Craft Latino is proud to present an all-analog reissue of Esto Fue Lo Que Trajo El Barco, one of Ismael Rivera’s most remarkable albums with Rivera and Los Cachimbos performing at their apex. Accompanying was Cuban pianist, arranger, and composer Javier Vázquez, who had become a regular sideman with Rivera and later musical director of Los Cachimbos. He wrote all the arrangements on the release of Esto Fue Lo Que Trajo El Barco, the title of which is an expression common in the drug culture with a meaning akin to “what you see is what you get. “Dime Por Qué,” written by Pedro García, was the major hit of the album.

Apparently, his religious outlook and will to survive helped him recover and successfully resume his musical career. Later in life he developed polyps in his vocal cords and had to cease singing. He underwent surgery and treatment; but barely a month before a planned tribute concert in 1987, he succumbed to a massive heart attack. Puerto Rico virtually stood still during his funeral as if in a state of shock.

Out on March 3, 2023, the new edition of Esto Fue Lo Que Trajo El Barco, was cut all-analog from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio and pressed on 180-gram audiophile quality black vinyl in a single-pocket gatefold tip-on jacket.