Prez

by Tony WildsThough outstanding, "Prez" is annoying for many reasons. First, Prado needs only one nickname ("El Rey del Mambo"), even if some misguided people confer it also on Tito Puente. And "Prez" is bound to upset fans of the "Prez" in jazz. Second, this album is as jazzy, or at least smooth and sophisticated, as any by Prado. And too slick and polished is very un-Prado, even dull, no matter how many jazz and Latin-percussion greats are in on the session. Third, it is ubiquitous; high sales of this uncharacteristic album no doubt turned off many potential Prado-philes. Fourth, it was reissued on CD with a completely misleading title change. In short, it is where Prado claims integrity and range, not sensation and fun.