Mambo Mango

Part of the Chesky Original Masters reissue series, Mongo Santamaria’s late-period gem Mambo Mongo gets a welcome return. Recorded on March 30-31, 1992, it was the 100th release on Chesky and Santamaria’s only album for the label.

This Latin jazz classic features Mongo Santamaria, his superb group of the era, and guest flutists Hubert Laws and David Valentin. Produced by David Chesky, the sound is impeccably natural, placing you right in the room with the players.

Laws shines on Dark Before The Dawn and Are They Only Dreams, while Valentin features on Caribbean Sunrise and Los Ninos Del Mundo. There are also strong turns from Dario Eskenazi, Craig Rivers, and Jimmy Cozier, with La Magolia closing things out in 9 and 1/2 minutes of rhythmic excitement.