Out now on Craft Recordings is Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco’s album Tremendo Caché, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, having been released in 1975. 

The premium 180-gram vinyl edition celebrated the classic collaboration between the Queen of Salsa and the co-founder of Fania Records and remains a landmark in Afro-Caribbean music. It blends Cruz’s powerhouse vocals with Pacheco’s signature charanga-style arrangements. The reissue was cut from original master recordings by Clint Holley and has a sonic sheen worthy of the performances.

One of the standout tracks, “Cúcala,” is an infectious and playful call to dance, showcasing Celia’s dynamic delivery and the lively instrumentation that made the duo legendary. “La Sopa en Botella” brings a humorous, storytelling flair, driven by Cruz’s charismatic performance and Pacheco’s vibrant orchestration. Meanwhile, “Tres Días de Carnaval” captures the spirit of Latin American festivities with a rich, rhythmic arrangement that transports listeners straight to the heart of a jubilant street celebration.

Jerry Masucci’s production and Johnny Pacheco’s recording direction and arranging utilize a stellar studio band to match Cruz and Pacheco’s lively vocals.

Even after five decades, Tremendo Caché remains a quintessential salsa album, proving that Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco’s musical chemistry was timeless.