This is the second pressing of Uno Dos Tres on the MGM label. Originally it was released on Verve. Like his other albums, Bobo relies on a series of covers adding a light Latin touch to each. Most are unimpressive Lounge versions. It’s not until the Beatles’ Michelle that Bobo is really able to make one of these his own with a strong Boogaloo influence. MORE

Is there any better way to start off an album than with a great b-boy sounding open drum break, like Candido does with Candido’s Funk? The whole song is just a jam with Candido going off on the congas with a funky ass rhythm behind him. Next up is Succulent, which is a mid-tempo Latin-soul tune with a series of short open conga breaks, followed by a long conga solo right at the end. St. MORE

Candido was known as the “Man with a thousand fingers.” On Beautiful Candido did nothing to dispel that image. The first side is all covers that get thorough rearrangements and the funky infusion of Candido’s excellent conga playing. MORE

Thousand Finger Man gets off to a great start with Jump Back. It’s an upbeat Soul-Jazz number with the organ holding down the melody and an extended percussion break in the beginning and midpoint. Come On Choo-Choo Train and the title cut have just as much energy. Unfortunately, after that great start, the album falls into a rut with some mediocre song selection. MORE

Leroy Is In The Army was a follow up to Castor’s first big hit, Hey, Leroy Your Mama’s Callin. I actually like In The Army a little better than Your Mama’s Callin because of the stronger percussion work that’s heard in a couple breakdowns. In between the piano and sax take over the solo duties in a strong dance track. MORE

While people are most familiar with Jimmy Castor’s It’s Just Begun LP and later releases, he actually started off playing a Latin-Soul-Boogaloo mix. Hey, Leroy Your Mama’s Callin was Castor’s first big smash released at the end of 1966 and selling hundreds of thousands of copies. It’s got a nice Latin percussion and piano backing. MORE

The Chakachas were a group of Belgian studio musicians. Their self-titled LP was their second after their big hit with Jungle Fever. Unlike that record however, this one is a mix of styles, not all being successful. MORE

If you just looked at the song titles on the back of this album and heard their big hit Jungle Fever, you’d think that the Chakachas were from New York City or Latin America at least. In fact, they were a group of Belgian studio musicians. Who would’ve known? Anyway, Jungle Fever is mostly Latin numbers, none of which stands out that much. MORE

Jungle Fever is a downright classic. Beginning with the little drum break, the high-pitched guitar line and those groaning vocals, how can you possibly go wrong with this tune? Cha Ka Cha has a more laid back feel to it with a slow beat and group vocals, but it’s still a good listen. MORE

Cosa Neustra has to be one of the best Fania covers ever. It's got a dead man wrapped up in a blanket with a big rock tied to his feet as a man looks down on him giving his last respects with his hat off and a bag that looks right for a rifle before he kicks him into the river. That cover must have caught eyes and helped sales as Cosa Neustra was Colon's first gold album. MORE