Concert Report - live performance of Conga Kings

[CongaCaja]

Came home last night from "The Conga Kings" concert in Oakland, California. Since it's my first time seeing each of those great players live, I thought I'd post some observations.

First, the concert was opened by Plena Libre from Puerto Rico. The have pleneras at the front of the band with backing of upright electric bass, 3 trombones, keyboards, etc....aka both in instrumentation and arrangements they are a mix of traditional and new invention. They're a fun band that really gets the crowd going.

The odd thing is the lead plenera player was using a Giovanni Conga Pad instead of a plenera. It certainly cut through than the tradtional drums.

OK, now the Conga Kings...
http://www.sfjazz.org/concerts/fall04/fall04_artists/ckings.html

The played about a dozen or so extended afro cuban jazz tunes including some originals. Lots of solos to go around for the congueros *and* some the backup players as well. My favorites were Joe Gonzalez: bongos and Guillermo Edghill: bass

Patato : Most striking when he take the stage is that this is so small! I am not a big guy myself, but this guy couldn't weigh more than 90 lbs. ...nor be taller than 5ft tall. His playful character and humor on stage are plentiful...and his playing is as melodic as ever. However, he was using his sticks on on the drums about 90% of the time. I wonder if he has some arthritis...and he oscillated from dancing and moments that he seemed fatigued as he walked slowly offstage...I don't know but he was a blast.

Candido Camero : It was interesting to see the finger work of his style. This was very odd to me. Unfortunately, the sound in the hall was kind of "boomy" so I couldn't really hear the sublties of this technique. His solo work was powerful depite the fact that he needs a cane to walk on/off the stage. As he said himself, "I feel 100 yrs old when I walk with my cane, but I feel like only 20 when I play these 3 drums!". btw, he's 83 yrs old...but he can still "kick it".

Gio : well, he's just the beast that I expected. Though he's the youngest of the 3, he's the only one that played seated (if I was the age of Patato and Candido, I'd take a seat!) He is the heart of the band, holding everything together at all times and cranking out some awesome solos. The slaps are the loudest and most crisp that I have heard. He played a double stroked heel-toe roll (different that I saw on this video Mano a Mano). I think this is roll that J.C. was talking about. The preparation for the "heel" of this stroke brought his arms were as high as his head....and it was powerful!

Anyway, I wish I could see them over and over so that I can pick up more each time...but at least I got my one concert

cheers,

cjk

[zaragemca]

Saludos CongaCaja,thanks for the info.,in relation to the concert.'Patato' which by the way is from the same barrio where I was born and raised(Los Sitios), have always been like that(he created several dancing in Cuba when playing with Casino Orquesta),the technique used by Candido which was developed by Tata Guines is something to which I have familiarity to so I could relate to what you said in that respect and Candido have been a good multi-instrumentalist,G. Hidalgo have been doing his home-work for long time so the sacrifice have pay off.Gerry Zaragemca

[JohnnyConga]

Yes Patato has a hand problem with his right hand. He has been using a stick for a while now. He is also old and he still "party's" if you know what I mean...he seems to have gotten more melodic with age. What can u say about 83 year old "thousand finger man" Candido..God Bless him and CON`0!...I hope I'm still playing at his age.. Now for my drum brother Gio.....he just keeps going and going and going...there is no end in sight with him....the rolls that he does now is a "tabla" type roll, he studied with Zakir Hussein while they were in Planet Drum together. beside his 64th buzz notes that he also throws out there....I have been fortunate to share the same stage and play alongside Gio, and he never ceases to amaze me, and don't think I haven't learned from the "young Bull", ese tipo un "torito"....de verdad.....I'm just not compulsive/obsessive like him..... but I'm close.... :;):
"JC" Johnny Conga.....

[GalloPinto]

JC, I've never been to concerts like these. How is the atmosphere like? What kind of attire should one wear to these places. As elementary as it might sound I want to know since I am a learner.

