<em>Latin Up!</em> by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, released in 1990, captures the lively spirit of Puerto Rican salsa. Produced by Ralph Cartagena in New York City, this 12" vinyl album embodies the band’s iconic rhythms, vibrant brass, and storytelling lyrics. A testament to El Gran Combo’s legacy, <em>Latin Up!</em> bridges Puerto Rican roots with the international salsa scene, making it a must-have for Latin music enthusiasts.
Released in 1990, "Latin Up!" by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is a vibrant embodiment of Puerto Rican salsa at its finest. Produced by Ralph Cartagena and recorded in New York City, this 12" vinyl album on Combo Records showcases the legendary band’s unmatched energy and enduring influence on Latin music. With its iconic salsa rhythms and electrifying arrangements, "Latin Up!" exemplifies El Gran Combo’s unique style, which has earned them the title “La Universidad de la Salsa” (The University of Salsa) among fans and fellow musicians.
The Heart of Puerto Rican Salsa
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, established in 1962, had spent nearly three decades honing their signature sound by the time "Latin Up!" was released. The album captures the essence of Puerto Rican salsa with its pulsating percussion, lively brass, and infectious rhythms that urge listeners to dance. "Latin Up!" is quintessential El Gran Combo—an album that pays homage to the group’s roots while embracing the evolving salsa landscape of the 1990s. As salsa music gained popularity across the globe, "Latin Up!" played a role in reaffirming the band’s legacy as salsa pioneers.
Production and Sound Quality
Produced by Ralph Cartagena, "Latin Up!" reflects high production values that emphasize the precision and dynamism of El Gran Combo’s performances. The album was crafted to shine on vinyl, with the richness of each instrument’s sound fully expressed on this classic format. With a total weight of 230 grams, including the album cover, the vinyl’s quality matches the album’s timeless content, ensuring an authentic listening experience for audiophiles and salsa enthusiasts alike.
Track Highlights and Musical Style
The title "Latin Up!" suggests a lively celebration of Latin music’s infectious spirit, inviting listeners to embrace the rhythms and melodies that have made El Gran Combo a staple in salsa music. The album’s tracks are infused with narrative lyrics, a hallmark of salsa that engages audiences not only musically but also emotionally, drawing them into stories of love, passion, and everyday life.
The Album’s Legacy and Cultural Impact
As El Gran Combo continued to build their reputation in the 1990s, "Latin Up!" became an essential part of their discography, marking a period when salsa music was expanding internationally. Released under Combo Records (RCSLP-2070 Series 00998), the album was a New York City production, bridging Puerto Rican roots with the vibrant Latin scene in the United States. This geographic connection was essential, as New York City had become a hub for Latin music, where salsa bands from across Latin America were bringing their unique sounds to diverse audiences.
"Latin Up!" reaffirmed El Gran Combo’s presence in the salsa world, capturing new fans and continuing to resonate with long-time listeners. The band’s ability to stay relevant while preserving their signature sound allowed them to maintain their status as salsa icons, a feat that few Latin music groups have accomplished with such consistency.
Why "Latin Up!" is a Must-Have for Vinyl Collectors
For vinyl collectors and salsa aficionados, "Latin Up!" is more than just an album; it’s a piece of Latin music history. The album embodies the era’s energy and creativity, with El Gran Combo at the height of their influence. Owning the 12" vinyl record is an opportunity to experience the music in its most authentic form, with the warmth and depth that only vinyl can offer. The record’s physicality—the weight, the album cover, and the analog sound—adds an extra layer of appreciation for the artistry that went into its production.
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Music Genre: Salsa de Puerto Rico |
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Album Production Information: The album: "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Latin Up!" was produced by: Ralph Cartegena |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Combo Records RCSLP-2070 Series 00998 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1990 Made in New York City, USA |
Complete Track Listing of: "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Latin Up!" |
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The Songs/tracks on "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Latin Up!" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Latin Up! |
| Front Cover Photo of "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Latin Up!" Album |
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The album cover for Latin Up! by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico presents a vibrant and relaxed scene. The band members, dressed in matching maroon shirts and light gray pants, are gathered outside a grand colonial-style mansion with green and white walls, set against a lush landscape. Some members are seated on a classic horse-drawn carriage, while others pose around a picnic setup featuring an assortment of fruits. One band member stands beside a brown horse, adding a rustic, countryside charm to the image. The album title, Latin Up!, is displayed in bold yellow letters at the bottom, and the band's name is prominently styled at the top in a mix of red, yellow, and white. This cheerful, inviting cover reflects the band's lively spirit and the warm essence of Puerto Rican salsa. |
| Back Cover Photo of "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Latin Up!" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Latin Up!" Record Label
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| Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, also known as "La Universidad de la Salsa," is one of the most iconic salsa bands in the world. The group was formed in 1962, and since then, it has become a beloved institution in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. In the 1980s and 1990s, El Gran Combo continued to produce hit after hit, solidifying their status as one of the most important salsa bands in history.
During the 1980s, El Gran Combo released a series of albums that became instant classics. These included "En Acción," "El Gran Combo '82," "Aquí No Se Sienta Nadie," and "Happy Days." These albums featured some of the band's biggest hits, including "El Menú," "La Loma del Tamarindo," "La Fiesta de Pilito," and "El Gran Combo Boogaloo." The band's unique blend of salsa, boogaloo, and other Latin rhythms made them a hit with fans all over the world.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, El Gran Combo was also known for their high-energy live performances. The band's shows were known for their tight arrangements, lively choreography, and infectious energy. Fans would pack stadiums and dance the night away to El Gran Combo's signature sound.
As the 1980s turned into the 1990s, El Gran Combo continued to produce hit albums and singles. The band's 1990 album, "El Swing del Gran Combo," featured the hit single "Achilipú," which became one of the band's biggest hits of all time. Other hit albums from this era included "Por el Libro" (1991) and "Nuevo Milenio - El Mismo Sabor" (1999).
Throughout the 1990s, El Gran Combo remained at the forefront of the salsa scene, despite the rise of other genres such as reggaeton and merengue. The band's enduring popularity was a testament to their incredible musicianship, catchy melodies, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
In 1992, El Gran Combo celebrated their 30th anniversary with a massive concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert, which was attended by over 50,000 fans, featured some of the band's biggest hits and was a testament to their lasting legacy.
Today, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico continues to tour and perform, bringing their unique brand of salsa to fans all over the world. The band's enduring popularity is a testament to their incredible talent and the timeless appeal of their music. As long as there are fans who love to dance and sing along to classic salsa hits, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will continue to be one of the most beloved bands in Latin music history.
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El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, commonly known as El Gran Combo, is a Puerto Rican Salsa music orchestra. It is Puerto Rico's most successful musical group, and one of Salsa's most famous groups across Latin America. In 1983 Colombian people involved in musical matters gave them the moniker La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa).
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