Candido Camero, Carlos Valdes, Giovanni Hidalgo - Conga Kings

The aptly named Conga Kings isn't a cutting contest; it's a celebration of good fellowship among three great percussionists from two generations. On board for this mind-boggling good set of son--the style that's found such acceptance thanks to the platinum Buena Vista Social Club album--are Candido, Patato Valdes, and Giovanni Hidalgo. The music's light but insistent touch is perfectly realized here, with the three men pushing the other players forward and weaving their lines through each other's contributions. Expertly sequenced to allow the group to shine at varied tempos, the album ends with "Conga Kings Grand Finale," a seven-minute-plus affirmation of the musicians' vast talents and great affinity for one another. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com

THE CONGA KINGS- PATATO/CANDIDO/GIOVANNI

This great CD's title says it all: "THE CONGA KINGS!"
Cuba's old time greats Patato Valdes and Candido Camero team up
with new generation percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo on a great
CD. This trio is just superb in the best latin percussion CD
to hit the market in a long time.
It's hard to pick a favorite in this great compilation, but the
favorite old time classic "Tumbando Caña" is always compelling and sweet as Cuba's sugar cane!
To Patato,Candido, Giovanni and ensemble all I can say is:
BRAVISIMO! And I hope more CD's will be forthcoming! February 2, 2002

Bravo

Very good!!!!!!!!! I don't have the knowledge of conga but just love this CD. Don't expect fancy record arrangement and nice cover design, buy it now if you expect real "Kung Fu" and passion from Candido Camero, Carlos Valdes/Giovanni Hidalgo.

All tracks are wonderful and I like the track 7 most. November 27, 2001

For the true Rumberos

If you don't know what rumba is all about you ain't got
no business here. You have veteran percussionist like
patato, candido and giovanni the best conga player in the
world period, they have put together a nice session here
and the tres and flauta really adds a touch to it.
This is one of the best CD's i bought in a long time.
YES the KINGS are alive and well.
RUMBA PA'GOZAR. September 26, 2001

The real deal

These guys are the Bach, Beethoven and Mozart of conga drumming. The recording is excellent, the playing is superb, the solos are amazing. August 14, 2000

lose the flute!

The Conga Kings is aptly titled. All three of these fine musicians are truly "Kings" of their instruments. The recording is mixed very softly, though and when the flute enters into a song, it is shrill and ear-piercing, taking away from what would otherwise be a superb recording. The drumming is melodic and beautifully rhythmic. The sound is not as slick as some of the more recent "Cuban" material, which I think is a plus. So, I gave the CD 4 stars only because of the harsh flute; the rest of the music is warm and wonderful. Next time these people record together, if there is a next time, I hope that they just leave out the flute entirely (sorry Mauricio). July 18, 2000

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