Today in Mambo the first of two episodes on the conga, Cuban drums, also called the king of Cuban instruments.
The conga used to be viewed as the messenger between humans and the gods. Its origins trace back to Africa, where slaves repurposed broken rum barrels to craft congas, later covering them with goat and ox hides.
In the late 1930s, the conga drum was added to the “son” groups by composer and bandleader Arsenio Rodriguez. This marked the beginning of the so-called Conjunto.
This 49th episode of Mambo features some renowned conga players – congueros – including Chano Pozo (pictured), Angel Terry (from the Bueno Vista Social Club), and Rolando Valdes.
Playlist
1 Donde Andaba Anoche
Los Papines
2 Nuestro Barrio
Conguero Carlos Patato Valdez & Conjunto Arsenio Rodriguez
3 Manteca
Conguero Chano Pozo & Orquesta Dizzy Gillespie
4 Rumba Con Swing
Conguero Tata Guïnes & Grupo Jorge Reyes
5 Take mor Candi
Candido’s Latin McGuffas Dust
6 Puerto Rico Encanta
Conguero Justi Barreto y su Orquesta
7 La Maruga
Conguero Felix Alfonso & Conjunto Modelo
8 Que Bueno Baila Usted
Conguero Angel Terry & Ibrahim Ferrer
9 Concierto Para Metales
Conguero Jorge Alfonso & Irakere
10 Preludio y Vision
Conguero Rolando Valdes & Emiliano Salvador
11 La Sonora y El Niňo
Conguero Alberto Valdez & La Sonora Matancera
12 Maria Caracoles
Conguero Guillermo Garcia & Afro Cuban All Stars
13 Fiesta de la Rumba
Afro Cuban All Stars
