Effective period / Period of releases: 1974

Members: Cortijo, Hector Santos

Percussionist Rafael Cortijo (born in Puerto Rico in 1928), in 1951, with the vocalist Ismael Rivera, established Cortijo Y Su Combo, an ensemble focusing on bombas and plenas, two Puerto Rico forms of music. During the 2nd half of the 50s, they were the most popular group in Puerto Rico and in the final year of that decade they debuted succesful at New York's Palladium. In May 1962 seven members left the group to form El Gran Combo. Despite this desertion, Rivera and Cortijo continued recording together until early 80s. The 1974's LP "Y Su Maquina Del Tiempo" (without Ismael Rivera) was released by Harvey Averne's New York Coco label and is an innovative mix between jazz-funk groove and puertorican sound. Not acknowleged at the time, it has gained the cult status over the years