I'm going to post something a little different today in sharing one of my all-time favorite Afro-Cuban jazz songs in Dizzy Gillespie's thirteen minute extended version of "Manteca". One of the reasons I'm posting this track is because I can almost single handily credit this funky jazz gem for opening up me to the world of jazz. From the song's Fela Kuti-like horn intro to the funky Latin percussion breaks, I fell in love with this track from the first time I heard it. Some might consider this track as Dizzy's greatest work and a turning point in his prolific career as he branched out from bebop to Afro-Cuban jazz. As with many jazz songs, their have been many different versions of "Manteca" that have appeared on various albums and with array of different lineups, however this is the version that appears on the 1973 album titled The Source. Since being turned on to this funky jazz classic, I've seeked out more Afro-Cuban music and have come across many other great artists from that genre that I had once not heard about including Machito, Manteca, The Har-You Percussion Group, Kenny Dorham and many more. Even though this track is not the sort of song that typically get's featured on this site, it has been one that has helped re-shape my music tastes in quite an impacting way. For those who have yet heard this song, hopefully it will a similiar impact as it did on me. Enjoy!Dizzy Gillespie - Manteca
9 comments:
I'm no stranger to jazz but I've never heard this great song before. Smooth like butter. Also, I know Dizzy is a native of SC but I've been getting into Treme and it's really renewing my appreciation for the music. Thanks for sharing this, and if there are some more Afro-Cuban jams you want to share you'll have at least one happy reader.
There is a remix of this by Funky Lowlives which is pretty sick
I love this cut and the Har You album but have never dipped into Kenny Dorham. Any recommendations for that or any other similar type stuff?
remy
Dizzy's "Sweet Soul Live" album will always be one of my favorites also. Great post thanks.
I'm really happy to see that everybody enjoys this post. I was a little nervous to feature a jazz song like this one because it is so much different than most of the tracks that make it onto this site. It motivates me to incorporate other funky jazz songs with the usual disco gems in the near future.
Keep those comments coming, I continue to enjoy hearing from everyone!
When i think of Cuban jazz - 'Can't Get Started' by Arturo Sandoval (off his Trumpet Evolution album) is the tune that immediately comes to mind.
Yuup. You just opened my eyes too. I love jazz, never thought what Afro Cubano Jazz could be like. Wow. This sounds great. It's soo rhythmic. It's perfect man. Where can I find more?
I'll continue throughout the next few weeks posting some more Afro-Cuban tracks. If you like the Dizzy track, I first recommend checking out Kenny Dorham's "Afro-Cuban" LP. One of my all-time Favorites!
Also try Machito, Har-You Percussion Group, Later Charlie Parker material, Manteca, Chico O'Farrill...
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