Description
Release Date Friday 20th February 2026
All pre-orders will be dispatched/made ready for collection on that day.
Next up in our Cuban Classics series, one of the jewels of record label Areito's
extensive and sought-after catalogue
Ricardo Eddy Martinez's Expreso Ritmico from 1978 is a prized album fusing funk,
disco, and orchestrated influences with Afro-Cuban percussion, Latin breaks, and lush
vocal harmonies.
Whilst maintaining its distinctive Cuban identity, Expreso Ritmico is one of the more
American / Western-influenced Cuban titles of the time drawing inspiration from jazz
funk, disco, and library music. The album was directed, written, and orchestrated by
keyboardist and drummer Ricardo Eddy Martinez, who was also the mastermind
behind the orchestration of the Los Reyes 73 album (that was recently reissued by Mr
Bongo). Martinez would later go on to work with international musicians and singers
such as Gloria Estefan, Jose Feliciano, Chick Corea, and many more, whilst also
working as a sound engineer in the US. Produced by Adolfo Pichardo, who worked on
much of Areito's output, Expreso Ritmico is packed with gold. The opening title track
carries a loose, breezy Latin- disco-funk vibe that breaks into a brilliant Afro-Cuban
workout. 'Que La Tristeza Se Fue' was expertly sampled and looped by Jazzanova on
their 2008 song 'Look What You Are Doing To Me, featuring Phonte from the hip hop
group Little Brother.
Elsewhere, 'Tambo Iya' has an Afro-funk, Soul Makossa- esque groove, while tracks
such as 'Te Quedas', 'Mi Conga Es La Que Es' and 'La 132' run with a heavy pulsating
Latin-funk sound. Head to the sultry psych funk of 'Este Tumbao' for a spacey journey
that blends and morphs through genres.
A record that was ahead of its time, Expreso Ritmico is a superb and unique album
that merges western influence with Cuban flair. It comes housed in a replica of its
original Cuban sleeve design.
One of the jewels of record label Areito's extensive and sought-after catalogue.
A prized 1978 album fusing funk, disco and orchestrated influences with AfroCuban percussion, Latin breaks and lush vocal harmonies.
Directed, written, and orchestrated by keyboardist and drummer Ricardo Eddy
Martinez, who also masterminded behind the orchestration of the Los Reyes 73
album.
Tracks: Expreso Ritmico / Tambo Iya / Yeya Son / Te Quedas / Que La Tristeza Se
Fue / Mi Conga Es La Que Es / Mas No Me Falta Fe / La 132 / Este Tumbao / De Mis
Razones
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for looking at our listing, below are a few points to consider before making a purchase:
- All records we sell are Brand New - pre-orders will normally come sealed but if you are purchasing in stock items, please note the copy may have been unsealed for display in the shop. Please email straight after purchase to enquire if this is of importance to you.
- Orders won't ship until all items are released, so keep this in mind when purchasing multiple pre-orders or a mix of in stock and pre-order items.
- The 'Product' page will show the most up to date info we have with regards to the item and its release date, but this information is subject to change so check in with us if you have any questions.
- We unfortunately don't offer tax/vat outside of the UK via the website so please keep in mind that when the items arrives in your country you may be liable to pay a further charge before delivery. (all UK orders the price you see is the price you will pay). Please also note that we are unable to adjust the declared value on items sold internationally.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.