congaplace.com

A true collectors item. I dont know if I could ever part with it if it were mine. Id be more inclined to sell mother in law.

Abakua, After sleeping on it...You are 100% correct.
Except the mother-in-law part. My late mother-in-law was exceptional -
she actually bought me percussion stuff for my birthday.
I took her to see Tito and also Chico O'Farrill Orchestra.
I would definitely regret it...and my kids concurred.

Thanks,

ISAAC

phew...

I was hoping you wouldn't sell it for your sake. You have a serious collector item in you hands.

T

Keep it, you couldn't get the $$$ it's worth for the memories.

Well, here's the real story that night was, that when I was crouching down taking photos in front of the
low bandstand, Patato sauntered in a little tipsy and tripped over my foot. He obviously didn't see me
or my size 11" shoe.
( Imagine now a slow motion movie scene ) Patato went flying into the air
and i leaped up to grab him and break his fall with my left arm. I prevented his injury, but got
a earful verbal assault from him and his classic finger pointing at me!
I was horrified - I just nearly caused an accident to my hero...
The people seated around there then gave me the evil eye! I embarrasedly then headed to the
bar at the back of the room as far away from the stage as possible.
After two sets I finally relaxed...I got Candido's signature, (Candido had his own
red felt pen handy ) then Ray, ...but how
was I going to approach Patato after I just pissed him off? Luckily my brother
Jack ( also a drummer ) was with me and I asked him to approach Patato for me.
I stood behind Jack sheepishly.
Patato then sang out his name loudly and in clave while signing!
CARLOS PATATO VALDEZ . X . X
He was always in character.
Nicky Marrero signed later. He was the one who invited us that evening.
The place was called Satalla on 24th St. in NYC - now closed.
~ ISAAC ~

Very amusing anecdote, Isaac!