Chaquito leads in the style of better-known labelmates
Xavier Cugat and Belmonte. Thus
Hot Cha-Cha-Cha is old dance-orchestra fare, but with winsome exotic touches. "Diable" in particular features ghoulish growls and laughter over cha cha cha (mambo would have been better). "Whistling Cha-Cha" is just that, and "Chaquito" is the lively eponymous statement. As with Belmonte, Chaquito has a swinging jazz side, and side two, particularly "El Canguro," sneaks in some "blowing." Five originals are complemented by classics by
Al Castellanos,
Noro Morales, and others. Choose it if you enjoy the Cugat and Belmonte albums from the late '50s.