Chaquito And His Orchestra – Viva Chaquito! And That Swinging Latin Sound

Chaquito And His Orchestra – Viva Chaquito! And That Swinging Latin Sound

Viva Chaquito! And That Swinging Latin Sound is a vibrant showcase for British bandleader and arranger Johnny Gregory, better known as Chaquito, and his large ensemble of session musicians. Originally issued in the early 1960s on Fontana, this is a superb example of the period's sophisticated Latin-orchestral sound, combining big-band brass, jazz improvisation and percussion-heavy Afro-Cuban rhythms. The original UK Fontana pressing is catalogue SFL 13007.

The album moves through a colourful mixture of Brazilian, Latin and Afro-Cuban influences. "Baia" opens with a Brazilian batuque rhythm, while "Corrida" creates a bullfight atmosphere over a crisp samba beat. "Mexicana" brings a lighter baion feel, and "Ritmo De Chunga" delivers a fiery Afro-Cuban workout inspired by mambo giant Perez Prado. The arrangements make full use of the orchestra's brass and percussion sections, with flute, saxophone and trombone solos adding plenty of jazz character.

The second side continues in equally energetic fashion with "Safari", "Campanella", "El Greco", "Parango" and "Teresita La Chunga", before the exuberant "Viva" finale. "Special Project" is particularly notable as it was also issued as a Chaquito single in 1963 and was described at the time as big-band Latin music with roaring brass, percussion and dynamic sectional arrangements.

With its combination of Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban percussion, swinging brass, exotic orchestration and early-1960s easy-listening sophistication, Viva Chaquito! is an excellent vintage British Latin LP for collectors of Chaquito, Fontana Records, lounge, exotica, big-band jazz and classic Latin sounds. The recordings belong to the early-1960s period, with contemporary evidence confirming the album's material was circulating by 1963.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Baia
2. Corrida
3. Mexicana
4. Ritmo De Chunga
5. Francesca
6. Special Project

Side B

1. Safari
2. Campanella
3. El Greco
4. Parango
5. Teresita La Chunga
6. Viva