The Legend of Cuban Percussion

Patato

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 16, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 16, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Six Degrees
• ASIN: B00004TCHX
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,913 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
An album that's justifiably titled. Carlos "Patato" Valdes is indeed a legend of Cuban percussion, having played with Herbie Mann and Tito Puente among others, before leading his own ensembles. This record compiles tracks from his two Ritmo y Candela recordings of the mid-'90s, and an absolute joy it is. Patato's congas percolate at the front of the mix, heading a band comprised of some superb, and often adventurous (check out the piano on "Son de Patato"), Cuban jazz players. But things become especially interesting when African players join the mix on "Kora Son" and "Senor Blues/Mbuka Enoka" as the Horace Silver classic mutates into West African melody. Throughout it's Patato who's in command, his playing an inspiration to the younger generation accompanying him. He might be in his 70s here, but like the Buena Vista Social Club musicians, he's still very much at the top of his game and making a very joyful noise indeed. Age is nothing but a number. --Chris Nickson

From Rhythm Magazine
Celebrating the remarkable career and talents of 75-year-old Cuban imigri Carlos "Patato" Valdis, this compilation was culled from the conguero's two previously released Ritmo y Candela albums. Standout tracks include the piquant "Descarga en Faux," co-composed by Patato and pianist Rebeca Maulesn-Santana, which also features timbales legend Orestes Vilats. "Desde el Fondo del Rio" evinces Patato's ability to create rhythmic counterpoint from the different timbres of his congas. Augmented by Maulesn-Santana's exciting piano montunos and composer John Calloway's sensuous flute, this track alone is worth the price of the album.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular Varied Collection, May 30, 2000

By	David Dye (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Thank you to 6 Degrees for reissuing this. Not only is Patato a legendary conguero, but this CD contains some of the most interesting and varied arrangements in Latin Jazz. From stark horn stacking to freeform flute, from heartfelt vocal workouts to slinky after hours textures, each track is beautiful. Latin music afficianados may know more about this than I do, but it sounds wonderful to my ears!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Patato-the legend, the drum!, July 18, 2000

By A Customer

Patato shines through on this overall excellent recording. If you like your Afro-Cubano a bit on the "Afro" side, then this recording is bound to please. For those new to the genre, Patato is not only an original, but perhaps one of the foremost innovators in the development and advancement of the conga drum sound. He has played with all of the greats, including the late Tito Puente. Orestes Vilato plays timbales on many of the cuts, which is also a plus for lovers of percussion. Goza!

5.0 out of 5 stars a legend fi true..., September 13, 2007

By	zumbi - See all my reviews

extraordinary conga virtuoso and innovator, patato, explores a variety of musical situations including some very interesting afro-afro-cuban jams. strongly reccomended.