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LP
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VAMPI 075LP
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LP version. 2006 release. Eddie Benitez's story is full of contrasts: a classical trained child prodigy turned Latin rock superstar while hanging out in his teen years with the likes of Charlie Palmieri, Louie Ramirez, Tito Puente and pretty much all the crew from the Fania All-Stars... and making a name for himself while at it. His debut album on Fania, Night Life, brought him to the spotlight in 1976, earning his band Nebula rave reviews and the props of many of his peers, including names like George Benson, Al DiMeola and Carlos Santana. He also has the distinction of being the first Latino act ever to be featured at the mythical CBGB's. Between Night Life and Nebula's second release, Essence of Life, lays a three-year hiatus, yet the band never stopped touring and playing the rock circuits. . Produced by late studio wizard Louie Ramirez, one of Latin music's most creative and complete gentlemen, Night Life left an impressive mark, featuring the then up-and-coming Ruben Blades on background vocals and the virtuoso team of Nicky Marrero (a key member of the Fania All-Stars and one of the most influential percussionists of all time) and the late Frankie Malabe (a revered conga stylist and innovator as well as a stalwart of the essential Alegre All-Stars in the '60s and early '70s). By the time "Essence of Life" was recorded, Nebula had already undergone a critical lineup change. Because of disciplinary problems, the original band was dismissed, with only Greg Hernandez and Nancy O'Neill remaining from the original band. The remaining members consisted of keyboard/trombone player Johnny Caro, Nancy's brother Dino Cedeno on vocals, drummer Joe DiCarlo, Tommy Hebb on bass, Jose Morales on timbales and additional keyboard player Larry Dvoskin. Former band member Jimmy Cruz doubles on background vocals for the album as well. These are the last copies of this now deleted LP.
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