Tito Puente and his Cuban Orchestra perform the explosive mambo benchmark "Abaniquito" backed with "Cuban Mambo", issued on the 10-inch shellac format via Decca's specialized British independent subsidiary Felsted Records (80011). Originally tracked in New York City for the Tico label, this historic coupling features sharp, driving sonero vocals on Side A and powerful, polyrhythmic big-band horn charts layered across complex timbale solo configurations arranged by Puente on the B-side.
Originally tracked in 1949/1950 and officially pressed and released in the UK via Felsted as a specialized factory promotional record in 1954.
This pressing captures the mid-1950s importation of authentic Nuyorican and Afro-Cuban dance structures into the UK commercial sphere. Released under Felsted's "Authentic Dance Rhythms" banner, this specialized series targeted the growing population of British modern jazz fans and underground dancehall enthusiasts who sought uncompromised Latin alternatives to standard BBC-style swing broadcasts. As a designated industry promotional copy distributed months ahead of public retail availability, this specific disc highlights the label's early, aggressive push to introduce raw independent American masters to radio disc jockeys and club selectors under strict post-war mechanical trade limitations
Abaniquito" is widely recognized by musicologists as the monumental breakthrough recording that permanently secured Tito Puente's global title as "The King of the Timbales". The frantic rhythmic pace engineered into this specific matrix block completely redefined the role of percussion in modern big bands, explicitly elevating the timbales from a background timekeeping unit to a dominant, frontline solo instrument.
Condition Report
• Grade: VG (Very Good) visual / E (Excellent) playback split [Promo Provenance]
• Visual Grade: The shellac surface exhibits typical minor scuffs consistent with a Very Good preservation level. There is a clean chip on the outer run-in lip that remains entirely clear of the sound grooves. The yellow/orange Felsted promotional label features crisp black lettering, an unblemished center spindle aperture, and carries verified factory reviewer/broadcaster identification marks.
• Audio Grade: Performs exceptionally well at a verified Excellent (E) standard. The mono signal is strong, sharp, and highly defined, completely unaffected by the run-in chip. The dynamic horn lines and complex percussion transients translate cleanly above basic background surface sounds.
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