Who: Famous conguero (conga player) Louis "Sabú" Martínez and his band.
What: One of the most important Latin jazz and world fusion albums, this record has nothing to do with the stereotypical "Latin" sound. Horns are nowhere to be found here; rather, these songs consist almost entirely of polyrhythmic Afro-Cuban drumming and chanting, with sporadic guitar flourishes. This is purely elemental, and often trance-like stuff that draws on the Afro-Cuban religion of Palo (which was brought by slaves from the Congo to Cuba) and was profoundly influential on the incorporation of Latin and Afro-Cuban elements into jazz music.
Where: Recorded in New York, NY, based on Afro-Cuban rhythms.
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| Sabu, ca. 1950s. |
When: After hours.
Why: This is primal music that is mystical and spiritual, while also profoundly energizing. While the chanting and the complex rhythms might intially be challenging to some listeners, the songs are powerful enough to pull you in and transport you to another world. It will touch you at your core, but also get you on your feet.
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| A Palo Congo shrine in Cuba. |
Microdose: In many ways, it is the anomaly on the album–it is instrumental (no chanting) and guitar-led–but the sparkling "Rhapsodia del Marvilloso" is simply breathtaking in its beauty.
Additional Dose: An incredible Palo dance troupe from Cuba performing to Afro-Cuban music very similar to that featured on the album.
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