Candido: Thousand Finger Man

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: March 1, 2000

The late 1960s and early 1970s introduced changes to jazz as well as to all of music. Pop organ and whacka-whacka electric guitar sounds invaded the studio when Candido recorded these sessions in September 1969. This reissue with Dr. Billy Taylor’s original liner notes only measures 38 minutes in length, but its value lies in the quality; not its running time. So play it twice. Highly recommended, Thousand Finger Man is a pop album with spirit, musical accuracy and excellent sound quality.

Conguero Candido Camero was born in Havana and came to New York with Dizzy Gillespie’s encouragement. But then, that was in 1952 before history made Cuba-U.S. relations rather awkward for working musicians. Candido has had the opportunity to perform with Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Elvin Jones and many others. His talent as congacero and bongocero is matched by only a few. Stepping into the spotlight frequently, Candido stirs up the band. Their well-balanced band sound includes organ, two guys splitting the electric bass chair, horns, and guitar. The title track demonstrates literally Candido’s abilities as he trades fours with the band and makes both conga drums & bongo drums talk to each other.

Track Listing: Jump Back; Come On Choo-Choo Train; Soul Limbo; Tony

Personnel: Candido Camero- congas, bongos on "Hallelujah! I

Record Label: Blue Note Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream