Big 3 & Eddie Montalvo - Palladium era Mambo

[Jongo]

This past weekend I saw the Big 3 show which is the sons of Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. Tito Puente Jr. pulled out so instead Jose Madera (I believe that is his name) took his set. He was the musical director for Tito Puente for many years according to the program. So each one played a set and Eddie Montalvo was playing congas and it was a real pleasure to watch him play. During Mi Chiquita Quiere Bembe they did a traditional afro-cuban break that was amazing. Hand and stick on tumba by the bongosero while Eddie Montalvo continued playing on conga. The singer was dancing one of the dances of the Orishas but I don't know which one. For me, it was the highlight in what was a fun entertaining show. I am too young to really know a lot of that music so it is fun to be able to discover and experience it through the sons of these legends. I know they can't compare to the originals but I will take what I can get!

[JohnnyConga]

That must have been exciting ...Tito Jr. cannot play an instrument and that is probably why he dropped out....Eddie Montalvo is one of the Best Congueros around, still, even today...clean player con mucho Sabor...."JC" Johnny Conga...

[ABAKUA]

Great to hear Eddie is still in business.