The first studio date for the already-legendary
Fania All-Stars,
Tribute to Tito Rodriguez had originally been intended to feature the group in a supporting role for the legendary vocalist, but turned into a tribute after
Tito Rodriguez died from leukemia in early 1973. Unlike their many live dates, descarga jamming is not necessarily the keynote feature here; instead, the staid balladry that
Rodriguez featured comprises the first three songs, then uptempo numbers (which
Rodriguez also excelled at) fill the rest of the program. No less than ten stellar singers trade off on vocals during the LP, including
Rodriguez acolyte
Cheo Feliciano in a starring role, as well as
Héctor Lavoe,
Rubén Blades, and
Ismael Miranda. The band is no slouch either. It's one of the best that
Fania ever put together for a studio date --
Johnny Pacheco,
Ray Barretto,
Willie Colón,
Larry Harlow,
Ray Maldonado,
Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, and more to light up the show. The album gains energy as it proceeds, with
Miranda shining on "El Agua de Belén," and
Ismael Quintana doing the same for "Fue en Santiago," until the record culminates in the closer, "Vuela la Paloma" -- nearly six minutes of salsa bliss that utilizes eight of the vocalists plus a sweet solo from
Pacheco's flute (especially sweet, since
Pacheco had worked with and knew
Rodriguez well, and feuded with him often). With its balance of slow and fast, its lineup of vocal and instrumental virtuosos,
Tribute to Tito Rodriguez is the best studio date for the
Fania All-Stars. ~ John Bush