On December 31, 1962,
the Beatles performed the classic song "Besame Mucho" at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany, in recognition of the highly emotive music from Latin America. Four decades later, RMM decided to bring
the Beatles' greatest hits back, this time played by some of the most prominent Latin artists in a tropical tribute to one of the most influential acts in popular music ever. After the opening track, "Hey Jude," by Puerto Rican singer
Tony Vega,
Tito Nieves and the percussion virtuoso
Tito Puente deliver a freewheeling "Let It Be." The Cuban soloist
Guianko performs a salsa version of "Can't Buy Me Love," followed by
Johnny Rivera's "Hard Day's Night." Latin diva
Celia Cruz sings her own version of "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," while New York-based
Ray Sepúlveda and
Manny Manuel do the same on "The Fool on the Hill" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand," respectively.
Domingo Quiñones' cover of "Day Tripper" is followed by "Lady Madonna" by Venezuelan-born
Oscar D'Leon, and
Jesus Enríquez joins Cuban
Miles Peña on "With a Little Help From My Friends."
RMM Tropical Tribute to the Beatles comes to an end with a stylish version of "Yesterday" by
Cheo Feliciano (aka
José Cheo Feliciano), a bolero-inflected "And I Love Her," and "Come Together" by Latin jazz symbol
Tito Puente. A joyous 13-track record with captivating and even exuberant performances in both English and Spanish. ~ Drago Bonacich