Kenya

I liked this a lot! I think I'm starting to become a fan of jazz. I would consider listening to this again because it was so fun. If the rating system allowed for half stars, I'd give this 4.5 stars.

Not my type 1/5 0 songs added to library

Predicted the mid to late Sixties in the mid to late Fifties.

the gumshoe and the hepcat, original soundtrack recording

It's some really nice jazz with the African/Cuban influences, especially on the drums. At times some relaxed jazz to have on in the background, other times uplifting jazz to dance to, but it never really gets special for me. I appreciate the importance of this album in music history and am glad I listened to it a few times, but will likely never put it on again.

relaxing

It’s the sound track of every 1950-60 movie in the most perfect way. Be it beatnik or love story- incredibly fun. Enough energy to move, not the ideal album for me to relax to. It makes me want to wear all my pin-up clothes.

I’m into it. I’ll give it another couple of listens, but it’s abstract- but not too abstract

很有趣的一张爵士专，很欢乐，很丰富。总会给我一种迪士尼老动画的感觉。整个专辑声音都很满，可是听起来却一点都不累。没有任何不喜欢的单曲，很不错。

Perfect album to smoke this j to. 🤣

From 70s Disco to 50s Afro-Cuban Jazz. Yeppers. - Wild Jungle – About what I’d expect from Afro-Cuban Jazz. Lots of hand-drums percussion. The original trumpet solo is fine. Tone is not my favorite. The first percussion solo is nifty, but not varied enough to be particularly notable. Kinda blends together. Second percussion solo is a bit better. Then it ends. Kinda without a climax. - Congo Mulence – A slower track. Smoother too. I like the trumpet solos in this one. - Kenya - Another lower mid-tempo track, though not as smooth as Congo. Feels like the opening to a 50s sitcom or cartoon, lol. The longest track on the album. The transition to faster percussion and more aggressive brass doesn’t really work for me. - Oyeme – Defining sound here is the da-da-DA! trumpet riff. Lots of trumpet soloing, but no real climax. - Holiday – This one is more distinctive, which I appreciate. The sassy/cocky trumpet riff is fun. - Cannonology – A more dancy track with stronger bass. Kinda forgettable though. - Frenzy - another one where the bass takes an active role, giving this one a stronger feel. The frantic percussion lets an energy to this lacking in some of the others. This one is probably the best percussion of the bunch, with the trumpets often serving as accents instead of being the driving force. The extended percussion solo is quite nice. Like a lot of the songs, though, the climax either isn’t there, or comes too abruptly and ends. - Blues a La Machito – A slower track with a fair bit of swagger. Smooth like Congo Mulence, but not quite as memorable. The chorus of brass is kind of a grating sound too. Not sure if it’s the mastering or what, but I really don’t like that. This one does at least have a proper climax. - Conversation – Good balance with the percussion and brass. The different brass sounds do sound like they’re having a conversation, hence the name. It mostly works as a concept. A pretty good song. - Tin Tin Deo – Sounds a lot like the other songs on this album tbh. Not sure if there’s anything new here. - Minor Rama – Lots of trumpet work, and it’s hit or miss. A lot of the tones, I’m not a fan of, but the groove is really nice, as is the solo. - Turuato – The rhythm of the brass is kinda jarring. I don’t really like it. A lot of short songs on this one. Most under 3 minutes and longest is 3:28. That’s different from what I’ve come to expect from jazz, but brevity is nice for easy listening. There’s not a lot of variety on this record. It’s all trumpet and percussion music, and not much to distinguish each track, outside of Congo Mulence’s super smooth solos and Holiday’s cocky trumpet riff. The trumpet playing is nice, but I’m not the biggest trumpet fan, so a number of the tracks fall flat. This is more of an every-other-track album than a consistently good one. From reading about Machito, it sounds like he’s genuinely insanely innovative in terms of music, so it’s a bit surprising that so many of the songs here come off sounding so similar. Then again, about half the songs are really good, so… Overall, this was an enjoyable experience to listen too, though nothing just is rushing up as my favorite. It’s in a weird spot where it’s probably too good to be a 3/5 but not good enough to be a 4/5. I can’t do half stars, though, so I guess it’s a 3? To be a 4 it’d need a bit more variety or WOW moments, I think.

Good example of Afro-Cuban jazz. Lots of horns and drums.

Was fun to listen, very upbeat and engaging

Good old-fashioned jazz.

