Sabu - Palo Congo (1957) [1996 The BN Works 1500 Series]

Sabu Martinez's debut as a leader mostly features percussionists (other than bassist Evaristo Baro), including the leader, Arsenio Rodriguez (who doubles on the tres), Cesar Travieso, Quique Travieso, and Ray "Mosquito" Romero. Martinez, Rodriguez, and Travieso also join Willie Capo and Sarah Baro in singing and chanting. Six of the eight songs are Martinez's originals, although the most memorable cut is the opening "El Cumbanchero," which has a catchy melody and a Martinez vocal that in tone sounds surprisingly like Cab Calloway in spots. Intriguing African-oriented music.

Tracks:

01. El Cumbanchero 5:38
02. Billumba-Palo Congo 6:06
03. Choferito-Plena 4:02
04. Asabache 4:22
05. Simba 5:55
06. Rhapsodia Del Maravilloso 4:39
07. Aggo Elegua 4:28
08. Tribilin Cantore 5:19

Personnel:

Bass – Evaristo Baro
Congas – Israel Moises "Quique" Travieso, Ray "Mosquito" Romero
Congas, Bongos, Vocals – "Sabu" L. Matinez
Congas, Guitar, Vocals – Arsenio Rodriguez
Congas, Vocals – Raul "Caesar" Travieso*
Vocals – Sarah Baro, Willie Capo