CANDIDO
Thousand Finger Man (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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On this 1969 release, Candido took a solid stab at the soul jazz market, with tracks from the pens of Rufus Thomas, Hugo Montenegro and Booker T. & the MGs, among others. The quintessential Latin percussionist fronted an 8 piece band, with the prerequisite organ (Frank Anderson) and wah-wah heavy guitar (David Spinoza) joined by a three piece horn line, electric bass and drums.

If you aren't familiar with Candido, this is not the album to find out what the fuss is all about. His 1950's work with Dizzy Gillespie or his early ABC/Paramount albums are doubtless better introductions. This is an excellent place, though, to be reminded of how deeply ingrained the Afro-Cuban sound had become, not only in jazz, but in soul and other popular music forms over a period of roughly 20 years. Candido's bongos and congas fit seamlessly into Booker T's "Soul Limbo" and Thomas' "Jump Back," although the originals didn't reveal much Latin influence.

Source material and backing musicians notwithstanding, though, any opportunity to hear the rapid-fire work of the "thousand finger man" is worthwhile, and it's a pleasure to see this album back in release.

Track List:

Jump Back * Come On Choo Choo Train * Soul Limbo * Tony's Theme (from the film "Lady In Cement") * Hallelujah! I'm Coming Home * Thousand Finger Man

© 2000 - Shaun Dale