Ghetto Records was Joe Bataan’s way to get over on The Man and out of the hood, a bold move by an artist looking for independence and creative control in an industry that had exploited his talents and treated him like chattel. Hatched from desperation yet full of hope Ghetto Records came crashing down shortly after its inception. The seven albums in the Ghetto discography languished out of print. 'From Ear to Ear' (1971) by La Fantástica was one of them.

Orquesta La Fantástica was led by tenor saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Samuel "Sammy" León, who hailed from Brooklyn. His 11-piece orchestra of local musicians featured a rather unique sound, which combined piano and vibraphone with a brass section of two tenor saxophones and a pair of trumpets. They were signed to Ghetto Records by Bataan’s business partner George Febo after being blown away by both the band and the overwhelming reaction of the crowd at the Village Gate.

La Fantástica had all original tunes, with modern arrangements and a típico feel. Most importantly, they were fortunate to have vocalist Rafael "Ralphy" De Jesús, aka Chuleta and 'From Ear To Ear' greatly benefited from his contributions.