Mambo Mania / Havana 3 Am

Cuban-born bandleader Perez Prado became the 'Mambo King' of the 1950s, best remembered for his trademark 'Unh!' But there was more to Prado than vocal grunts. A charismatic bandleader, he was among the pioneers of Latin jazz ('Mambo A La Kenton' is a prime example) who managed to make 'hot' music that was both adventuresome and popular (hence his hit version of 'Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White') These 1953-56 RCA recordings, made in Mexico City, Hollywood and New York City, combine two popular Prado albums of the Fifties, 'Mambo Mania' and 'Havana 3' a. m., and include such Prado classics as Ballin' The Jack, Tomcat Mambo, Marilyn Monroe Mambo, Mambo A La Billy May, Besame Mucho, Freeway Mambo, The Peanut Vendor, and Baia.