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Previously called , a swinging flute, strings, rhythm section and voices charanga band formed in NYC '60s, led by Afro-Cuban pianist, arranger, composer, vocalist Willie Ellis; noted for rich harmonies and tight arrangements. Made Do The Boogaloo c.'67 on Fonseca; signed with TR and debuted on that label with Se Colo La Novel '73, followed by Super Típica '74, Sabrosa Novel '75, Tipicante '75 and With A Touch Of Brass '75, latter featuring trumpeter Alfredo 'Chocolate' Armenteros, with brass arrangements and trombone by Barry Rogers best-of TR material compiled on Lo Mejor de Típica Novel '78. Renamed Orquesta Novel when moving to Fania for albums including Salsamania '76, with Rogers on trombone, brass arrangements by Mark Weinstein; Salud, Dinero y Amor '78 featuring trumpeter Ray Maldonado (deceased brother of Ricardo Ray); dropped the brass for Canta y Encanta '79; added trombone of Papo Vásquez to the lineup on Que Viva El Son Montuno '80; aimed Novel Experience '80 at the crossover market with pop hits in charanga style and sung in English; A Mi Me Gustó '81 and Prestige '84 included Jimmy Bosch on trombone (see Libre); From New York City '89 was their last Fania outing. 'The Genius of Salsa' Louie Ramírez produced many of Novel's albums... Read More ... during the '70s. Notable personnel included African- American violinist/arranger Eddie Drennon, who produced their '80-1 albums; flautist/composer/arranger Mike García played flute on early to mid-'70s LPs, the slot subsequently filled by a variety of flautists, all also arrangers: Don Gonzalo Fernández, Mauricio Smith, and Nestor Torres, also percussionist and producer.
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