Mark Dimond, an associate of Willie Colon’s late-’60s band, was also a part in Hector Lavoe’s early solo career. He was a brilliant pianist and an excellent arranger. Brujeria was his first LP and was released on Vaya in 1971 with the help of Larry Harlow, Johnny Pacheco, and Johnny Pacheco. It was a one-shot but it is one of the most interesting records in salsa from the classic era. Dimond’s piano playing was similar to Eddie Palmieri’s, playful and elegant. Brujeria gave him a lot more soloing space. In 1974, Ismael Quitana recorded his self-titled debut for Vaya. One year later, Dimond contributed to Hector Lavoe’s debut splash, La Voz. In 1975, Dimond also produced Beethoven’s V, his second solo album, which he co-produced with Frankie Dante. Dimond was allegedly brought down by allmusic drug addiction and never again headed a session.
