The first and best of
Tito Puente's percussion-heavy records,
Puente in Percussion absolutely sizzles, thanks in part to its roster of drum legends:
Mongo Santamaria,
Willie Bobo,
Carlos "Patato" Valdes, and, of course,
Puente himself (who appears on timbales, conga, and bongos). And even those who would normally stay away from such intense polyrhythmic music can still find a pair of masterpieces; bassist
Bobby Rodriguez lends his groove to the quartet on a pair of highlights, "Four Beat Mambo" and "The Big Four."