As part of their Chesky Original Masters reissue series, Chesky is reissuing Mongo Santamaria's late-period gem Mambo Mongo. The Latin jazz classic features Santamaria, his stirring group of the era, and guest flutists Hubert Laws and David Valentin. Mambo Mongo, which was recorded on Mar. 30-31, 1992, was the 100th release by the Chesky label and Santamaria's only album for the company. The audiophile recording produced by label head David Chesky is typically impeccable with true-to-life sound that takes listeners into the studio with the musicians. The album features the superb Hubert Laws on "Dark Before The Dawn" and "Are They Only Dreams, " showcased David Valentin on the infectious "Caribbean Sunrise" and "Los Ninos Del Mundo, " and has such soloists as pianist Dario Eskenazi, Craig Rivers on tenor and soprano, and altoist Jimmy Cozier. The climactic performance is "La Magolia" which teams Santamaria with three other percussionists for 9½ minutes of rhythmic excitement. Mambo Mongo's welcome return brings back one of the highpoints of Chesky's impressive catalog and one of the highlights of Mongo Santamaria's prolific career. The album will be reissued on SACD Hybrid Stereo and 180g One-step Pressing Vinyl LP.
