Fuego a La Lata

Like many of New York's Latin artists emerging in the late '60s and early '70s, the members of the Lat-Teens were not only steeped in their own tradition of mambo, cha cha, and rhumba, but also in the soul-driven sounds emanating from the streets they now inhabited. The results are not only Anglo-oriented band names, but also the inclusion of English-language lyrics and R&B melodies over a traditional Latino rhythm and horn section. Though this approach was more or less abandoned a short time later, and hence sounds incongruous to modern audiences, the boogaloo movement was a force to be reckoned with. 1969's "Fuego" a la Lata was among friends, as part of a groundswell that included groups like the TnT Band, the Latinaires, and Joe Cuba's sextet. The Lat-Teens handled the challenge of rhythmic alchemy with much more grace than some of their contemporaries. In fact, much of the record simply concentrates on New York salsa done well, and it is. The percussion section is swinging and funky, while the lead vocals are smooth and expert. There are just two cuts on the record that play stylistic chemist. Unlike similar releases of the day like Ray Barretto's Acid, in which every cut qualifies as cha cha with backbeat (this probably seemed like a good idea at the time), the Lat-Teens don't mess with an already very hip groove. The addition of soul vocals and clapping does not adulterate the funky Latino thing they've got going for them. Thankfully, these young musicians don't ask the fish and bird to marry or find a place for their home. Just to meet briefly and share a cerveza. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi