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Born Francisco Raúl Gutierrez Grillo, Machito was thee Latin Jazz musician who redefined Afro-Cuban jazz and created both Cubop and salsa music. He was raised in Havanna by his foster sister, singer Graciela. He moved to New York in the 1940s and, along with musical director Mario Bauz¿, he brought Cuban rhythms into the world of big bands jazz. George Shearing, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Stan Kenton have all named Machito among their influences.
Originally issued in 1959, With Flute To Boot! featured some amazing musicians in the ensembe: Herbie Mann played flute and composed the songs, Johnny Griffin played tenor saxophone and Curtis Fuller was on trombone. In addition to this great brass section, colourful percussion and a varied range of rhythms made this album an instant classic.