Back in 1972 one of my coworkers was a long time friend of Tito Puente. I got invited to dinner & drinks with Tito and then off to a gig he was playing at the Roseland Ballroom.
I gained a new respect for Timbales after hearing Tito play live. It's an art and he is a Master. Great instrument, I've just always had so much trouble with Latin rhythms that I passed on learning how to play them. But I have a ton of respect for guys/gals that do know how to play them well. Latin dance music and Latin jazz is no easy genre to master.
Hmmm, wonder if Rogers made Chimi-Changa's?! lol (Sorry Mak, couldn't resist!)
John