Search - Mongo Santamaria :: Afro Blue: Picante Collection

A different type of Mongo CD, but well worth it :o)

Luis E. Cotto | Hartford, Connecticut | 05/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A very well put together collection by the people at Picante records. It's always good to hear new versions of classic tunes. The CD doesn't offer anything new but includes some all-time afro-cuban jazz classics (Come Candela, Manteca, Para Ti, Con Mi Ritmo)Two tracks make this CD worth getting for your collection and those are track 2 (Mayeya) and the final track (Afro Blue). Mayeya is incredible with it's piano lead-in and keeps your head swaying with the beautiful horns. The 10 minute Afro Blue on this CD is just awesome!! The first 4 or so minutes is a conga solo by the Master which leads into the title track. In this track you hear some of the afro-cuban religious music which has become a staple in most Mongo Santamria CD's. These have been, unfortunately, not included in this collection.One thing to note about this CD is that it is one of the more musically balanced Mongo CD's I've heard. There are no conga heavy tunes and each instrument is given an opportunity to shine. This can be good and bad, but it's pulled off rather well in this collection. It's definately a different type of Mongo Santamaria CD but one worth buying."