A Legend Never Forgotten
New releases keep Mongo Santamaría’s legacy alive
By Mark Holston

Legendary Cuba-born conga drummer and bandleader Mongo Santamaría passed away earlier this year, but his timeless sound lives on via an extensive discography that spans five decades of singular contributions to Latin music. Among the aural treasures Mongo’s fans will want to seek out are two recent releases that feature previously unreleased, historically important work by the fabled musician and trendsetter.

Montreux Heat! (Pablo PA) finds him at the peak of his percussive powers before an enthralled crowd at Switzerland’s famed Montreux Jazz Festival. Mongo and the band reprise some of their biggest hits, including “Watermelon Man,” “Come candela” and “Sofrito.” The set’s biggest asset is the diverse line-up of talent featured and the stylistically eclectic contributions each makes while keeping their senses tuned to Mongo’s cultivated blend of steamy Afro-Cuban rhythms and funky R&B orchestral flavors. Group members included Puerto Rican salsa trumpeter Tommy Villarini, French saxophonist Allen Hoist, doubling on cello, and Newyorican drummer Steve Barrios. Jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and harmonica ace Toots Thielemans are featured on “Watermelon Man.”

Concerts in the Sun (Fantasy FCD), led by vibraphonist Cal Tjader, features Mongo and Willie Bobo in the pioneering Latin jazz quintet many believe to have been the best of all time. The album prominently features the conguero on his self-penned classic “Afro Blue” and such quintessential Mongo showcases as “Cubano Chant” and “Tumbao.” Although the recording quality leaves something to be desired by today’s high standards, the tracks radiate the musicians’ love of the Latin jazz genre at this early stage of its evolution.

Quarteto Aché (Khaeon KWM), by master percussionist and drummer Bobby Sanabria, offers a new slant on the Latin jazz tradition. Although there’s not a conga or bongo, Sanabria’s drum set injects the appropriate rhythmic pulse, whether the groove calls for a Cuban bembé or a Brazilian samba. Some tracks skirt any reference to Latin rhythms, allowing the quartet to demonstrate its pure jazz abilities. A highly respected educator whose performance résumé ranges from his Grammy-nominated Latin big band to small combos, Sanabria breaks down stylistic boundaries and melds disparate influences.

A leader of Miami’s growing Latin jazz community, woodwind artist Bobby Ramírez demonstrates his fluency on sax and flute in a number of different styles on Pan Con Bistec (Ritmo Records). A collection of inviting originals is complemented by such standards as “Bésame mucho,” which features a string section and Ramírez’s brawny romantic tenor sax sound, pianist Bill Evans’ “Waltz for Debbie” and the Argentine folk tune “Alfonsina y el mar.” The presence of Cuban violinist Federico Britos Ruíz on several tracks is a coup. Ramírez has created a gem that shouldn’t be missed.

NEW RELEASES

- Historias, Ivan Díaz (EMI Latin H2). Border fare with a pop attitude—that’s what youthful crooner Díaz delivers on his debut as a solo vocalist. A multi-instrumentalist who worked with Banda Machos and Banda Cuisillos before branching out as a solo artist, Díaz uses his diverse background to fashion a of program of flashy cumbias, baladas, merengue, and conjunto-style tracks, served up with a dash of banda bravado and a strong sense of humor. - Y Tenerte Otra Vez, Pepe Aguilar (Univision Records). Ranchera heartthrob Aguilar has produced a masterwork—an album that ranges seamlessly from the orchestral, mariachi-style tracks to covers of more pop-oriented fare, including works by Juan Gabriel and Amanda Miguel. Aguilar’s voice can turn on a dime—from the sweet overtones of his feathery delivery on sentimental ranchera songs to the more robustly passionate delivery he taps for “Alma en pena,” an album highlight. Rich symphonic orchestrations and stylistic variety give this classy date broad appeal. - Percussion Avalanche, Solemar (Solemar). Earthy Brazilian styles like pagode, afoxê and capoeira are at the core of this explosive exploration of percussion-driven traditions from the Americas. But this San Diego-area batería ensemble also attacks such exotic fare as the Venezuelan merengue, comparsa and son. While sparingly used electronic effects, keyboards and accordion sketch melodies and add a harmonic undercurrent, the intricate, throbbing rhythms are the attraction of this joyous percussion fest. - New Latin Express (Shakti Records). Hopefully, the nondescript cover art this 14-track compilation is stuck with won’t prevent the astute CD shop browser from taking a closer look. Roots singers Susana Baca and Lila Downs are included, but the emphasis is on groups that skillfully blend traditional rhythms, electronica, hip-hop, and other contemporary styles and have made Latin music attractive to a new generation in the process. Manu Chau, Cabas, Ely Guerra, and Titan are among the standout artists featured. –M.H.