“Masacoteando (In The Groove)” is the last track and one of Flores’ compositions that is quite ridiculous. He showcases his blistering doubles that are seamless and effortless. Richie Flores is definitely one of the new-school freaks on congas. (Congas: Richie Flores, Roberto Quintero) Check out the melodic congas on “Umayeyo,” then take a shower afterwards because you will be covered in stinky groove sauce! Caribbean Jazz Project: The Gathering (2002) There are a host of awesome players lending credit to this recording, but Gio has some simply stellar conga tracks in this non-typical world music format. Anytime you can pair up Giovanni on congas with David Garibaldi on drum set you are in for a groovin’ musical journey. This recording features Mickey Hart’s all-star ensemble with some serious drum and percussion jams. Left to right: Sikiru, Gavid Garibaldi, Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussein, Giovanni Hidalgo Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum: Supralingua (1998) A great example of the use of congas in this non-Latin context. The triplet groove on “Little Face” is a cool laid-back in-the-pocket 6/8 feel.
The opener, “Savanna,” is a shuffling syncopated conga pattern that mimics the bass and organ, and because his congas are tuned to the key, it percolates perfectly with the rhythm section. This record has several tracks with great conga grooves. Hearsay is one of David Sanborn’s funky contemporary jazz records and Alias grooves his butt off. The straight ahead Latin-jazz track “Cute,” slow bolero “Reflexionando” or the cha-cha laced “Montuno de Patato” all have tasty solos as well as some traditional chants and bata on “Tonan Che Cabildo a Ochún.” David Sanborn: Hearsay (1994) Masterpiece may not be his absolute best album, but it showcases several different styles from this conga master. Patato is another legend with his own sound and style. Rekow and Perazzo have played together for many years, and it shows on the extended solo on “Soul Sacrifice.” Santana’s sound should be classified in its own category, but this record is a great case in point of how congas can drive a “rock” band.Ĭarlos “Patato” Valdes Carlos “Patato” Valdes: Masterpiece (1993) Rekow’s solo break on “Black Magic Woman” is brief but very well stated, crisp and clearly audible. The interplay with Karl Perazzo on timbales, as well as the rest of the rhythm section, illustrates how well percussion can gel to form a tidal wave of sound. It’s hard to go wrong with any Santana recording, but this live 1993 release is a good mix and captures Raul Rekow’s congas extremely well. Santana: Sacred Fire – Live In South America (1993)
All the conga performances are well recorded and very genuine in tradition. A must have for the mambo big-band reference.
(Congas: Juan Pepin, Milton Cardona, John Rodriguez, Luis Conte)Ī modern recording capturing the classic mambo era – the soundtrack to The Mambo Kings movie features four outstanding ensembles: Mambo All-Stars, Celia Cruz Band, Tito Puente Band, and Linda Ronstadt’s band (actually Alex Acuña plays percussion with Los Lobos who has a couple cuts as well).
Jesus Diaz says, “That CD has lots of info on how to improvise in clave.” Mambo Kings: Original Soundtrack (1992) The abakua, “Que Dice el Abakua,” shows how the vocal chants work with the congas polyrhythmic 3 on 4. Do you want to hear a real guaganco? Listen to “Llora Como Lloré” and you’ll hear the Mantanzas version, which is unique unto itself. Los Muñequitos de Matanzas is arguably the most recognized Cuban rumba group. (Congas: Various – Los Muñequitos de Matanzas) Los Muñequitos de Matanzas: Cantar Maravilloso (1990) More or less a fusion record, all the tracks are tinged with Latin-flavoring capped with the last track, “El Solar,” which is straight up guaganco. The grooves are deep and pre-Pro Tools, which shows how solid of a percussionist Conte is. One of the premier studio aces for percussion, Conte released this record in 1989 and put together a “who’s who” of the recording industry at that time to back him up including a few gems on drum set: Jeff Porcaro, Carlos Vega, and Alex Acuña. Luis Conte Luis Conte: Black Forest (1989)