Cha Cha Plenty, the collaborative album by Richard Maltby and Elliot Lawrence and their respective orchestras, is a lively and upbeat collection of Latin-inspired dance tunes. The album features a variety of cha-cha, mambo, and rumba rhythms, all expertly arranged and performed by the two orchestras.
Listeners will be immediately drawn in by the infectious energy of tracks like "Cha Cha Cha for Gia" and "Mambo Jambo." The horns and percussion are particularly impressive, creating a rich and vibrant sound that perfectly captures the spirit of the Latin dance craze that was sweeping the country in the 1950s.
What sets Cha Cha Plenty apart from other Latin dance albums of the era is the sheer variety of styles on display. From the jazzy "Mambo at the Waldorf" to the sultry "Rumba Fantasy," there is something for everyone here. And while the album is undeniably fun and upbeat, there are also moments of real musical sophistication, such as the intricate horn arrangements on "Mambo in Miami."