Louis Miranda on 'Jungle Fantastique'

[Simon B]

What a conguero Louis Miranda! I'm revisiting the classic Bobby Montez LP 'Jungle Fantastique', and Louis' playing is awesome. I know very little about him, but his phrasing is majestic, echoes of Mongo (naturally), but still really individual.

More the point, are those fiercesome slaps in his solos and flourishes around the tumbou (e.g. on 'Summertime', really opens? To me they sound so strong and - well - closed!

Simon B

p.s. is Bobby Montez still alive?

[JohnnyConga]

Hi Simon...I believe that Bobby just recently passed on. But not sure. He was excited about the rediscovery of his music and I think was planning on doing a new CD. He was in his lat e60's. Luis Miranda is a personal friend of mine also, He has just moved from Miami also to Las Vegas. He is in his 70's and still can hit the drum. His playing with Cal Tjader was his best years , I think....Ray Rodriguez was the other congero with Bobby Montez......At your Service....JC JOHNNY CONGA....

[RitmoBoricua]

Hi. Ray Rodriguez as Bobby (La Compania) Rodriguez' brother?
Take Care

[JohnnyConga]

No he is not related, only by the island of Puerto Rico....JC JOHNNY CONGA...