Palo Congo

This album congo fuck itself

3.5 - Some cool polyrhythmic, call-and-response folk songs. A nice palate cleanser from all the post-punk, British electronica and Neil Young.

Not heard this before. Because it's an older stereo recording you get things pushed real hard left and right and I don't love that on headphones. Also being older the recording is a touch on the raw side but it suits the sound I think. I'll listen again on speakers and will probably like it more that way. In a weird way this reminds me of krautrock in it's trance like repetition and jamming. I like the textured/layered rhythm and the tendency towards chanting. It actually sounds very experimental to me yet rooted in something that feels ancient and raw. The birth of the groove. Man, can you imagine seeing this being performed live in a jazz club back in the day?

Look, I'll be the first to admit that I probably just don't "get" this. But the plain fact was this was painful to listen to. It's repetitive noise. You would have to be just REALLY into conga drums to love this album. There's a 6 minute track that's NOTHING BUT CONGAS. And the next one is a 4 minute track of MOSTLY congas broken up by random yells and loud samba whistles. On the tracks where there ARE vocals, they're off-key shrieks accompanied by extraordinarily shrill "harmonies" (if you can call them that). It's. The. WORST. Hands down. Listening to this album makes me angry.

This might be one of my fav discoveries via using this generator. The Cuban rhythms on congo are very intoxicating and dancy. The chanty vocals add to a very nice atmosphere. Blue Note does not miss and this is a very very very good album.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, before In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. But Cuban. This album is 65 years old and sounds like it was recorded down in the barrio yesterday. While it seems out of place for a Blue Note record, latin-jazz ushered the way in for the Bossa Nova craze that would come in a short decade. This was a fun listen and I plan on buying this on vinyl to have a dance party in my living room.

Afro-cubano, muito bom, infelizmente tem poucos albuns q nao sao em ingles nessa lista...

I had to actively ignore Rudy Van Gelder's name to get on board with this one. The recording is the weakest part, at least in terms of pleasantness. There's plenty of information preserved, and the beat information in particular is of such density that I can't help but love it. I've only been affected by rhythms in this way by EDM records in the past, but this is all humans all the time. I took and left the often harsh tone elements, but there's enough variety on here to make me question the wisdom of that move.

Loved to dance through such a historical day

Man, the haters can kick rocks. This album rules and the guitar parts are amazing.

after listening to this album, i was a bit surprised to find that it seems to be pretty unliked. not just here but on other websites, etc. i was a percussionist in a past life, so i am not afraid of a drum-forward and rhythm-forward album. this was pretty cool. the conga playing was top notch and the songs here were very fun. it felt like a party at times. the one gripe i think i have with this album is that there wasn't anything that really gripped me. there was a lot of cool stuff, but not really anything i think i would come back for more than this listen. still, i appreciated this album - this is the kind of stuff i love this project for!

A different spin from 1001, this gives us some Afro-Cuban jams that a very much rhythmically-focused. As the name suggests, prepare for the congas. It's a nice slice from another part of the world, though the vocals leave little to be desired. It's best to consider them as part of the rhythm, with their call-and-response style that grounds the music. Overall, it's pretty simple, so it's not much to be impressed by. Sometimes a nice little album showcasing music from outside of the usual countries is all that's needed.

This is the first time I've listened to a rumba album. I sincerely hope it was the last time I've listened to a rumba album.

holy crap, fucking amazing. super swinging' and stuff. i love the sweet syncopated rhythms, and the panning of, say, a guitar all the way to the right - which usually annoys me - is more fun than anything here.

Just the right amount of bongos

My SIL first moved over here from Cuba in the early 2000s. If you ever want to feel like cementing yourself as the most awkward white-guy dancer in a crowd, go to a Cuban party. The guy talking at the start of the 2nd track was sick. The drumming makes me want to slap a barstool for a pub conga solo

Super fun listen wouldn’t have found this without the list.

Just finished listening to Napalm Death and now this. I can't tell the difference to be honest! Only kidding of course but this is another world to what we hear nowadays and it's hard to be objective. It's good to listen to. Reading the reviews I'm dismayed at the random low marks so I'm randomly giving this a '5'

album cover and sound are perfect poser record bar accoutrements. But do I like it? Well, yes the drums seem fun for cooking / party / typing. And the generla lack of intelligibility (to my ear) means it is great work music that wont distract. Except for the stereo seperation. and the cool sub call and response going on. and the cool mumbling and waling. hey maybe I really like this. At least a 4, so lets get binary. Either I hate it (1), am indifferent (3) or I wantot hear it again (5). Happy Easter Buona Natale, et Buena Note. damn I am starting to understand this.

Judging by the cover, 5 stars. Yep, 5 stars. Would listen again, made me feel happy. No notes.

Listening to this makes me feel exactly as I would imagine Cuba in 1957. Such a pure and wild sound experience.

I love when things like this come up that are completely unique and interesting and wash away the pain of the countless mediocre British indie bands

Authentic and pure music ! I could listen to this all day long !

