2024 remastered edition on 180-gram vinyl LP from 50th year anniversary ISMAEL RIVERA y sus Cachimbos - Traigo de Todo on Fania/Concord/Craft.
SIDE A:
1. El Nazareno
2. Qué te pasa a ti
3. Witinila
4. Lagrimas puras
5. Orgullosa
SIDE B:
1. Traigo de todo
2. El Niche
3. Satelite
4. Colobo
5. Yo no quiero piedras en mi camino

This 1974 release from Ismael Rivera is truly indispensable. Timeless Salsa classics like "El Nazareno", "Que Te Pasa A Ti", "Witinila", "Yo No Quiero Piedras En Mi Camino" and the title track were all huge hits that sound as great today as they did back in 1974. When you listen to (and enjoy) this ageless classic of Puerto Rican Salsa you will understand why Ismael is regarded as Puerto Rico`s greatest Salsa sonero (improvising Salsa singer).
Rivera’s smooth, smoky voice, contrasted with lively clave rhythms, lent his messages of empowerment—be it about anything from social justice to his love of life—a sense of immediacy.

It was this solo release that changed Rivera’s life. It coincided with his spiritual awakening, particularly his devotion to Cristo Negro (or Black Christ). His track “El Nazareno,” a bright, divine affirmation punctuated by deftly dropped lyrical cadences, celebrates the venerated Cristo Negro statue in Panama.

The track is his invocation to humanity and loyalty, but also to his agency in choosing a path to redemption. “It’s one of his greatest lyrical narratives, delivered as no one else could,” Bandcamp claimed.

In fact, much of Traigo de todo finds the liberated Rivera simply celebrating life. “Qué te pasa a ti” is a groove-driven, wistful musing about an irresistible romance. Meanwhile, the good-times title track, “Traigo de todo,” is an incantation beckoning the listener to dance.

His last performance came in 1978, opening for Bob Marley in Paris. By 1982, Rivera had fallen into a depression, and his health began to suffer. The singer passed away suddenly, from a heart attack, just two years later at age 55. He is said to have died in his mother’s arms. His was a prolific career cut far shorter than it should have, but lives long in legacy.