RMM Tropical Tribute to the Beatles (CD - 1996)

Performers include: Celia Cruz, Oscar D'Leon, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Tony Vega, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Tito Nieves, Domingo Quinones, Manny Manuel, Johnny Rivera, Ray Sepulveda, Miles Pena, Guianko, Jesus Enriguez.

Tributee: The Beatles.

Personnel: Ed Calle (saxophone); Tony Concepcion (trumpet); Dana Teboe (trombone); Rafael Rojas (congas); Tito Puente (timbales); Oscar Gomez (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Jon Fausty; Oscar Gomez; Jorge Garcia.

Liner Note Author: Ralph Mercado.

Recording information: Roit Music, Miami, FL; SIntonia, Madrid, Spain; Telesound, Puerto Rico; Variety, NY.

Director: Oscar Gomez.

On December 31, 1962, the Beatles performed the classic song "Besame Mucho" at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany, in recognition of the highly emotive music from Latin America. Four decades later, RMM decided to bring the Beatles' greatest hits back, this time played by some of the most prominent Latin artists in a tropical tribute to one of the most influential acts in popular music ever. After the opening track, "Hey Jude," by Puerto Rican singer Tony Vega, Tito Nieves and the percussion virtuoso Tito Puente deliver a freewheeling "Let It Be." The Cuban soloist Guianko performs a salsa version of "Can't Buy Me Love," followed by Johnny Rivera's "Hard Day's Night." Latin diva Celia Cruz sings her own version of "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," while New York-based Ray Sepúlveda and Manny Manuel do the same on "The Fool on the Hill" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand," respectively. Domingo Quiñones' cover of "Day Tripper" is followed by "Lady Madonna" by Venezuelan-born Oscar D'Leon, and Jesus Enríquez joins Cuban Miles Peña on "With a Little Help From My Friends." RMM Tropical Tribute to the Beatles comes to an end with a stylish version of "Yesterday" by Cheo Feliciano (aka José Cheo Feliciano), a bolero-inflected "And I Love Her," and "Come Together" by Latin jazz symbol Tito Puente. A joyous 13-track record with captivating and even exuberant performances in both English and Spanish. ~ Drago Bonacich minimize