A barrage of percussive firepower can be heard raining down as three of Latin music's innovative musicians Candido Camero, Carlos "Patato" Valdes and Giovanni Hidalgo join forces on their CD entitled "The Conga Kings - Jazz Descarga." Both Candido and "Patato" can probably account for over 120 years of percussion escapades having performed with a virtual who's who of master Jazz musicians as well as participating in countless recording with the like of Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, and many others. They are joined by modern percussion wizard Giovanni Hidalgo. It's interesting to listen to all three players as they interchange ideas forming a seamless connection with tradition, history and the present.

This record date also features a commendable cast of musicians including alto saxophonist Phil Woods, trumpeter Chocolate, trombonist Jimmy Bosch, Mario Rivera on baritone sax, flutist Mauricio Smith, Mike Ponella on trumpet, Enrico Fernandez on alto sax, Nelson Gonzales on tres, guitarist John Benthal, bassist Guillermo Edghill, Pedro Gonzalez on percussion, and vocals by Pedro Martinez, Nelson Gonzalez, Jr. and Julio Salgado.

The first track, a Bud Powell composition "Un Poco Loco" is a medium tempo rumba featuring the unique saxophone style of Phil Woods. Other classic Jazz compositions include "Tin Tin Deo" featuring some tasty trumpet work by "Chocolate" Almenteros, and the Ellington/Tizol Jazz standard "Caravan" with trombonist Jimmy Bosch as the featured soloist and Nelson Gonzales providing a nifty solo and supporting rhythm on the tres. "Tumbao De Tamborito" starts with Mario Rivera laying down a cool groove on thebaritone saxophone followed by a solo accompanied by bass and percussion.

The descarga continues with Dizzy Gillespie's signature composition "A Night in Tunisia" featuring a swinging solo by Phil Woods demonstrating ample technical skill, but less than imaginative improvisation that mainly hinges on cliches licks. Next, "Oye Como Va" features trumpeter "Chocolate"Almenteros. The classic Dizzy Gillespie/Chano Pozo composition "Manteca" features some nice brass ensemble work plus Jimmy Bosch performing a solo with much poise, and interchanging conga solos from Candido, Patato and Hidalgo.

"Conga Descarga" presents a symphony of conga sounds in tight sequence each taking turns soloing and the others providing rhythm. Next, the band perform the classic Cuban son entitled "El Manicero" featuring Mauricio Smith on flute. The session ends with "Chocolate Descarga" with solos by Almenteros and the three conga kings providing invigorating solos.

This CD is a true testament of what Latin Jazz descarga is all about. Bringing these three master percussionist to perform together offers the listener a unique opportunity for fans to appreciate their unique styles. All three men perform with high intensity at equal proximity. Except for two selections, unless a fan is very familiar with the individual drumming styles of Candido, Patato and Giovanni, the liner notes fail to mention who is soloing at any particular time. However, their ensemble work on congas is truly remarkable. Mario Rivera inspires great emotion on the baritone saxophone and "Chocolate" Almenteros performs with heart and soul. Some brass ensemble work is disjointed but the band manages to cook especially with the excellent work of Nelson Gonzales who turns in a stellar performance on the tres­the unsung hero of this recording. "The Three Kings - Jazz Descarga is a nice addition to any Latin Jazz collection.


review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine

Courtesy of LatinJazzClub™