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I. My Favorite Congueros
My choices and comments reflect my listening experiences. They are not
intended as any sort of rankings of great conga drummers.
-
Jerry González-I like his playing style and his interest in preserving
tradition.
-
Giovanni
Hidalgo-Widely considered to be today's top conga drummer (whatever
that means). He has amazing technique and speed.
-
José Luis "Changuito" Quintana-He is a multi-percussionist who was
apparently very influential in Hidalgo's development.
-
Carlos
"Patato" Valdés-He is widely credited with developing a three
conga melodic style of playing.
-
Tata Güines-He is one of the great innovators.
-
Mongo Santamaria-His recordings introduced many people to traditional Afro-Cuban
styles, especially in the U.S..
-
Richie Flores-He is an outstanding young player. Like Hidalgo he has incredible
technique and speed.
-
Poncho Sánchez-He is the only one on this list that I have acually
seen performing live (twice). He puts on a really good show.
-
Ray Barretto-He has been playing salsa and jazz since the 50's.
-
Milton Cardona-I have mostly heard his folkloric drumming.
-
Angel "Cachete" Maldonado-He is the former leader of Puerto Rico's Batacumbele.
-
Eugenio F. Arango ("Totico")-He appears in several outstanding recordings.
II. Rebeca Mauleón's List of Congueros
(from her book
entitled "Salsa Guidebook for Piano and Ensemble," published by Sher Music
Co., 1993.)
Check out
her Rumbeca website as well!
-
Francisco Aguabella
-
Jorge "El Niño"Alfonso
-
Don Alias
-
Bobby Allende
-
Miguel Angá
-
Ray Barretto
-
Milton Cardona
-
Cándido
-
Julito Collazo
-
Luis Conte
-
Sammy Figueroa
-
Richie Flores
-
Jerry González
-
Tata Güines
-
Giovanni Hidalgo
-
Frankie Malabé
-
Angel "Cachete" Maldonado
-
Eddie Montalvo
-
Juan Nogueras
-
Papo Pepín
-
Armando Peraza
-
Daniel Ponce
-
Chano Pozo
-
Frankie Rodríguez
-
Israel Rodríguez
-
Poncho Sánchez
-
Mongo Santamaria
-
Carlos "Patato" Valdés
-
Roberto Vizcaíino