Search - Various Artists :: More Than Mambo: The Introduction To Afro-Cuban Jazz

5 1/2 stars

11/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love Latin music and you want to go back in time this is a great cd. If you are new to latin music and want to have a little background on it this is it. You have a lot of the big names in here including a jam (En el callejon) with Patato Valdes on congas, Cachao on bass and Arsenio Rodriguez on tres. Virgilio Marti does the vocals until taken over by Juan (Curva) Dreke an old street singer, in the true Cuban tradition. It's a great tune that tells of a rumble that is going to ocurr in an alley and a lot of tough people through out history and some superheroes are going to participate, at the end Superman comes in dancing guaguanco (a typical Afro-cuban dance). The vocals are great and Cachao does a great sound effect on the upright bass making it sound like the rumble of thunder when a storm is approaching. Tunes like this, that tell a story are what a true son is. That is why I liked Hector Lavaoe from Puerto Rico. This is just an example, the rest of the cd is great with guys like Cal Tjader, Machito, Chico O'Farrill, Eddie Palmieri, etc. Buy it you won't regret it."

An Education in Latin Jazz on Two CD

Robert W Bennett | Rye, NY United States | 05/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Each track is a soulful rendition of yesteryear's hits in Latin music. These are old tunes performed by the giants of Latin Jazz. The richness of this album trascends cultures. I purchased this album on a whim as a member of a music club. I found musical excellence hidden from the general population."