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.

• Genre: Latin
• Label: ROCAFORT
• Track List: 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)

• Genre: Latin
• Label: ROCAFORT
• Label: ROCAFORT
• Genre: Latin