SABU
Palo Congo (Blue Note)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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You'll probably find it in the Latin section of the CD store, but aside from the opening track (El Cumbanchero), this is African music, exotic, compelling and intriguing as can be. Recorded in New York City's Manhattan Towers on April 28th, 1957, Palo Congo featured explosive, densely layered congas, call and response chants, and extremely sparse use of bass and guitar. This 24-bit re-master is the work of Ron McMaster, and cudos to him, because it sounds exquisite. A hefty chunk of those cudos go to the original engineer, the great Rudy Van Gelder, who recorded the session beautifully. Percussionist Sabú Martínez (Bongos, Conga, Vocals) can be heard on a number of recordings by Art Blakey, J.J. Johnson, Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and others, but this recording is pure Sabu, heart and soul; his chance to play what moved him. There are songs about religion, love and even the story of a lion hunt here, all relayed with energy and passion. Arsenio Rodriguez' guitar lines are sparse and angular, more like unchecked shouts from the soul than prepared jazz parts. On an album of music as uniquely emotional as this, nothing else would have done.

Track List:

El Cumbanchero * Billumba * Palo Congo * Choferita * Plena * Asabache * Simba * Rhapsodia del Maravilloso * Aggo Elegua * Tribilin Cantore

© 2000 - DJ Johnson