Soul of the Conga

Poncho Sanchez | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 12, 2000)
• Original Release Date: September 12, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B00004XN1B
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #206,469 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "digs deep into the Soul of Jazz - Viva Latin Jazz", September 17, 2000

By 

J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Soul of the Conga (Audio CD)

In a fiery follow-up to his Grammy Award-winning "Latin Soul", the master conguero Poncho Sanchez, digs deep into this his latest release from Concord Records - "Soul of the Conga". Here, Sanchez presents his own brand of Latin jazz, infused with soul jazz of the Hammond B-3 phenomenon with Joey DeFrancesco, and the cool-tones of trumpeter Terence Blanchard, featuring the traditional, vintage Cuban roots of changui with The Ortiz Brothers.

Stand outs: "JOSEITO", augmented blues, perfect for DeFrancesco's grooving organ, with Scott Martin the composer of this selection, on tenor-sax with a solid solo - "DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES", from the late great composer Henry Mancini, Latinized version with intoxicating rhythm and DeFrancesco infectious style comes through with flying colors.

Highlight: "STELLA BY STARLIGHT", Victor Young's haunting tune, with the smooth-tones of Terence Blanchard on trumpet, simply classic and never sounding better, by Sanchez and friends.

Wonderful to see Latin jazz music growing all over the world, receiving the recognition they truly deserve. This album and music is not just for Latino people, but for everyone - gets under your skin and spreads enjoyment throughout your soul!

Total Time: 68:45 on 14 Tracks/ Concord Records - CCD 4894 2 (2000)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poncho is the head Honcho, October 3, 2000

By 

Bob Biz (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul of the Conga (Audio CD)

The conga master does it again...from "Joseito" to "Rumba De Po-Tiz"; Soul of the Conga is a full-fledged Latin Par-tay! I first heard about Sanchez after he won the Grammy for Latin Soul and this CD picks up where that one left off. Soul of the Conga finds Poncho on another spirited journey of Latin Jazz with plenty of festive fire. In fact, if you're a fan of Afro Cuban Jazz, then this CD is a definite must. Poncho has a killer band (especially the Torres Brothers), but also brings some very special guests along for the ride, Hammond B-3 maestro Joey Defrancesco (on Henry Mancini's "Days of Wine and Roses"), trumpeter Terence Blanchard (on "Stella by Starlight") and the Ortiz Brothers, five brothers who add a festive vibe with their group singing (check out track 2, "Oye Lo"). Bar none, Poncho Sanchez continues to prove that he is the premier conga player on the scene today.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pure Poncho!, September 26, 2000

By 

Tom Pena (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul of the Conga (Audio CD)

A new release by Poncho Sanchez is always a pleasant surprise. On the one hand, Poncho plays what I like to call, fundamental Latin-Jazz. However, Poncho always manages to come up with a few new surprises (and guests) along the way.

On SOUL OF THE CONGA we experience a little "Changui tipico" from Cuba with Poncho and the Ortiz Brothers. Next, some Latin-Jazz with special guest, Joey De Francesco and his Hammond B-3 Organ.

In my opinion, the only other musician that could hold his own in a Latin setting was the late, great Charlie Palmieri. However, Joey De Francesco does an admirable job of adding a new element to the music without overpowering the rest of the band.

Poncho has matured as a band leader since his apprenticeship with the late master of the vibraphone, Cal Tjader.

I really enjoyed this CD and highly recommend it. Thank You Poncho for keeping it real!