Personnel:
Candido Camero (perc), Ernie Wilkins, Manny Albam (arr, dir), Bernie Glow, Art Farmer, Charlie Shavers (tp), Jimmy Cleveland, Frank Rehak, Tommy Mitchell (tb), Phil Woods (as), Jimmy Buffington (Frh), Hank Jones (p)
Reference: FSRCD 632
Bar code: 8427328606325
A long with Chano Pozo, Candido was a seminal influence in the exciting marriage of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz. Showcased in these two successful albums, the great Cuban conga and bongo player is presented with the opportunity to demonstrate his gifts against orchestral backgrounds provided by Ernie Wilkins and Manny Albam.
On Candido the Volcanic Wilkins arranged six of the eight tunes, while Lady in Red and Moonlight in Vermont are Albam's work. The solo spots are shared by such jazz greats as Art Farmer, Hank Jones, Frank Rehak, Ernie Royal and Charlie Shavers.
On Latin Fire, Albam scored a collection of vintage jazz tunes with notable craftsmanship, taking four voices and, minus lyrics, and using them just like horns. The brass figures benefit from the impact of top section hornmen, while Phil Woods plays with originality and vitality. And Candido, the raison dêtre of this set, displays his signature way with Afro-Cuban polyrhythms and coaxes an infinite variety of sounds out of a single drum head.
