At the Black Hawk
These 1962 recordings originally appeared on two LPs calledMighty MongoandViva Mongo!, and they capture the barely controlled excitement that Mongo Santamaria's percussion-based music can generate in a live performance. While there are jazz elements present, particularly on some of the standard repertoire like "Tenderly" and "Body and Soul," it's the Cuban elements that dominate. Merengue, mambo, guajira, and descarga rhythms are driven by congas, timbales, and the collective chanting of the band. The authenticity extends to Rolando Lozano's airy wooden flute, while tenor saxophonist Jose Silva adds jazz-based lines that are rooted deep in the rhythm.--Stuart Broomer