Mongo Santamaria – La Bamba

Ramòn “Mongo” Santamaria was a Cuban master of percussion, mainly a conga drummer and leader of the boogaloo dance crazes of the 60s. Mongo first picked up the violin because his mother wanted him to play classical, but he quickly moved on to drums after finding his rhythm and eventually dropped out of school to become a full time musician. Track B1 Watermelon Man is a cover of Herbie Hancock’s 1962 version and was a hit staying at the top of the pop charts for two months and peaking at #10. It all came together when Herbie and Mongo were playing a show together. Donald Bryrd told Herbie to play “Watermelon Man” and slowly the other musicians joined in and a jam session broke out. Marty Sheller is on trumpet and he blesses your ears with an outstanding solo – not his usual style but simpler funky lines. Sheller had to put down his trumpet in 1967 due to problems with his embouchure but kept his post as the bands musical director and chief arranger. Mongo continued to make great music until the late 90’s. – Ally