La Playa Sextet

The La Playas (not to be confused with the La Plata Sextet, a knockoff on Seeco) were the most popular group on New York's small, beloved Mardi Gras label. Although in later years numbering as high as a dozen players, the group originally was a spare sextet distinguished by a strong, rhythm-guitar sound. The distinctive guitar and lively tempos made their sound as much Latin rock as progressive Latin, which meant their appeal could range beyond "New Yorican" to pan-mundo-Latino. In their association with Tito Rodriguez key members were shared with what would become Eddie Palmieri's group. That factor alone makes some of the United Artists records notable, while the two Musicor LPs are unique for other reasons. Papas Fritas really is mod Latin rock in The Champs style: lightweight but fun, with a few excellent tunes. The subsequent "Bailando el Boogaloo" LP features Louie Ramirez, interesting jazz elements, and one very attractive boogaloo rarity which makes it a "holy grail" of Latin soul.

Buying: Generally the later the La Playa LP, the rarer, but snap up any you see; almost all are very worthwhile and quite scarce. Beware of reissues and budget-label repackagings. Their one Latin-soul LP is extremely rare.