Tito Puente Asserts, Celebrates Mambo Rule

The idea that Tito Puente’s music is not what it used to be has circulated within salsa circles for a decade--a glorifying of the percussionist’s golden days, while minimizing his latest musical contributions.

That view was shattered Thursday at the Conga Room, where Puente demonstrated that he remains, at 75, one of the most vital and energetic performers in the field.

Yes, maybe the timbale solos aren’t as technically ambitious as in the percussionist’s experimental days of the ‘50s and ‘60s. But in Puente’s hands, a simple, rock solid mambo beat becomes a heartfelt invitation to dance, setting the pace for the explosive brass section to further electrify the tunes with their jazzy interplay.

The musician’s infatuation with big-band jazz is by now legendary. But his forte remains pleasing the dancer with his pure approach to Cuban dances like the son montuno and the guaguanco. Both “El Cayuco” and “Complicacion” were as infectious as ever.

Adding to the celebration in the club (which was celebrating its first anniversary) was a number of illustrious appearances on stage, including flutist Johnny Pacheco and excellent sonero Hector Casanova.

Ever the gracious host, Puente played the simplest of beats, allowing his guests to show off their chops.

Even on those moments of quiet understatement, the evening was clearly his and only his.