Pearly Queen

Back in the early 60's and continuing into the early 70's, newly arrived Cuban immigrants and the sons and daughters of immigrants following the 1959 Cuban embargo, descended upon the shores of South Florida and, like all immigrants - brought with them the tastes and sounds of their culture. One place in particular became a small city comprised solely of Cuban immigrants and their American cousins on the outskirts of Miami in a town called Hialeah. A burgeoning music scene thrived within the city limits comprised of already established older musicians schooled in the varied rhythms of Cuba, and their sons who immersed themselves in the sounds of American rock, soul and funk. Cuban music bands starting springing up all over the place - filling VFW halls, hotels, restaurants, and beach resorts. A slew of rock and funk bands began to emerge from the garages of Hialeah with names like Coke, Wild Wind, Signs of the Zodiac, Mantrap, Clockwork and many of them became quite popular, attracting large crowds at increasing larger venues. Many of them released LPs on the local Sound Triangle label, and they began to get radio play. One of the most popular of these Cuban rock bands was a band named Pearly Queen who built quite a reputation based on their energetic live shows. Pearly Queen attracted the interest of Carlos Andarra, who was the nephew of Panamanian President Andarra. Andarra licensed their second album and they became the most popular Latin rock band in Panama, and remain legends to this day. Band members included Alberto Arguelles on guitar, Paco Rodriguez on electric bass, Kenny Combs on organ and trombone, Carlos Salazarte on percussion, Raly Guanche on drums and lead singer Iggy Gelabert. They were joined later by Rudy Perez, who is now, some thirty years later, the most famous producer of Latin music in Miami today with many mega-hits to his credit. Presented here is the band's classic self-titled1976 Sound Triangle album. All selections have been newly remastered from the original tapes.