Mongo Santamaria: "Fuego"

While Mongo Santamaria is well-known for his contributions to Latin jazz and salsa, I would argue that his ‘70’s tenure as a funk pioneer is sorely overlooked, and even outright ignored.  Mongo made some of the best funk records I’ve ever heard—and you know I’ve heard more than a few—with “Fuego” being no exception.  The opener, “Crazy Lady,” is a dance-floor stunner, with what I think might be an uncredited vibes solo by Roy Ayers…no mention of vibes in the credits, but bassist William Allen is on this album, and he was an associate of Ayers at this time, so…?  The rest of the material ranges from equally funky (“Don’t Step On My Tears,” “Fingers”), to Latin-jazz-textured (“Springtime,” “Last Tango In Paris”), to Afro-Cuban (“Besame,” “Chambique,” “Malcolm X”).  The band is on fire throughout this LP, and the great, signature trend of having both Mongo’s congas and the drum-kit WAY up in the mix means that, if you have the bass on your stereo up, you may well end up with some blown speakers, to say nothing of your mind.  Next-level and without parallel.