Album - Thousand Finger Man/ Best of Blue Juice
Recorded - 1969
We're basking in something of a heatwave here at dailyjazz towers, so it's appropriate that my thoughts have turned to latin jazz, in the form of this gem by cuban percussionist Candido. Originally released as part of the 'Thousand Finger Man' LP in 1969, the track came to my attention as part of Blue Note's excellent 'Best of Blue juice' compilation (also good is 'Feelin Alright' by Trinidad Oil Company - in fact the whole album is great).
As a piece of percussion driven cuban jazz this track is hard to beat. It gets it's energy from the irrepresible Candido who really does live up to his 'Thousand Finger Man' monicker by playing ever more complex and detailed rhythmic patterns on his congas. As well as all that percussion, the track has a nice funky groove - a catchy horn figure is underpinned by some great organ work and one of the deepest brass sounds you're ever likely to hear on record. But it's at it's best when it's just drums, bass and some of the finest conga in the business.
1 comment:
I had the pleasure of interviewing Candido a couple of years ago, and he is a real gentleman. Last year I saw him in concert with the Conga Kings, and would now call him a gentle giant. At one point he said, "I'm 84 years old. Some days I feel 100. But when I play the congas, I feel 20." Indeed.
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