Afro-Roots (1958)

About this title: A CD reissue of a mid-'70s repackaging of Mongo Santamaria's first two Fantasy albums, 1958's Yambu and 1959's Mongo, Afro-Roots is superb Latin jazz. Although these were Santamaria's first albums as a leader, the conga player had already worked with Pérez Prado, Tito Puente, and Cal Tjader, giving him absolutely impeccable Latin jazz credentials to go along with his obviously amazing chops. Considering that these albums were recorded for a general jazz audience and the tight, concise arrangements don't allow Santamaria room to stretch out as he did in concert (most of the songs are in the ... read more

Tracks:

1. Afro Blue [Santamaria]
2. Che-Que-Re-Que-Che-Que [Peraza]
3. Rezo [Santamaria]
4. Ayenye [Aguabella]
5. Onyae [Aguabella]
6. Bata [Santamaria]
7. Meta Rumba [Santamaria]
8. Chano Pozo [Santamaria]
9. Los Conguitos [Aguabella]
10. Monte Adentro [Santamaria]
11. Imaribayo [Santamaria]
12. Mazacote [Santamaria]
13. Ye Ye [Aguabella]
14. Congobel [Santamaria]
15. Macunsere [Aguabella]
16. Timbales y Bongo [Santamaria]
17. Yambu [Santamaria]
18. Bricamo [Aguabella]
19. Longoito
20. Conga Pa Gozar [Santamaria]
21. Columbia [Aguabella]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.