AN ESSENTIAL DISCOGRAPHY OF ARSENIO RODRIGUEZ

"There is no more vehement nor energetic spirit than Shàngó. When a devotee is mounted by the spirit of Shàngó, he charges three times, head leaning, spinning like a ram, towards the drums. Then he opens his eyes to abnormal width and sticks out his tongue, to symbolize a fiery belch of flames, and raises his thunder-axe on high and clamps his other hand upon his scrotum." - Fernando Ortiz, Los Bailes y el Teatro de los Negros en el Folklore de Cuba (Havana, 1951, p. 235) Arsenio Rodríguez was born Ignacio Loyola Rodríguez Scull on 31 August 1913 in the village of Güira de Macurijes in Matanzas (Some sources say 30 August 1911 but he himself had written to the registrar to correct his birth certificate). His family was of Congolese descent, his grandfather having been brought to Cuba as a slave. He was the fourth of 17 kids in a poor family who worked the sugarcane fields. Arsenio studied traditional drumming and percussion. At age 7 he was kicked in the head by a horse which caused the loss of his eyesight. He started writing songs in 1928; in the 30s he moved to Havana to seek work as a musician. In 1937 Casino de la Playa's singer Miguelito Valdés recorded two of his songs: "Bruca manigüá," (TCD003) and "Ben acá tomá." Casino de la Playa recorded four more Arsenio compositions in 1938: "Yo son macuá," [MLN55004] "Fufuñando," [MLN55004] "Yo soy gangá," and "Se va el caramelero." [MLN55004] This last track is also collected on TCD037, and Rodríguez can be heard for the first time on record, playing tres as guest soloist. Valdés and his pianist Anselmo Sacasas moved to the USA in 1940 and were hugely influential, perhaps most notably on Desi Arnaz who modeled his style on Valdés, even adapting his trademark song "Babalu." From his guest spot with this big band, Rodríguez had the idea of turning the typical sextet into a conjunto by adding a second trumpet and a piano. Later he added a third trumpet and a tumbadora (a big conga drum). In 1940 he made his first recordings under his own name: "El pirulero no vuelve mas," (referring back to his hit "Se va el caramelero") and "Yo 'tá enamorá." This number is described as an afro: an early example of the roots-based music Arsenio introduced to Cuban music from his deep love and study of his Congolese heritage. In 1942 he had a massive hit with "Como traiga la yuca" which the public rebaptised "Dile a Catalina" from the first line. Arsenio moved to Miami but (not surprisingly) didn't like it; then to New York where he was more at home, and he continued to record sporadically though his groups lacked the cohesion of his conjunto in Havana. The original band broke into two with Chappotín leading one group and the rhythm section regrouping as Conjunto Modelo [TCD-059]. Arsenio was never to return home, and died in obscurity on 30 December 1970 of pneumonia, in Los Angeles, California. There are out of print albums and many 78s not included in this list, but my aim is to help buyers avoid duplicating material in their collection, so I have focussed on CD reissues. The essential discs are the Tumbao Classics series for the Cuban material. The New York period is well served and some of the TICO reissues (those that are not plagued with bad sound) are also crucial. P-VINE in Japan does a great job of remastering many of the originals. The CD tracks are listed according to title / style / composer / year recorded & Tumbao catalogue number for duplicates.

Orquesta Casino de la Playa MEMORIES OF CUBA (1937-44) label: TUMBAO TCD 003 Bruca Manigüá (AR son-pregon 1937 -- an atmospheric big-band arrangement)

Orquesta Casino de la Playa con Miguelito Valdes ADIOS AFRICA label: TUMBAO TCD 037 Adios Africa (AR son-montuno 1939?) Como le gusta el chismecito a caridad (AR son-montuno 1939?) Se va el caramelero (AR son-pregon 1938) -- Arsenio gets a namecheck for his tres solo on this track: his debut recording Casino de la Playa canta Miguelito Valdés RUMBA RUMBERO label: Musica Latina Nostalgia MLN55004 Sound: poor track 4: Se va el caramelero (AR 1938) track 11: Fufuñando (AR 1938) track 18: Yo son macuá (AR 1938)

1940-48 OYE COMO DICE... label: Cubanacan CUCD 1703 1997 published in Colombia, distributed in Puerto Rico Sound: generally poor, taken from 78s; recorded 1940-8 Liner notes: excellent (Spanish) The song "Dame un besito" is called a "diablo," one of the Congolese rhythms Arsenio was trying out, but is often credited as the birth of the mambo. The fully evolved 1942 sound of the conjunto cooking along with great interplay is clear on Mercedes Valdés' "Quién sera mi amor?" But it's all here from rootsy percussion on "Todos seguimos la conga" to smoking piano solos by Frias on "El Pirulero no vuelve más" and "Sin te querer" to blasting trumpet by Chappotín on his own number, "Oye como dice." 1. Oye como dice (Félix Chappotín guaracha 1942) 2. El Pirulero no vuelve más (AR pregón 1940) 3. Yo 'tá namorá (AR afro 1940) 4. Corazon de hielo (AR bolero 1941) 5. Todos seguimos la conga (AR 1941) 6. Yo tuve la culpa (AR bolero) 7. No hace ná la mujer (Bienvenido Guiterrez guaracha 1941) 8. Sin tu querer (Pablo Cairo bolero-son 1943) 9. Sandunguera (Luis Piedra+ M Guerra guaracha 1942) 10. Quién será mi amor? (Mercedes Valdés bolero-son 1942 ) 11. Quién ama no traiciona (AR bolero-son) 12. No hay yaya sin guayacán (AR son montuno) 13. Los tres Juanes (Bienvenido Guiterrez bolero 1948) 14. Orgullo inútil (Rosendo Ruiz, Jr bolero) 15. Dame un besito (AR son montuno) 16. Finaliza un amor (Raul Diaz bolero) 17. El palo tiene curujey (Pascual Bueno Griñán son montuno) 18. Flor de canela (AR bolero) 19. Por tu bien (Luis Martinez Griñán bolero) 20. Qué susto (AR bolero)

Arsenio seated in the midst of his band in the 1940s. His brother "Quiqui" sits next to him; on the front right sits Marcelino Guerra and at the front left "Kako."