Lots of fun - not what I expected, but was tapping my foot. Not entirely sure why this is afro Jazz, but whatever it was, I liked it

It was alright.

I imagine if you're into this type of music it's good, but it's a 2.5 for me.

Nice arrangements and tasteful playing, but it all blends together.

It’s ok for jazz, not a big fan of the genre but it’s an easy listen.

Very fun, but not one I could appreciate fully because I don't understand why it is so good. I really enjoyed it, but jazz just isn't my thing.

It's a jazz record. Just not my thing.

Very good instrumental album brah

What a great album. That is "feel good" music 100%. 3.5

I don’t do Jazz

Rating: 7/10

Holy shit this is awesome I don't listen to jazz often but I'm a sucker for Afro-Cuban percussion It did end up getting a little old for me personally though

Good

Perfect, blistering and crazy, repetitive sometimes

Congo/salsa music. Was not expecting to enjoy this at all but I had it on in the background while I was working and found myself swaying along to the music. Still not really my style or anything I would listen to on a regular basis but it makes you want to move.

jazz cubano hey

Bright and splashy, exactly what you'd expect from this. I'll take it

Awesome album for productivity 4 3

I've never heard of Machito or any of the music on Kenya. I enjoyed listening to something different that I would pick for myself. I probably don't understand enough about the music to fully enjoy what is offered. There were tracks that grabbed more of my attention ("Blues a la Machito", "Holiday", "Congo Mulence") but there were also tracks that made me feel impatient to move on to the next thing ("Wild Jungle"). Kenya was good enough.

very upbeat

On one listen it doesn’t transcend high quality late night TV talk show jazz. Frenzy was a highlight.

I enjoyed it

3/5

I'll be listening to this again.

Fun!

I’ll be on a Latin jazz kick for a week now.

Jazz latino. Está bien. Un 4.

Latin jazz. Agradable.

More like a soundtrack, but fun

Jazzy

Not my jam. Seem talented tho

Enjoyed listening to it but wouldn’t rush back again. Imagine if an episode of Tom & Jerry was set in Nandos.

detta var party. Tyvärr är det lite för repetetativt, även fast albumet var bara under 40 minuter.

Fun listen. Cool album, very different to the rest of the albums listened to so far.

Kenya came across a bit too soundtrack-y, though the rhythms were neat and the playing high-quality. Seems like many of the players never really opened up, at least not in any way I could pick up.

Yes, funky, and yes, complex rhythmically, but personally, I find too much going on here, especially percussion-wise. Title track, “Holiday” and “Blues la Machito” are tops for me but there is a large amount of sameness, inclusive of much impressive playing and soloing. Plus it all sounds good. But it’s almost too jazzy, too typically popular big band (as Machito aimed for the charts and broad acceptance, one supposes). One wishes for a bit more of a world music feel. Compare this to say Ethiopiques albums and you see what I mean. File under “not quite my thing.”

Pretty good Afro-Cuban jazz album, I’m not the biggest fan of big band jazz but these guys were swinging.

Sassy. Loved it.

So enthusiastic and light and breezy.

Great cleaning music or if you have a bongo fetish. Lots of fun, but the music Apple provided after the album ended was equally fun. A high 3 but didn't add.

Frank Grillo "Machito" was one of the first guys to bring afro-cuban rhythms into jazz. This was a distinct style point that brought new life into the genre by focusing on the excellent percussion from Cuba (congas, bongo, timbales) while also utilizing the 2-3 son and 3-2 son clave rhythms with the horns and melodies of big band jazz. Kenya is a prime example of this work, as best shown in the song Frenzy, which is aptly named. I love the energy and blend of styles on display here, it's a real treat. It's not the most varied or excellent show of jazz in general, but based on the stylistic premise I can still enjoy this album and what it has to offer. I do wish, however, that an album called "Kenya" featured more music styling from East Africa, such as Taarab.

Upbeat lounge music? Very cool afro jazz vibes and what on earth is Cubop.

Svidile su mi se vise ove smooth pjesme nego ove s intenzivnim bongosima. Tako da trojka

Znači, baš sam uživao u ovom albumu na neki način. Nije čista četvorka, ali je solidno.

Fine easy going jazz. Smooth and fun.

I thought this list was mostly classic rock but turns out it is entirely jazz 2

More please!

Enjoyable at first but the horn blasts start to grate on me after awhile. Can you imagine listening to this with a hangover?

