Cat No CCD516

Recorded in Havana between 1959 and 1961, these are superb tracks by Israel "Cachao" Lopez,one of the most influential figures in 20^th Century Cuban music: bass player, multi-instrumentalist, band leader and composer. In the 30's he helped pioneer the 'Danzon' style which led directly to the Mambo. He moved to New York in the 1950's and became the driving force behind the jazz-based jam session approach to Afro-Cuban music, perfectly exeemplified by the 'descargas' on this album. A star band of Cuban musicians is in attendance, including Tata Guines.