MONGORAMA

"MONGORAMA" is a  latin-jazz ensemble formed by KJazz 88.1 radio personality Jose Rizo (host of 'Jazz on the Latin Side'), exploring the early Mongo Santamaria charanga-jazz material of the 1950's and early 1960's.  Conga legend Mongo Santamaria, saxophonist Chombo Silva and flautist Rolando Lozano performed an exciting latin jazz sound driven by  cuban charanga rhythms and  straight ahead jazz.  "MONGORAMA" celebrates this music preserving  the classic charanga-jazz element , yet refreshing it with a modern perspective. "MONGORAMA" will feature tenor saxophonist Justo Almario and flautist Danilo Lozano revisiting the explorations of saxophonist Chombo Silva and flautist Rolando Lozano (Danilo's Dad).  Rounding out the ensemble is Dayren Santamaria (violin),  James Zavaleta (lead vocals), Ramon Banda (timbales), Joey De Leon (congas), Alfredo Ortiz (perc/vocals), Rene Camacho (bass),  and Joe Rotondi (piano). The debut self-titled "MONGORAMA" CD(on Saungu Records) received a Grammy nomination last year. read more...