Admittedly, I'm not usually thrilled by live music recordings. The reason for this is perhaps because of the often resultant inferior sound quality, attributable to the difficulty in capturing the appropriate levels for each individual instrument, vocalist and the miscellaneous crowd noises, with the recording equipment. All too often, the end result is just not quite right and pales in comparison to studio recordings. However, I must confess that this live recording, "Fania All Stars, Live at the Cheetah, Vol. 1," sounds great!  Furthermore, this particular version, remastered by Emusica, is supreme!
 
The first track, titled "Introduction Theme (Cheetah)," is just that, an introduction of the fabulous cast of accomplished musicians; while they lay down a groovy guajira background beat; penned by musical director, Johnny Pacheco.  Just before the music begins and after introducing MC Symphony Sid, MC Dizzy Izzy Sanabria shouts to an anxious and cheering crowd:  "Qué viva la música!  Latin music power!  Yeah!" and the excitement heard from that very fortunate crowd in 1971 is still palpable even today, via this recording, some 36 years later! 

As Symphony Sid begins to speak, critically acclaimed pianist, Larry Harlow, begins to massage your very soul, along with the keys of his piano, with his finger tips, followed closely by the combined 'rákata' of Ray Barretto's congas and Orestes Vilató's timbales.  Not following far behind is the accompanying soulful thunder of Bobby Valetín's bass.  From there, to use an urban colloquial expression, 'it's on!'  As the Fania All Stars find their groove, Symphony Sid introduces musical director Johnny Pacheco, who in turn introduces each artist and other collaborators.  Don't be fooled by the title of this track.  Although it is an introduction, it is also a full, 5 minute, dance-worthy track.  You simply cannot listen to it and not want to dance!