Blue Mambo

Blue Mambo

Blue Mambo is an 18-track compilation bringing together a colourful selection of mambo, Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban-influenced recordings from the Blue Note and associated catalogue. Originally issued around 2000, this eclectic collection combines classic big-band mambo, sophisticated jazz, Latin rhythms and vocal performances, making it an enjoyable introduction to the vibrant meeting point between American jazz and Cuban and Afro-Latin music.

The compilation features an impressive line-up of jazz and Latin music names, including "Stan Kenton & His Orchestra", "Stanley Turrentine", "George Shearing", "Jimmy Smith", "Art Pepper", "Grant Green", "Peggy Lee", "Chucho Valdés", "Gonzalo Rubalcaba" and "Tito Puente Jr.". The result is a varied programme that moves between orchestral jazz, Hammond-led groove, Latin piano, vocal jazz and full-blown mambo.

Among the highlights is "Viva Prado" from "Stan Kenton & His Orchestra", reflecting Kenton's long-standing interest in Latin-influenced big-band jazz. "Niger Mambo" brings the distinctive tenor sound of "Stanley Turrentine", while "Judo Mambo" showcases the unmistakable Hammond B3 style of "Jimmy Smith". George Shearing appears three times with "Mambo No. 2", "Mambo In Miami" and "Mambo Caribe", giving the collection a strong jazz-piano presence.

The Latin side of the compilation becomes particularly prominent with "Tito's Groove" and "Dos Generaciones" from "Tito Puente Jr.", the latter featuring his legendary father "Tito Puente". Cuban pianist and composer "Chucho Valdés" contributes "Ponle La Clave", while "Gonzalo Rubalcaba" delivers an extended 10-minute-plus interpretation of "Caravan". "Grant Green"'s "Mambo Inn" adds a classic Blue Note jazz-guitar perspective to the collection.

There is plenty here for fans of vintage mambo and Latin dance music, but Blue Mambo also works as a jazz compilation in its own right, connecting artists from different generations and musical traditions. "Peggy Lee" appears with both "Always True To You In My Fashion" and "On The Street Where You Live", while "Jack Costanzo & His Orchestra", "Dave Barbour" and "Billy May's Rico Mambo Orchestra" add further examples of the period when mambo and Latin rhythms were being incorporated into American popular and jazz music.

This 18-track CD is a lively collection for listeners interested in mambo, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Blue Note jazz, Hammond jazz and classic big-band music, with an especially appealing mixture of familiar jazz names and Latin specialists.

Tracklist

1. "Stan Kenton & His Orchestra" – Viva Prado
2. "Stanley Turrentine" – Niger Mambo
3. "Tito Puente Jr." – Tito's Groove
4. "George Shearing" – Mambo No. 2
5. "Jack Costanzo & His Orchestra" – Peter Gunn Mambo
6. "Peggy Lee" – Always True To You In My Fashion
7. "Jimmy Smith" – Judo Mambo
8. "George Shearing" – Mambo In Miami
9. "Art Pepper" – Mambo De La Pinto
10. "Gonzalo Rubalcaba" – Caravan
11. "Dave Barbour" – Mambo Jambo
12. "Grant Green" – Mambo Inn
13. "Peggy Lee" – On The Street Where You Live
14. "Stan Kenton" – Peanut Vendor
15. "Billy May's Rico Mambo Orchestra" – Hernando's Hideaway
16. "Chucho Valdes" – Ponle La Clave
17. "George Shearing" – Mambo Caribe
18. "Tito Puente Jr. & Tito Puente" – Dos Generaciones