Legendary percussionist Jack Costanzo, aptly named Mr Bongo was unquestionably the premiere percussionist of his era for Latin music. A career that started in the 40s, he’s performed with everyone from Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra to Gilbert Castellanos. Costanzo honed his skills in Havana, Cuba and he would eventually front his own Orchestra throughout the 50s and 60s during the Mambo craze. After a semi retirement, he returned to record with Ubiquity records in 2001. Jazzman records, arguably the premiere crate diggers of obscure music have compiled a superb collections of his early recordings. “Quiera” recorded live “Maleguena” one of several recordings that feature prominent pianist Eddie Cano is a eight burner filled with sizzling percussion and piano soloing. “Caravan” brings the heat with blistering trumpet soloing to complement the fiery rhythm section. If you need an introduction to the Mambo and Mr Costanzo in particular then you certainly need this in your collection.
