EASTSIDE LEGENDS - THE ARMENTA BROTHERS

The Armenta Brothers, Robert, Manuel & Steve began playing in the 1940 when they were in elementary school. Prodded by their father who gave his sons music lessons, the Armenta threesome formed a group consisting of saxophone, piano & drums. Their music repertoire was strictly Latin: corridos, boleros & rumbas. Another brother, Willie would later join the group at the age of thirteen. Willie's son Angelo would also become a member of the group.

  While still in their early teens, the Armenta Brothers added jazz, swing & early R&B to their act and are credited with introducing Chicano R&B to East LA. They became a fifteen piece band & began playing high schools, ballrooms & churches. The band became very popular because of their versatility in playing all styles of music.

  The Armenta Brothers did not have a distinguished recording career but did record a 78RPM record for Crown Records, a local LA label. "Marty's Bounce" and "Fatso" were recorded but were more in the swing style than R&B. The record sold modestly around LA  but was not aggresively promoted.

  In 1952 Sal Chico would join the group as a vocalist. In 1955 Sal would form his own band, The Sal Chico Band. He would later become heavily involved in the Chicano Movement. The Sal Chico Band lives on but it is now called the Chico Band and is fronted by his nephew.

  There are two compact discs currently available by the Armenta Brothers, "Remember When" and "Lifetime Achievement"

Track List:

1. The Honeydripper
2. Pachuco Hop
3. Glory Of Love
4. Hide n' Seek
5. Ain't Got A Home
6. Night Train/ All Night long
7. Shake, Rattle and Roll
8. (Just like) Romeo and Juliet
9. The Armenta Brothers' Dollar Dance Medley
10. Miss Jenny
11. Corrido Rock (Aquanta Corazon)
12. Stardust

To purchase these CDs and for more information on the Armenta Brothers please visit their site at:

http://armentabrothers.com/

For more information on the Armenta Brothers:

http://www.elmontelegionstadium.com/armenta_brothers.html



NO COPYRIGHT INFRIENGEMNT INTENDED!!

Solely for historical, education and listening enjoyment.

SOUTHERN SOUL SPINNERS SHOW IN JUNE

The Southern Soul Spinners will be spinning their rare vinyl on June 11,2011 in the City Of Industry, CA located at 16157 E Gale St. Show starts at 3 PM and runs till 8 PM. Try not to be late. I went to the last show & walked in at 3:15 PM after taking some pictures of the classic cars & found that every seat in the main room was taken.
  If you like hanging out with the homies, sipping on a cold one and kicking back & listening to some rare sweet soul rolas then this is the place to be.

FRANKIE FIRME PRESENTS 16 RARE & GOLDEN TREASURES

Frankie Firme "The Al Capone Of The Microphone" presents 16 classic East Side tunes from the vaults of Rampart Records. Each of these rare gems are hard to find on vinyl but they have been packaged on one compact disc. This is another must have for the true collector of the Eastside Sound and is still available for you to buy.

Track List:

"Boo, Hoo, Hoo" The Atlantics (# 1)
This is East Los Angeles doo-wop at its finest. Record company owner, Eddie Davis was always searching for songs that he could produce. He would then hire studio session musicians to record them. Gaynel Hodge wrote and played piano on this "Cry Baby" stroll and recorded it during the summer of 1961 at Capitol Records Studio B with Phil Tucker and Delbert Franklin sharing the lead vocals (Phil and Del) and he also wrote and played piano on the "B" side of this recording, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". An R&B pioneer, Gaynel who also sang with The Hollywood Flames, wrote the Los Angeles doo-wop classics, "I'm A Fool" for The Turks (he also sang lead vocals) and The Penguins' "Earth Angel" (Will You Be Mine). Eddie Davis who loved to bring various artists and musicians together for recordings also used members of the vocal group, The Rivingtons ("Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow") and a young Barry White along with the all Black female vocal group who would later become, The Sa-Shays to fill in on the background vocals. The Sa-Shays would later record and release their own version of this song with The Royal Impalas on Zen Records in 1961. Eddie Davis and drummer, Bobby Gross (who played with The Olympics) produced this track and Gaynel Hodge with Barry White did the musical and vocal arrangements.
"Don't Play With Love" Phil and Del
The first 45 rpm vinyl single recording released on Eddie Davis's Rampart Records in 1960-61 and written by sax player Delbert Franklin was, "Darling, Please Bring Your Love" by Phil and Harv who were the lead vocalist with The Mixtures from Oxnard, California. When Harv Willis was unexpectedly incarcerated, Delbert stepped up-front with Phil Tucker on vocals and it is Phil and Del at their very best that are heard singing on this recording. The collaboration between Phil and Del would continue into the late 60's with the group, The Soul-Jers who recorded for Rampart Records. This song was also produced and recorded during the Capitol Records Studio B sessions in 1961.
"Dearest" Larry Tamblyn
A talented writer, guitarist and singer, Larry Tamblyn was also the brother of actor Russell Tamblyn (Riff in "West Side Story" 1961). The song "Dearest" was the flip side of "Patty Ann" and was a doo-wop effort for record producer, Eddie Davis and his Faro Record label in 1960 prior to Larry starting his own band, The Standells in 1962. Larry worked with Davis on and off until The Standells hit big with the song, "Dirty Water" in 1966 on Tower Records (a subsidiary of Capitol Records). Even afterwards, Tamblyn was loyal to Eddie and did several efforts for him including producing The East Side Kids from New York and their song, "Listen to the Wise Man" for Davis's Valhalla Record label.