Kind of fun but gets a bit exhausting to listen as an album.

trilha sonora perfeita para filmes que se passam no caribe. boas músicas, mas não é o meu estilo, porém dá para perceber a influência que teve em sintetizar a música da região.

4/25/2022 Today's Album: "Kenya" by Machito - This album is one of afro-cuban jazz and it is done quite well. The highlights amongst these tracks stand out as amazing demonstration of jazz stylings with great representation of both African and Cuban percussion and a ton of really excellent improv performances. The others of the track list might not impress as much as the highlights, but they still do a great job as background music and the production is top notch. There's a lot to like in the instrumentation of this album and all of the horn players do a really great job with crescendos and fast stops. Some of the solos throughout the album are noticeably worse and it is a mystery to me whether or not it is intentional, but either way it just sounds less musically proficient than the others.. The mix places everything pretty much exactly where it would be in a usual jazz band, with sax in the front and trumpet blaring out from the back. I don't think there is too much to say outside of the fact that this is a really solid jazz album with a ton of personality. Give this one a listen if you like improv jazz and/or African percussion/Latin horns and you won't be disappointed. This is obviously a very talented group and I like a ton of the sounds here. Score: 8/10 Great Jazz with a few minor lacking performances Highlights: Congo Mulence, Kenya, Holiday, Cannonology, Frenzy, Blues a La Machito, Conversation, Tin Tin Deo, Minor Rama, Tururato

Dang, this album is tight! All so locked in, and there are some real complicated polyrhythms happening. It's all a bit too frenetic for my ears at the moment -- maybe after another mug of coffee? -- but I can see why this album made the list. The Wikipedia entry on Machito lists quite a few innovations this band created, and that's super cool. Jazz in the 50s. What a time!

racous crowded Mafia-style afro-cuban big band jazz. musty old-school recording feel. Somehow reminds me of the Copacabana scene from Goodfellas

This was surprisingly enjoyable, for someone who doesn't necessarily enjoy jazz. I like how each song is short and sweet, gets to the point. I will definitely be listening to the album again.

What a bucket of fun, this album! Right from Wild Jungle, I had to move along to these smooth sounds.

Pretty lame form of jazz.

Love it. Afro-Cuban jazz is fantastic. This is what this list is all about.

Very cool Latin jazz album. Not my immediate go to album, though I highly recommend checking it out.

cool

Good jazz stuff

This is one of the first jazz albums I’ve listened to all the way through, and I liked it pretty well! Percussion is really fun and the songs all groove.

This album made me realize how much I hate the big band styling of "ALRIGHT LET'S GET SOME LOUD STABS EVERYONE PLAY A DIFFERENT NOTE LET'S MAKE THE SOUND AS MUCH OF A NOISE AS POSSIBLE". It made me physically ill. I don't know if it was the mixing/recording or just something inherent to the sound of brass trumpets, but it was so bad I was dreading every time you got another one of the ELELELELE stabs. It's like they decided to turn vuvuzelas into full fledged instruments. It sucks because the percussion is great, the solo instruments are wonderful (especially the sax and trombone solos) and even the saxophones sound alright together. Fuuuuck those trumpets though. They single handedly bring this down from a solid 4/5 to a 2/5, and even that's generous. I hope I never have to hear those gross stabs again.

Nope

3.5

Once again, jazz which I have no ability to work out whether it's good or bad. Nice groove.

I felt like I was in Vegas in 1964.

Just a wonderfully arranged album, a gem.

Great band! Like a lot that latinjazz.

Love that sound

Catchy and fun. Very easy listening. I enjoyed it for what it is, but I don't think I'll be coming back to it.

Not my style at all but this was pretty fun and cinematic to me.

Like if Herb Alpert had a little different flavor. Love it. 3.5

I only got to listen to part of it rip but the ones I heard were awesome. I love music like this once in awhile but I have to be in the mood for it would be great dnd battle music for certain kinds of fights lol

Good music to cook to, but not something I'd listen too often.

Not really my style. I'm sure this album was really important and influential but I didn't really enjoy listening to it that much, and probably won't revisit it.

This must have been one of Bernstein's influences for West Side Story. Cool stuff if not what I normally listen to

Curiously fun jazz x big band stylings that grab the attention early but don't really hold it. Similarly, a strong start to the album doesn't always hold up down the line but this is a very easy listen, 3/5 from me.

This was fun, quite jolly for a few songs, but I wouldn't want a whole one! I enjoyed listening to it, very upbeat, but I'm not going to rush back to it. First track in particular has such a strong start. 2/5.

