Ray Davila & His Cuban Mambo Orchestra - Authentic Dance Mambos

Review by Brandon Dove

Album Review: Authentic Dance Mambos by Ray Davila & His Cuban Mambo Orchestra If you’re a fan of Mambo music that gets your feet moving and your heart racing, Authentic Dance Mambos by Ray Davila & His Cuban Mambo Orchestra is a hidden gem worth rediscovering. Released in 1956 under the Plymouth label, this Latin masterpiece delivers an infectious energy that feels like stepping into a smoky Havana dance hall—or maybe just your grandparents’ living room if they were cool enough to own this record. The album’s vibe? Pure Mambo magic. From start to finish, it’s packed with bold brass, hypnotic rhythms, and that unmistakable swing that makes you want to grab someone (anyone!) and hit the floor. What sets this apart from other records of its time is how Ray Davila—who wrote all these tracks himself—manages to keep things fresh while staying true to the genre’s roots. It’s not trying too hard; it’s just good. Two tracks really stuck with me after listening. First up, “Thunder Mambo.” The name says it all—it hits like a storm. The horns blare out confidently, almost daring you to sit still. Meanwhile, the percussion section locks into this relentless groove that feels like it could go on forever without getting old. There’s something about the way the bongos chatter underneath everything else that gives the track this raw, live feel. You can practically hear the sweat dripping off the musicians as they play. Then there’s “Mambo Caravan,” which has this sneaky little charm to it. It starts off modest but quickly builds into this vibrant parade of sound. The trumpets have this swagger to them, like they’re leading the charge down some imaginary street festival. And the rhythm? Oh man, it’s impossible not to move to. This one feels cinematic—like it should be playing during the opening credits of a movie where everyone’s dressed sharp and ready for adventure. One thing that stands out about Authentic Dance Mambos is how timeless it feels. Sure, it came out over half a century ago, but the energy hasn’t aged a day. Whether you’re spinning this at a party or just vibing solo, it’s easy to see why people in the US and Canada couldn’t get enough of it back in the day. Labels like Plymouth might not exist anymore, but albums like this remind us why they mattered. As I wrapped up my listen, I found myself wondering: Would modern audiences appreciate this kind of unfiltered joy today? Or would they scroll past looking for something more “produced”? Either way, Authentic Dance Mambos proves that sometimes, simplicity rules. Plus, let’s be real—if Bee Bop Mambo doesn’t make you smile, you might need to check your pulse. So grab a copy, crank it up, and let Ray Davila take you back to a time when Mambo wasn’t just music—it was life.

Download Ray Davila & His Cuban Mambo Orchestra - Authentic Dance Mambos

Artist: Ray Davila & His Cuban Mambo Orchestra
Album: Authentic Dance Mambos

Latin

Mambo

1956

Rating: 5.0

Review
About Album
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Catalog Numbers
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Listen online
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Interesting fact
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FLAC size: 599.2 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Mambo Let's Cha-Cha
Thunder Mambo
Mambo Del Fuego
Singing Bass Mambo
Mambo Latino
Mambo Caravan
Tuxedo Mambo
Mambola
Swing Mambo
Bee Bop Mambo
Wailing Mambo
Jumping Mambo
The Talking Bongo Mambo
Sunset Mambo

Video

Ray Davila And His Cuban Mambo Orchestra (1956) Plymouth P 12 131

Images

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Catalog Numbers

P 12-131

Labels

Plymouth

Listen online

écouter en ligne
online anhören
lytte på nettet
kuunnella verkossa
lyssna på nätet
ascolta in linea
online luisteren
ouvir online
escuchar en línea

Formats

Vinyl
LP

Credits

Role	Credit
Composed By	Ray Davila

Notes

release year identified with information from Toledo Blade journal 1956 April 22th - See http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19560422&id=gscwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ugAEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5888,2910287

Barcodes

Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A): PL66-1547 2
Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B): PL66-1548 1
Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A): PL-66-1547
Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B): PL-66-1548

About Ray Davila & His Cuban Mambo Orchestra

Name Vars

Cuban Mambo Orchestra

Members

Ray Davila

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? Back in 1956, Ray Davila & His Cuban Mambo Orchestra released an album called *Authentic Dance Mambos*. It’s a wild ride of Latin beats and Mambo rhythms. One standout track, "Mambo Caravan," feels like a musical journey that just pulls you onto the dance floor. And get this—it was released in the U.S. and Canada on the Plymouth label. Every track, from "Thunder Mambo" to "Bee Bop Mambo," is pure energy. Ray Davila composed the whole thing, and it’s still a gem for anyone who loves vintage Mambo vibes.