Guaguancó Pa' las Tumbadoras - Candido, Santos, Ray
Nagüe - Candido, Pozo, Chano
Avísale a Mi Contrario - Candido, Traditional
Tuna Se Quemó - Candido, Traditional
Descarga de los Reyes - Candido, Camereo, Candido
Duet I: Temporal - Candido, Hernandez, Rafael M
Duet II - Candido, Smith, Mauricio
Duet III - Candido, Camero, Candido
Conga Kings Grand Finale - Candido, Camero, Candido
The aptly named Conga Kings isn't a cutting contest; it's a celebration of good fellowship among three great percussionists from two generations. On board for this mind-boggling good set of son--the style that's found such... more » acceptance thanks to the platinum Buena Vista Social Club album--are Candido, Patato Valdes, and Giovanni Hidalgo. The music's light but insistent touch is perfectly realized here, with the three men pushing the other players forward and weaving their lines through each other's contributions. Expertly sequenced to allow the group to shine at varied tempos, the album ends with "Conga Kings Grand Finale," a seven-minute-plus affirmation of the musicians' vast talents and great affinity for one another. --Rickey Wright« less
The aptly named Conga Kings isn't a cutting contest; it's a celebration of good fellowship among three great percussionists from two generations. On board for this mind-boggling good set of son--the style that's found such acceptance thanks to the platinum Buena Vista Social Club album--are Candido, Patato Valdes, and Giovanni Hidalgo. The music's light but insistent touch is perfectly realized here, with the three men pushing the other players forward and weaving their lines through each other's contributions. Expertly sequenced to allow the group to shine at varied tempos, the album ends with "Conga Kings Grand Finale," a seven-minute-plus affirmation of the musicians' vast talents and great affinity for one another. --Rickey Wright
"The Conga Kings is a historic recording session that brings together three giants of Afro-Caribbean percussion. Candido Camerera, Carlos Patato Valdes and Giovanni Hidalgo respectively. Each master has his own unique style, yet they complement each other beautifully. The camaraderie and good vibes shine through from start to finish on this fine recording. Producer David Chesky came up with the idea of featuring three of the greatest conga players in the world. Musical director, Ray Santos who has had a previous working relationship with all three of these outstanding musicians over the years made the project a reality. In addition to the Conga Kings there is a "who's who" of seasoned musical veterans here to support the masters. Joe Gonzalez on bongos, Guillermo Edghill on bass, Nelson Gonzalez on tres and chorus, John Benthel on second tres, Mauricio Smith on flute, Jose Francisco Valdes on claves, Herman Olivera Jr. and Luis Rosa on chorus (or coro if you prefer.) Candido, Patato and Giovanni play a total of ten congas! This does not include auxiliary percussion and the rest of the band. This presented special problems which resulted in a never before used recording technique. The performances were recorded live with no multi-tracking or overdubbing, fed directly into one microphone that in turn feeds into a digital recorder. This allowed the musicians the freedom to create their own natural dynamics and resulted in a unique recording (you can hear Giovanni in the left speaker, Candido in the middle and Patato on the right speaker.) Did I mention that this recording took place in a church? Yep, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in New York City! One could say this recording was blessed! I have been fortunate enough to see all three of these Conga Kings live. Candido is known for his exciting solos and incredible showmanship, Patato is known for his unique, melodic combinations and Giovanni is a child prodigy who has grown up to be a world class drummer. El Maestro Tito Puente left us at the age of 77. Candido is 79 and Patato is 74. In comparison, Giovanni is still a whippersnapper at the age of 36! It is gratifying to see these masters receiving the recognition they deserve while they are still with us. Long live the Conga Kings and thank you David Chesky for coming up with the concept! Que Viva La Musica!"
Lose the flute!
hellcatty | 07/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Conga Kings is aptly titled. All three of these fine musicians are truly "Kings" of their instruments. The recording is mixed very softly, though and when the flute enters into a song, it is shrill and ear-piercing, taking away from what would otherwise be a superb recording. The drumming is melodic and beautifully rhythmic. The sound is not as slick as some of the more recent "Cuban" material, which I think is a plus. So, I gave the CD 4 stars only because of the harsh flute; the rest of the music is warm and wonderful. Next time these people record together, if there is a next time, I hope that they just leave out the flute entirely (sorry Mauricio)."
The real deal
hellcatty | 08/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These guys are the Bach, Beethoven and Mozart of conga drumming. The recording is excellent, the playing is superb, the solos are amazing."
THE CONGA KINGS- PATATO/CANDIDO/GIOVANNI
L. Dequesada | JAMAICA,, NY United States | 02/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This great CD's title says it all: "THE CONGA KINGS!"
Cuba's old time greats Patato Valdes and Candido Camero team up
with new generation percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo on a great
CD. This trio is just superb in the best latin percussion CD
to hit the market in a long time.
It's hard to pick a favorite in this great compilation, but the
favorite old time classic "Tumbando Caña" is always compelling and sweet as Cuba's sugar cane!
To Patato,Candido, Giovanni and ensemble all I can say is:
BRAVISIMO! And I hope more CD's will be forthcoming!"
Bravo
hellcatty | Japan Man | 11/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very good!!!!!!!!! I don't have the knowledge of conga but just love this CD. Don't expect fancy record arrangement and nice cover design, buy it now if you expect real "Kung Fu" and passion from Candido Camero, Carlos Valdes/Giovanni Hidalgo.All tracks are wonderful and I like the track 7 most."