GalloPinto

[CongaCaja]

GP,

I would imagine that the Conga Kings play in many types of venues in many cities. Depending on the location and the culture of local population, I could imagine many different "atmospheres".

This particular concert was presented as part of the San Francisco Jazz Festival (although the theater was actually located in Oakland...just across the bay). SF Jazz Festival events are generally indoor events at nice theaters with 2 groups scheduled for each evening. These are generally "sit down and listen" kind of events, but then there are latin jazz groups playing, many people feel compelled to get on their feet and dance...sort of "go with the flow".

The people of the SF area generally dress however they want... and its all acceptable. Some people come out with a nice suit or dress and others come in the jeans and guayabera (cuban shirt). They are fun events and very bi-lingual. The MC and performers will speak in Spanish and/or English.

That said, this was just one concert. The Conga Kings might perform at other venues such as an outdoor concert where the atmosphere could be very casual. For example, I saw both Ray Barretto, Pete Escovedo and John Santos at the San jose Jazz Festival (an outdoor festival) and it was *very* different than SF, but still lots of fun.

cjk

[GalloPinto]

Gracias CongaCaja,

Very informative, there are not many jazz concerts in Providence, RI. I guess I have to travel to NY or nearby get the experience.

CongaCaja-Have u ever been toTropicana in Cuba? I've heard that many legends have played there--a very Historic place.

[CongaCaja]

Hi GP (again),

Re: the Tropicana, no, I haven't been there.

When I was in Cuba (my first and only time...one year ago), my musical experiences consisted of various concerts of the Havana Drum Festival ( Los Munequitos de Matanzas and AfroCuba de Matanzas, etc.) and some afternoon performances at the Casa del Estudiante in Santiago....and then I took a few lessons while I was there as well.

The island is full of music so it very difficult to see everything in only one visit (unless it's a very long visit)...but actually there are musicians everywhere playing many different kinds of venues.

I would like to go back but I am not sure when.

hasta pronto...

cjk

[Mr. Furley]

BTW,

Tony Bennett was the guest on "Larry King Live" this past Saturday. They showed a clip of Candido soloing on bongos and a conga, Did anyone see this. If so, does anyone know when and where it took place? Perhaps thay said, but I didn't catch it.

[mjw]

Off topic I know, but Bennet did a great LP - 'Every Beat of my Heart', heavily featuring drummers such as Candido, Sabu, Art Blakey, Joe Jones and others - well worth a listen.

Back to concerts - I'd love to see Conga Kings - fingers crossed for some UK appearances.

I did get to see Robin Jones last night guesting with a fusion trio. What a great bloke, full of music, full of stories and experiences and a great teacher too.

[JohnnyConga]

One of the best "one drum" solos on record is the one "Live at Carnegie Hall" 1961 with Tony Bennett. I recommend this album, if you want to hear Candido LIVE. He takes an incredible conga solo on "ol Man river"......."JC Johnny Conga..... :;):

[Isaac]

CANDIDO:
I was recently invited to a premiere screening of a new documentary movie on Candido, held at the ASCAP building in NYC. Tony Bennett was there and gave a little speech in honor of Candido. They've been very close friends since they began working together, and Bennett appears in the film also. The highlight of the film for me was a live duo jam with Andy Gonzalez on bass with Candido playing the melody of "manteca" on his congas.
I learned something new about Candido that night. After paying my dues in the club date
/wedding scene for the past 14 years, I felt a ray of
hope when Candido told us all he still actively does
the same kind of weddings & club dates for the same company in Manhattan for the past 20 plus years.
Now when I play at one of these affairs, I think of
Candido, who is likely doing the same thing not too far off. Some of the professional musicians I play with do get jaded and cynical once in a while. In Candido
theres not a hint of this. He reminded me that to entertain people in a positive way is a blessing from above and that one should be thankful for the opportunity.

[Ivan]

I couldn't agree with you more, Isaac... On all aspects... It's good to know people like Cadido are still doing the same gigs...

Thanks for the post and good reminder.

Ivan