LAL Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 I'm just getting into Afro-Cuban (jazz) music of the likes of Machito and Mongo Santamaria. The few albums of this genre I have are Machito's Mucho Machito, Kenya and At the Crescendo and Mongo's Introduces La Lupe, not forgetting Diz's RCA sides. What other albums by these and other artists are recommended? My preference is for the earlier recordings (say pre-1965) but recent recordings are also welcome. What about earlier forms such as son and is there such a thing as pure Afro-Cuban music with little or no jazz influence? Any good picks from here? Thanks in advance for the recommendations and information! Quote
king ubu Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 (A good introduction, I think, but be aware that half of the music on this one is included on the 10CD Parker Verve box, and on Dizzy's "Afro", recently reissued in Verve's LPR series) Then: One of the wierdest BN albums, I guess, and it might take a few listens to get it, but ubu Quote
brownie Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 Some recommendations: the Dizzy Gillespie big band concerts with Chano Pozo: the Paris concert at Salle Pleyel and the LA concert that was released by Gene Norman Presents records. And don't forget the Kenny Dorham 'Afro-Cuban' BN album from the early '50s. The title tells it all and the music is glorious... Quote
Tom in RI Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 For someone a little more recent, check out trombone player J. P. Torres. Quote
king ubu Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 Some recommendations: the Dizzy Gillespie big band concerts with Chano Pozo: the Paris concert at Salle Pleyel and the LA concert that was released by Gene Norman Presents records. ... There is this one, too: Quote
mikeweil Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 Some recommendations: the Dizzy Gillespie big band concerts with Chano Pozo: the Paris concert at Salle Pleyel and the LA concert that was released by Gene Norman Presents records. ... There is this one, too: This Cd documents the birth of Cubop, as it was the first time Afro-Cuban percussionists were used as integral members of a jazz ensemble. There had been some experiments in that direction before (Stan Kenton etc.), but Dizzy allowed the Cuban rhythm and later the religious chants to shape the music. Be aware the two percussionists play only on two tracks. Dizzy asked both of them to join the band after the concert, but bongocero Lorenzo Salan reclined. Chano Pozo stayed with the band and left an indelible mark on Dizzy's career and the fusion of Afro-Cuban music and jazz. That concert took place on September 29, 1947; Chano Pozo was killed in a Harlem bar on December 2, 1948, after an argument about a drug deal ... a real tough guy, it is reported. Pozo had been a dancer, entertainer, and composer of some reputation before he came to the US, Mario Bauza recommended him to Dizzy (Mario and Dizzy had been trumpet section mates in Cab Calloway's orchestra, and it was then that Dizzy learned the first basics of Afro-Cuban music. There is an excellently compiled 3 CD box set from Tumbao records in Barcelona - this is a label of the Fresh Sound / Blue Moon group which has not the best of reputations on this board, but one has to admit Jordi Pujol did an indispensible job on reissuing classic Cuban recordings. Without his releases of this music on the Tumbao, Palladium and Caney labels most of this music would be unavailable or released only in crappy, inferior sounding editions without any liner notes. The Cahno Pozo box set containes almost all of his recordings, except for the Stockholm and Paris concerts from February 1948, which are available on Dragon and Vogue CDs, and the Pasadena and Royal Roost broadcasts, which are available on Tumbao TCD-102, omittiung only two ballads. The two tracks from the Blue Note CD are included in the box set, which makes a nice cross section of Afro-Cuban music with and without jazz influence in the late 1940's. I will post some recommendations of classic Cuban recordings on Tumabo next week after I finished some tax declaration with a deadline ... As general introductions to Cuban music sín jazz, I recommend: Cuban Counterpoint History of the Son Montuno - Rounder CD 1078 Afro-Cuba A musical anthology - Rounder CD 1088, which is an excellent selection of African-derived music that is the rhythmic basis of the music and often misunderstood From Afrocuban music to Salsa by Dr. Olavo Alén Rodriguez, a CD with a 170-page booklet in English that is essential reading. The topics not covered in the latter booklet are found in the lovingly written book by Maya Roy, Buena Vista, Die Musik Kubas: http://www.palmyra-verlag.de/ - this is the German publisher, the original edition was in French, I'll see if there is an English edition. There are several recommendable books on Cuban jazz in English, but the two above best display the non-jazz aspects. US journalists have a tendency to view everything under the aspect of jazz influence, which misses the point with Latin-American music, as it developped more or less parallel to jazz. I have a ton of so-called Latin jazz in my collection and will post some recommendations as soon as I find the time, which probably will be at the end of the month. Quote
