Rosemary Clooney & Perez Prado - A Touch Of Tabasco

Rosemary Clooney and Perez Prado, A Touch of Tobasco

180-gram vinyl, double LP cut at 45 RPM

Edition limited to 2,500 numbered copies

"On paper, this unlikely pairing of American popular vocalist Rosemary Clooney (who nearly defined the 1950s as a stylist) and Cuban percussionist and bandleader Pérez Prado seemed to be a disaster in the making. The end result is quite the opposite. Recorded during two sessions in July and August of 1959, this is simply one of the loveliest albums in either artist's catalog. The music is lively and colorful but retains Clooney's smooth and mellow character, and Prado's trademark arrangements and experiments with percussion, texture, and harmony. Apparently, Clooney had some trouble with pronunciation initially, but was coached by her husband, Puerto Rican actor Jose Ferrer (who wrote the original album's liner notes) and became a quick study. This merging of Latin and American standards is a tour de force that features some of the hottest session players in the biz including drummers Leo Acosta and Earl Palmer, as well as horn players Paul Horn and Ollie Mitchell. Highlights of the set include 'Mack the Knife,' 'Sway,' a pair of Cole Porter tunes — 'Bali Hai,' and 'You Do Something to Me' — as well as highly original readings of 'Corazon de Melon,' 'Cu-Cu-Rru-Cu-Cu Paloma,' and 'Adios.'" — All Music Guide

1. Cu-Cu-Rru-Cu-Cu Paloma

2. Like A Woman

3. Mack the Knife

4. In a Little Spanish Town

5. I Only Have Eyes For You

6. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'

7. Bali Ha'i

8. Sway

9. Corazon de Melon

10. Magic is the Moonlight

11. Adios

12. You Do Something To Me

Customer Reviews (4.50 Stars) 2 person(s) rated this product.

Fun! posted on 09/17/2016 5 Stars Reviewer: Rudy (at Record Collector Guide) As a longtime fan of Prado, I did not imagine a pairing with Rosemary Clooney might work out so well. Would Prado's sometimes overbearing orchestra (and oversized ego) get in the way? Thankfully not. The resulting album turns into a mambo- fueled workout for both Clooney and Prado. Their version of "Corazon de Melon" was a major hit in South America, and the rest of the recording is no less a delight. Prado's ace lineup of well known West Coast studio musicians plays like the well-oiled unit that it was. The sonics are typical RCA Living Stereo--clean, clear and well-separated. The 45RPM mastering of this beautifully ORG pressing is essential, given the biting, clustered brass lines and bright percussion, keeping the mids clear for Clooney's voice. While there are other Prado LPs I might have picked for remastering, this one is a pleasant surprise. Grab it if you are a fan of either artist!

Old School Latin posted on 03/14/2013 4 Stars Reviewer: Jeff C - Australia I discovered Pérez Prado by a purchase on eBay of an original 1958 Living Sound LP of his called “Prez”. I got it because I liked the cheesy cover and thought the music might me interesting. I was surprised to find I really liked it, very snappy Latin and I was amazed at the clarity among the crackling of this very old record. I then discovered Speakers Corner had made a fine re-issue of “Prez” and got that as well. I am so amazed at the sound of this 1958 recording. So when I found Tabasco I had to get it as well. This is my first ORG purchase and they seem to have done a fine job as well. Not sure if it needed to be 45rpm as I think this 1960 recording would have sounded just as good on one 33rpm LP. But regardless of this if you like “Prez” I am sure you will enjoy this album. A quality product.

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