Enjoyable and glad I heard it. Cover art 3/5

5.0 - High energy, sophisticated afro-cuban jazz. Perfect for entertaining or when you need fun background music. The brass section is especially bright and the rhythms are rich.

Good album

I very fun listen! Kinda reminds me of the exotica genre that was also popular at the time, but more upbeat, more jazzy, and less cringe. Fave track - "Wild Jungle" is a great opener! "Blues / Machito" also stood out.

I want to see this band live. That horn section is only rivaled by that rhythm section. Is this what westerners call "world music" because we don't know how to differentiate music with horns and polyrhythms? I know I'm ignorant on the topic. But I also know that I love it. If I were to criticize this in compraison to the other "world music" I heard (much of it has come from this list), I'd say that there are more drum breaks here and they aren't always interesting for the duration. "Congo Mulence" and "Blues a la Machito" pure groovy goodness though. Did I mention those horns?

So, I know I am overly critical of jazz albums on here, but this one hit me different. It reminded me of the "fun" stuff we used to play in my high school jazz band. It's more structure (and less jazz), but it's good.

A fun album. I enjoyed it. I don't really listen to stuff like this but this project has taught me that maybe I should have more jazz in my life. In reality I will probably stick to a healthy diet of metal, punk and genres adjacent to them.

Good music

I listened to this whole thing, it held me in its grip the entire time and I feel like I ate a gallon of coffee. Jeezo.

Big, brassy Afro-Cuban jazz with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Not particularly unpleasant to listen to, though some of the horn stabs could feel a bit pugnacious. Still, I doubt I will ever listen to this again - it simply failed to land with me.

Stupid storytime: I worked with a dude once who got a high-up-the-food-chain tour of one of Donald Trump's hotels in Vegas back years before Trump ever ran for office. Apparently the woman (because of course it was a woman) who was showing them around the hotel kept talking about how Donald always says, "brass + glass = class." The reason I mention it is because this record has more brass than all of Trump's property holdings combined. So, so much brass. It kind of hurt my ears. I even used to play trumpet back in middle/high school... and it still felt like, "Whoa. That's a lot of brass." I didn't hate it by any means. But it could've used a lot more glass.

1.5

pretty cool shit audio quality, 3.5

Liked this a lot. Will definitely throw this on again

A fun album. Sounds like what I imagine a supper club in Miami the 1930s-1960s to sound like. Definitely have to like brass, as there is an ample amount of trumpeting throughout.

It was good but I would probably not listen again. It’s just not a style I really dig

Did I, a non-music major who knows zero things about music theory and jazz, let alone the difference between Latin jazz, African jazz, and American jazz, appreciate Machito's landmark album that brought Latin jazz into the mainstream? Yes, I guess. And did I, a man who claims that he listens and enjoys "every genre" and is currently participating in the fun journey that is listening 1000+ albums to discover more new music, enjoyed this? I'm gonna be honest: no.

Good

I thought it was an interesting album, gave me a real 80s las vegas vibe but I didn't think it was anything too special

Like most albums that are an exercise in technical competence, it's fun, then it's trifling, then it's a little irritating, then it's over.

Je ne connaissais pas Machito et n’avait même jamais entendu son nom. J’ai bien aimé et particulièrement la prise de son.

Amazing groove

It's a lot of fun but you can't shake the feeling there is something better out there

It is definitely a jazz album. It was relatively short. It was ok.

Ich mein das ist chillig, aber da passiert halt einfach nicht so viel. Kann mich an keinen Song so wirklich erinnern, das passiert halt einfach. Klangtechnisch aber halt ganz schön. 6/10

nicht besonders schlecht... wird irgendwann langweilig (kenne mich mit big band aber überhaupt nicht aus)

War ganz Chillig aber hat mich auch auf den wenigsten Songs umgehauen. Kann ich mir aber gut für nen geselligen Abend vorstellen ist angenehm zu hören.

grauenhaft digga, was für ein furchtbar, unerträglicher und langweiliger sound, nicht mal in nem historischen kontext ist das spannend, weil davor schon so viel bessere afro-cuban jazz lps gemacht wurden

