Sleeve notes by DJ Lubi

Orchestra Mambo International is a UK-based mambo, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble playing original compositions inspired by Latin music giants such as Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri and the Fania All-Stars. The band was formed in autumn 2022 by myself and trombonist Jonny Enright, initially for a one-off show in the north of England. It was a success so we decided to do a few more gigs, and before we knew it, Orchestra Mambo International had become a real thing.

“¡Apúntalo!” is a catchphrase our lead singer uses in songs during live shows. It literally means “write it down!”, but for us it’s a way of saying “get with us, feel this, be part of it.” It captures the spirit of the record perfectly: bold, memorable and impossible to ignore.

The album features eight originals written by Jonny Enright, with contributions from timbalero Jimmy Le Messurier, and lead vocalist Carlos "Pachanga" Peña (who sang coro with salsa legend Oscar D'Leon in the 1980s). A musical journey through mambo, salsa dura, pachanga, Cuban son montuno, Puerto Rican bomba and Latin jazz. The result is a vibrant, highly danceable and richly arranged musical selection made for listeners who love classic Latin, Cuban and Afro-Caribbean music played with heart, style and fire.

Guest appearances include jazz flute maestro Chip Wickham (Gondwana Records) on “Flauta Pa’ Ti”, Cuban singer Claritzel Miyares on “Rumba, Ron Y Rico Son”, plus strings from Cuban-born, New York-based violinist Yrving Yeras on the same track.

So that's the story behind the band and the album. Enough from me now. Just put the record on, turn it up loud, and whether you’re dancing to the beats or listening to and digging the solos, we hope you enjoy the music as much as we enjoyed making it!

¡Que viva el mambo!
DJ Lubi
Manteca Show / One Jazz Radio