"I Wish I Didn't Love You So" Bob Nolen
Singer, Bob Nolen was a friend of restaurateur and record producer Eddie Davis from their childhood days with the Robert Mitchell Boys Choir. When Davis opened his first Night Club in the late 50's on Ivar & Cahuenga next to the Continental Trailways bus station in Hollywood California, Bob would often appear on the bill along with singer, Darla Hood (The Little Rascals) and pianist and vocalist, Vince Morton. This romantic musical arrangement and recording features Bob's incredibly rich and beautiful voice that made him a favorite in the Supper Club circuit as well as appearing on several local Los Angeles television shows in the late 50's. The Eddie Davis Night Club and the Continental Trailways bus station in Hollywood would later become, The Continental Crush Bar and more recently, Goldfingers.

"Do Yourself A Favor" The Rhythm Rockets
From Downey California, this young vocal trio (2 girls and a guy) and their original composition written by members Georgia Massey and Dopha Stark was enough to entice record producer, Eddie Davis to take them to Audio Arts Recording Studio in Hollywood, California and release this recording on his Faro Record label in 1959. Eddie also brought in his staff co-producer, Wayne Franklin Corps to assist him with the musical and vocal arrangements. After the release of the record, the group received some local radio airplay and continued to achieve regional success. The Rhythm Rockets also appeared at many high schools and colleges as well as private events in the Southern California area promoting their record for Faro Production and Associated Talent Enterprises.
"She Is My Baby" The Heartbreakers
This song by The Heartbreakers was the flip side of, "Please Answer" released on Eddie Davis's Linda Records in 1964. The group was centered on the duet vocal harmonizing stylings of brothers Benny and Joe Rodriquez from Roosevelt High School in the Boyle Heights section of East Los Angeles, California. Their earlier big hit, produced by Billy Cardenas was, "Cradle Rock" (a Chicano doo-wop tune of the children's lullaby, "Rock-a-Bye, Baby") that was recorded and released on Bob Keane's Donna Records. "She Is My Baby" is a Grinder Veterano oldie arranged by Randy Thomas ("Get Your Baby") and produced by Eddie Davis and Billy Cardenas. Their voices weren't raw enough to be Don & Dewey, but they created a sweet emotional sound with a groove perfect for the "Homeboy" stroll.
"One Like Mine" The Salas Brothers with The Jaguars
These talented brothers from Lincoln Heights, California are Rudy and Steve Salas, also known for their hits with the powerhouse 80's Latin Funk band, Tierra. The Salas Brothers were the featured singers with The Jaguars and had a delightful harmony. This was the first of the Eastside musical groups that Billy Cardenas brought to record producer, Eddie Davis's Faro Records. Rudy and Steve were just kids when they started singing with The Jaguars and they recorded a version of the Phil and Harv hit, "Darling, Please Bring Your Love" in 1964. "One Like Mine" was written by Mario Paniagua ("Where Lovers Go") and released in 1966 to a favorable response. With a light Latin flavor, Rudy Salas sings lead vocals on this rare & classic recording.
"I Did The Wrong Thing" The Romancers
Although The Romancers from Lincoln Heights, California never had a national top 40 hit with record producer, Eddie Davis, they were the most creative of the Eastside bands and their sound helped to set the mold for the "West Coast Eastside Sound". Discovered by Billy Cardenas, it was the group's rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist, Max Uballez that captured the eye of the fans and the public. Cardenas was convinced that Max was the next Richie Valens. The band recorded a stack of originals mostly written by Uballez for Davis's Linda Record label starting in 1964. However, their biggest hit was a remake of the Etta James - Harvey Fugua R&B ballad, "My Heart Cries". The song, "I Did The Wrong Thing" in particular shows how these young Chicano musicians did not live in a vacuum and were evolving with current developments in American pop music.
"Home On The Range" The Atlantics (# 1) featuring Barry White
Co-produced by Eddie Davis and session drummer Bobby Gross with Gaynel Hodge on piano at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood California, this song features an 18-year-old Barry White on lead vocals with members of the Los Angeles doo-wop group, The Rivingtons and the Sa-Shays on background vocals. Barry was born in Texas but raised in Los Angeles; White was immersed in the L.A. music scene and at the early age of 11 played piano on Jesse Belvins' hit, "Goodnight My Love". In the early 60's, Barry White made several recordings under the pseudonym "Barry Lee" and sang with The Upfronts, The Majestics (#1) and The Atlantics (#1). This recording was released on Rampart Records in 1963 and the influence of Marvin Gaye on the Southern California Soul Music Scene is obvious.


