Today in Mambo: all about the saxophone in the Latino world.
Arsenio Rodriguez thought the sound of the saxophone resembled that of the West African horns, which traditionally carried the melody. Rodriguez had a real breakthrough: he was the first person in the 1950s to add the saxophone to his music. To start off the episode, you’ll hear one of his compositions performed by his conjunto and two saxophonists.
In the bands of Tito Rodriguez (pictured) and Tito Puente, both prominent figures in New York during their time, jazz saxophonists were given ample room to shine. You’ll hear them halfway through this episode.
Of course, we’ll also spotlight more Latino saxophonists, such as Germán Velazco, Zoot Sims, and Shep Pullman. So tune in to this 55th edition of Mambo!
Playlist
1 Bruca Manigua
Arsenio Rodriguez
2 Guaje de Saxos
Cachao y su Combo
3 Opus for Dancing
Juan Gutierrez
4 Triton
Saxophonist Germán Velazco
5 Oyeme
Machito y su Orquesta
6 How High the Moon
Saxophonists Zoot Sims and Al Cohen & band Tito Rodriguez
7 Con Alma
Saxophonist Phil Woods & Tito Puente’s Latin Ensemble
8 Otra Vez
Saxophonist Shep Pullman & Orquesta Willie Rosario
9 Lucumi, Macumba, Voodoo
Saxophonist Ronnie Cuber & Orquesta Eddie Palmieri
10 Latin New York
Alto saxophonists Bobby Porcelli & Orquesta Louie Ramirez
11 Sister Sadie
Saxophonist Frohman & The Bronx Horns
