Carlos “ Patato” Valdes: Thanks to the popularity of the Buena Vista Social Club on records and on film, Cuban music is enjoying a renaissance in the United States. Patato:The Legend of Cuban Percussion offers a 21st century audience the chance to meet one of the musicians who first made Cuban music such an important part of the American music scene in the mid-20th century. Now in his 70s and still going strong, Carlos " Patato" Valdes is considered one of the greatest conga players ever to tap the skins.
Drummer/percussionist Francisco Aguabella immigrated to New York City from his native Matanzas, Cuba -- where African music was a tradition -- in 1957. He follows a long line of Cuban drummers who made their mark in America: Chano Pozo, Patato Valdez, Candido, and Mongo Santamaria. Aguabella's music fuses traditional African and Latin rhythms with smooth jazz/soul for an electrifying sound.
Percussionist and vocalist Milton Cardona doesn't seem particularly impressed with the fact that he's made 703 recordings in his career. "What's amazing," he says, "is that I have them all!" Cardona's diverse discography spans several decades and is highlighted by albums with Cachao, Larry Harlow, Eddie Palmieri , Johnny Colon, Willie Colon, David Byrne, Celia Cruz , Steve Turre, J.J. Johnson, jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw, and the Arab-tinged jazz ensemble of Rabih Abou-Khalil. Cardona studied violin for seven childhood years, then played bass professionally until the street jams of New York lured him to percussion. The music of Mongo Santamaria was a strong influence on his playing.