Da ich echt wenig Ahnung von Jazz habe, und auch bis ein paar Ausnahmen es auch relativ wenig höre bzw. gehört habe, muss ich echt zugeben, dass ich das Album gar nicht so richtig begreifen kann. Vor allem mit dem Hintergrund, wie einflussreich diese Band für das Genre war. Auch die Einflüsse aus Latin culture und Afro culture kommen hier auf jeden Fall durch, vor allem bei den drums, aber irgendwie hab ich das Gefühl, dass ich es nicht ordentlich wertschätzen kann. Ist vielleicht mal eine Motivation, in das Genre nochmal richtig einzutauchen. Vielleicht ists aber auch einfach nicht mein Ding und ich finde mich einfach damit, dass ich lediglich Jazz Einflüsse in anderen Genres abfeier und purer Jazz mich einfach nicht ganz so stark abholt. Möchte aber, auch wenn mich das Album jetzt nicht umgehauen hat (und das wahrscheinlich weil ichs nicht verstehe(n) (kann)), sagen, dass der Sound interessant ist und an manchen Stellen sau cool ist. Aber hab ehrlich gesagt keine Ahnung wie ich hier raten soll, weil ich nicht das Gefühl hab dass ichs wirklich bewerten kann. aber ich sag mal 2,5-3.

Boaahh also das war jetzt nicht BORING boring aber iwie so stink egal ka ob das besser ist wenn man mehr ahnung von jazz hat aber hab ich nicht deswegen geschenkt. Naja naja naja

ist mir irgendwie ganz schön egal

Weirder Pick. Ich find die Auswahl einserseits cool, anderseits weird bei der wenigen Anzahl von Jazz Alben auf der Liste. Aber cool dass es mehr ~Exotica~ einflüsse hat, da hätte man schlimmeres nehmen können. Ich bin schon Fan von so Easy Listening Samba, Bossanova, auch mit Big Band Elementen, ich finde hier fehlen nur irgendwie die richtigen Highlights. Richtig gut fand ich aber die Percussions, das war ne nette Abwechslung. Also es ist cool aber nicht WOAAAAHH und davon gibts ja irgendwie mehr als genug im Jazz. Ich empfehle Quincy Jones mit Big Jazz Bossa Nova, das ist find ich deutlich cooler in nem ähnlichen Stil.

Солидно

👌

didn’t like instrumental music

Great album to break up the monotony. Had some good times listening to this even though I have no idea what they're saying and tracks at first listen are nearly indistinguishable. This has potential and I could listen to this over and over in a setting that doesn't require me to pay attention to it.

This was enjoyable.

This great upbeat, energetic jazz. I would love to here this again when I’m in the mood for jazz. I’m not in the mood for jazz very often, which I don’t want to hold against this album. So I’m breaking my mood a bit. It’s a 3.5, but I’ll round up. I’m not putting it in my library, but I recognize the skill.

Sounds exactly like it’s name

Thoroughly enjoyed this

Really dig the variety that we get here, great background music

just fun jazz

Umm wtf is this bs

Very catchy jazz. Need to listen again. 3

Fantastic.

One of those genres I practically never listen to yet every time I do, I love it. Listened to this and then just kept listening to the mix that followed all day long. Such uplifting music

I only lasted 4 songs before I started pushing the next song button in the hope that something would be different. Two stars because the musicians played well, but it sounded like every other Latin beat piece of big band music.

increible

Loud horns smooth rhythm with high speed toe tapping beats and maracas. Whats not to like. Is this the speed metal of the 40's? Maybe, the cover art would pass.

This album is a great reminder on the impact that Louis Prima had on so many genres of music; storyteller, swing, jump blues, Orleans Jazz, pre-Rock and Roll. Most people would know his music by more recent versions by other artists, they likely would not recognize him as the voice of King Louie in the original Jungle Book and his great take on "I Wanna Be Like You". This is a compelling album and is easy to get hooked on, it puts a smile on your face and a jump in your step! Singer, songwriter, bandleader and trumpet player, he does it all. Hard to pick favorites but I will go with, "Just a Gigolo Medley", "Oh Marie", "Buena Sera", "Jump, Jive an Wail". 4 out of 5 stars

I really enjoy when this list introduces me to an album outside of the western canon, and Kenya took me off guard. Great playing, high energy, but also a little hard for me to rate, just because I'm not overly familiar with the genre. The production sometimes made it difficult to hear all of the parts, but that might have been on purpose. Fav tracks: Tin Tin Deo, Conversations, Kenya and Congo Mulence

This was a lively, groovy record, sure to get people out of their seats. I loved the early blend of big band and latin American styles. At the same time, I felt like the bombastic horns detracted from some of the nuanced playing. Rating 3.5/5 Favourite tracks: Kenya and Conversation

A surprise 5 stars for this gem on Cuban jazz. Listening to it driving on a gorgeous sunny day may have biased the final verdict, but in those circumstances it’s perfect

Excellent Afro-Cuban jazz. I could throw this on any day of the week and it will make me want to get up and dance.