"Come And Swim With Me" Little Ray
The most seasoned of the West Coast Eastside singers was Ray Jimenez who was only 8 years old when he began performing as Little Elvis and later with The Rhythm Kings in Delano, California. When he was 12 years old, Ray shared the bill with Jackie Wilson at The Paramount Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. His influences were Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson and Johnny Mathis. In 1965, Ray hit big with his version of the Ben E. King Song, "I Who Have Nothing" that was distributed nationally by Atco. When Motown opened its first West Coast office in the 70's, Hal Davis signed him to the label but he never recorded for them. He maintained his Eastside stature in later years with his band, Little Ray and the Progressions featuring The Rayettes and Clarence Playa. Ray is still active today with his band, Little Ray and Star Fire and proudly owns his Sanctuary Recording Studios in East Los Angeles, California.
"Come Swim With Me", is the answer record to Bobby Freeman's "C'mon and Swim" with a Stevie Wonder-twist and he recorded this song for Eddie Davis's Faro Records in 1964 when Little Ray was just 15 years old.
"Get Out Of My Life Woman" Thee Royal Checkmates
This legendary Eastside Band featured child prodigy drummer, Aaron Ballesteros who was also the leader of the group at the age of 14 and is considered by many Eastside Music Historians to be one of the finest drummers to ever come out of the East Los Angeles area. It was Aaron's father, Ray Ballesteros who also managed Thee Royal Checkmates from East Los Angeles, California and this all male, 9-member band with a great horn section, arrangements and vocals had a big following of fans whenever they performed. Many artists have recorded this cover song written by Alan Tousaint over the years including The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. The band recorded this version at Stereo Masters Recording Studio on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California across from the Desilu Studios with legendary recording engineer, Bruce Morgan at the controls. Eddie Davis released the recording on Faro Records in 1967 and co-produced with Max Uballez. Aaron Ballesteros is still an active drummer and currently plays with Thee Midniters, Los Lobos and Tierra to name a few.
"It's a Bad Situation In A Beautiful Place" Two Tons Of Love (Dos Chicanos Mas)
This vocal duet was made up of Bobby Reyes and Lydia Lopez. Before they even met and started singing together, Lydia at age 16 was singing at a coffee Shop in Victorville, California and Bobby at age 14 was invited to sing and entertain at a frosh dance at Cathedral High School. They started singing together in 1967 at a beer bar called, The Club Royal in the El Sereno section of East Los Angeles where Bobby was a part time bartender. Lydia would stop by and they both would sing together to the music from the bar's jukebox. It was only intended as a fun thing but the customers loved it so much that within a short period of time, the bar was doing over-capacity business and the reputation of the, "Two Tons Of Love" started to spread throughout the East L.A. area. In January 1970, they were invited to make their professional debut as one of the featured acts at the, "Rock & Soul" concert at East Los Angeles College Auditorium. "It's a Bad Situation In A Beautiful Place" was recorded and released on Gordo Records and produced by Eddie Davis at I.D. Studios in Hollywood, California. In 1970, the "New" Gordo Record label slogan would read, "CHICANOS ARE HAPPENING".
"It's Gonna Work Out Fine" The Mixtures (Instrumental)
This instrumental cover version of the Ike and Tina Turner classic was recorded at Electrovox Studios in Hollywood, California in 1962 and released on Linda Records. Saxman and singer Delbert Franklin (from Oxnard, California) led The Mixtures, a group that was brought to record producer Eddie Davis's attention by Dick Moreland and Bob Eubanks when they were both DJ's at local Oxnard radio station KACY. Del was 19 years old when he first met Eddie Davis who fell in love with the band immediately. Davis loved the idea that they had a Chicano, Black, White, and all the races in one group. The Band was truly the "Rainbow" of the West Coast Eastside Sound and their band name derives from the racial and ethnic collage that made up the group. The Mixtures mainly recorded instrumentals and "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" got some good regional response.


