CD a ‘Gate’ to Santamaria’s work

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Feb. 18, 2005 | 8:27 a.m.

Latin-jazz bandleader Mongo Santamaria is best remembered for two songs: "Afro-Blue" and "Watermelon Man."

He composed the former, an enduring jazz standard most associated with tenor legend John Coltrane.

The latter, written by pianist Herbie Hancock, became Santamaria's signature piece, after the Cuban percussionist's version soared into the Top 10 in 1963.

You won't find either track on "Mongo at the Village Gate," however. And that probably explains why the excellent live album doesn't seem to garner the universal praise it deserves.

Recorded on Sept. 2, 1963, at one of New York City's most storied (now defunct) downtown clubs, the disc showcases an intimate performance by Santamaria and his seven-piece band.

"In Mr. Santamaria we have the pure Afro sound: the feeling, the rhythm and the swinging feel," announcer "Symphony Sid" promises during an introduction leading off the set, and his words prove accurate over the nine cuts that follow.

Santamaria and his group blend African beats, Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation to create an inviting, multicultural experience. The tunes are bouncy and fun, without veering into the funk-jazz arena embraced by Santamaria in later years.

"Mongo at the Village Gate" is also notable for the fiery work of its front-line players: trumpeter Marty Sheller and saxophonists Pat Patrick and Bobby Capers. In addition to soloing expressively, the three team up to produce a slew of high-energy passages, all the while backed by Santamaria and his drum crew.

Easily available for under $15, the disc works well as an intro to Mongo, or as further listening for folks out there who might already own "Afro-Blue" and "Watermelon Man" and are eager to hear more.

Artist: Mongo Santamaria.

Title: "Mongo at the Village Gate."

Year of release: 1963 (reissued by Riverside/OJC, 1991).

Tracklisting: Introduction by "Symphony Sid," "El Toro," "Fatback," "Mongo's Groove," "Creole," "The Jungle Bit," "My Sound," "The Morning After," "Nothing For Nothing," "Para Ti."