Musicians: Nilo Alfonso, bass (1942) replaced by Lázaro Prieto Israel Rodríguez "Quiqui", tumbadora (Arsenio's brother) Miguelito Cuni, vocals & maracas Pedro Luis Sarracent, vocals and clave Marcelino Guerra, coro and guitar (ex-Septeto Nacionál de Ignacio Piñeiro) Antonio Suárez "Papa Kila", bongo Ruben Calzado, first trumpet Benitin Bustillo, second trumpet Adolfito, piano (replaced by Lino Frias) Arsenio Rodríguez, musical director, tres personnel changes: Oscar Velasco "Florecita" trumpet Ruben Gonzalez, piano Lili Martinez Griñán, piano (1946) Chappotín, trumpet (1949) Jacinto Scull, vocals Alfredo Armenteros "Chocolate", trumpet (1950)

Arsenio's first release under his own name

1940 Between 12 September 1940 and 1 July 1958 Arsenio and his conjunto cut 134 sides for Victor. At least sixty-four 78 RPM discs were released. According to my count only 38 of the songs have been reissued on LP or CD. Among early recordings on 78 not reissued on CD or LP: Columbia 30789 (CU 120) Llora timbero (AR) Columbia 30795 (CU 121) El dulcero de Güines (AR) Columbia 30794 (CU122) Si volvieras (LF) Columbia 30790 (CU123) Triste soledad (G. García) While you are looking for these treasures, be sure to watch out for a copy of Victor V 23-6840, recorded 21 June 1955. It's Harold Arlen's evergreen "Sobre el arco iris (Somewhere over the rainbow)"! See below.

EL ALMA DE CUBA GRABACIONES COMPLETAS RCA VICTOR (Tumbao TCD 315 2007) Sound: varied; Liner notes: excellent (2 booklets in Spanish/English) This is it! The definitive collection of Early Arsenio. See my review on Cuba4 page. Disc One 1940-4 El Pirulero no vuelve más (Debut recording: 12 Sept 1940) CUCD1703 Yo tá namorá CUCD1703 Corazón de hielo CUCD1703 Yo tuve la culpa CUCD1703 No hace ná la mujer CUCD1703 Todos seguimos la conga CUCD1703 Sediento de amor Como traigo la yuca HQCD64 Con un solo pie HQCD64 Intranquilidad HQCD64 Sin tu querer CUCD1703 Sandunguera CUCD1703 ¡So caballo! Triste lucha ñaña seré A buscar camarón Pilla con pilla Oye como dice CUCD1703 Camina a trabajá, aragán ¿Quién será mi amor? CUCD1703 Quien ama no traiciona CUCD1703 Mi chinita me botó Oye mi consejo Estás equivocada Disc Two 1944-6 Mujeres, enamórenme (6 July 1944) Yo no como corazón de chivo Tú no eres culpable Mi Guane Nadie más que tú Timbilla Agonía Yeyey Deuda TCD043 No hay yaya sin guayacán CUCD1703 Ya lo verás Canta, montero TCD 031 Inspiración El último amor Chicharronero TCD 031 Una experiencia más Dame un cachito pa' huelé TCD 031 El reloj de Pastora TCD 031 Cero guapos en Yateras Cangrejo fue a estudiar TCD 031 Tengo que olvidarte Celos de mujer Juventud Amaliana TCD 031 Semilla de caña brava TCD 031 ¿Por qué la trajiste? Disc Three 1947-9 Mi convicción (10 Jan 1947) TCD 043 Adivínalo TCD 031 Soy el terror Lo dicen todas La vida es un sueño TCD 031 El tabernero TCD 043 El Cerro tiene la llave TCD 031 Te esperaré No vuelvo a Morón Esa china tiene coimbre TCD 031 Soy tu destino TCD 043 Sacando candela A Puerto Rico No toque el guao Me siento muy solo TCD 043 A Belén le toca ahora TCD 031 Los tres Juanitos CUCD1703 Luna al amanecer Dame un besito CUCD1703 Orgullo inútil CUCD1703 Lo que dice usted TCD 031 No me llores más TCD 043 En su partir TCD 043 Pueblo Nuevo se pasó TCD 043 Feliz viaje Disc Four 1949-50 Llévatelo todo TCD 043 Mírame más Flor del fango Qué cosas tendrán las mujeres Me boté de guaño TCD 031 Es mejor olvidarte El palo tiene Curujey CUCD1703 Finaliza un amor CUCD1703 Los sitios aceré Sagrado amor Flor de canela CUCD1703 Dundumbanza TCD 043 Pero yo no sé Juventud de Colón Por tu bien CUCD1703 No puedo comer vistagacha TCD 043 Kila, Quique y Chocolate TCD 031 Vuelvo a la vida TCD 043 El rumbón de Luyanó TCD 043 Recuerda aquella noche El rincón caliente TCD 031 Qué susto CUCD1703 La sandunga del son Con reciprocidad Disc Five 1950-1 Anabacoa Cárdenas Ten valor Con un amor se borra otro amor TCD 043 Juventud de Cayo Hueso TCD 031 Todo terminó Ta Benito TCD 043 Aquí como allá TCD 031 Te mantengo y no quieres Cree lo que tú quieras El que no tiene no vale Quizás con los años Me dijo que sí y le dije que no Falso desprecio Caminante y laborí Jamás te perdonaré Tu faz morena Jumba Murumba Negrita Amores de verano Te contaré Amor en cenizas Mira ... cuidadito A Graciela Mira que soy chambelón Disc Six 1951-6 Pobre mi Cuba TCD 043 Guaraní TCD 043 Ya se fue Amor a mi patria Burundanga Injusta duda Mi conuco Pogolotti Mambo abacuá (New York 16 March 1955) Mi primer cariño Acerca el oído Mambo en la cueva Me estoy comiendo un cable (NYC 21 June 1955) Cuba cha-cha-cha Sobre el arco iris Confórmate Lo sabía (Havana, 16 April 1956) Que negra p'acelerá Titi, tu kundungo quiere papá Ayaca de maíz Graciela, tú lo sabes Triste lucha Dame tu yoyo má Belén Contigo no soy feliz Casera mire que caña Adiós roncona Con flores del matadero not found: Me quedé sin ti