Exactly why I love music.

This is a great album - not the best of it's genre, but still very good. In fact, if this had been better recorded it would have easily got 5 stars. Having said that, the fact that it is still highly enjoyable to listen to now is testament to the original recording using the limited technology available in the 1950s. Anyone who isn't moved by the rhythms on this album needs to check themselves.

I felt like I was being raised in the air like Simba when I heard this album.

I didn’t love everything, and the vocals were especially rough at points, but some of the rhythms spoke to me on what I can only describe as a primal level. 7/10

I've never fully dived into latin jazz, probably as some of the famous albums I've checked out have been a bit clean/safe/chilled sounding. This one is WILD. Lots of hypnotic drumming and chanting. Very strong roots in African traditional folk musics, with the jazz and latin sounds making this a fusion feast. Would like more in this vein please. 4*

Really feeling this album. I like how you can hear all the distinct parts so clearly. The percussion feels like it's right there. Loved the guitar on "Rhapsodia Del Maravilloso."

Was fully in the groove with the final three tracks. Bonus points for the relentless bass that drowned out the jerk blasting music next to me on the train.

Phenomenal. Afro Latin blueprint

Great cultural showcase of the heights of Congo music

More of this please, low 5.

This is a fun listen

Amazing listen - great quality performance and solid recording. The skills of the musicians are well showcased.

It's not my favorite music, but I guess the list was missing something on this really Latin/Caribbean style, so I'll pay respect to its inclusion on the list.

yes

Everything about this is wonderful.

kevyttä täydellisyyttä kongon pojilta

i loved it

So so different. Excellent rhythms. I don't even know how I can classify this album.

Finally, some good fucking music

Loved this. Can't go wrong with Blue Note really. Wouldn't have given it a listen without this app.

Yes yes yes! Already love the first song. Love having a chance to hear the whole album. Truly, this is exactly what I was hoping to find on this list. Everything about this is perfect.

I haven't heard this in forever! 5 stars for the beat, random shouts and animal sounds and 5 stars for the synchronicity: I just listened to a podcast about Rafael Hernandez this morning.

I love cuban music so much

Congo’s are now a vibe

RIGHT up my alley! Afro Caribbean music is the best.

Like I was at a warm street party into the late hours of the night, just beautiful.

Years ago I tried to work my way through the 1001 albums. I didn't get far, but this was my one mind blowing discovery. Bloody love it. It's so fun and funky and summery.

This was a surprise! I really like the rhythm of hat record and the raw energy

Pretty easy to get 5 stars out of me, Spanish lyrics and Latin riddimmmms. Love it. Favourite song was the first track El Cumbanchero

Love how loose this feels

very beautiful

Loved the heavy reliance on percussion. The songs were driving and worth listening to.

Enjoyed it, although it didn’t blow my mind or anything

Aí sim, baita sonzao

É um ótimo álbum para se sentir animado e contagiado numa noite de sexta-feira! AMEI!

This is so good to listen to while working, hypnotic and energetic, a+ flow

Loved it. Very energetic

this was so different than any other music I ever listen to and I loved it!

Great great great! Music that makes you swing your hips and move your feet! Probably a good thing no one else was around when I listened... injuries may have occurred...

Luis ‘Sabu’ Martinez was a regular on the New York Jazz scene in the 50s, playing conga with greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. For his debut album as band leader on Blue Note he focused on music from his Cuban/Spanish heritage with a mix of rumba rhythms and traditional son styles. As might be expected drums are foremost on this album, with complex, hypnotic poly rhythms and some harsh percussion that sounds like someone banging a tin can, interspersed with yelps and some unusual call and response bits. Also making an appearance is the distinctive tres guitar of Arsenio Rodriguez. Fabulous, life affirming music to brighten your day.

Enjoyed

allez allez

A welcome change to the boring new wave/post punk/indie stuff that people take way too seriously. If you don’t like it maybe your bones are just not blessed enough to appreciate anything beyond a straight 4/4 rock then.

Cool funky sound. This is why I got into the project in the first place. I never would have listened to this, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Really interesting. Love some Cuban and this feels influential, seminal. Amazing for 1957. Energy, colour, contrast. Fun. Wonderful musicianship. Playful. 4.2

A fun listen. The call and response vocals bring to mind so many other genres, and much of the songs are head-bobbing if not outright danceable. Maybe between a 3 & 4 - some tracks are a bit repetitively drum heavy ... but still miles better than a Rush drum fill so rounding up to a 4. Favorites: Choferito-Plena, Tribilin Cantore, El Cumbanchero.

Great african sounds

this was fire on the low. I love a good shouting song w some beats underneath

Hand drum bonanza Feels both ancient and modern And insists you dance

An interesting album, I liked El Cumbanchero, Rhapsodia Del Maravilloso and Tribilin Cantore.

