Title: The Booga Mambo Beat
Artist: Steve Hernandez
Label: Rocafort
Product Type: VINYL LP
UPC: 5050580866676
Genre: Latin Pop/Rock
Release Date: 2026-03-06
Number of Discs: 1
Additional Details: 180 GRAM VINYL

Long considered a Holy Grail of Latin vinyl, ‘The Booga Mambo Beat’ (1967) by Steve Hernandez y Su Orquesta Latinoamericana returns.This LP has puzzled collectors for decades: who *was* Steve Hernandez, the shadowy figure behind this powerful orchestra including top Puerto Rican and New York musicians?Arranged by Ray Santos and featuring vocalist Vitin Aviles, the album delivers a unique mix of mambo, boogaloo, descarga, proto-salsa, and 1950s big-band swing. A rare bridge between the Palladium sound and the emerging salsa era. Originally self-released and barely promoted, the record became a cult favorite among DJs and collectors.Sourced directly from the original master tapes, discovered in outstanding condition, this edition is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and includes extensive liner notes by Pablo E. Yglesias (DJ Bongohead) and a digital download code.Tracklisting:A1. Steve’s Boogaloo (5:04)A2. Me Gustan Todas (3:00)A3. Mi Propia Condena (2:35)A4. Chocolate (2:53)A5. Booga Mambo (2:14)B1. Boogalypso (3:00)B2. No Te Vayas (2:15)B3. Guaguanco Pa’ Borinquen (2:55)B4. Steve’s Impact (5:27)B5. Fuerte Como Un Roble (1:44)B6. Se Que Eres Suave (2:24)

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