1946-50 MONTUNEANDO con Arsenio Rodríguez y su conjunto 1946-50 label: Tumbao Cuban Classics TCD 031 1993 Sound: generally great Liner notes: bilingual (average) Recorded in Havana, 1946-50. You can share the excitement that electrified Cuba in the late 40s on these grooves: sparkling piano from Lili, strong vocals from Arsenio's cousin, René Scull, blasting trumpet counterpoint from Chocolate and Carmelo, and of course masterfully understated solos from Arsenio on tres. The essentials are on this disc. On the classic bolero, "La Vida es un sueño" (composed by Arsenio after he was told by a New York eye specialist that he would never see again), they strive for a big band sound, even adding a glockenspiel solo (Lili?). 1. Dame un cachito pa'huelé (son montuno) AR 1946 2. Chicharronero (son montuno) Luis Martinez 1946 3. Semilla De Caña Brava (son montuno) Luis Martinez 1946 4. Juventud Amaliana (son montuno) AR 1946 5. El Reloj de pastora (son montuno) TCD017 AR 1946 6. Canta, Montero (bolero son) AR 1946 7. Cangrejo fue a estudiar (son montuno) AR 1946 8. Adivínalo 1947 (guaguancó) J.L. Forest 1947 9. Lo que dice usted 1948 (son montuno) Jesus Guerra 1948 10. La Vida es un sueño (bolero) AR 1948 11. El Cerro tiene la llave (guaracha) F Noa 1948 12. Esa China tiene coimbre (son montuno) AR 1948 13. A Belén le toca ahora (guaguancó) AR 1948 14. Me Boté de guaño 1949 (son montuno) A. Armenteros 15. Aquí como allá 1950 (afro-son) AR 16. El Rincon caliente (son montuno) AR 1950 17. Juventud de cayo hueso (guaguancó) AR 1950 18. Kila, Quique y Chocolate (son montuno) AR 1950 Musicians include: Carmelo Alvarez, trumpet Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros, trumpet René Scull, vocals Arsenio Rodríguez, tres Antolin "Papa Kila" Suárez, bongos Felix Chappotín, trumpet Carlos Ramirez, guitar & coro Felix Alfonso, conga Lázaro Prieto, bass Luis "Lili" Martinez, piano Estella Rodríguez (?), vocals on "Aquí como allá"

	1946-50 Arsenio Rodriguez EL SENTIMIENTO DE ARSENIO (PCD1402 Japan 1990 recorded 1946-50) 1 Dame Un Cachito Pa' Huele; comp: A. Rodriguez-Scull 2 Chicharronero; comp: Luis Martínez 3 El Reloj De Pastora; comp: Rodriguez-Scull 4 Cangrejo Fue A Estudiar; comp: A. Rodriguez-Scull 5 Tengo Que Olvidarte; comp: Jacinto Scull 6 Juventud Amaliana; comp: A. Rodriguez 7 La Vida Es Un Sueño; comp: A. Rodriguez 8 El Cerro Tiene La Llave; comp: Fernando Noa 9 El Tabernero; comp: Rafael Ortiz 10 Me Siento Muy Solo; comp: A. Rodriguez 11 A Belen Le Toca Ahora; comp: A. Rodriguez 12 Lo Que Dice Usted; comp: Jesus Guerra 13 No Me Llores Mas; comp: Luis Martinez Grinan 14 En Su Partir; comp: Jacinto Scull 15 Pueblo Nuevo Se Paso; comp: Luis Martinez Grinan 16 Llevatelo Todo; comp: Luis Martinez Grinan 17 Me Bote De Guano; comp: Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros 18 Los Sitios Hacere; comp: Silvio A. Pino 19 Sagrado Amor; comp: Lazaro Prieto 20 Dundunbanza; comp: A. Rodriguez 21 No Puedo Gomer Vistagacha; comp: A. Rodriguez 22 Kila, Quique Y Chocolate; comp: A. Rodriguez 23 Vuelvo A La Vida; comp: A. Rodriguez 24 El Rumbon De Luyano; comp: Lazaro Prieto 25 Juventud De Cayo Hueso; comp: A. Rodriguez
	1946-50 El Sentimiento de Arsenio (RCA Victor/Carino DBMI-5802 1974) Contains 10 tracks from 78s [RCA/P-Vine PCD-1402 1990] 1 No me llores mas (son montuno) 2 No puedo comer vistagacha (son montuno) 3 Dundunbanza (guaguanco) 4 Me siento muy solo (bolero) 5 Lo que dice usted (son montuno) 6 Llevatelo todo (son montuno) 7 Me bote de guaño (son montuno) 8 Vuelvo a la vida (bolero) 9 Kila, Quique y Chocolate (son montuno) 10 La vida es un sueño (bolero) Note: album with same title and different tracks (& a green cover instead of blue) available for download

also ARSENIO RODRIGUEZ EL REY DE SON MONTUNO (Rice Records UK) 1. Yo 'tá namorá (on Oye como dice...) 2. Corazon de hielo (on Oye como dice...) 3. Oye como dice (on Oye como dice...) 4. El palo tiene curujey (on Oye como dice...) 5. Flor de canela (on Oye como dice...) 6. Dame un cachito pa'huele (TCD-031) 7. El Reloj de pastora (TCD-031) 8. Canta Montero (TCD-031) 9. Juventud Amaliana (TCD-031) 10. Me siento muy solo (TCD-043) 11. Tocoloro (TCD-017) 12. Apurrunenme mujeres (TCD-017) 13. la Vida es un sueño (TCD-031) 14. A Belen le toca ahora (TCD-031) 15. No me llores mas (TCD-043) 16. Pueblo Nuevo se paso (TCD-043) 17. Kila, Quique y Chocolate (TCD-031) 18. Vuelvo a la vida (TCD-043) 19. Ta benito eh (TCD-043) 20. Pobre mi Cuba (TCD-043) 21. La Gente del Bronx (TCD-022) 22. Los guapos en yatera/ la Yuca de Catilina/ El Reloj de Pastora (TCD-017)