Fun and ritzy, this was a welcome surprise!

Not my thing, ok though

I love, love, love this.

This music makes you feel good.

50/60s style upbeat jazz. Good but felt dated

Good background music for a party

Great for the most part, but began to get a bit irritating.

African rhythms meet big band jazz (horns) in a high-energy album. Interesting listen and historically defining album. Later combinations of African rhythmic music and jazz, e.g. Fela Kuti's afrobeat, speaks more to me though.

South American rhythms with African influences, infectious and hip, not much to say about it otherwise.

Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz. Oof. Style, panache, and now added to my collection.

Very jazzy, felt like I was in a Bond film.

Kind of passed by in the background - decent enough to work to though.

Another performer and album I'm not familiar with. That being said, it was an enjoyable listen, though I didn't love it. I really should expand my musical range and listen to more of this genre, then I might appreciate it more.

I can listen to it on the background, but this is not a music genre I like.

Wow

I did not expect this to be so amazing!

Fun, fun, fun! Packed with energy and joy. A smashing way to start a work day! Percussion is insane btw… Top tracks: Congo Mulence, Kenya

A bit distracting for background work music, but pretty good. Good coffee shop music.

4/5 nice jazz sounds!

This is actually nice classic Cuban jazz. 8/10.

Altså det her, det kan jeg bare godt lide!

lidt for hurtigt til mig

Det helt gamle latin jazz, rytmisk, improviserende, specielt, men egentlig cool nok

This was a surprisingly fun listen.

The album is peak jazz from start to finish. Not my favorite jazz album but impossible to dislike.

Megabangerzzzzzz

A straightforward, digestible kind of jazz that just sounds good. That might sound dismissive, but it’s really a treat when done well, as it is here

rätt episkt.... önskar att det var mer varierat dock.

Not bad at all for some Latin beats.

Not jazz literate enough to understand it’s significance but it’s a great listen that’s for sure - one for repeats definitely

Spicy elevator music!!

Lively and fun

Fun but not great depth or quality

LOved it. Great energy and beats. Really really good!

Really really cool jazz! I loved this album

It swings...

Not the kind of Jazz I'm into at all. I enjoy smooth and comfortable jazz, perfect for a comfy chair and a sip of whiskey. I don't enjoy this dissonant, 'jerky' and discomforting jazz.

Put this one on while making dinner. 2 thoughts: 1. It sounds like the happy party time music used in kids animated films. 2. Both Miss Nine and I thought it was one long song, rather than individual tracks. Enjoyed/tolerated it in the background. Immediately on finishing, I was unable to recall any of the melodies. Didn't dislike it, wasn't crazy about it. Smack bang on a 3.

There were a couple of songs that sounded real similar to others, not that that's necessarily a bad thing. Overall it was a nice listen with some beautiful instruments.

No puedo dejar de pensar lo actual que suena este álbum, y es de 1958. Personal: 8. Me ha gustado mucho Trascendencia: 8 Género: 10

Peppy, enjoyable music

cool run. sweet beats. didn't take anything right away from it. revisit sometime.

Very enjoyable. Unknown to me

First 50s album from 1001albumsgenerator that I listened to. I did not know this album - the beat is fine - but I would probably not listen to it again - perhaps I was not so much in the mood for it.

First album from the '50s. Lively and fun African/Latin jazz album that reminded me of '50s movies like Orson Welles' Touch of Evil and Hitchcock's Rear Window. The more jazzy parts reminded me of some of Charlie Parker's work. Best enjoyed on a hot summer night, but even on this cold November evening it lightened my mood.

So far its a BANGER. All I could ask for on a Monday. I want to be in a smokey jazz club listening live. Making eye contact with the curvy bodacious woman in the red dress across the room. This albums the closest we'll get to teleporting and time traveling.

SAMPLE THIS really great but many of the songs are very similar

Instrumental Jazz album, has a big of a "big band" vibe to it. Cuban influences are very strong, the "afro" part seems to mostly come through in the drums and the song titles. Good dinner music, or something in the background at a classy party.

