Conga Kings

Candido, Conga Kings, Patato, Giovanni Hidalgo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 25, 2000)
• Original Release Date: April 25, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Chesky Records
• ASIN: B00004SURV
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,961 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Tumbando Cana

2. Elube Chango

3. Guaguanco Pa' Las Tumbadoras

4. Nauge

5. Avisale A Mi Contrario

6. Tuna Se Quemo

7. Descarga De Los Reyes

8. Duet I: Temporal

9. Duet II

10. Duet III

11. Conga Kings Grand Finale

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long live the Conga Kings!, June 24, 2000

By 

Thomas Pena (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conga Kings (Audio CD)

The Conga Kings is a historic recording session that brings together three giants of Afro-Caribbean percussion. Candido Camerera, Carlos Patato Valdes and Giovanni Hidalgo respectively. Each master has his own unique style, yet they complement each other beautifully. The camaraderie and good vibes shine through from start to finish on this fine recording.

Producer David Chesky came up with the idea of featuring three of the greatest conga players in the world. Musical director, Ray Santos who has had a previous working relationship with all three of these outstanding musicians over the years made the project a reality.

In addition to the Conga Kings there is a "who's who" of seasoned musical veterans here to support the masters. Joe Gonzalez on bongos, Guillermo Edghill on bass, Nelson Gonzalez on tres and chorus, John Benthel on second tres, Mauricio Smith on flute, Jose Francisco Valdes on claves, Herman Olivera Jr. and Luis Rosa on chorus (or coro if you prefer.)

Candido, Patato and Giovanni play a total of ten congas! This does not include auxiliary percussion and the rest of the band. This presented special problems which resulted in a never before used recording technique. The performances were recorded live with no multi-tracking or overdubbing, fed directly into one microphone that in turn feeds into a digital recorder. This allowed the musicians the freedom to create their own natural dynamics and resulted in a unique recording (you can hear Giovanni in the left speaker, Candido in the middle and Patato on the right speaker.) Did I mention that this recording took place in a church? Yep, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in New York City! One could say this recording was blessed!

I have been fortunate enough to see all three of these Conga Kings live. Candido is known for his exciting solos and incredible showmanship, Patato is known for his unique, melodic combinations and Giovanni is a child prodigy who has grown up to be a world class drummer.

El Maestro Tito Puente left us at the age of 77. Candido is 79 and Patato is 74. In comparison, Giovanni is still a whippersnapper at the age of 36! It is gratifying to see these masters receiving the recognition they deserve while they are still with us. Long live the Conga Kings and thank you David Chesky for coming up with the concept!

Que Viva La Musica!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE CONGA KINGS- PATATO/CANDIDO/GIOVANNI, February 2, 2002

By 

L. Dequesada (JAMAICA,, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conga Kings (Audio CD)

This great CD's title says it all: "THE CONGA KINGS!"
Cuba's old time greats Patato Valdes and Candido Camero team up
with new generation percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo on a great
CD. This trio is just superb in the best latin percussion CD
to hit the market in a long time.
It's hard to pick a favorite in this great compilation, but the
favorite old time classic "Tumbando Caña" is always compelling and sweet as Cuba's sugar cane!
To Patato,Candido, Giovanni and ensemble all I can say is:
BRAVISIMO! And I hope more CD's will be forthcoming!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo, November 26, 2001

By 

"hellcatty" (Japan Man) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conga Kings (Audio CD)

Very good!!!!!!!!! I don't have the knowledge of conga but just love this CD. Don't expect fancy record arrangement and nice cover design, buy it now if you expect real "Kung Fu" and passion from Candido Camero, Carlos Valdes/Giovanni Hidalgo.

All tracks are wonderful and I like the track 7 most.