If anyone has noticed, I’ve been posting some really obscure records lately. I’ve been straightening out my record collection and I keep pulling albums I hardly ever play or listen to which is most likely the reason why. Take the two instructional records Understanding Latin Rhythms for example. Not the best album for the clubs and not the best thing to listen to in it’s entirety on a Sunday morning. Unless I am trying to learn how to use a cow bell, but sadly I am not.
The only worth while track on the first volume is the heavy monster Masacote, a name taken from a style of Cuban percussion jam music. Puerto Rican José Mangual (bongo) and Cuban Carlos “Patato” Valdez (conga) really drop that heavy Nuyorican sound with this song. These two musicians have played with just about everyone, from jazz, latin jazz, to salsa. They just don’t happen to play on the second volume though, which is way more instructional than the first.
Both these albums came with instructional booklets, I posted some images up for you people. Instructional basics and an album to play along with. They didn’t have youtube in 1974. Really nice minimal stuff here nonetheless. A few essential records if you’re a beat maker aswell. Enjoy!
1. Understanding Latin Rhythms Vol. 1: Masacote
2. Understanding Latin Rhythms Vol 2: Mambo & 6/8 Rhythms
Fantastic stuff, thanks a lot.
Funny: I’ve had these same two albums sitting in the back of my “to be blogged about” pile but just never got around to it. Now I don’t have to!
I wish you would post the whole album, I believe these are only two very much appreciated cuts.
Thanks for the great share.