Señor Tito Rodriguez / Senor Tito Rodriguez

Señor culminates the artist's years with Tico. Upbeat and in stereo, Señor is recorded in high-fidelity Tico sound (traditional, airy/echo-y conga) with all that can be expected in authentic (Cuban, anyway) arrangements and instrumentation. But Rodriguez is clearly poised to burst forth on a larger label (United Artists). This is the sound of an expert entertainer at the peak of his career — on stage at least — making one last record with the small label while negotiating a larger contract. On side two the instrumental breaks and solos start to drag, but "Yamboro" is worth the wait. Overall, there is a restrained excitement that says "last rehearsal," but not quite "opening night." It may be only average for Tito, but that is probably recommendation enough for Tito and Tico fans.