I almost started dancing 4/5

"Palo Congo" is the debut album by American congeuro (conga player) of Puerto Rican descent Louis "Sabu" Martinez. The Wiki-listed genre is Cuban rumba. Besides Sabu who plays the congas, bongos and vocals, bandmembers included Arseno Rodriguez (congas, tres, guitar, vocals), Raul "Ceasar" Travieso (congas, vocals), Israel Moisés Quique Travieso (congas), Ray "Mosquito" Romero (congas), Evaristo Baró (bass) and vocalists Willie Capó and Sarah Baró. "El cumbnchero" starts outs with a tres guitar. The vocals come in with very quick percussions. Male and female vocals join. This song features the guitar. "Absabache" is essentially a conga and bongos jam from start to finish. The closing song "Tribilin cantore" is very much a tropical jam. Congas and a female vocalist. I have to admit I was very bust today and didn't get to dig as much as usual, but this music was very enjoyable to listen to as I worked. Percussion and rhythm heavy. The music is mostly instrumental. Exquisite guitar and tres playing. A fun and joyous album that should bring a smile to everyone.

Primal. In a sexy Latino way.

Not into Latin/Rumba music? Don’t know what it is? One listen to this and you will be hooked. Intoxicatingly energetic. Just be sure to put on your dance shoes before you listen.

Lots of fun.

Different and trying to put it in context for the time. Would go back and revisit as I enjoy this style.

Fun and funky! Wasn’t a huge fan of the tracks with a lot of yelling but otherwise, I enjoyed this. I LOVE upbeat Latin music, and that’s something I didn’t know before starting this challenge.

¡que rápido!

This album sounds like the soundtrack to a wild party! At times the Cuban sound seems to move into a rather African call and response feel. To me, however, the album seems a bit same-y, so while I reckon it's great party music, it's not something I'd add to my collection.

This was fun, quick, easy, loved it. It’s a nice little record to put on when you’re getting some things done around the house. I can only hope that it’s even better if you can understand what they’re saying. Not sure how original it is, but I’ll say it’s unique. Stands out and I enjoy it. 4/5

Pretty good. Not a genre I'm familiar with or drawn to, but it's hard to go wrong with percussion forward music in my ears.

Loved it !

Gek album weer, zitten in een bijzondere hoek! Dit is waarschijnlijk toegevoegd omdat er nou eenmaal meer muziek is gemaakt dan alleen Britpop. Prettige afwisseling en ik kan altijd wel genieten van de muziek op dit album, maar de recording is helaas vrij matig en er zijn wat nummers die gewoon niet goed lopen. Als het wel goed loopt dan swingt het ook meteen lekker en vibe ik dit album heel goed! Nummers zoals een Simba trek ik gewoon niet zo goed, het is een soort jazzy nummer met hier en daar een soort oerkreet. Andere nummers hebben meer de Call and Response die bekend is van deze stijl muziek. Ik snap dat dit een cultuur ding is en probeer ze hier niet op af te rekenen en ben oprecht blij dat de nummers die wel bevallen ook echt leuk zijn. Daarnaast; GOD wat ben ik blij dat dit geen rock/Britpop/Neil Young album is, krijgen ze bij dezen een sterretje van me erbij. FAVO: El Cumbanchero, Choferito-Plena, Rhapsodia Del Maravilloso, Aggo Ellegua

Look, I can recognise it is good music. It’s not for me. But it’s good.

Never would have listened to this without the generator so for that I'm grateful. It's a weird album. Felt like I was sitting around a campfire during a ritual in some indigenous tribe.

very african. I've heard this before I think. It's intense and high energy. 4 maybe?

Good, I'd pick this up if I saw it.

Congo bongo songos.

cry harder, guitarwank enthusiasts

With some polish that could have been really nice. Obviously talented, let down by the recording.

Afro-cuban jazz hey? Cool, I'm not sure I've heard anything like it. Lots of variety and focus on trumpets and hand drums. Some songs were very light on ideas and quite repetitive, others were upbeat and almost raucous. Cool to be exposed to something I wouldn't have been, otherwise!

I enjoyed this. Definitely a change of pace from British post punk and 70s glam.

Smoooth.

Rhythm and grooves just pouring out of this album. I feel like I’m there in the room, and the energy is high!

You can recognize a Blue Note album cover from a mile away, and it's always a good sign when the album pops up and you know it's a Blue Note. Unfamiliar with Sabu, and this is more jazz adjacent as an excellent Cuban Rumba record. Really enjoyable weekend morning listen with my morning coffee.

This had me tapping out polyrhythms at my desk for a few hours after I finished listening.

A fun listen that gets a bit repetitive, but is still very cool. I do not think I will revisit this project as a whole very often, but a couple of songs like Asabache and El Cumbanchero are fantastic. I find the departure from guitar and vocal driven music a nice change of pace, and it is so fun to just sink into a rhythmic and percussive project. The call and response work throughout the album is great too, and reminds me of a ton of the Sega, Seggae, and Creole albums I grew up listening to. Personally, this album gave me a ton of nostalgia for family events growing up. Fantastic listen, but idk how often I will revisit it.