One of the last in a long string of records featuring
Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez handling vocals on a
Johnny Pacheco album, Los Compadres also finds him co-billed and leading the band on one of
Pacheco's strongest sets of material ever, including
Pacheco’s “Baldemira,” Tite Alonso’s “Recordando a Carmelina,” and the classic opener, “Dulce con Dulce.” Although
Johnny Pacheco’s flute is not a focus, his arrangements make up for the lack. Like the cover photo, Los Compadres is an exciting fusion of old and new;
Pacheco’s conjunto features the very folky tres guitar, but the driving force of the songs makes it as much a modern salsa record -- and just as powerful -- as far slicker albums coming out around the same time. ~ John Bush