Tin Tin Deo was my favorite song of this album. Each song had a lot of character to it that makes the album hard to wrap up as a whole but the brass was excellent overall. If I had to say however, each song reminds me something being done with confidence.

I’m not a huge fan of jazz.

Similar to C&W and Bob Dylan, I think at some point you reach an age when jazz becomes a genre of interest. It's there, there's a lot of it, it's been around for decades, lots of people like it, there must be something in it, right? Spending time in Japan also probably helped plant the seed as jazz is the choice of background music everywhere you go. In the last few years I've had the likes of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and more playing when at work. It's not a something to have purely as background noise but more for the typing groove purposes. Despite never having heard of Machito before today, I could see myself listening to this more regularly as an audio aid to pumping out a bunch of lengthy reports.

Infectious. Top flight stuff from a killer ensemble, even though Afro-Cuban jazz isn't my thing.

Oh boy, I was excited to have this one. I had not known of Machito before, so this was a new one for me and it was instant love. "Wild Jungle" came on with instant energy, immediately clearing out any sullen 90s/00s alternative cobwebs from the brain. Yeah, baby! The horns! The percussion! We are all dancing like mad! Then "Congo Mulence" comes in cooooooool. We're sitting down to sip our Cuba libres and catch our breath. I love the piano and bass to the percussion rhythms. "Holiday" with the muted trumpet makes me very happy. I laughed out loud when a song called "Frenzy" came on. It was a word that had already come to mind listening to this album. I loved "Blues a la Machito" and "Conversation" ...and all the other songs too. I also have to add that the remastered album sounded amazing. I found this joyful and fun!

Just a couple of bars in and I am in love... Big band sound with latin rhythms. After three listens, I still love this album!

Yes! I've listened three times all the way through and just started my fourth. This is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping from this project. It would never occur to me to seek out some Afro-Cuban jazz and, even if it did occur to me, I'd have no idea where to start. I love this! It's like a dance party in my kitchen. The crisp horns and percussion set my soul aflame and get my hips a-shakin'. I can't even pick any favorite tracks. I enjoyed every minute.

Holy cow! This is so much fun! At first I thought "Oh good - instrumental music to work by." That went out the window right away as "Wild Jungle" had my feet pulling me out of my chair to dance to the frenetic music. Those TPS Reports were not being well-served by KENYA. "Congo Mulence" took things down a notch, but didn't really get me back to work. Instead I just sat there swaying to the music imagining myself in a 1950s lounge drinking Pink Squirrels and Blue Hawaiians. For the rest of the album there wasn't a moment I wasn't enjoying this. I was transported elsewhere for the duration just listening, dancing and grooving. What's bad for productivity is great for my mental state. I love this album. It is so lively and the big band really swings! My only regret is I didn't get to see this performed live. Really happy this made the list!

Really enjoyed the Cuban Jazz rhythms

Reminded me of Mario Kart music.

Wow this is a really good big band jazz album. The brass is startling and sounds bright and warm at the same time. The rhythmic drive is intoxicating. Mmmm such wonderful playing. This adds another beautiful album to my collection of wonderful jazz albums of the 50s. 4.5 stars

Ganz cool! Aber Jazz immer schwer für mich!

Nicht ohne aber auch ziemlich Latino und damit für mich ziemlich anstrengend

Don’t know much of this music so hard to compare. But I enjoyed it.

7/10

Entertaining, best for a night out rather than sat in a chair at home!

I'm not much of a jazz kind of guy, but I very much enjoyed this. Every song blends well with one another, since this is purely a instrumental album in the 50s. So it makes sense. Analysing jazz... I find a bitch to do since it all sounds similar. I'd reccomend for any jazz lover out there, this is their bread and butter. I'm more of a rocker, so havn't got much to say sadly.

Sorprendido, muy alegre y la música se sigue escuchando interesante a pesar de tener más de 50 años el disco. El disco más antiguo que me ha tocado escuchar hasta el momento

afro-cuban JAZZ

so cool so funky so jazzy so good

I don’t really have the tools to rate this one in any objective way. I enjoyed it as a fun listen though.

Love it - short big band late 50s jazz. Afro rhythms. Cuban Latin jazz. Cannonball Adderley. Superb.

Ok if you’re at a Carribean (preferably Cuban) beach bar on a hot day. Otherwise, no. Couldn’t get through the entire album, so maybe i missed something. Listworthy? = ?

Fun jazz to listen through, but didn't excite me as much as Take Five.

i love it

Really nice and interesting for the most part. It just sounds too much like background music for an old cartoon show or and advert.