"Takin' Care of Business" Sarah James & The Soul Babies
This song was co-produced by Eddie Davis and Wayne Edwards and written by Chick Carlton and Delbert Franklin for R&B Soul singer, Sarah James. Sarah would often perform solo at the piano bar as well as with her trio at the Eddie Davis Night Club in Hollywood, California to standing room crowds. Her powerful voice and great personality made her a favorite in the Night Club Circuit. This recording also features Barry White playing the congas. As Delbert Franklin recalls, "Barry was always trying to make himself useful in the recording studio". The background singers (Soul Babies) also included members of The Sa-Shays. Released in 1967 on Faro Records, it wasn't long before local AM radio stations like KGFJ were playing the song in steady rotation.
"Corazon De Hotel" Mickey & the Mex-Tex
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, until the age of 17, Mickey Hernandez was one of the first singers and band leader in the 60's to bring the Tejano (Mex-Tex) Sound to Southern California along with bands like Jr. and the Preludes and legendary Tejano band leader & composer, Noe Falcon. Mickey moved to Los Angeles in 1964 and started singing with small local bands and would later form his own group with a friend from El Paso who was also living in L.A. By 1971, Mickey & the Mex-Tex were recording for Eddie Davis and his Gordo Record label with Billy Cardenas co-producing. Mickey soon had a regional hit with the traditional Mexican ranchera, "Corazon de Hotel" which received lots of airplay on Los Angeles Mexican AM radio stations, KWKW and KALI. The band members were a combination of musicians from El Paso and Corpus Christi, Texas as well as Los Angeles, California. Mickey & the Mex-Tex toured the southwest extensively and eventually became one of the favorite featured House Bands at The Dancing Waters Night Club in San Pedro, California.
"Golpe Traidor" Lava and the Hot Rocks (Un-released bonus track)
Special Guest Musicians - Los Rock Angels
This family Latin Funk band included Hector Gonzalez (Dad) Bass Guitar, Lava Gonzalez (Mom) Lead Vocals and their son, Alex Gonzalez on Drums. In 1995, they released their first (1st) CD album on Rampart Records, "You Damn Mexicans Are Too Loud" to rave reviews. In 1998, Telemundo Television Executive, Dan Guerrero (son of Lalo Guerrero) hired the group as the House Band for the new musical variety television show, "Al Dia Con Maria Conchita" staring actress and singer, Maria Conchita Alonzo. This un-released bonus track of the traditional ranchera song, "Golpe Traidor" was originally recorded to show Lava's versatile vocal range who is originally from Chinipas, Chihuahua, Mexico. This recording also included some band members from, "Los Rock Angels" with Lorenzo Martinez on Bajo Sexto, Val Salazar on Accordion and Louie Mendez on Rhythm Guitar.

