Frankie Morales and the Mambo of the Times Orchestra

Efraín “Frankie” Morales is an artist who has perfected his craft with every stop along the way of his career. This recording is proof!

This talented vocalist has sharpened and shaped his sound for most of his life, starting on the streets of “El Barrio”, New York City’s Spanish Quartet, and climaxing now on the stages of the world.

His Mom sent him to Boys Harbor Conservatory in East Harlem to study voice and percussion after she realized the raw power and talent that her son displayed singing his “Sala Concerts”, those first performances for the family at home that give birth to, and nurture the entertainers of the future. At the age of fourteen, he sang backup for Latin legend, Joe Bataan. By fifteen he was singing with Hector Lavoe, and this opened other doors. Over the next few years, he would sing backup and coros for artist such as Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Pellin Rodriguez and Cheo Feliciano. “I learned a lot during this time…inspirations, how to always sound your best, even when your voice may not be at its’ best”.

Meeting José Pintor, who also played with Joe Bataan, gave Frankie the opportunity to record his first album, “Sabor Del Barrio”. Soon after, he started recording hits with the group Bad Street Boys. This was an association that would continue for almost ten years.

There was still room to grow for Mr. Morales. Growth comes to a Salsero through “work, work and more work”. So when the Lebron Brothers needed someone to record in place of a sick vocalist, it was Frankie who did the recording. Caiman Record then produced two albums featuring him as a solo artist, entitled “Frankie Morales: En Su Punto” and “Standing Out”. These two albums exposed Frank to greater audiences and enhanced both his experience and reputation. This would lead him to being an invited independent vocalist with “The Fania All-Stars”.

Frank spent a year singing back-up for Tito Nieves. The notoriety he gained singing for Tito Nieves also brought opportunity as well. With a recommendation from Ralph Mercado, Frankie was offered a job of Lead Singer for the orchestra of “El Rey Del Timbal, Ernest “Tito” Puente. This “gig” would not only be the ultimate training, but also the ultimate feature for Frankie Morales, as he traveled around the world with Maestro Puente, singing for people of all cultures. Even now after “El Rey’s” passing, Frankie holds the position of Lead Vocalist with the Tito Puente Orchestra.

1988 was a real “indicator” as to how much Frankie Morales had grown as an artist. That same year, he was a featured vocalist on Caiman Records’ ACE Awards winning recording “Son Boricua®”. Led by musical director Maestro José Mangual Jr., and producer Humberto Cordero, this production gave Frankie a platform to show his versatility, as he tore into the world of Latin Jazz. Frank was a featured Lead Vocalist on “The Caiman All-Stars”. Frank next recorded “Dancemania 99” live from Club Birdland with Puente’s Orchestra. “Dancemania 99” was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Some of Frankie’s “finest hours” had to be the recording of “Tito Puente Mambo Birdland” and “Masterpiece”, Puente’s final album and collaboration with “The Great” Eddie Palmieri, which both won Grammy Awards.

So now that you know about Frankie Morales’ hard work and history, it is time to learn a bit about what is within this vocalist’s heart. And as you listen to this recording you will know.

When you wonder why you feel like dancing, you’ll know exactly what Frankie brings “to the people”: rhythm for the dancers, and through his voice, the passion of a true Cantante.

SPANISH:

Efraín “Frankie” Morales es un artista que ha perfeccionado su arte a lo largo de su carrera. Esta grabación es testimonio.

Este talentoso vocalista ha afinado y moldeado su sonido por la mayor parte de su vida, empezando en las calles de “El Barrio”, con el New York City’s Spanish Quartet y culminando en los escenarios de el mundo.

Su Mama lo envió a el Boys Harbor Conservatory en East Harlem para que estudiara voz y percusión cuando ella noto el poder y talento natural que su hijo exhibia cantando en sus “Conciertos de Sala”, esas primeras funciones para la familia en la casa las que dan inicio y nutren al artista del futuro. Cuando tenia catorce años cantó coro para la leyenda Latina, Joe Bataan. A la edad de quince años el estaba cantando con Hector Lavoe, y ésto hizo que otras puertas se abrieran. Durante los próximos años, el cantó e hizo coro para artistas como Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Pellín Rodriguez y Cheo Feliciano. “Yo aprendi bastante durante estos años…inspiraciones, como armonizar mejor, aun cuando tu voz no este optima”.

Cuando conocio a José Pintor, quien tambien tocó con Joe Bataan, le dio la oportunidad a Frankie de grabar su primer album titulado “Sabor Del Barrio”. Poco después, empezo a grabar con la agrupación Bad Street Boys. Esta fue una asociación