1946-51 DUNDUNBANZA Label: Tumbao TCD-043 1994 Sound: fair/good Liner notes: Max Salazar (English/Spanish) More essentials, recorded in Cuba, 1946-51, with at least four classics: "Dundunbanza," "No me llores mas," "El tabernero," and "Los sitios hacere." Dundunbanza (guaguancó) AR 1949 No Me Llores Mas (son montuno) Luis Martinez Griñán 1949 Tengo Que Olvidarte (bolero son) Jacinto Scull 1946 Llevatelo Todo (Son montuno) Luis Martinez Griñán 1949 Vuelvo A La Vida (bolero) AR 1950 Pueblo Nuevo Se Paso (guaguancó) Luis Martinez Griñán 1949 El Tabernero (bolero) Rafael Ortiz 1948 No Puedo Comer Vistagacha (son montuno) AR 1950 Me Siento Muy Solo (bolero) AR 1948 Ta Benito eh (afro) AR 1950 Soy Tu Destino (bolero) Isolina Carillo 1948 Los Sitios Hacere (guaguancó) Silvio A. Pino 1949 Mi Conviccion (bolero) Luis Martinez Griñán 1947 Deuda (bolero-son) Luis Marqueti 1946 El Rumbon De Luyano (guaguancó) Lázaro Prieto 1950 En su partir (bolero) Jacinto Scull 1949 Guaragui (son montuno) AR 1951 Pobre mi Cuba (lamento guajiro) AR 1951 Con un amor se borra otro amor (son montuno) AR 1950 Musicians include: Felix Chappotín, trumpet Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros, trumpet Carmelo Alvarez, trumpet Arsenio Rodríguez, tres Luis "Lili" Martinez, piano Carlos Ramirez, guitar & coro Lázaro Prieto, bass Felix Alfonso, conga Antolin Suárez (Papa Kila), bongos René Scull, vocal Estela Rodríguez, vocal on "Ta benito, eh" also Arsenio Rodriguez y su Conjunto, 1947-1948: El Ciego Maravilloso (Cubanitas CUB-903 1976) Salsoul CD (1996): 1. Semilla De caña Brava TCD-031 2. Adivínalo TCD-031 3. Aquí como allá TCD-031 4. Mi conviccion TCD-043 5. Canta, Montero TCD-031 6. Esa China tiene coimbre TCD-031 7. Ta Benito eh TCD-043 8. El Rincon caliente TCD-031 9. Soy tu destino TCD-043 10. Deuda TCD-043

	1946-50? A TODOS LOS BARRIOS (RCA 1992) also Carino DBMi-5803 1. Los Sitios Hacere TCD043 2. Sagrado Amor (also on Los Barrios de Habana) 3. El Rumbon De Luyano TCD043 4. Juventud De Cayo Hueso TCD031 5. En Su Partir TCD017 6. Juventud Amaliana TCD031 7. Pueblo Nuevo De Paso TCD043 8. A Belen Le Toca Ahora TCD031 9. El Cerro Tiene La Llave TCD031 10. El Tabernero TCD043

1946-50 TOCOLORO Musica Latina 55006 1999 Reissue of 46-50 sides, all tracks available on Tumbao reissues. A good selection for those who want one shot of early Arsenio. 1. Chicharronero TCD031 2. Juventad Amaliana TCD031 3. Dame Un Cachito Pa'Huele TCD031 4. Semilla de Caña Brava TCD031 5. El Reloj de Pastora (son montuno) TCD017 6. Canta Montero (bolero son) TCD031 7. Cangrejo Fue a Estudiar (son montuno) TCD031 8. Adivínalo (guaguancó) TCD031 9. Tumba Palo Cucuye TCD017 10. Apurrunenme Mujeres TCD017 11. Tintorera Ya Llego TCD017 12. Yo No Engano a Las Nenas TCD017 13. Tocoloro TCD017 14. Monte Adentro TCD017 15. Lo Que Dice Usted (son montuno) TCD031 16. La Vida es un sueño (bolero) TCD031 17. El Cerro Tiene la Llave (guaracha) TCD031 18. Esa China Tiene Coimbre (son montuno) TCD031 19. Belén le Toca Ahora (guaguancó) TCD031

1946-50 LOS BARRIOS DE LA HABANA Orfeon Records (issued 2003); other than the opening cut, most available elsewhere 1. Los Barrios de la Habana 2. Cerro tiene la llave (guaracha) TCD031 3. Juventud de cayo hueso (guaguancó) TCD031 4. Rumbon de Luyano TCD043 5. Belen le toca (guaguancó) TCD031 6. los Sitios asere TCD043 7. Pueblo nuevo TCD017 8. la Vida es un sueño TCD031 9. Tabernero TCD043 10. De una manera espantosa 11. Amor sagrado (also on Todos los barrios) 12. Blanca paloma (also on Sabrosa y caliente)

1947-8 LEGENDARY SESSIONS Chano Pozo & Arsenio Rodríguez with Machito & His Orchestra Label: Tumbao TCD 017 Sound: OK Liner notes: OK The transitional disc that includes Arsenio's first experience of New York as well as his last Havana recordings. In 1947 Arsenio visited New York to consult eye specialist Dr Ramon Castroviejo & hooked up with his old pal Chano Pozo, an astounding conguero. His story was even more tragic than Arsenio's but he enjoyed a brief moment of glory, performing in New York with Machito's orchestra. He played at Carnegie Hall in Dizzy Gillespie's famous "Afro-Cuban suite," bringing the conga to jazz for the first time. He was shot in a Harlem bar on 2 December 1948. He cut four Afro-Cuban drumming sides on the Coda label and recorded with a small splinter group of Machito's band that included young Puerto Rican vocalist Tito Rodríguez. Arsenio was guest on tres, and also contributed original tunes to the session.* Tracks 7 to 12 were recorded in La Habana February and July 1948. They are the last recordings of the Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez that feature "Lili" Martinez on piano, Carlos Ramirez (guitar & coro), Rafael Corbacho (1st trumpet), Felix Chappotín and Ruben Calzado (trumpets), Felix Alonso (conga), Lázaro Prieto (bass), and Antolin Suárez (bongos). Chappotín formed one band and the rest of the group (the rhythm section) reformed as Conjunto Modelo. Tracks 13 to 16 were recordings made in New York with his new conjunto after Arsenio relocated in the US. He brought cousin René Scull with him. 1. Serende Pozo 1947 Chano Pozo y su conjunto con el mago del tres (Arsenio Rodríguez) 2. Seven Seven Pozo 1947 Chano Pozo y su conjunto con el mago del tres (Arsenio Rodríguez) 3. Rumba En Swing Pozo 1947 Machito's orchestra with singer Tito Rodríguez 4. Porque Tu Sufres Pozo 1947 Machito's orchestra with singer Tito Rodríguez 5. Cometelo To' Pozo 1947 Machito's orchestra with singer Tito Rodríguez 6. Paso En Tampa AR 1947 Machito's orchestra with singer Tito Rodríguez 7. Tumba palo cucuye AR 1948 Havana Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez 8. Apurrunenme mujeres AR 1948 Havana Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez 9. Tintorera ya llego AR 1948 Havana Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez 10. Yo no engano a las nenas AR 1948 Havana Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez 11. Tocoloro AR 1948 Havana Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez 12. Monte adentro AR 1948 Havana Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez 13. Cumayé/ Semilla de caña brava/ So caballo AR 1953 NYC 14. Los Guapos en yatera/ La Yuca de Catalina/ El Reloj de pastora AR 1953 NYC 15. No vuelvo a moron/ Las Tres Marias/ Apurrunenme mujeres AR 1953 NYC 16. Que caña/ Mi China me boto/ Cangrejo fue a estudiar AR 1953 NYC *Note: Another scorching 1947 son montuno by Chano Pozo y su Conjunto con el Mago del Tres (Arsenio Rodríguez) "Sácale brillo as piso Teresa," composed by Arsenio, is found in the Chano Pozo box set EL TAMBOR DE CUBA (TCD307) Disc 2 track 26. The box also includes the first six tracks from this set. Detailed liner notes. also tracks 13 to 16 (medley of 12 tracks) a reissue of Estrellas del Ritmo Pro-Arte presente Montunos Cubanos (Cuban Off-Beat) The Music of Arsenio Rodriguez Label: SMC-508 10" (credited to "Estrellas del Ritmo" because of RCA contract) near left: green cover reissue