Harold_Z Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 (edited) This Sony cd came out a couple of years ago - it's terrific! Is this the one you have? First getting into it? Imho get things by people like Machito, Perez Prado, Beny More, Tito Puente, Mongo, etc. Edited May 21, 2004 by Harold_Z Quote
king ubu Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 Thanks for you well-informed post, Mike! I never realized that the disc I mentioned contained the very first Dizzy with latin percussionists! Also thanks to Harold - that disc does sound cool! ubu Quote
Chrome Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 This might be worth checking out from 1961 ... I love Davis and this was a pretty cool setting for him. Features: Ray Barretto - Percussion, Bongos, Conga, Quinto Larry Gales - Bass Lloyd Mayers - Piano Ernie Royal - Trumpet Phil Sunkel - Trumpet Ben Riley - Drums John Bello - Trumpet Clark Terry - Trumpet, Flugelhorn Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - Saxophone, Sax (Tenor) Quote
Pete C Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 (edited) The Verve collection of Chico O'Farrill's 50s recordings, Cuban Blues, is a must. Also essential, from the 70s, is Afro-Cuban Jazz Moods, by Dizzy with Machito--it's all Chico's music. The Mario Bauza big band, which formed after Machito died, made some very good albums. One of the greatest jazz-oriented big bands in Cuba in the 40s & 50s was Orquesta Riverside. Its singer, Tito Gomez, was one of the best. Unfortunately, it might be tough tracking down CDs. There have been several collections of Tito Puente's great early 50s Tico recordings, but I don't know what's currently available. Puente, Machito & Tito Rodriguez were the kings of the Palladium. I have an excellent collection called Tito Rodriguez Hits. If you're into Afro-Cuban jazz, then other Cuban music that's not specifically jazz, but has a heavy horn orientation might appeal to you. The conjunto led by trumpeter Chappotin made some of the most infectious music. The essential collection on CD is Que Se Funan. Edited May 21, 2004 by Pete C Quote
Matthew Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 (edited) Run to your car. Go as fast as you can to a good record store, and buy these two. Tito Puente: Top Percussion. You have no idea just how great this cd is and you will be amazed the first time you hear it. It not only has Tito, but also Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Aguabella, and Julito Collazo. Did I already say this is an amazing disk? The other great Afro/Cuban set you absolutely need is:Benny More Y Su Banda Gigante. Grabaciones Completas: 1953 - 1960. More was the King of Cuban singers, and this set is to be treasured. This has been one the best box sets I've bought in years. Edited May 21, 2004 by Matthew Quote
Pete C Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 But this may be the creme de la creme. Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Call it the original Buena Vista Social Club. Back in 1979 a crew of Cuba's best musicians got together in Egrem Studios in Havana and recorded epic sessions that were later issued on Egrem's Areito label. Brought together by African musical impresario Raoul Diomandé, and under the direction of trombonist Juan Pablo Torres, these 30 "stars" poured their hearts into a series of long, energetic tracks (running 7 to 15 minutes apiece) that burn up the aluminum on the two CDs they are now housed on. Many names leap out of the roster: Paquito D'Rivera, Rubén González, Israel Perez, Pio Leyva, and Arturo Sandoval just for a start. They are small parts in a group that spanned three generations from across the island, and they fused the violin-based tipicas with the tres and horns of the jazzier conjuntos to create a sound that shook the city and spread out to the world. Torres's inventive arrangements and his willingness to allow for a lot of improvisation within that framework mark this as an exciting adventure. --Louis Gibson Musicians include: Juan Pablo Torres Director, arreglista, trombone Rafael Bacallao Voz solista Teresa Garcia Caturla Voz solista Miguelito Cuni Voz solista Carlos Emabale Voz solista Manuel Furé Voz solista Tito Gomez Voz solista Filiberto Hernandez Voz solista Pio Leyva Voz solista Pepe Olmos Voz solista Magaly Tars Voz solista Felix Chappotin Trompeta Adalberto Lara Trompeta Arturo Sandoval Trompeta Saxofon Alto Paquito D'Rivera Richard Egues Flauta Melquiades Fundora Flauta Niño Rivera Tres Gustavo Tamayo Guiro Tata Guines Tumbadora...plus many other musicians! Quote
Stefan Wood Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 This has been mentioned in a previous topic, but Israel "Cachao" Lopez's "Descarga Jam Session" on Panart is an excellent mid 50's date. The beginning of the descarga jam session on lp. Other recommendations: Arsenio Rodriguez - Primitivo (Tico or Alegre?) This is an OUTSTANDING cd, reissued in 1999, of one of the greatest musicians/composers of 20th century music. If you want to hear the source for a lot of what the Buena Vista Social Club and others have been performing in the last decade, this is the guy. Foot stompin latin music. Tito Puente - Night Beat (RCA) A great fusing of 50's big band and latin music. Johnny Pacheco - Any of his Charanga cds on Alegre (or Fania) in the 60's. Sometimes quiet, often great swinging latin dance music! Conjunto Libre - Manny Oquendo and Andy Gonzalez are the main players of this great latin group which has been playing for the past 30 years. Any of their titles would do, they have cds on Milestone or Bethlehem/Salsoul. Quote
