A barrage of percussive firepower can be heard raining down as
three of Latin music's innovative musicians Candido Camero, Carlos
"Patato" Valdes and Giovanni Hidalgo join forces on
their CD entitled "The Conga Kings - Jazz Descarga."
Both Candido and "Patato" can probably account for
over 120 years of percussion escapades having performed with
a virtual who's who of master Jazz musicians as well as participating
in countless recording with the like of Duke Ellington, Charlie
Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, and many others. They are
joined by modern percussion wizard Giovanni Hidalgo. It's interesting
to listen to all three players as they interchange ideas forming
a seamless connection with tradition, history and the present.
This record date also features a commendable cast of musicians
including alto saxophonist Phil Woods, trumpeter Chocolate, trombonist
Jimmy Bosch, Mario Rivera on baritone sax, flutist Mauricio Smith,
Mike Ponella on trumpet, Enrico Fernandez on alto sax, Nelson
Gonzales on tres, guitarist John Benthal, bassist Guillermo Edghill,
Pedro Gonzalez on percussion, and vocals by Pedro Martinez, Nelson
Gonzalez, Jr. and Julio Salgado.
The first track, a Bud Powell composition "Un Poco Loco"
is a medium tempo rumba featuring the unique saxophone style
of Phil Woods. Other classic Jazz compositions include "Tin
Tin Deo" featuring some tasty trumpet work by "Chocolate"
Almenteros, and the Ellington/Tizol Jazz standard "Caravan"
with trombonist Jimmy Bosch as the featured soloist and Nelson
Gonzales providing a nifty solo and supporting rhythm on the
tres. "Tumbao De Tamborito" starts with Mario Rivera
laying down a cool groove on the
baritone saxophone followed by a solo accompanied by bass and
percussion.
The descarga continues with Dizzy Gillespie's signature composition
"A Night in Tunisia" featuring a swinging solo by Phil
Woods demonstrating ample technical skill, but less than imaginative
improvisation that mainly hinges on cliches licks. Next, "Oye
Como Va" features trumpeter "Chocolate"Almenteros.
The classic Dizzy Gillespie/Chano Pozo composition "Manteca"
features some nice brass ensemble work plus Jimmy Bosch performing
a solo with much poise, and interchanging conga solos from Candido,
Patato and Hidalgo.
"Conga Descarga" presents a symphony of conga sounds
in tight sequence each taking turns soloing and the others providing
rhythm. Next, the band perform the classic Cuban son entitled
"El Manicero" featuring Mauricio Smith on flute. The
session ends with "Chocolate Descarga" with solos by
Almenteros and the three conga kings providing invigorating solos.
This CD is a true testament of what Latin Jazz descarga is
all about. Bringing these three master percussionist to perform
together offers the listener a unique opportunity for fans to
appreciate their unique styles. All three men perform with high
intensity at equal proximity. Except for two selections, unless
a fan is very familiar with the individual drumming styles of
Candido, Patato and Giovanni, the liner notes fail to mention
who is soloing at any particular time. However, their ensemble
work on congas is truly
remarkable. Mario Rivera inspires great emotion on the baritone
saxophone and "Chocolate" Almenteros performs with
heart and soul. Some brass ensemble work is disjointed but the
band manages to cook especially with the excellent work of Nelson
Gonzales who turns in a stellar performance on the tresthe
unsung hero of this recording. "The Three Kings - Jazz Descarga
is a nice addition to any Latin Jazz collection.
review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine
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