Jack Costanzo - The Versatile Mr. Bongo Plays Jazz, Afro & Latin (2010)

The one man most responsible for the growth of the bongo craze in jazz music is "Mister Bongo", Jack Costanzo. He was the first bongo drummer to join a jazz orchestra when in 1947 he became part of the Stan Kenton organization. His musicianship was so unique that Kenton even had 'Bongo Riff' written to feature Costanzo. This CD contains the most outstanding recordings Mr. Bongo made under his own name. The first 6 tunes were the first Jack recorded as a leader in 1954. On the following 12 tracks, all recorded in summer of 1956, Jack Costanzo sets his unique percussive sound to a setting of swinging brass and it takes all the brilliance of five trumpets to answer the articulate and exciting rhythm patterns Jack lays down. This CD is full of provocative and stimulating numbers. It is a great introduction to the many facets of The Versatile 'Mr. Bongo'.

Personnel:
Jack Costanzo (bongoes, conga), Rolf Ericson, Jimmy Salko, John Anderson, Paul López, Tony Perran, (tp), Herbie Harper, Lloyd Ulyate, Ray Heath (tb), Herbie Steward (as), Bill Holman, Tom Brown (ts), Gerald Wiggins, Eddie Cano (p), Joe Comfort, Tony Reyes (b), Lawrence Marable, Shelly Manne (d), Willy Gallardo, Ramón Rivera, Manuel Ochoa (perc)