1. Batacumbele - Live at University of Puerto Rico - an LP from the 80s that is well worth seeking out. Feautures the MONSTROUS conguero Giovanni Hidalgo when he was still called Manenguito. Absolutely slamming!
2. Mario Bauza and his Latin Allstars - Tanga Suite - 1992 CD on Messidor. Fabulous latin big band ensemble playing transcendent arrangements by Chico O'Farrill.
3. Cal Tjader - Soul Sauce - an LP from the 60s that is probably on CD. Has that great fluid Tjader vibes sound, but this one knocks me out because Armando Peraza's conga playing is just so tasty. I don't know of anyone that gets a better "sound" from los cueros. Check out Afro Blue, a full course meal that one.
4. Francisco Aguabella - H2O - a recent LP, but definitely on CD on the Cubop label. Excellent ensemble sound with cool arrangements that feature a lot of sweet horn harmonies. Francisco is a great conguero that is not nearly as well known as he ought to be. He cooks with the best of them.
5. Daniel Ponce - Arawe - an LP from the late 80s. Has a few late 80s pop elements on a few tunes that I don't love but otherwise a great and varied disc by another of the reigning conguero elite.
got lots more faves but no more time to list.
2. Mario Bauza and his Latin Allstars - Tanga Suite - 1992 CD on Messidor. Fabulous latin big band ensemble playing transcendent arrangements by Chico O'Farrill.
3. Cal Tjader - Soul Sauce - an LP from the 60s that is probably on CD. Has that great fluid Tjader vibes sound, but this one knocks me out because Armando Peraza's conga playing is just so tasty. I don't know of anyone that gets a better "sound" from los cueros. Check out Afro Blue, a full course meal that one.
4. Francisco Aguabella - H2O - a recent LP, but definitely on CD on the Cubop label. Excellent ensemble sound with cool arrangements that feature a lot of sweet horn harmonies. Francisco is a great conguero that is not nearly as well known as he ought to be. He cooks with the best of them.
5. Daniel Ponce - Arawe - an LP from the late 80s. Has a few late 80s pop elements on a few tunes that I don't love but otherwise a great and varied disc by another of the reigning conguero elite.
got lots more faves but no more time to list.