Gerardo Rosales

If one mentions the term Latin Jazz his name will, without a doubt, always be up there in the list of pioneers. Mongo gave the conga drum the status of solo instrument. He was also a great composer. Tunes like “Afro Blue”, “Para ti”, “Masacote”, “Come Candela” are just part of his extensive oeuvre.

Gerardo Rosales presents“Mongomania, a tribute to Mongo Santamaria”, a homage to the king of the Conga.

Comment Gerardo Rosales:

It is a great honour for me to pay tribute to Mongo Santamaria, master of the ‘tambor’ whom I have admired since I was a little boy. Through his recordings he taught me love for music and percussion. It is because of his work that the conga drum has such an essential place in the music of today. I must admit to you that it hasn’t been an easy task recording this much deserved tribute Mongo Santamaria. Performing his music with the necessary understanding and respect is what matters most to me. So you are now holding in your hands this CD entitled “Mongomania” with which we want to pay homage to a man who has left us musical legacy for all eternity. Mongo deserves always to be remembered.

Thank you Mongo, wherever you are,

Affectionately yours, your admirer,

Gerardo Rosales