also Arsenio Rodriguez: Legends of Afro-Cuban Music SMC Pro-Arte SMC-1152 (Arsenio & Chano Pozo) brown cover discoteca selecta

also ARSENIO Rodríguez con su conjunto y Chano Pozo, Machito & Orchestra (Musica Latina Nostalgia MLN 55019): all available on two Tumbao issues. 1. Serende TCD017 2. Seven Seven TCD017 3. Rumba En Swing TCD017 4. Porque Tu Sufres TCD017 5. Cometelo To' TCD017 6. Paso En Tampa TCD017 7. El Tabernero TCD043 8. Me Siento Muy Solo TCD043 9. Dundunbanza TCD043 10. No Me Llores Mas TCD043 11. Tengo Que Olvidarte TCD043 12. Pueblo Nuevo Se Paso TCD043 13. Llevatelo Todo TCD043 14. Los Sitios Hacere TCD043 15. Soy Tu Destino TCD043 16. Mi conviccion TCD043 17. Deuda TCD043 18. En Su Partir TCD017

1952 CLASICAS DE UN SONERO (recorded NYC, 1952 for Peer International label) CD (Seeco 9352) Reissued 1998 sound: Good liner notes: Spanish, brief Smooth, almost bland offering, with the exception of "El Dolorcito De Mi China" & "Cambia el paso" which still have the fire of early Arsenio, and they do wake up for the last cut which has wild piano. Si me voy (Bolero) Israel Rodríguez No quiero (Son Capetilio) Israel Rodríguez Besarte qui siera (Bolero Ritmico) Arsenio Rodríguez Scull Se Formo el bochinche (Son Montuno) Israel Rodríguez Solo fué un sueño (Bolero) Felipe Goyco "Don Felo" El dolorcito de mi china (Son Capetillo) Israel Rodríguez Hipocresia (Bolero) Israel Rodríguez Cambia el paso (Son Capetillo) Israel Rodríguez Vive en el recuerdo (Bolero) Arsenio Rodríguez Scull Juegame limpio (Son Capetillo) Arsenio Rodríguez Scull

Musicians include: Arsenio Rodríguez, tres René Scull, vocals Israel Rodríguez, tumbadora Manolo, vocals Candido Antomattei, vocals Olano, vocals René Hernández, piano Mario Cora, trumpet Lázaro Prieto, bass reissued in 1958 as Exitos de Arsenio Rodríguez y su conjunto Label: Seeco/Tropical TRLP-5005; reissue on CD: SCCD-7352 (1998). with the addition of two tracks: Se ama una vez AR Ya voló

	also SONEROS vol 2: La tradicion de Cuba label: Edenways CD EDE-1053 1997 Liner Notes: French, history of "El Son" Sound: not as good as on the preceding SEECO rerelease Tracks: 1. Se Formo El Bochinche 2. El Dolorsito De Mi China 3. Solo Fue Un sueño 4. Besarte Quisiera 5. Cambia El Paso [tracks 6-14 by Bimbi]

1953 COMO SE GOZA EN EL BARRIO label: Tumbao TCD-022 1992 Sound: thin Liner notes: thinner More great sides, recorded in New York City, 1953, originally on TICO label. All composed by Arsenio. Vocals by René Scull and Cándido Antomattei, with (probably) René Hernández on piano, Lázaro Prieto on bass and Israel Rodríguez on conga. "Swing y son" quotes Glenn Miller's "In the mood" -- still a hit almost a decade after it was recorded. Worth having all 16 tracks as opposed to the ten on Tico's EL GIGANTE reissue. tracks: Esclavo triste La Gente del Bronx Jaguey Meta y guaguancó Mulence Pa que Gocen Esas no Como Se Goza en el Barrio Yo Soy Chambelon Arpegio por Arsenio Oiga mi guaguancó Se Va La Comparsa Swing y Son Maye Santa Oye Mi Cantar Ahora Carpetillo

	First 8 tracks taken from AUTHENTIC CUBAN MAMBOS green check cover [left] Label: TICO 135 10"

also EL GIGANTE (TICO TRSLP1449) 1. La Gente del Bronx 2. Jaguey 3. Como Se Goza en el Barrio 4. Meta y guaguancó 5. Mulence 6. Swing y Song 7. Yo Soy Chambelon 8. Arpegio por Arsenio 9. Maye Santa 10. Oiga Mi guaguancó 11. Mulence [bonus track] 12. Oiga mi guaguancó [bonus track] Note: the two bonus tracks are performed by Ismael Miranda from Arsenio tribute albums, all others are found on TCD022. Even the cover is a rip-off of the artwork for Tumbao's DUNDUNBANZA. However, Tico was the original issuer of this album.

