Mongo Santamaría

A Mongo Santamaria concert was a mesmerizing spectacle for both eyes and ears, and even at an advanced age, the Cuban percussionist and bandleader could energize packed arenas such as the Hollywood Bowl. A master conguero, Santamaria created an incantatory spell rooted in Cuban religious rituals, quietly seating himself before his congas and soloing with total command over rhythmic spaces while his band pumped out an endless vamp (a potent example on record is the hypnotic "Mazacote" from Afro-Roots). He was hugely influential as a leader, running durable bands that combined t...