king ubu Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 But this may be the creme de la creme. Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Call it the original Buena Vista Social Club. Back in 1979 a crew of Cuba's best musicians got together in Egrem Studios in Havana and recorded epic sessions that were later issued on Egrem's Areito label. Brought together by African musical impresario Raoul Diomandé, and under the direction of trombonist Juan Pablo Torres, these 30 "stars" poured their hearts into a series of long, energetic tracks (running 7 to 15 minutes apiece) that burn up the aluminum on the two CDs they are now housed on. Many names leap out of the roster: Paquito D'Rivera, Rubén González, Israel Perez, Pio Leyva, and Arturo Sandoval just for a start. They are small parts in a group that spanned three generations from across the island, and they fused the violin-based tipicas with the tres and horns of the jazzier conjuntos to create a sound that shook the city and spread out to the world. Torres's inventive arrangements and his willingness to allow for a lot of improvisation within that framework mark this as an exciting adventure. --Louis Gibson Musicians include: Juan Pablo Torres Director, arreglista, trombone Rafael Bacallao Voz solista Teresa Garcia Caturla Voz solista Miguelito Cuni Voz solista Carlos Emabale Voz solista Manuel Furé Voz solista Tito Gomez Voz solista Filiberto Hernandez Voz solista Pio Leyva Voz solista Pepe Olmos Voz solista Magaly Tars Voz solista Felix Chappotin Trompeta Adalberto Lara Trompeta Arturo Sandoval Trompeta Saxofon Alto Paquito D'Rivera Richard Egues Flauta Melquiades Fundora Flauta Niño Rivera Tres Gustavo Tamayo Guiro Tata Guines Tumbadora...plus many other musicians! Though I can't take too much of it at the time - I'll rather listen to two or three tracks, then have something else in between, before I continue. ubu Quote
P.D. Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 (edited) Some by the "standard" west coast musicians also available on Prez, the Mambo King vol 2 RCA Tropical series There is also on the same label Shorty Rogers "Afro Cuban influence.... with Art Pepper / Conte Candoli/ Bill Perkins / Russ Freeman etc. Edited May 21, 2004 by P.D. Quote
JSngry Posted May 21, 2004 Report Posted May 21, 2004 Getting to know Chombo Silva will make you happy. Otherwise, go to www.descarga.com and dig in Quote
LAL Posted May 24, 2004 Author Report Posted May 24, 2004 Whoah! Think I just opened a pandora's box. Looks like many months/years of great music to explore. Thanks all for the suggestions. Looking forward to more. This Sony cd came out a couple of years ago - it's terrific! Is this the one you have? No. It's Mucho Machito on the Pablo label. That one disc got me hooked on the music. I haven't seen the Columbia disc but, I think it has been reissued by the 'rogue' Definitive label. Quote
Soulstation1 Posted May 24, 2004 Report Posted May 24, 2004 (edited) Edited May 24, 2004 by Soulstation1 Quote
paul secor Posted May 24, 2004 Report Posted May 24, 2004 A couple of personal favorites: Machito and his Salsa Big Band 1982 (Timeless) Charlie Palmieri: A Giant Step (Budda) - fine Latin piano by Eddie's older brother. I have an LP - I hope that it's been reissued on CD. Quote
Pete C Posted May 24, 2004 Report Posted May 24, 2004 Machito and his Salsa Big Band 1982 (Timeless) Yeah, that's a great one. It has a nice version of Quimbombo, which was a hit for Chappotin and is on the compilation I mentioned earlier. Quote
Cali Posted May 24, 2004 Report Posted May 24, 2004 Please, please, please check-out the Cal Tjader latin jazz albums. Many of his bands included Mongo, Willie Bobo, Armando Peraza, Al McKibbon and Chombo. Quote
LAL Posted September 28, 2004 Author Report Posted September 28, 2004 Fresh Sound is having a 20% sale right now on all their Afro-Cuban titles (Tumbao). Single discs are 7.84 Euros or US$9.32. Box sets are a little cheaper in aggregate. Gonna grab myself some Arsenio Rodriguez and Orquesta Casino de la Playa discs. B-) Quote
Matthew Posted September 28, 2004 Report Posted September 28, 2004 How much do they add to ship to America? I'm very interested in getting the complete Sexteto Y Septeto Habanero set. Quote
Dr. Rat Posted September 28, 2004 Report Posted September 28, 2004 Getting to know Chombo Silva will make you happy. Otherwise, go to www.descarga.com and dig in In my youth I wrote an essay about why I thought Chombo Silva was the best, why he had the perfect feel for combinig even four and clave. A very solid and not-enough recognized player. Swithched mostly to playing violin later in life, on which he was much less distinguished, I thought. --eric Quote
LAL Posted September 29, 2004 Author Report Posted September 29, 2004 How much do they add to ship to America? I'm very interested in getting the complete Sexteto Y Septeto Habanero set. It should be about 14+ Euros (can't get the US$ pricing). Great deal on the Habanero set since I got that elsewhere for about 40% more. Quote
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