1946-50 Arsenio Rodríguez: Legends Of Cuban Music (NC 5032), Released 2001 Another compilation drawn from the four main Tumbao releases, covering many classics. El Reloj De Pastora (son montuno) TCD017 or ALP-1337 Juventud Amaliana TCD031 Dame Un Cachito Pa'huele TCD031 Canta Montero (bolero son) TCD031 Cangrejo fue a estudiar (son montuno) TCD031 Pueblo nuevo se paso TCD017 Dundumbanza TCD-043 No me llores mas TCD-043 Llevatelo todo TCD-043 Vuelvo a la Vida TCD-043 La Gente del Bronx TCD-022 Yo soy chambelon TCD-022 Arpegio por Arsenio TCD-022 Mulence TCD-022 Maye Santa TCD-022 Chicharronero TCD-031 Adivínalo (guaguancó) TCD031 El Cerro tiene la llave (guaracha) TCD031 Meta y guaguancó TCD-022 Oiga mi guaguancó TCD-022 Como se goza en el barrio TCD-022

1953 Cuban Classics Vol. XIII: Arsenio Rodríguez, Chano Pozo, Estrellas Juveniles Label: CD (WS Latino 4218), Released 2001; Sound: Good Liner notes: None The four tracks by Arsenio were recorded 2 April 53 and are not collected elsewhere. They are all great, and Chappotín and Lili are outstanding. "Pobre Chinito" is cartoon Chinoiserie. Vocals are credited to Manolo Morales, Candido Antomattei and Olano. Terrible sound on the Chano Pozo sides. Tracks: Que Me Mande La Niña - Arsenio Rodríguez Pimienta - Arsenio Rodríguez Pobre Chinita - Arsenio Rodríguez Baila Simón - Arsenio Rodríguez Pin Pin - Chano Pozo Tu Gallo María - Chano Pozo Tierra Colora - Chano Pozo Ave María Morena - Chano Pozo Nadie Más Que Tú - Estrellas Juveniles Como Aprieta Mi Chiquita - Estrellas Juveniles Juntemos Nuestras Vidas - Estrellas Juveniles El Viandero Rico - Estrellas Juveniles

	1955 SELECCIONES FAVORITAS DE CUBA (SEECO SLP-66A) Incredibly scarce 10-inch album. According to a comment on discogs: "This record is literally impossible to find, if someone is interested in the music on it, more than in the record itself, there is a great quality compilation by Grosso Records pressed from original Seeco master. Only song missing on that record is "Se Formó El Bochinche" which can be found on Tropical record Exitos De Arsenio Rodriguez Y Su Conjunto" See also 1952 SEECO album above for some of the same material recorded in 1952. A1 Cambia El Paso (Israel Rodriguez) A2 Se Formo El Bochinche (Israel Rodriguez) A3 Baila Simon (Israel Rodriguez) A4 Pimienta (Israel Rodriguez) B1 No Quiero (Israel Rodriguez) B2 Que Me Mando La Nina (Israel Rodriguez) B3 Pobre Chinito (Israel Rodriguez) B4 Juegame Limpio (Arsenio Rodriguez)
	1957 SABROSO Y CALIENTE (ANTILLA CD-586) also P-Vine PCD-2141 Sound: Very bad sound on the CD, as on the original vinyl. A shame considering the strength of the material. Liner notes: None Outstanding tracks: "Blanca paloma" and "Mami me gusto" written (like most of the album) by Lucia Martinez. 1. Carraguao Alante (L. Martinez) 2. Hay Fuego en el 23 (L. Martinez) 3. Buenavista en Guaguancó (Lucia Martinez) 4. Devuelveme la Ilusion (L. Martinez) 5. Adorenla Como a Marti (AR) 6. Homenaje Esta Hablando Bien (AR) 7. Blanca Paloma (Lucia Martinez) 8. Mami Me Gusto (Lucia Martinez) 9. Que Feliz Yo Fuera (AR) 10. Besame Aqui (AR) 11. Fonda de Bienvenido (B.J. Gutierrez) 12. Recuerda Bien (Lucia Martinez)

some duplicated on Arsenio Rodríguez Label: Discmedi Records/ ARTEX Canada CD-066 1993 Notes: good notes in Spanish by Zola Gomez García Sound: Mostly good The extraneous material, particularly by Irakere, is unnecessary but helps demonstrate the breadth of Arsenio's influence. 1. Preludio a Catalina (Performed by CHUCHO VALDES) 2. Dile a Catalina (Performed by IRAKERE) 3. Buenavista en guaguancó (ANTILLA CD-586) 4. Fiesta en el solar (Primitivo) 5. Juventud Amaliana TCD031 6. Recuerda bien (ANTILLA CD-586) 7. De una manera espantosa (Performed by IRAKERE) 8. Frutas del caney (Ansonia HGCD1337) 9. Blanca paloma (ANTILLA CD-586) 10. Que feliz yo fuera (ANTILLA CD-586) 11. Besame aqui (ANTILLA CD-586) 12. Mami me gusto (ANTILLA CD-586) 13. Hachero pa' un palo (Performed by MANGARE) also Boogaloo con los Tres Grandes Label: LP Puchito MLP-609 (Antilla 609) Includes the orquestas of Arsenio, Chappotín & Melodias del 40. The Arsenio tracks are Carraguao alante Blanca Paloma Mami me gusto also "Carraguao Alante" on Habana Club: A Cuban Jam Session

