Craft Latino proudly announces the first-ever vinyl reissue of Mambo Diablo, the acclaimed 1985 album from legendary bandleader and percussionist Tito Puente.

Offering a lively blend of standards and originals (including fan favorite “Mambo Diablo”) this long-out-of-print classic finds the King of Latin Jazz putting his own twist on classics like “Take Five,” “Lush Life” and “Lullaby of Birdland” (featuring its composer, George Shearing, on piano).

Set for release on May 26th, 2023, and available for pre-order today, Mambo Diablo was cut from the original master tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.

Pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a tip-on jacket, the album also features its original liner notes by the Emmy®-winning journalist and longtime New York City TV reporter Pablo Guzman. Additionally, Mambo Diablo will make its debut on hi-res audio (192/24).

Side A:
1. Mambo Diablo
2. Take Five
3. Lush Life
4. Pick Yourself Up

Side B:
5. Lullaby of Birdland
6. No Pienses Así
7. China
8. Eastern Joy Dance

This beautifully-ornate, expertly-sculpted new 180-gram vinyl album opens on the joyfully upbeat, infectious hipsway within the titular Mambo Diablo and then turns the heat up for Take Five, before calming things down for the soothing Lush life and the free flowing, percussional majesties within the delightful, yet at times fervent, Pick Yourself Up.

Flipping the vinyl LP over, along next is the alluring exuberant Lullaby Of Birdland (which also has its composer, George Shearing, guesting on piano) and that is itself backed by the alluring gossamer within No Pienses Asi, the album rounding out on the simply divine, Latin-veined China, closing on the soulful, jazz-hued Eastern Joy Dance.

Although Tito Puente was never what some might term inactive, it is true to say that the ’80s found him flourishing within a well earned renaissance of sorts. And with his exciting Afro-Cuban jazz band having found a home on the Concord Picante label, his music was increasing in popularity again, and thus here on Mambo Diablo, he is heard heading a spirited three-horn, three-percussion octet as if it were second nature to him (which it most likely was).

This special reissue arrives as Craft Latino celebrates the centennial of Tito Puente. Throughout the year, Puente’s vital contributions to Latin music will be honored through special reissues (including an April release of the bandleader’s 1972 classic, Para los Rumberos), exclusive digital content and much more.

Official Purchase Links