2 Original albums on 1 CD, includes 2 bonus tracks. 78 minutes playing time.
This release presents two complete original Mongo Santamaría LPs, Mighty Mongo (Fantasy BF-8351) and its companion ¡Viva Mongo! (Fantasy F-8087). The Santamaría band of the period included a who’s who of important Latin Jazz artists, including such renowned musicians as tenor saxophonist José “Chombo” Silva, violinist Félix “Pupi” Legarreta, percussionist Willie Bobo, and Brazilian pianist and trombonist Joao Donato. Two tracks originally issued as a 45 rpm single on the Battle label, including the hit “Watermelon Man”, have been added as a bonus.
3. Descarga at the Blackhawk
6. All the Things You Are
Recorded live at the Blackhawk, San Francisco, 1962.
Los Angeles, December 17, 1962.
MONGO SANTAMARÍA, conga drums & bongos:
JOSÉ “CHOMBO” SILVA, tenor sax & violin
PAT PATRICK, baritone sax
JOÃO DONATO, piano & trombone
FÉLIX “PUPI” LEGARRETA, violin
RUDY CALZADO, lead vocals