A new premium 180-gram vinyl edition from Craft Recordings celebrates the 50th anniversary of Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco’s Tremendo Cache, a classic collaboration between the Queen of Salsa and the co-founder of Fania Records that remains a landmark in Afro-Caribbean music.
Cruz’s powerhouse vocals blend with Pacheco’s signature charanga-style arrangements on the reissue, which was cut from original master recordings by Clint Holley. The sonic sheen is worthy of these performances.
“Cucala,” one of the standout tracks, is an infectious and playful call to dance, showcasing Cruz’s dynamic delivery and the lively instrumentation that made this duo so legendary. “La Sopa en Botella” brings a humorous storytelling flair, driven by Cruz’s charismatic performance and Pacheco’s vibrant orchestration.
Meanwhile, “Tres Dias de Carnaval” captures the spirit of pre-Lenten festivities in Latin America with a rich, rhythmic arrangement that transports listeners straight to the heart of a jubilant street celebration. Jerry Masucci’s production and Johnny Pacheco’s recording direction and arranging utilize a stellar studio band to match Cruz and Pacheco’s lively vocals.
Even after five decades, Tremendo Cache remains a quintessential salsa album, proving that the musical chemistry between Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco was timeless.
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