V.I. Music
1958
Herman's Heat & Puente's Beat
About This Album
Woody Herman and Tito Puente teamed in 1958 for Herman's Heat & Puente's Beat, a mutually satisfying meeting in the same way that Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Machito found common ground in the late '40s. Puente's Latin rhythms and beats meshed with the swing and bebop of Herman's band on half of the disc's cuts, and the results were hot and delightful. With Puente heading the rhythm section and playing timbales, Robert Rodriguez on bass, and assorted percussion from Gilbert Lopez, Ray Rodriguez, and Ray Barretto, the band stays locked into the Latin groove while the saxophonists and trumpeters weave in, out, and around the beat. There are also more conventional Herman swing numbers such as "Blue Station" and "Woodchopper's Ball," where the standard Herman stomping sound is in effect. [This version of the album includes bonus material.] ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 1 and 11)

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