Chuito & the Latin Uniques: From the Street


This is a special record. What makes it special are the singers Danny Agosto, Norberto Carrasquillo, and Tony Middleton; they lay down some of the most soulful and moving vocals I’ve ever heard on a Latin soul record.

On “Wish I Could,” Danny Agostoa laments his lost loves and loneliness while longing to love again. His pain is pure and real and should resonate with anyone who’s known the terrible burning heaviness of heartbreak.

Tony Middleton offers up his own story of pain and heartbreak on “Spanish Maiden.” Perhaps because of the impossibility of asking/accepting her back after the deep hurt she caused him, Tony aches simply to know why she left, “leaving [him] in such misery and grief.” He attempts to reason with her, begging her to remember the good times, yet knowing deep down that those heart-warming memories that once filled their worlds are now merely eroding islands in an ocean of hurt.

Not to be outdone, Norberto Carrasquillo displays his beautiful and very versatile voice on sonically spectacular songs like “Si Tu Me Quieres A Mi,” “Ponte A Sonar,” “Candela,” and “Aqui Llego”—almost stealing the show with his first sublime verse on “Si Tu Me Quieres A Mi” alone.

Audio:
“Spanish Maiden”
“Wish I Could”
“Si Tu Me Quieres A Mi”
“Hey Funky Mama”

11 Comments

  • Bernadella says:

    I think norberto carrasquillo who did
    Si Tu Me Quieres A Mi , Is my father.
    I’m hoping you get back to me , cause I would like more information
    thank you

  • Reynaldo says:

    Um… Wow. If what you say is true then… wow. I barely know what to say. This is new to me.

    The pieces of information I can provide you at this time that may be of help are the names of the people involved in creating this record (and their roles), as they appear on the back cover of the album:

    Jesus (Chuito) Santiago—Leader, Timbales
    Norberto (Benbe) Carrasquillo—Lead Latin Vocals
    Danny Agosto—Latin Cord—English Vocals
    Tony Middleton—Vocal on “Spanish Maiden”
    Robert Maldanado—Conga
    Charlie Torres–Bongo-Bell
    Eddie Ruperto—Bass
    Auther Puerto—Piano
    Jay Torres—1st Trumpet
    Irving Alaman—2nd Trumpet (Solo)
    Denisio Santiago—1st Trombone
    Richie Colon—2nd Trombone (Solo)
    ***
    Stanley Lewis—Producer
    Morty Craft—Producer
    Bobby Marin—Music Director
    Charles Stewart—Cover Photographer
    Jack Lonshein—Cover Design
    ***
    Recorded at Studio 42, N.Y. (early 70’s)
    Speed Records (A Division of Latin Showcase Productions LTD.)
    345 West 58th Street, New York, N.Y. 10019
    ***
    Perhaps you could ask around, or look some of these people up in the NY phone book and make some calls. A useful online people search site is: http://www.zabasearch.com.

    I wish I could be of more help. If you would like to share more information about your search/story, you can contact me at:***

     Best of luck.

  • Bernadella says:

    Thank you for the information, Yes Norberto Carrasquillo aka Benbe is my father. He passed away in 1995. but I never heard the record. How can I get his record? thank you for the information. I’m Very Happy

  • NAOMI AYALA(CARRASQUILLO) says:

    I just received an email from my sister Berna about our Dad(Benbe). It looks like they recorded this record when I was just 3 years old. Thank you so much. I would like to get this record so that I can have a memory of my father. Would you know where I can get it.

    Thank you.

  • Bernadella says:

    I tried to get this record , but I can’t find it. please help me I need that record
    chuito & the latin uniques from the streets
    Norberto benbe Carrasquillo is my father.
    please help me. you can email me
    Berna2005@aol.com

  • josh says:

    Bernadella,

    try GEMM and eBay. you can place a favorite search on ebay which will email you whenever the keyword “chuito” comes up. But just to warn you, you may have to pay 100 or more dollars for that record. it’s pretty rare and collectors love that old NYC latin soul stuff. good luck.

  • Bernadella says:

    I don’t care how much this record is going to cost. I tried ebay and I can’t find it, Please help me. I would give anything to have this record

  • faux_rillz says:

    “I don’t care how much this record is going to cost” = like sweet music to Rey’s pointy little ears.

    Admit it: Norberto Carrasquillo is not your father and you are just trying to holler at Rey.

  • hcrink says:

    HOT

  • Bernadella says:

    If anybody has information on the (chuito & the latin uniques)
    You can email me at Berna2005@aol.com
    Thank you

  • monkey magic says:

    It’s worth $1