Típica 73 was a New York-based salsa and charanga band formed in late 1972 by several musicians who split from Ray Barretto's orchestra, including vocalist Adalberto Santiago and percussionist Orestes Vilató. The name "Típica" refers to the traditional instrumentation of a Cuban charanga, while "73" represented the year the group was established. The band made its debut with a self-titled album in 1972, followed by "La Candela" in 1974 and "Rumba Caliente" in 1975.
The group became known for its evolving lineup and stylistic experimentation. Over the years, the band featured prominent figures in the Latin music scene, including violinist Alfredo de la Fé, vocalist José Alberto "El Canario", and Panamanian singer Luis Argumedes Camilo Azuquita, who sang on the 1977 album "Salsa Encendida". In 1978, Típica 73 became the first US-based salsa band to record an album in Cuba, resulting in the release "Típica' 73 en Cuba Intercambio Cultural".
Following their historic recordings in Cuba, the band released the album "Charangueando" in 1979. Their active recording career in this era concluded with the 1980 release "Into The Eighties".
