Three Loves Have I

Despite the three women on the jacket, Tito's three loves are supposed to be cha cha cha, mambo, and guaguanco. Three Loves was quite progressive for RCA in 1957 (or 1956, if it was recorded then), and Tito's voice and leadership are in top form. The more engaging material is on Side One, from the jazz-inflected "Asi...Asi" to the Prado-esque "Esto es Mambo." As with his other Victor material, Three Loves provides valuable background and stands up to his better-known work on Tico and United Artists. ~ Tony Wilds