Before Ruben Blades became one of the most influential voices in Latin music, he was shaping his artistic identity in Panama through a series of rare and largely unknown recordings that remained hidden from most fans, collectors, and even longtime followers for decades. El Inicio brings together, for the first time ever, ten early recordings from the late 1960s featuring Ruben as vocalist with Los Salvajes del Ritmo, Nacho Molino y su Conjunto, and Orquesta Dimeños — years before New York, Fania, and the global recognition that would change salsa forever.

These recordings capture the foundation of the storytelling, urban narrative, genre fusion, and social perspective that would later redefine Latin music through his groundbreaking work with Fania and Seis del Solar. Moving between boleros, guarachas, and guaguancos, the collection also reveals a little-known side of Ruben Blades as a powerful sonero and romantic vocalist, offering collectors and fans an unprecedented look into the formative years of a musical visionary.

Pressed on 160g colored vinyl, El Inicio features fully restored and remastered audio by Frank Merritt at London’s legendary The Carvery Studio, alongside brand-new artwork built around a never-before-used archival photograph of Ruben Blades. More than a compilation, this is a historic archival release — the missing first chapter in the story of one of salsa’s greatest innovators.

SIDE A
1. Aquella Boca -Los Salvajes del Ritmo
2. A Las Seis - Los Salvajes del Ritmo
3. Fuego Pa El Son - Los Salvajes del Ritmo
4. Retazo - Nacho Molino y su Conjunto
5. Noche De Luna - Orquesta Dismeños

SIDE B
1. La Que Se Fue - Los Salvajes del Ritmo
2. Margarito - Los Salvajes del Ritmo
3. No Vuelvo Más - Los Salvajes del Ritmo
4. Qué Onda - Nacho Molino y su Conjunto
5. Vete De Mí - Orquesta Dismeños