congaplace.com

Your King was de-throned by this guy. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVoYo8jpuT0

Incredible! Thanks for sharing!

My video has the self-proclaimed "King" in the title. I stumbled upon it in youtube. I think mic'ing helped his playing sound better than it is? Any thoughts on this?

I think they're just different styles. I can appreciate them both.

I have to admit though, personally I prefer Pakito. He's got skills, volume, and a lot of drive in his style!

The "king" just has fast rolls and he doesn't say much after all.

Just my two cents.

I'm not sure what I'm missing here, seems like very fast hand tapping, weak tones and very little rhythmic swing to get a feel of.

The current top player in my opinion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r0A3mllzUc

The original was Armando Peraza, there's a video somewhere of a famous solo he performed with Santana, speed is pointless if you aren't maintaining a strong musical groove unless you are trying for the guiness book I guess, most of Peraza's greatest work was way before youtube was even a concept so you have to listen to 'Los Ritmos Caliente' for example.

Barrie

PS... of the two videos here I way prefer the second guy, but his slaps are weak.

Yeah I remember that King of Bongo being discussed on the BongoGroup a while
back.
Kind of flashy, I'm sure he has fun playing like that. Seems more like a player that plays
by himself to cd's and such more than anything else. I don't know where you could play
bongo like that anywhere besides solo.

This Is a Real Player/ one of the greats!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zHsaAj76P4

I'm in agreement with Barrie, Dandy is the tastiest bongo player in my book for the last 30 yrs. Dandy's father was a great bongocero as well having played with Tito Rodriguez, Puente, Machito and Noro Morales. Dandy was playing professional at the age of 12, when most kids are playing little league baseball. Just like his father, young Dandy played with Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Machito, Joe Cuba. Later on he played with Ray Barretto,founded Tipica 73' and played with Puente for over 20 yrs. up until Puente's death.

Here is one of the tastiest bongo solo you'll ever hear, Dandy at his best. Ponte Duro Bongo'!

Dario

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUIftb0z ... re=related

Here is a photo of Dandy with a pair of 60's Valjes that I bought from him. Dandy has been the one I've studied from. Mongo told me "if you want to get into the bongo', go see Puente when he comes to town and seat in front of Dandy and just try to assimilate his style" I did just that on numerous occasions.
Also see Dandy's Valje's sunbathing by my pool

Dario