Jazz Articles about Sabu

Sabu: Palo Congo

by Jim Santella
March 1, 2000

Recorded in 1957, the Afro-Cuban music of Sabu Martinez carries both a spiritual and improvised modern jazz connotation. Derived from African tradition, the music relies on a constant riff over which singers relate colorful stories in Spanish. From their call and response vocals to the hypnotizing hand drum riffs, the primitive music sends an historic message. The original liner notes, with thorough explanations for each tune, are provided with this reissue.

Sabu’s band uses an interesting mix of sounds. Five ...