1957 Sabu Martinez PALO CONGO Label: Blue Note LP 1561 1957. Reissued by Toshiba-EMI in their series of Blue Note facsimiles in the 1990s. (CD: Blue Note 22665) Reissued 2000 Sound: Great Liner notes: Detailed, in English by Hsio Wen Shih An almost purely traditional Afro-Cuban album with Arsenio cutting loose on "Rhapsodia del maravilloso." There are many legends about this album. One is that Sabu (who had played with Diz, Bird, Monk and others) was asked to do a Latin jazz date but none of the "jazz" musicians showed so they went ahead and did a roots album with the rhythm section of Arsenio's band: his bassist Evaristo Baro and his wife Sarah and Willie Capo who also sang with Arsenio, along with Arsenio's brothers Caesar and Quique on congas. The only other person at the date, Mosquito, knew Sabu and Arsenio through the Miguelito Valdés connection. Another story has it that Blue Note deleted the album early on because of poor sales and it disappeared, one copy changing hands for $300 at one point. Side A: El Cumbanchero Billumba-Palo Congo Choferito-Plena Asabache Side B: Simba Rhapsodia del maravilloso Aggo Elegua Tribilin cantore Musicians: "Sabu" L. Martinez, conga, bongo and vocals Arsenio Rodríguez, conga, tres, and vocal Raul "Caesar" Travieso, conga and vocal Israel Moises "Quique" Travieso, conga Ray "Mosquito" Romero, conga Evaristo Baro, bass Willie Capo, vocal Sarah Baro, vocal

1962 CUMBANCHANDO con Arsenio (Fiesta en Harlem) SMC-1074 side A: 1. Son Pachanga (pachanga)/ Emilio Dolores (plena) 2. La Vida es un sueño (bolero) 3. Luis Cora (Son montuno)/ Yo naci del Africa (guaracha) 4. Corriendo fortuna (rumba) side B: 5. Cumbancha mama (son pachanga)/ La Tina de Maria Elena (merengue) 6. Habla corazon (bolero) 7. Cruel destino (son)/Lo dicen todas (son montuno) 8. Guaguancó en el remeneo (rumba guaguancó) personnel: Arsenio Rodríguez, tres, vocal, quinto Jackson, bass Rosalia Montalvo, vocals on the boleros Sabu Martinez, Raul, Pedrito, Sufron, Berrios and Israel Moises "Quique" Travieso, congas and percussion Note: a poorly remastered bootleg CD comes up regularly on EBay. Remastered downloads available on line with 12 tracks

1963 PRIMITIVO Orig: ROOST LP2261 1963; Reissued: Blues Interactions (Japan) PCD-4729 1995; also TICO 1407 Produced by Teddy Reig Sound: excellent Liner notes: English/Spanish/Japanese by Pancho Cristal (fanciful, non-specific) A brilliant album from beginning to end. Arsenio in top form with Monguito on lead vocals (in his US debut). There's a burst of flamenco on "Coplas De España" and plenty of fiery playing, but sit back for the breathtakingly beautiful and spare "Fiesta En El Solar." All compositions by Arsenio except "Lo Que Dice Justi" by Justi Barreto. titles: La Pasion Me Engañastes Juana Lo Que Dice Justi Rumba Guajira Coplas De España Que Mala Suerte Fiesta en el Solar Me Equivoque Contigo A Gozar Mujeres No Lo Niegues El Lema del guaguancó Guaguancó de Puerta De Tierra

1963 QUINDEMBO Arsenio and his Afro Magic aka Arsenio Rodriguez y su Magia: La Musica Afro Cubana label: Epic BN26072 (CBS/Caliente CLT-7049; 1973) also LEYENDAS/LEGENDS Label: Sony Tropical (CDL-81534) 1995 Liner notes: Spanish/English Sound: Decent On this outing Arsenio has two saxes to create a smooth counterpoint to his brittle explorations on "Bruca manigüá." All compositions by AR. With acoustic bass, congas and percussion, it is a very spare album, and Arsenio sings scat in his pidgin African style. Parts might even remind you of Ethiopian jazz! 1. Canto Abacoa 2. Bruca manigüá 3. Baila Simbale 4. Hun Hun 5. Oracion Lucumi 6. Compay Cimarron 7. Teenagers Bailan Changui 8. Albanciosa 9. Torongombe Ya Cayo 10. Yimbila 11. Mona 12. Quindembo Hot

1963 LA PACHANGA Label: TICO RSLP 1092 CD: 1999 producer: George Goldner total time: 27 mins Sound: Good Liner notes: worthless Turning his back on the attempts to have a hit, Arsenio returns to Afro-Cuban ritual and calls on Chango, God of Thunder. 1. Que Te Parece Juana 2. Chango Pachanga 3. Toma Cognac 4. Tu Estas en el Swing Mami 5. Pachanga Time 6. Sacale Brillo Al Piso 7. Que Mal es Querer 8. Te Vuelve en Dengue 9. Un Cachito Pa Mi 10. Parece Bobo 11. Porfiando El Gallo Muere

	1966 ARSENIO RODRIGUEZ Y SU CONJUNTO Label: Ansonia (ALP-1337) vol 1* El Reloj De Pastora (son montuno) No Importa La Distancia Yambu En Serenata Comprendo Que Sufres Linda Cubana Hachero Pa' Un Palo El Divorcio Frutas Del Caney Santa Cecilia Sabor De Pachanga Errante Y Bohemio Pucho Marquez

1966 ARSENIO RODRIGUEZ Y SU CONJUNTO volume 2 cantan: Marcelino Guerra - Ceron - Berrios Label: Ansonia (SALP-1418) reissue: 1999; also Bomba BOM-3001 LADO A: Necesito Una Mujer Cocinera (son montuno) Quién Soy (cha cha chá) Papa Upa (son montuno) Maldita Droga (bolero) Jugando Al Silo (montuno boogaloo) Cuba Llora (lamento guajiro) LADO B: Sueltala (son montuno) Lo Que Le Paso A Luisita (guaguancó) La Realidad (cha cha chá) Quiero Mucho A Mi Suegra (son montuno) No He Visto A Caridad (son montuno) Adios Carmelina (montuno oriental) *CD Reissue: both albums compiled on Ansonia HGCD1337 -- a poorly remastered CD from a dropped needle. I have the vinyl of vol 2 and it is much more dynamic, if scratchy. also Recuerdos De Arsenio Reissue of Ansonia ALP-1337 (vol 1); also found on Ansonia HGCD1337 also 24 Exitos Originales (Edenways) reissue of both

	1966 Arsenio Rodríguez And the Afro-Cubano Sound of Now VIVA ARSENIO! Label: BANG LP 216 (1966) Canada also SONY JAPAN CD also EMI/Odeon MT-1152 (also Atlantic) Side one: Hang on Sloopy La Yuca Baila Con Migo Manisero y Marta Que No Llegue La Noche y La Pared La Bamba Side two: Tres Marias Cielito Lindo Para Baila El Montuno Randy El Elemento Del Bronx Vaya P'al Monte

