Many consider the 1968 Patato y Totico album to be the definitive rumba record recorded in the United States. Some would argue that it is one of the greatest rumbero recordings, period. Purists may argue, however, that this not "authentic" rumba because some tracks offer instrumentation beyond drums and vocals. But consider this: Carlos Patato Valdes on congas, Israel "Cachao" Lopez on bass, and the one and only Arsenio Rodriguez on tres. Is the the only recording to find these three icons together? I can think of none other. Superb vocals provided by Eugenio Totico Arango, Hector and Mario Cadavieco, Juan "Curba" Dreke, Tony Mayari and Virgilio Marti.
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