You may buy this firme compact disc from the East LA Revue web site here:

http://eastlarevue.com/store.php

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

VINYL CLASSICS - EAST SIDE STORY VOLUMES 1-12

East Side Story is a collection of twelve volumes of classic oldies. Soul, doo wop and the East Side Sound are well represented in this amazing collection.
  It's hard to trace all the different releases but I believe it first appeared on vinyl LPs in 1987 on the Macola label. It was also released on cassette by Trojan Music Co.and 8-Track tape. It also appeared on vinyl on the Trenton label. The vinyl LPs and cassettes were in my opinion of poor quality.
  The discs were remastered and released on compact disc on the East Side label in 1997. They changed the track list from the originals but the sound quality is far superior. In 2002 they were released as a twelve volume box set.
  The original vinyl releases and the 8-track tapes have become collector's pieces and are much harder to find.
  Whatever format you can find them in, they are surely worth having.

Track List:

01. Monitors - Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam)
02. Bobby Moore & The Rhythn Aces - Searching For My Love
03. Smokey Robinson & Mary Wells - I Want You 'Round
04. Donnie Elbert - Have I Sinned
05. Temprees - Love Can Be So Wonderful
06. Tony Allen - Nite Owl
07. Little Royal - Jealous
08. Van McCoy - Mr DJ
09. Brenda & The Tabulations - When You're Gone
10. Mike & The Censations - There's Nothing I Can Do
11. Big Jay McNeely - There Is Something On Your Mind
12. Manhattans - If My Heart Could Speak

Track List:

01. Four Tops - Still Water (Love)
02. Donnie Elbert - What Can I Do
03. Smokey Robinson - The Agony & The Ecstacy
04. Temprees - Dedicated To The One I Love
05. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Ooh Baby Baby
06. Mike & The Censations - Victim Of Circumstance
07. Mad Lads - Don't Have To Shop Around
08. Bloodstone - Natural High
09. Brothers Of Soul - I Guess That Don't Make Me A Loser
10. Natural Four - Why Should We Stop Now
11. Moments - So This Is Our Goodbye
12. Capris - There's A Moon Out Tonight

Track List:

01. Defonics - La La Means I Love You
02. Don & Juan - What's Your Name
03. Lovelites - How Can I Tell My Mom & Dad
04. Shields - You Cheated
05. Etta James - My Dearest Darling
06. Brenda & Tabulations - Right On The Tip Of My Tongue
07. Sunglows - It's Okay
08. Shirelles - Dedicated To The One I Love
09. Billy Stewart - Sitting In The Park
10. Frankie Karl - Don't Be Afraid
11. Phil & Harv - Darling
12. Crests - Sixteen Candles

Track List:

01. Garland Green - Jealous Kind Of Fella
02. Four Tops - It's The Way Nature Planned It
03. Lost Generation - The Sly, Slick & The Wicked
04. Chi-Lites - I Want To Pay You Back
05. McKinley Travis - Baby Is There Something On Your Mind
06. Dorothy Moore - Misty Blue
07. Bloodstone - Outside Woman
08. Emotions - Show Me How
09. O'Jays - I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow
10. Baby Washington - That's How Heartaches Are Made
11. Royal Chessmen - Beggin' You
12. Younghearts - I've Got Love For My Baby

Track List:

01. Brenton Wood - Baby You Got It
02. Ron Holden - Can You Talk
03. Uptones - No More
04. Rosie & Ron - Bring Me Happiness
05. Tommy McLain - I Need You So
06. Shondells - Wonderful One
07. Sapphires - Who Do You Love
08. Don Julian - I Want You Back
09. Delicates - I Want To Get Married
10. Heartbreakers - Cradle Rock
11. Brenton Wood - Me & You
12. M&M & The Peanuts - Open Your Eyes

Track List:

01. Brenton Wood - I Like The Way You Love Me
02. Gene Chandler - I Fooled You This Time
03. Rene & Ray - Queen Of My Heart
04. Etta James - At Last
05. Gallahads - Lonely Guy
06. Tommy McLain - Sweet Dreams
07. Superbs - Baby Baby All The Time
08. Jimmy Clanton - Just A Dream
09. Lloyd Price - Just Because
10. Dale & Grace - I'm Leaving It All Up To You
11. Rosie & Ron - So Dearly
12. Don Julian & The Larks - Lowrider Girl

Track List:

01. Gene Chandler - Duke Of Earl
02. Billy Stewart - Cross My Heart
03. Incredibles - Heart & Soul
04. Five Satins - In The Still Of The Night
05. Escorts - Look Over Your Shoulder
06. Ralphi Pagan - Make It With You
07. Bertha Tillman - Oh My Angel
08. Johnny Ace - Pledging My Love
09. Sunny & The Sunliners - Talk To Me
10. Brenda & The Tabulations - Dry Your Eyes
11. Yvonne Carroll - Gee What A Guy
12. Linda Jones - Hypnotized

Track List:

01. Delfonics - (Didn't I) Blow Your Mind
02. Billy Stewart - I Do Love You
03. Mello Kings - Tonite Tonite
04. Casinos - Then You Can tell Me Goodbye
05. Brenda & The Tabulations - The Touch Of You
06. Eddie Holman - Hey There Lonely Girl
07. Notations - I'm Still Here
08. Elgins - Darling Baby
09. Moonglows - Sincerely
10. Premiers - Duffy's Blues
11. Shells - Baby Oh Baby
12. Dubs - Could This be Magic

Track List:

01. Penguins - Earth Angel
02. Impressions - I'm So Proud
03. Nutmegs - Story Untold
04. Rosie & The Originals - Angel Baby
05. Incredibles - I'll Make It Easy
06. Aaron Neville - Tell It Like It Is
07. Jan Bradley - Mama Didn't Lie
08. Whispers - As I Sit Here
09. Danleers - One Summer Night
10. Moments - Love On A Two Way Street
11. Sa-Shays - Boo Hoo Hoo
12. Radiants - Ain't No Big Thing

Track List:

01. James & Bobby Purify - I'm Your Puppet
02. Billy Stewart - Strange Feeling
03. James Brown - Please Please Please
04. Etta James - Stop The Wedding
05. Johnny Flamingo - I
06. Tune Weavers - Happy Happy Birthday Baby
07. Ritchie Valens - Donna
08. Barbara Mason - Oh How It Hurts
09. Fireflies - You Were Mine
10. Jaguars - Where Lovers Go
11. Jackie Ross - Selfish One
12. Dubs - Chapel Of Dreams

Track List:

01. Originals - The Bells
02. Vanguards - Somebody Please
03. Jive Five - My True Story
04. Jerry Butler - Never Gonna Give You Up
05. Medallions - The Letter
06. Medallions - Magic Mountain
07. Gene Chandler - Rainbow
08. Johnnie & Joe - Over The Mountain, Across The Sea
09. Barbara Lewis - Hello Stranger
10. Dells - Oh What A Night
11. Chantels - Look In My Eyes
12. Metallics - Need Your Love

Track List:

01. Pete Wingfield - Eighteen With A Bullet
02. Dells - Stay In My Corner
03. Jerry Butler - For Your Precious Love
04. Shirelles - Foolish Little Girl
05. James Brown - Try Me
06. Winstons - Color Him Father
07. Barbara Lynn - You'll Lose A Good Thing
08. Barbara Mason - Yes I'm Ready
09. Brenton Wood - Catch You On The Rebound
10. Maxine Brown - All In My Mind
11. Sunny & The Sunliners - Smile Now, Cry Later
12. McKinley Mitchell - The Town I Live In



In response to those who have requested the original track lists from the vinyl Trenton label series:

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

EAST L.A. LOWRIDER SOUL

I downloaded this set of 51 (two tracks are repeated so there's really only 49) lowrider cruising oldies from ITunes and it was well worth the price of admission. It was released June 1, 2009 by Goldenlane Records. If you don;t have this one already I recommend you hunt it down in whatever format you can get it. It is also available through Amazon.

Track List:

01. Tierra - Together (Re-Recorded)
02. Ralfi Pagan - Negrona
03. Candido Y Su Movimento - Baby Doll
04. Blue Magic - Sideshow
05. Tu - You're Mine
06. Down To Earth - Forgive Me If I Cry
07. Joey Pastrana - Sincerely
08. Fabulous Filtrations - Wait Till I Find Her
09. Oliveri - There's No Other Girl
10. Fiestas - The Gypsy Said
11. Generations - To You
12. Chuito & The Latin Uniques - Wish I Could
13. Bandits - Nothing Can Change My Love
14. Al Wilson - Show & Tell
15. Que Sunryse - Friday 13th
16. Paul Ortiz y La Orquestra Son - Tender Love
17. Eddie LeBron - My Vows To You
18. Dax Pacem Orchestra - I Do Love You
19. Flamingos - Straighten It Up
20. Oliveri Orquestra - There's No Other Girl
21. Cortez & The Entertainers - Life
22. El Paso Premiers - This Is The Beginning
23. Francisco Aguabella - Image Of A Star
24. Capri Orchestra - I Regret
25. Mumy - Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
26. Hector Rivera & The Latin Renaissance - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
27. Conjunto La Perla - If I Should Lose You
28. TNT Band - I Wanna Make Out With You
29. Suenos - Baby I Love You
30. Ralfi Pagan - Baby I'm A Want You
31. Frankie Nieves - It's Better To Cry
32. Cholo Rivera & The Latin Soul Drivers - I Could Never Hurt You Girl
33. Empires - Come Home Girl
34. Hector Rivera & The Latin Renaissance - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
35. New Generation Orchestra - I'm No Fool
36. Jade - Brown & Beautiful
37. Augustine Twins - Everyday Of My Life
38. Taylor Brothers - People In Love
39. Benito Sextet - Love Is To Say
40. Informers - If You Love Me
41. Dimas III & The Royal Jesters - You've Succeeded
42, Harvey Averne - Accept Me
43. Players & Premiers - You Need A Love
44. Matadors - Let Me Dream
45. King Davis House Rockers - We All Make Mistakes Sometimes
46. Orchestra Soledad - Just Like A Fool
47. Paul Ortiz y La Orchestra Son - There's No Feeling
48. Freeman Brothers - I'm Counting On You
49. Joe Acosta - I Need Her
50. Escorts - I Love You But You Don't Know Me
51. Four Singer Avalons - She's My Woman, She's My Girl

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

HOMEMADE COMPILATIONS - PURA RAZA AZTLAN VOLUME 2

I waited over a decade hoping someone would put out a second volume to the Pura Raza Aztlan series but no one did. (at least no one that I have been able to track down). So I decided to put together one of my own.
  I have put together 24 tracks mixing some classic Eastside Oldies with some Westside Oldies. The result is another great set of pure Chicano Soul. This is not available for sale or download.

Track List:

01. Aztlan - Should I Take You Home
02. Big Manny Band - Somebody Please
03. Aguabella - Image Of A Star
04. Thee Midniters - The Town I Live In
05. Chuito & The Latin Uniques - Wish I Could
06. Jesse & The Crystals - Tell Me
07. Salas Brothers - One Like Mine
08. Thee Ambertones - I Only Have Eyes For You
09. Suenos - Baby I Love You
10. Jade - Brown & Beautiful
11. Randy Garaby - Brown Eyed Girl
12. Ricky Davila & the Laveers - The Day I Found You
13. Larry Tamblyn - Dearest
14. Lebron Brothers - Don't Be Afraid
15. Phil & Del - Don't Play With Love
16. Sunny & The Sunglows - Just A Moment
17. Sal Rodriguez - So
18. Pat & Lolly Vegas - Don't You Remember
19. Players & Premiers - You Need A Love
20. Atlantics - Boo Hoo Hoo
21. Royal Jesters - Girl I Can't Forget
22. Rachel Armenta & Spice - At Last
23. Heartbreakers - She Is My Baby
24. Rudy Guerra - Still Love You So

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

HOMEMADE COMPILATIONS - PURA RAZA AZTLAN VOLUME 1

I picked this one up for five bucks from a street vendor while roaming Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park. Turned out to be the best five bucks I've ever spent.
Released in 2000 on PRA Records and printed in Spain (gotta be a homemade compilation), this CD features 23 tracks of pure Chicano Soul. The Eastside Sound is well represented here with Willie G, Thee Midniters, Salas Brothers & Perez Brothers. Also included is the Westside Sound with likes of Sunny & The Sunglows and the Royal Jesters.
  Track for track it's hard to find a disc with so many great tunes. If you don't have a copy I recommend you hunt one down. I still see copies avalable at auction & set sale prices.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

CHICANO ROCK

Found this interesting piece while on one of my many internet surfing expeditions. I have never seen a copy for sale but it's on the Rockstar label out of Germany and is probably worth the hunt.
  It is a wonderful collection of tunes featuring the Eastside Sound and includes many Eastside classics.
Thee Midniters, Little Ray, Little Julian Herrera, Rene & Ray. Nice!!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

