Product Details

Machito and his Orchestra, featuring vocalist Graciela, cemented their powerhouse reputation with their classic 1962 album The World's Greatest Latin Band. Who Was Machito? Real Name: Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, often called "El Maestro". Role: A major pioneer and bandleader in the history of Latin jazz. Legacy: Known as a founding father of Afro-Cuban jazz and mambo. You can read more about his history through profiles on Fania Records. The Sound of the Band Fusion: Blended traditional Cuban rhythms with large-scale American jazz arrangements. Leadership: Shaped heavily by musical director Mario Bauzá. Milestone: Recorded "Tanga," widely considered the first true Afro-Cuban jazz song.