[Famous Songs of the World] A curated introduction to soul-stirring popular Latin mambo tracks

Mambo GosoonTito Puente

Tito Puente – Mambo Gozon

“Mambo Gozón” is a work by New York–born musician Tito Puente.

He was a musician known as both the “King of the Timbales” and the “King of Latin Music.” In particular, he elevated the relatively understated timbales to a star role by bringing them to the forefront.

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhapsratenbando majōru

Kissas, Kissas, Kissas — in a Major style

“Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” is a work by Cuban musician Osvaldo Farrés.

The title means “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.” The performance is by the Latin band Mayor from Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.

This is from the “Tidal Current Moon-Viewing” concert held at Mount Karei on Oshima.

Mambo No. 5iwaki-shi chūgaku kōkō suisōgakubu gōdō

[Tokyo International Music Festival 2023] May 4: All-Japan Pops & Jazz Band Grand Prix – Iwaki Municipal Nishiki Elementary School

“Mambo No.

5″ is one of the best-known works representing Pérez Prado.

In Japan, it is also used in school education and is often performed by school wind bands.

This performance is by a joint ensemble of the junior high school and high school wind bands of Iwaki City.

Mambo NegroPeresu Puraado gakudan

Mambo Negro Perez Prado

A powerful piece that brilliantly fuses traditional Cuban rhythms with American big band jazz.

The Pérez Prado Orchestra’s brass section delivers a dazzling melody, while the passionate percussion creates a dynamic, vibrant sound that leaves a lasting impression.

This track is included on the album “COLEZO! Pérez Prado Orchestra,” which compiles recordings from 1970 to 1987, allowing listeners to savor the true essence of the “King of Mambo.” Pérez Prado first visited Japan in 1956 and went on to perform there 17 times, achieving immense popularity as his music was featured as TV theme songs and in commercials.

Its cheerful, dance-inducing groove makes it perfect for parties and dance events.

Perfidiaebāgurīnzuoke

Perfidia by The Evergreens Orchestra 50th

Perfidia is a piece by Mexican composer Alberto Domínguez.

While The Ventures’ performance is well known, Xavier Cugat’s rendition became a major hit.

It is also used in the flashback scenes of the film Casablanca.

Performed by the Evergreens Orchestra.

TequilaTsuisutāzu

Tquila (Tequila) – Matsuyama Kento’s

“Tequila” is a piece by Daniel Flores, the saxophonist of the American rock ’n’ roll band The Champs.

It’s often performed by wind ensembles and the like.

The video features a performance by The Twisters at Matsuyama Kento’s, an oldies-style live house restaurant.

Quien SeraWatanabe Machiko & Peresu Purādo Ōkesutora

Kien Sera Perez Prado

Quién será is a work by the Mexican musician Pablo Beltrán Ruiz, and its title in Spanish means “Who could it be?” The song became a worldwide hit through the performance by Trio Los Panchos.

This rendition is performed by Machiko Watanabe and the Pérez Prado Orchestra.