mania (BMG, 1958) and Top Percussion/Dance Mania (Bear Family, 1957). —John Ephland |