RKO is a budget label but one with reasonably interesting taste. It is a shame that the album is not entirely
Paquitin Lara, although Ramon & His Orchestra's contribution is acceptable and
Lara's set is available on other albums. The
Lara material, on side one, consists of some of his best work. The English vocal "Cha Cha Me Baby," reprised somewhat by "Cha Cha Cha con Melodia," counts as a classic. (
Lara wrote one of the first true cha chas with English lyrics, "Cha Cha Cha in Blue.") "Charlie Fantazy" is
Carlos Suarez's contribution to mambo-jazz, with vibes. Vibes continue in the vocal "El Viandero." Side two's Ramon & His Orchestra (enthusiastic Puerto Ricans) unfortunately is filler, despite occasionally interesting percussion. "Cuidado con La Mano" and "Quien Sera" are their better tracks.