From the amazing Yazoo Records:

THE BEST OF LOS JARDINEROS
Classic Recordings by Puerto Rico’s Legendary String Band Ensemble (1929-1932)
Yazoo 7018; Ordering Information

Los Jardineros is the greatest traditional Puerto Rican band that ever
recorded. Legendary for their brilliant musicianship, the recordings
made by this ensemble from 1929 to 1932 capture the rural jibaro style
and spirit in its heyday when it was most strong and vibrant. Their
original 78s pressed over 75 years ago are extremely rare collectors
items. Fans of early traditional music will be hearing them for the
first time and will find this release a revelation packed with unique,
top-notch performances. Drawn from an extensive body of work that
reveals the diversity of the early Puerto Rican music scene on the
island and in New York, The Best of Los Jardineros features plenas,
boleros, danzas, decimas, aguinaldos, fox trots and more - a
fascinating array of vocal and instrumental performances in the
traditional styles of the day. Contains 23 newly restored 78s which
feature, among an all-star line-up of singers and musicians, the top
Puerto Rican guitar, mandolin and cuatro players of the period - plus a
large format booklet insert with extensive notes, lyrics and graphics
printed in both English and Spanish.

I was listening to this earlier today and I LOVE it. Like the description says, there’s a variety of styles here, and the production is great. I haven’t had a chance to read the book yet (it’s not my CD, alas) but this is good music by some very very skilled folks. If you like old jazz and ragtime, or if you have even a passing interest in Cuban/Mexican/South American music, this is for you. Yazoo, incidentally, puts out incredible comps of old jazz, rural, pop, etc. music.

Go forth and purchase! I know I will.

VIA Yazoo Records