Customer Reviews

Afro-American Latin

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I have many records and CD's from Mongo and this one contains a remake of "Me and you baby"... I remember hearing it at a discotheque about 20 years ago on the previous record (All strung out). I tried to find it then but could not. This piece included some of the most inspiring conga playing I ever heard. The emotions that Mongo succeed to transmit is just amazing. Anyone who enjoyes latin music should listen to this piece. I still would like to find the original... May be one day

Have great listening!

MONGO - UNRELEASED AND UNLEASHED!

When you listen to this album by Mongo Santamaria and friends keep in mind that it was recorded way back in 1969. To put things in perspective, that was 31 years ago! When it was originally recorded the executives at Columbia records were expecting a commercial Latin Soul album. Not so. Unhappy with the results, the tapes were shelved and virtually forgotten about until now.

The end result is a potpourri of Santeria chants, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Funk and even a little Boogaloo thrown in for good measure. This is undoubtedly some of Mongo's best work. Featured musicians include an assortment of seasoned veterans such as Sonny Fortune, Steve Berrios, Hubert Laws, Lew Soloff, Victor Venegas, Mario Rivera, Ray Maldonado and Julito Collazo. Marty Sheller composed, directed and arranged the music.

I really appreciate and enjoy the high level of musicianship and diversity of this recording. I'm certain that it would have been a big success if it were released in today's global market. Moreover, it proves that Mongo was a man on top of his game and musically ahead of his time.

Least we forget, Mongo Santamaria is one of the founding fathers of Afro-Cuban music and a musical icon. Furthermore, he has had a tremendous influence on the worlds of Jazz, Funk and Rock music. His impact on these genres will be felt for generations to come.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Mongo's music, this is MONGO 101. Fortunately, many of Mongo's classic recordings are now available on CD. This one will make you a believer!

Perhaps this quote from the liner notes sums it up best:

Conguero god Mongo Santamaria's Chango mojo is so profound, So ancient-to-future-spirit-cosmic, So (two words deleted) low/high/wide- You-can't-get-under-over-around-it, That it be its own zeitgeist.

AMEN!

The fact that this recording sat in a recording studio archive for thirty years says a lot about the music business. Columbia didn't release Afro American Latin because the material wasn't what they were expecting; they were expecting another record of Latin soul covers, the type of material Mongo was covering in mid to late 60s. They didn't release this album because they didn't expect it to sell.

over thirty years later, listening to this record makes one question how out of touch these record executives must have been. Afro American Latin is quite possibly the finest body of Latin Jazz/funk that has yet been produced; it certainly is my favorite Mongo record. Included on this album are five incredible live versions of the studio tracks, recorded during a rehearsal show.

Attempts to describe the music seem futile; I can't describe transcendance, I can't put a label on genuius. Describing something as a masterpiece somehow makes it less so. I can only recommend this album and let the listener decide for themselves.

Ranks up there with Afro Roots. A must-have!

There have been lots of Mongo Santamaria reissues lately; however, this is the best of the lot. "Obatala" is beautiful. Only one track (an unsurprising boogaloo number) is mediocre. If you listen to Latin Jazz, you will want to own this one (and play it often).

This is every bit as good (maybe better) than the Afro Cuban Allstars or Buena Vista Social Club. If you like either of those groups you will love his album.