La Lupe was a popular singer in New York's Latin music scene of the 1960s. She is featured on five of the nine selections on this LP, showing lots of spirit along with an appealing voice. In addition, there are four strong instrumentals, and even the vocal pieces have spots for the instrumentalists. It is particularly interesting to hear the difference between the two trumpet players (
Marty Sheller and
Chocolate Armenteros), along with the fine reed solos from
Pat Patrick (
Sun Ra's baritonist, who was on vacation from
the Arkestra at the time) and
Bobby Capers, who alternate between various saxophones and flutes. An excellent set of stirring Afro-Cuban jazz. ~ Scott Yanow