CHICANO POWER! LATIN ROCK IN THE USA 1968-1976

Released in 1998 on Soul Jazz Records, these two CDs contain 17 tracks by Latin bands throughout the U.S. who fused rock, jazz, and Latin music in the late 1960s and 1970s. The title is a trifle misleading; although Mexican-American bands from Los Angeles and San Francisco are well represented on the set, it also includes Puerto Rican-American artists and groups from New York and Miami. There are also a couple cuts from the Peruvian band Black Sugar, included to illustrate the influence of U.S. Latin rock in Latin America itself. At any rate, it's a great collection of a genre that, other than the hit records by Santana of course, is largely overlooked by mainstream rock history and poorly represented on reissues. It should be noted that the tracks by larger ensembles with several horn players and percussionists can sound rather more like salsa music with a rock influence, rather than the other way around (not that that's a bad thing). Cuts like Black Sugar's "Viajecito," for instance, could fit well on a salsa radio station but for the obvious touches of contemporary rock, usually in the guitar. In "Viajecito," for example, there's a wild "Shaft"-like psychedelic guitar that runs through the entirety of what otherwise is a fairly standard Latin pop-jazz song; Tierra's "Sun God" kicks off with crazy synthesizers reminiscent of those heard on Pink Floyd's "On the Run." The influence of Santana is felt mightily throughout, particularly in the more rock-oriented bands, like Miami's the Antiques, whose "Chauca" is like early Santana with a dash of the Yardbirds, and a real highlight of the collection. The Santana comparisons are not always coincidental: Carlos Santana's brother Jorge Santana played guitar in Malo, and onetime Santana member Coke Escovedo founded Azteca. At its best, this collection, like early Santana, is an intoxicating mix of rock, R&B, psychedelia, jazz, and Latin music; even at its least impressive, it's still pretty enjoyable. Santana themselves are represented by the song that's probably the apex of the whole musical movement, "Soul Sacrifice." There's a 40-page booklet with information on the groups and the sociopolitical factors that gave birth to the style.
  This two CD set is still available through the usual internet retailers. Please pick up a copy & support the artists and labels.

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Soley for historical, educational and listening enjoyment.

RECOMMENDED READING - VOICES OF LATIN ROCK

While the Eastside Sound was taking shape during the mid to late 1960's with artists like Thee Midniters, Cannibal & The Headhunters, Salas Brothers & Little Ray, a new sound was being born in Northern California, specifically in San Francisco's Mission District Barrio.
  In the heat of this politically charged, psychedelic era, this barrio became a veritable incubator for a new breed of bands that fused burning acid guitar to a base of boiling Latin percussion. This sound came to be known as Latin Rock (Chicano Rock)
  Author Jim McCarthy takes an in-depth look at the roots and rise of this explosive music. Artists, Santana, Malo, Azteca, Dakila and Sapo are among tthe artist profiles. The book features exclusive interviews and over 800 photographs.
  I highly recommend you picking up a copy of this book if you are into any of these artists or a fan of Latin Rock.

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Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

EASTSIDE SOUL CLASSICS 1963-1977

This one may be hard to find but absolutely worth looking for. Released in 2004 by Gordo Enterprises and Rampart Records on the Barrio Gold Record label out of Tokyo, Japan. I was able to get a copy through Music Camp Entertainment which has a website but it's in Japanese so you will need to translate their page.
  Some of the tracks are available on other compact discs but are presented here in the best possible re-mastered sound. There is a great booklet with liner notes but they are in Japanese. Some rare photographs are included in the booklet. Get yourself a copy of this rare gem.

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Solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

BROWN EYED SOUL: THE SOUND OF EAST L.A. - VOLUME 3

Released in 1997 by Rhino Records this is the third in a series of three compact discs featuring tunes that were popular on East LA. radio stations. Comes with a booklet containing rare photographs and liner notes about each track. This disc is still available and well worth seeking out.

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Solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

BROWN EYED SOUL: THE SOUND OF EAST L.A. - VOLUME 2

The second of three volumes released by Rhino records in 1997. More rare tracks and tunes requested on East L.A. radio stations. Some great ballads on this one. Still available so pick up a copy & help support the artists and record label.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.