Search - George Coleman :: Bongo Joe

Bongo's Groove

B. silly | 02/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album catches the wild street groove that George "Bongo Joe" Coleman put down for more than three decades as a street performer. Bongo had a manic talent that really shows on this his only CD as he whistles and bangs his way around a motley collection of empty chemical drums and makeshift instruments. Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, he played for tips around Texas and Mexico for decades starting in the late '50's and early '60s on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston next to Guyette's Shell Shop at 23rd Street, migrating to Acapulco, and ending up on the Riverwalk in San Antonio until ill health forced him to retire in the early '90s. He passed away in San Antonio in December of 1999. Bongo's voice was his main instrument and on cuts like "Transistor Radio" he moves into full swing. If you like the funky street music that bubbles up from the pavement with a rock-solid percussive groove, Bongo Joe is your kind of guy."

Bongo Joe Entertained on Galveston Island's Beachfront

William S. Cherry | Galveston, TX USA | 02/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I heard George "Bongo Joe" Coleman play in person foryears, as a star attraction on Galveston's famous seawall whichoverlooks the Gulf of Mexico. As a columnist for the Galveston News, on 2-9-00 I wrote a story about him. It brought enormous response from those who remember him, many wanting to know where his CD is available for purchase.There is nothing more paradoxical than the 1st song on Bongo Joe's album, "I Wish I Could Sing". Bongo Joe can't very well, but with all of that racket coming from him beating the 55 gallon garbage cans while he does it, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference that he can't.There's nothing quite like George "Bongo Joe" Coleman. In fact 30 years ago, my dad contended that the three greatest singing entertainers of the 20th century were Vaughn Monroe, Lou Rawls and George "Bongo Joe" Coleman. I wouldn't go that far, nevertheless all three were pretty darned good.No matter the size of your CD collection, without "Bongo Joe", it's visibly incomplete. END"

Groovin, hollerin & whistlin, bongo joe ruled the street

William S. Cherry | 01/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not the horn player of the same name...George Coleman (aka Bongo Joe) hollers, whistle and grooves on his metal cans. I dare you not to groove along with his wild rants and and street shuffle poetry. He is the Gene Krupa of the garbage cans."