El Molestoso, Vol. 2

by Stewart MasonAn immediate follow-up to Eddie Palmieri's 1962 breakout debut, La Perfecta, 1963's La Perfecta, Vol. 2 is pretty much more of the same, as the title implies. The main difference this time around is that Jose Rodrigues has joined the front line of Palmieri's band; the trombonist would continue to be an integral part of Palmieri's groups for the next quarter-century. Other than Rodrigues' bubbly, effusive solos, everything else is unchanged: Pianist Palmieri drives the large, horn-heavy band through a lively set of rollicking mambos, frantic pachangas, and sultry boleros, as vocalist Ismael Quintana's romantic vocal style adds melodic and textural interest to the otherwise almost entirely rhythmic tracks. This album features the original recording of what would become Palmieri's signature song, "El Molestoso." In the early '60s, Eddie Palmieri and his band were the toast of New York's Latin music community, and every bit as much as its more celebrated predecessor, La Perfecta, Vol. 2 shows why.