CongaMania

A buyers guide to some of the best percussion releases
by
Luis "Chi-Chi" Ernesto

Alex Acuña y su Acuarela de Tambores

(Tonga Records)

Rating: 5*


When words were needed to describe this record, “Rhythms for a new millennium” were chosen. This album is surely at the top of my list due to the level of percussion playing and the ability of the players, which cover all sides of the Globe rhythmically. This album is loaded with some of the best percussionists in the world from the old and the new schools. Alex Acuña, Giovanni Hidalgo, Paoli Mejias, Anthony Carrillo, Michito Sanchez, Luis Conte, Paulhino Da Costa, Ticky Pasillas, and more…

The album opens with its title track Acuarela de Tambores. This track features none other than the king of the conga Giovanni Hidalgo. Giovanni shows why he has taken the art of drumming to a level beyond new. His technique and tone on the quinto is in a class by itself. Giovanni also does some tumbadora and lead vocal work on this track. The energy definitely comes from the quinto drum and rhythm track which is accompanied by totally diverse bell sounds (Ticky Pasillas), cascaras, bass cajon, bass djembe (Alex Acuña), surdo (Paoli Mejias), congas (Luis Conte). This track includes background vocals by artists like Anthony Carrillo.

On the fifth track Redentor, Alex shows who is to be praised and worshiped. This track has a Brazilian samba rhythm. Alex teams up with Paulinho Da Costa, both of them on surdos, repinique, cuica, snares, tamborin, and whistles. Together they create a mesmerizing energy that leaves you off your chair. Michito Sanchez on bata okonkolo and bongo takes an incredible bongo solo. Ticky Pasillas performs some outstanding bell work on this track.

On the eighth track L.A. RAP, the album takes a different turn towards the younger generation. In my opinion this track is the most creative. It starts out with minor percussion as Anthony comes in with a special announcement. It then does a U-turn  when Anthony comes through with a rap, giving it a Jamaican flavor. Then the beautiful sound of the Latin Piano montuno by Alberto Salas gives it a little Salsa flavor. This track also has Paoli on congas, Meia Noite on surdo, Alex on traps, repinques, Ticki on timbales, Pee Wee Hill on bass, and Anthony on bongo, repinques, and lead vocal.

On the tenth track Antoine’s Coherence, it's none other than the bongo virtuoso Anthony Carillo. He proves that he continues to dominate this small instrument with the sound, tone, skill, and creativity that has Puerto Rico written all over it. He takes you through a journey that makes you close your eyes and wonder what adventurous part of the world you are in at the moment. His incredible chops are something you could never mistake.

On the eleventh track So Be It, Alex Acuña shows his incredible skill on the trap drums.  Always progressing through time, he has not stopped innovating his masterful skill. He gives you some amazing melodic chops with the tightest time and cymbal work. He teams up with Otmaro Ruiz on piano. This Duo is another tough act that brings Jazz to another spectrum.

The fifteenth and final track, Descarga at Dawn, is reminiscent of an Army of soldiers taking on the enemy. It opens up with a powerful break in synchronism. Then you will hear each musician answer the call of the wild. Questions and Answers, or, might we say, “battle zone”? This incredible track gives you exactly what you have been waiting for. Anthony Carrillo brings it on with an amazing bongo solo that sparks the flame. This is followed by Ticky Pasillas on timbales answering back the bongo calls with the old and the new formats. Shaken by the sounds of the drum, Alex Acuña arrives, giving you technique and skill that is tough to follow. His snares and Toms are just a taste of what is bound to happen. Wait a minute, guess who has arrived? This is the new kid in town, Paoli Mejias y su tambor. He answers the call with such unbelievable melodic chops mixed in with a variation of rudimental callings. Paoli by far has proven his sound to be one of the most creative and original in the world. Luis Conte responds with his own taste of Cuban delicacies on the congas. This giant gives you the answer and proves to you that he has not lost a step. His calling is here to stay. This track is full of relentless energy.


*Rating System: 1 to 5 (5 being the very best)