Today on Mambo, the second episode of the three-part series about the Latin orchestra leader and percussionist Mongo Santamaría.
Although he started out on the violin, the conga eventually became his instrument. Mongo was particularly inspired by the Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo. At a young age, Mongo was already performing in the nightclubs of Havana.
In 1948 he left, together with his cousin Armando Peraza (also a percussionist), for Mexico and later for the United States. After some time, Mongo developed into a much-loved percussionist in the jazz world.
In 1963, he also broke through into the Top 40 of popular radio. He could be heard there with the famous track Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock. In this broadcast we will play this track for you, with Herbie heard on the piano.
Playlist
1My Sound
Mongo Santamaría
2 Canta Bajo
Mongo Santamaría
3 Watermelon Man
Mongo Santamaría & Herbie Hancock
4 Sweet Tater Pie
Mongo Santamaría
5 Dirty Willy
Mongo Santamaría
6 Happy Now
Mongo Santamaría
7 Cuidado
Mongo Santamaría
8 Cinderella
Mongo Santamaría
9 Black Stockings
Mongo Santamaría
10 Summertime
Mongo Santamaría
11 Abacua Ecu Sagare
Mongo Santamaría in Orquesta Tito Puente
12 Elegua Chango
Mongo Santamaría in Orquesta Tito Puente
13 Margarito
Mongo Santamaría in Orquesta Tito Puente
14 Gua Guancó Margarito
Mongo Santamaría in Orquesta Tito Puente
15 Cuban Fantasy
Mongo Santamaría in Orquesta Tito Puente
16 Pa’ Los Rumberos
Mongo Santamaría in Orquesta Tito Puente
