Today in Mambo: the typically Cuban Bongó. We take great delight in showcasing the performers, the bongo players hailing from Cuba and Puerto Rico.
The Bongó consists of two small wooden drums that are attached together, usually clamped between the knees, and played by hand. It’s a portable instrument primarily used by the ‘son’ in Eastern Cuba.
Although the Bongó is a Cuban invention, Puerto Ricans also play it virtuously, such as top performers Anthony Carrillo and Nelson Rodriguez, both of whom will feature during this episode.
And then there’s also Mr. Bongó, the non-Latino Jack Constanzo (pictured above) from New York. You’ll hear him along with his Afro-Cuban band.
Playlist
1 Down to Basics
Bongocero Luis Mangual
2 Gone City
Bongocero José Mangual Sr. & Machito
3 Tres Bongoceros
Bongocero José Mangual Sr. & sons Luis and José
4 Sin Clave y Bongó No Hay Son
Orquesta Aragon
5 Coralia
Sexteto Habanero
6 El Son y sus Instrumentos
Septeto Nacional
7 El Cumbachero
Ramon “chorolo” Gonzalez & Gruppo Miguel Alcaide
8 Bangin’ the Bongo
Bongocero Nelson Rodriguez & Joe Blanco
9 Traicion
Bongocero Roberto Poena
10 El Jibarito
Bongocero Manny Oquendo & Conjunto Libre
11 Bongo Festiris
Bongocero Jack Constanzo & his Afro-Cuban band
12 Cimarron
Bongocero Oscar Valdes & Cuban Jam Session
13 Anabacoa
Bongocero Carlos Gonzalez & Sierra Maestra
14 Anthony’s Solo
Bongocero Anthony Carrillo
