Some artists go around calling themselves kings or queens when they haven't earned the title, but in the case of the Conga Kings -- Candido Camero, Carlos "Patato" Valdes, and Giovanni Hidalgo -- the word "king" isn't an exaggeration. These conga players really do have long and impressive resumes in the Afro-Cuban field; anyone who is seriously into salsa and Latin jazz should be familiar with their work. Recorded in 2000, Jazz Descargas isn't innovative or forward-thinking by 21st century standards -- most of their Latin jazz sounds like it could have been recorded in the 1950s or 1960s. But while this CD isn't experimental, it is definitely solid. Though few surprises occur, the Conga Kings are hard-swinging and infectious on Latin jazz staples like Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca," Chano Pozo's "Tin Tin Deo," and Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va" (a gem that many rockers associate with Santana's hit remake of 1970). In Spanish, the word "descarga" refers to a Latin jam, and Jazz Descargas is an appropriate title for this release because the Conga Kings don't hesitate to give the horn players room to stretch out and improvise. The noteworthy soloists include, among others, trombonist Jimmy Bosch, trumpeter Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros, and veteran alto saxophonist Phil Woods, who has some inspired moments on Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia" and Bud Powell's "Un Poco Loco." All of those guests prove to be assets on this consistently pleasing, if derivative, effort. ~ Alex Henderson
Additional Footage
Recorded at St. Peter's Church, New York, New York on March 20-22, 2001. Includes liner notes by Chip Stern
The Conga Kings: Carlos "Patato" Valdes, Candido Camero, Giovanni Hildago (congas).
Aditional personnel: Nelson Gonzalez Jr., Pedro Martinez, Julio Salgado (vocals); Ray Santos (arranger); Phil Woods, Enrico Fernandez (alto saxophone); Mario Rivera (baritone saxophone); Mike Ponella, Chocolate (trumpet); Jimmy Bosch (trombone); Mauricio Smith (flute); John Benthal (guitar); Nelson Gonzalez (tres); Guillermo Edghill (bass); Joe Gonzalez (percussion).
CMJ (9/17/01, p.27) - "...A fabulous noise..." JazzTimes (4/2002, p.106) - "...Presented with the feel of a relaxed jam....you really feel like you are in the same room as the musicians..."
**Super Audio CD (SACD) Hybrid** This CD will play in standard CD players. A Super Audio CD player is required to take advantage of the SACD sound technology.
Saoco para el musicologo!!! Tengo el primer CD the Conga Kings y creia que este segundo no seria igual per es mucho mejor desde el punto de vista del formato de una base basica de persusion(conga, bongo, güiro y maracas)
La pusieron en la China!!!!!! Tienen que oir el numero Manteca excelente arreglo!! Submitted by a reviewer (Stafford, VA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
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