Santamaria, Mongo
Pablo, 2003, CD
Instrument: DRUMS
Issue: 9.2w
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: The calypso beats ring loudly during this live session at the Montreux Jazz Festival in the summer of 1980. At the time Mongo was widely recognized as the premier Afro-Cuban jazz congo player. Although he died last February, his sprit and certainly his music remain fresh and vibrant. Among the classics included in this 8-song set are “Watermelon Man” with guest artists Toots Thielemans (harmonica) and Dizzy Gillespie (t), “Sofrito” and the finale, “Para Ti”.