Mongo Santamaría's Greatest Hits – A Definitive Collection of Afro-Cuban Jazz Classics (Jazz CD)

Product Information

UPC: 50997498708261
Product Type: Jazz CD / Compilation Release
Label: Legacy (Sony Music Entertainment Inc.)
Catalog Numbers: CB 703 CDM, COL 498708 2, 4987 87082000
Originally Released: Tracks recorded between 1964 and 1969 (with reissue in 2000)
Distribution: Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
Format: Compact Disc (CD) – Contains previously released material with bonus tracks
Genre: Afro-Cuban Jazz, Latin Soul

Overview

Mongo Santamaría's Greatest Hits is an essential compilation that offers 16 of the most iconic tracks by the renowned Afro-Cuban percussionist and bandleader, Mongo Santamaría. Known for his "funky," "exotic," and "infectious" style, Mongo’s music seamlessly blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz improvisation to create a sound that is as dynamic as it is timeless. This collection spans an exciting period of his career, encapsulating the vibrant energy and masterful musicianship that have influenced generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

Product Features

Format & Audio Quality

• Digital Audio Excellence:
  • Presented on a high-fidelity CD, ensuring clear and powerful sound that captures the live energy and rhythmic flair of Mongo Santamaría's performances.
• Compilation Release:
  • Features previously released material from the mid-to-late 1960s, carefully remastered for an enhanced listening experience.
• Bonus Tracks:
  • Includes additional bonus tracks that provide an extended perspective on Mongo’s musical journey and creative evolution.

Musicians & Instrumentation

• Mongo Santamaría:
  • Afro-Cuban percussionist whose innovative playing style laid the foundation for a new era in Latin jazz.
• The Band:
  • An exceptional ensemble that supports Mongo with tight, energetic performances on brass, rhythm, and woodwind—bringing each track to life.
• Notable Tracks:
  • Classic favorites such as "Watermelon Man," "Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay," "We Got Latin Soul," "Cold Sweat," and "Green Onions" showcase the unique fusion of Latin rhythms with cool jazz improvisations.

Production & Packaging

• Iconic Artwork:
  • The packaging reflects the vibrant and dynamic nature of Afro-Cuban jazz, appealing to both collectors and new listeners.
• Legacy Collection:
  • Released under the "Legacy" series by Sony Music, this collection is a must-have for fans of Latin jazz and world music.
• Historical Significance:
  • Documents the most exciting period in Mongo’s career, capturing his innovative contributions that shaped not only Latin jazz but also cross-cultural musical trends globally.

Track Listing

1. Watermelon Man
2. Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
3. We Got Latin Soul
4. Twenty-Five Miles
5. Fat Back
6. Cold Sweat
7. Green Onions
8. The Now Generation
9. Cloud Nine
10. La Bamba
11. El Pussy Cat
12. Mongo's Boogaloo*
13. Chili Beans*
14. Ah Ha
15. I Wanna Know
16. Afro Blue (Live)*

Tracks marked with an asterisk () are considered bonus tracks, expanding on the original release and offering listeners extra grooves from Mongo’s repertoire.

Interesting Facts

Cultural and Musical Impact

• Trailblazing Afro-Cuban Innovation:
  • Mongo Santamaría's pioneering fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz elements redefined the genre, influencing countless musicians and shaping the future of Latin and world music.
• Global Appeal:
  • The infectious energy and cross-cultural sound of these tracks have made them perennial favorites in clubs, on radio stations, and among collectors worldwide.
• Timeless Rhythms:
  • Classics like "Watermelon Man" and "Green Onions" continue to resonate, serving as a testament to Mongo’s enduring legacy and his ability to create music that transcends time and cultural boundaries.

Collector’s Treasure

• Legacy Release:
  • Issued as part of Sony Music’s "Legacy" series, this collection is designed for both longtime aficionados and new listeners discovering the richness of Afro-Cuban jazz.
• Authentic Reissues:
  • With recordings originally made between 1964 and 1969, this compilation captures a pivotal era in the evolution of Latin jazz, preserving the original spirit while offering an enriched listening experience through modern remastering techniques.

Publishers / Release Information

This compilation was originally released by Sony Music Entertainment Inc., with recordings dating from the mid-to-late 1960s. Now presented as part of the Legacy series, Mongo Santamaría's Greatest Hits stands as a definitive collection for anyone passionate about the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz.

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Hashtags

English:

#MongoSantamaria #GreatestHits #AfroCubanJazz #LatinSoul #JazzCompilation #ClassicJazz #SonyMusicLegacy #WatermelonMan #JazzCollectors #InfectiousGrooves