The Legend of Cuban Percussion

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.

Tracks:

San Francisco Tiene Su Propio Son
Descarga En Faux
Desde El Fondo Del Rio
Luz
Yo Tengo Ritmo
Guloya Swing
Oguerre
Son De Patato
Senor Blues/Mbuka Enoka
Guajira En El Espacio
Sangre De Africa
Kora-Son

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

Customer Reviews:

Legend Indeed.......2007-03-22

Cuban congero innovator Carlos "Patato" Valdes has added rhythmic spice to Afro-Cuban jazz albums for over fifty years and is still going strong. This compilation reissues selections from two Grammy nominated recordings of the mid 90's. Patato is joined by fellow percussion greats Orestes Vilato and Changuito, and features the fine pianist Rebecca Mauleon and multi-wind player Enrique Fernandez. In fact, everyone on these recordings contributes zesty flavors to a tasty stew. If you hunger for fine Afro-Cuban jazz, this album will satisfy.

Awesome!.......2007-03-12

If you are not familiar with Cuban music this is a good start. You won't be disappointed.

Full of Cuban Sabor (Flavor).......2003-08-08

I love the fact that the tracks are long unlike some Latin Jazz CDs this one lets loose with music that makes you want to jam till you cant no more. Great production, great musicians! Patato is unreal! I would love to see him live! Tracks 1,2,3,4 & 9 are my favorites, but the entire cd is great

Great Percussion!.......2000-09-30

As a new-comer to Cuban music, I loved this album. Great sound. Great beat. My Cuban co-worker in the next office heard it thru the office walls and had to come over and borrow my cd. I didn't think he would give it back!

perfect..............2000-07-23

simply one of the best afro-latin albums ever produced. a must for patato fans.

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