Vamonos Pal Monte

I put this video together for Fania many years ago, featuring Eddie Palmieri, one of the true masters of Afro-Latin music. This performance captures the excitement and energy that made Eddie a legend.

The video features extraordinary solo performances by three of Latin music’s greatest pianists—Larry Harlow, Papo Lucca, and, of course, Eddie himself—as they take turns improvising on the classic “Vámonos Pa’l Monte.”

Also featured are Johnny Pacheco on flute and timbales virtuoso Nicky Marrero, while Eddie’s longtime vocalist Ismael Quintana delivers the powerful vocals that helped make the song a Latin music anthem.

Viewed by more than four million music lovers worldwide, this remains one of Fania’s most popular and enduring videos.

— Bobby Marin