Craft Latino’s historic celebration of Fania Records’ 60th anniversary continues with a reissue of Ismael Rivera’s fifth solo album Traigo de todo, initially released on Tico Records (a subsidiary of Fania Records).
This 1973 album features Rivera in his prime, boasting transformative tracks such as the shimmering, spirited “El Nazareno” and the seductive hip-shaker “Qué te pasa a ti.” Traigo de todo will arrive on October 4, and is available to be ordered now.
The reissue features 180-gram black vinyl, with lacquers cut from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, and a classic tip-on jacket, replicating the original artwork. A 180-gram “Amarillo radiante (Radiant Yellow)” color vinyl variant (limited to 300 copies), with a bundle option that includes a Tico Records T-shirt, is available for purchase today at Fania.com. Additionally, Traigo de todo will make its debut in 192/24 HD digital audio on October 4.
Rivera’s smooth, smoky voice, contrasted with lively clave rhythms, lent his messages of empowerment—be it about anything from social justice to his love of life—a sense of immediacy.
It was this solo release that changed Rivera’s life. It coincided with his spiritual awakening, particularly his devotion to Cristo Negro (or Black Christ). His track “El Nazareno,” a bright, divine affirmation punctuated by deftly dropped lyrical cadences, celebrates the venerated Cristo Negro statue in Panama.
The track is his invocation to humanity and loyalty, but also to his agency in choosing a path to redemption. “It’s one of his greatest lyrical narratives, delivered as no one else could,” Bandcamp claimed.
In fact, much of Traigo de todo finds the liberated Rivera simply celebrating life. “Qué te pasa a ti” is a groove-driven, wistful musing about an irresistible romance. Meanwhile, the good-times title track, “Traigo de todo,” is an incantation beckoning the listener to dance.
His last performance came in 1978, opening for Bob Marley in Paris. By 1982, Rivera had fallen into a depression, and his health began to suffer. The singer passed away suddenly, from a heart attack, just two years later at age 55. He is said to have died in his mother’s arms. His was a prolific career cut far shorter than it should have, but lives long in legacy.
Order the reissue of Traigo de todo.