JACK COSTANZO'S MR. BONGO FEATURES 26 RED HOT SKIN SLAPPIN' BONGO BASHIN' LATIN JAZZ N' MAMBO BANGERS

The phrase 'living legend' is undoubtedly overused but there can be few people more deserving of such an accolade than Jack Costanzo. Born on the 24th September 1919, Costanzo is arguably the most significant percussionist of the modern era. Playing with many key orchestras, leading his own band, appearing in numerous TV shows and films and tutoring bongo playing to the stars, more than any other figure Jack Costanzo brought percussion, specifically Latin percussion and his trademark bongos, to widespread attention. But he wasn't merely a popularist, he was in turn revered by his peers and critics alike for his natural ability, invention, and perhaps most importantly his sheer versatility. He became known as 'Mr. Bongo' (first coined by jazz critic Leonard Feather), and the tag could hardly be more appropriate.

Latin music and its influence in general is often criminally overlooked in music history, but as a white Italian American who rose to prominence playing Latin music at the height of the mambo craze of the 1950s, Jack Costanzo has probably even more neglected. But hopefully not for too much longer as this 23 track retrospective seeks to redress the balance and give him the special treatment his spectacular career deserves. Showcasing many of the musical highlights of his mid-50s peak and featuring extensive liner notes based on new interviews with Costanzo himself, 'Mr. Bongo' serves as a perfect introduction to the many who may not yet be aware of Jack Costanzo, as well as providing those who are already fans with the ultimate collection of his work.

· All tracks digitally restored from original sources

· Deluxe double-gatefold 2LP vinyl WITH FREE 'HOW TO PLAY THE BONGOS' 20 PAGE BOOKLET INSIDE!

· CD with 16 page colour booklet

· Original cover art from Derek Yaniger

· Both formats contain pics & notes provided personally by Jack Costanzo himself

Tracklisting:

1. Sax con ritmo (feat. Eddie Cano) - Jack Costanzo
2. Caravan - Jack Costanzo & His Afro Cuban Band
3. Cumbanchero (feat. Eddie Cano) - Jack Costanzo
4. Quiere (Live) - Jack Costanzo
5. El diablito - Jack Costanzo
6. La La La - Jack Costanzo & His Afro Cuban Band
7. Bongo Fever - Jack Costanzo
8. Taboo (feat. Eddie Cano) - Jack Costanzo
9. Bei mir bist du schoen - Jack Costanzo
10. Malaguena (feat. Eddie Cano) - Jack Costanzo
11. Peanut Vendor (feat. Eddie Cano) - Jack Costanzo
12. Jarochito - Jack Costanzo
13. Adjaye adjaye - Jack Costanzo
14. Bongo festeris - Jack Costanzo & His Afro Cuban Band
15. Tabu (feat. Jack Costanzo) -  Andre's Cuban All Stars
16. Oye negra (feat. Eddie Cano) - Jack Costanzo
17. Atu - Jack Costanzo
18. Quiere - Jack Costanzo
19. Goza negra - Jack Costanzo & His Afro Cuban Band
20. Robins Mambo (feat. Tony Martinez & His Orchestra) - Eddie Cano & Jack Costanzo
21. Rabo e Mula - Jack Costanzo
22. Pharoah's Curse (feat. Tony Martinez & His Orchestra) - Eddie Cano & Jack Costanzo
23. Latin Fever (feat. Eddie Cano) - Jack Costanzo
24. Mira como los pollos - Jack Costanzo
25. Abainaquito - Jack Costanzo & His Afro Cuban Band
26. Besame mucho (feat. Tony Martinez & His Orchestra) - Eddie Cano & Jack Costanzo