Almendra

Recorded in March 1972 at A&M Studios in Hollywood, Almendra featured Macondo's seven-piece ensemble, including Fred Ramirez on keyboards and vibraphone, Albert Hernandez on lead guitar, Max Uballez on rhythm guitar, Ron Chretin on bass, Frank Martinez on drums, Lee Pastora on congas and Eddie Caicedo on timbales. Produced by Claudio Slon and engineered by Larry Levine, the recording reinterpreted a composition by Cuban musician Abelardo Valdés. Released on Atlantic Records in 1972 as part of Macondo's self-titled debut album, Almendra transformed Abelardo Valdés's Cuban composition into an electric instrumental arrangement featuring vibraphone, guitar and Latin percussion. The performance reflected the growing influence of Latin American musical traditions on the Los Angeles rock scene during the early 1970s. Almendra gained renewed recognition among rare-groove collectors through its inclusion on the 2000 compilation Right On! Volume 2 and Rhino's 2006 box set What It Is! Funky Soul and Rare Grooves from the Vaults of Atlantic, Atco & Warner Bros. Records 1969–1977. Subsequent reissues of Macondo's debut album preserved the recording as an example of the early-1970s Los Angeles Latin rock movement.