1960s Candido Antomattei Candido con Arsenio Rodríguez y Estrellas CD (Faisan 512), Reissued 1995 Sound: poor A showcase for Candido who sang coro and played guitar with Arsenio since his Havana days. Recorded in Puerto Rico, New York & Havana. Arsenio is not on all tracks. tracks: "Bruca manigüá," AR (TCD003) La Tumba Brava by Lili Martinez Grinan Hay Fuego En El 23 AR (Sabroso y caliente) Anabacoa by J. Ramirez (TCD-031) Sigue Asi Tu Destino by R. Seijo Tumba Y Bongo AR No Se Si Ahora by Candido El Lechoncito by Candido Musicians include: Arsenio Rodríguez, Tres René Hernández, Piano Adalberto Santiago, Vocal Yayo "El Indio," Vocal Miguelito Quintana, Vocal Guito Kotright, Vocal Manolo Morales, Vocal German Llobrat, Vocal Juancito Torres, Trompeta Chocolate Armenteros, Trompeta A. Camacho, Trompeta Tomas Rodríguez, Trompeta Polito Huerta, Bass Jose "Buyu" Mangual, Bongoes Martin Quiñones, Conga Patato Valdés, Conga Luis Quevedo, Piano Tito García, Tres Manolin Goicuria, Tres Candido Antomattei, Vocal

1968 PATATO & TOTICO Label: Verve V/V6-5037 Producers: Teddy Reid & Pete Spargo sound: Excellent Liner notes: Detailed discussion of Santeria and the Yoruba Lucumi cult, but including this statement: "The sound accompanying a number of these songs, like an old out-of-tune piano is not a piano at all, but the Tres Guitar played skillfully by the master musician, Arsenio Rodriguez." On "Nuestro barrio," Totico quotes "Los sitios hacere" but Arsenio is a bit tentative and it is almost like he is being coaxed into soloing. On "Agua de la caer" Arsenio quotes Miguel Matamoros' "El Huerfanito." tracks: Mas que nada Ya yo e Ingrato corazon Que linda va Nuestro barrio Side Two: Agua que la caer En el callejon Caridad malda Rezo abacua Dilo como yo Musicians: Carlos "Patato" Valdés, conga, percussion Eugenio "Totico" Arango, Vocal Arsenio Rodríguez, Tres Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Bass Papaito, Sticks Francisco "Panchin" Valdez, Sticks Hector Cadavieco, Vocal Mario Cadavieco, Vocal Juan "Curba" Dreke, Vocal Tony Mayari, Vocal Virgilio Marti, Vocal

1968 ARSENIO DICE producer: Pancho Cristal Label: TICO SLP 1175 1998 Sound: good Liner notes: worthless His final release. Consistently great. Apart from the occasional lapses into rock and roll, Arsenio had a pure sound which, sadly for him, was 20 years ahead of Latin music in general. After his death Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Fania All-stars and others did tribute albums, but nothing compares to the originals. 1. Mi Corazon No Tiene Quién lo llore 2. Menos Que Cenizas 3. Esto Es Yambu 4. Pasion Extraña 5. Ven Mi Mora 6. Kiko Medina 7. Daddy Give Me Candy 8. Orgullesida 9. La Verdad 10. Quiéndembo Jazz There is also a Japanese double CD set of "Arsenio Dice" and "La Pachanga." (P-VINE PCD2707)

1940s Mano a Mano - Arsenio y Arcaño (LP: Cariño DBMI 5800) A1 Tengo Que Olvidarte A2 Dame Un Cachito Pa' Huele' A3 Chicharronero A4 El Reloj De Pastora A5 Cangrejo Fue A Estudiar B1 Arriba La Invasion B2 Ritmo Alegre B3 Los Chicos Buenos B4 Atomo Musical B5 Jovenes De La Defensa Released in 1974. Contains 5 numbers from each (Arsenio on Side A), taken from RCA 78s. Also EGREM 1993. The Arsenio tracks are all available on Tumbao releases.

ABRE CUTO GUIRI MAMBO (2013 by TheFeelinClub) 1 Mambo en la Cueva (Mambo) by Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez 2 Semilla de Caña Brava (Son Montuno) by René Scull 3 Deuda (Bolero) by René Scull 4 No Toque el Güao (Son Montuno) by Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez 5 Amores de Verano (Guaguancó) by Miguelito Cuni 6 Te Contaré (Bolero) by Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez 7 Présteme el Cubo (Son Capetillo) by Sara 8 Qué Habrá Pasado (Bolero) by Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez 9 Tití Tu Kundungo Quiere Papa (Cha Cha Chá) by Estela Rodríguez 10 Qué Cosa Tendrán las Mujeres (Out Take) (Son Montuno) by René Scull 11 Acerca el Oído (Bolero) by Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez 12 Baila Simón (Son Montuno) by Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez 13 Por Tu Bien (Bolero) by René Scull 14 La Vida Es un Sueño (Bolero) by René Scull 15 Timbilla (Rumba de Cajón) by René Scull 16 Yo No Engaño a las Nenas (Son Montuno) by René Scull 1951 recordings reissued in public domain FUEGO EN EL 23 (MSCD7068) Spanish reissue

1940-94 Further listening: "Tres señores del son Miguelito Cuni - Felix Chappotín - Luis Martinez Griñán (Lili)" EGREM Cuba 1992 Cuni con Chappotín sus estrellas "Musicalidad en sepia" Orig: Maype; CD reissue: P-Vine Japan PCD2229 1990 Chappotín y su conjunto "Coleccion de diamante vol 2" (DC Productions, France DC 9202 CD) Conjunto Modelo (canta Miguelito Cuni) "Guaguancó en la Habana" Tumbao TCD-059 (recorded in Havana 1953-4) Orquesta Sierra Maestra "Dundunbanza" (World Circuit WCD041 1994) Fabulous tribute to Arsenio album Sources: Ortiz quote (epigraph) quoted in Robert Farris Thompson, Flash of the Spirit Detailed discographies, including 78s, on fiu.edu website Liner notes to OYE COMO DICE... by "C.D." Additions and corrections welcome: contact(at-sign)muzikifan(dot)com Original content of this page Copyright 2006-21 by Alastair Johnston Last update 15 August 2021