Noro Morales Quintet No Blues, Noro / His Piano & Rhythm

CONTAINS BOTH LPS NEWLY REMASTERED AND PRESENTED IN THEIR RARE STEREO VERSIONS One of the greatest names in the mambo and rhumba music world, Puerto Rican pianist and bandleader Norosbaldo Morales, better known as Noro Morales (January 4, 1912, Puerta de Tierra – January 16, 1964, San Juan), learned several instruments as a child. He emigrated to New York City in 1935, and in 1939, he and his brothers Humberto and Esy formed the Brothers Morales Orchestra. The song “Serenata rítmica” catapulted him to fame in 1942, and his band rivaled Machito's in popularity during that decade. Morales returned to Puerto Rico in 1960 and played locally; he also worked with Tito Rodríguez, José Luis Moneró, Chino Pozo, Willie Rosario and Tito Puente. He garnered the greatest acclaim with his rumba records featuring his sextet, which he cut after giving up the idea of leading a big band. His use of the piano as both melody and rhythm was highly innovative at the time. “Campanitas de Cristal” and “Perfume de Gardenias”, both included here, count among his biggest successes in this line. Presented here in their STEREO editions are two of his greatest albums in a small group format: the rarely heard No Blues, Noro (Tico Records SLP-1064), and Noro Morales, His Piano and Rhythm (Ansonia SALP 1272). Both albums were recorded shortly before his untimely death at the age of 53 and showcase his wonderful piano playing. The original versions of three of the songs from the former album and Noro's hit “Silencio” have been added here as a bonus.