Not my style

I don't hate it, but it's really not my thing.

Great music......in the correct context.

3.5

Packs a lot of wallop into a brief package, though I see the objection I read in some reviews that the songs are so short that the musicians don't really have room to stretch and stand out.

Jazz met een Afrikaans tintje. Echt lollig

Good jams. This album really slaps.

Enjoyable escape from today's lyrical diarrhea. Put a little hop in my step after a lunch break listen. Really though; does anyone finish a song as strong as these guys? A true instrumental sploogefest.

Ritmo orquestal, con energía y vitalidad. Bailongo

The production on this is great, those horns sound CRISP

This is the first 50s album I got from this generator and it's overall a mixed bag. I loved the percussion playing throughout the album and it's gotten me excited for more afro-cuban beats. The problem with this album apart from the dated production is the excessive horns and no vocals. I personally don't mind instrumental music and it can be fantastic, but the horns were too loud and got annoying after a while, making the songs blend in together in a bad way. For me two stars isn't a bad album, but one I didn't like or struggled to listen throughout. I listened to another song with Graciela afterwards and it was much more of an enjoyable experience. I feel this album would be better experience live in a jazz club and dancing while being tipsy/drunk.

It's jazz. And it's pretty good.

Ok, there's a lot going on here. Definitely reminds me of those old Hollywood escapist movies. The ones The Purple Rose of Cairo celebrates. This is definitely good music, but like so many of these types of albums just don't work because this is music you'd probably go see live, not listen to in an album. What it is, is the music that used to be piped through Starbucks all day in all their locations before they went pop music. That's exactly what this is! In comparison to the Gotan Project though, this is far more enjoyable, so relatively speaking it's a 2.5/5, but I'll give it a 3.

Second listen. 4/5

Great big band jazz music heavy on percussion with cuban and Caribbean influence. Felt like a soundtrack for a three old oceans 11 or another fifties Hollywood blockbuster. Great for the background while cooking or cleaning.

-The drumming in "Frenzy" was pretty spiffy -Generally nice Jazz type stuff

The original Afro-Cuban jazz. The Wikipedia article was fascinating - Machito basically invented the 3/2 and 2/3 rhythms that make this style of music so identifiable. Interesting time capsule.

Entertaining and I like the diversity in instruments

Wow, this got me moving! Really enjoyed the amazing jazz. So much energy. Great trombone solos. A fantastic overall album. Really well recorded and mixed for the time, too.

6.4/10 Fav track: wild jungle

Enjoyed it more than I expected but not so much that I finished it.

Machito was a Latin jazz musician from Cuba who had an interest in African culture. He helped define the Afro-Cuban jazz sub-genre, and this album Kenya is a testament to that. It's jazzy, but also filled with African instruments and rhythms. I wouldn't say I liked the music, but I didn't hate it either.

Probably influential. Not for me.

Very enjoyable

Too busy for me. Like a fruit machine: too much stimulus it’s overwhelming!

Wild Jungle starts the party off right. Great trumpet tone. Kenya, Oyeme are excellent grooves. Holiday puts a smile on my face. Excellent album.

Timeless latin-jazz

Enjoyable

This album is perfect. It’s a real masterpiece. A must listen. Horns, perfection. Drums, perfection. Drama - mood - life. It makes me want to think but it also makes me want to get up and get out. Wild Jungle is the perfect opening song - what an amazing track to start your album with. Run it up the guts Machito. Top tracks: Kenya Frenzy Blues in la Machito Conversation Tin tin deo

This album made me wish I knew how to dance. Really great swinging jazz!

I dunno, felt kinda indifferent on this one. I didn't think it was bad by any means but I don't really have the frame of reference to get a sense of this album fully. On paper it's interesting; jazz mixed with african polyrhythmic percussion. But it doesn't really emotionally affect me much, which is the main thing I'm looking for in music. I'm just going to chalk it up to being a little ignorant on this sound and style of music because I could see myself trying to give it another shot at some point in the future. Maybe that's a cop out, but also this era of jazz being referenced has never really appealed to me in any way. 3 stars because *shrug*

Este tipo de jazz es bueno para una banda sonora o película pero repetitivo para escuchar, esta bien de todas formas

buen juzz

Fun!

Fast swinging basa nova jazz.

Big band Afro-Cuban jazz! Truly enjoyable.

Delightful

Unexpectedly good jazz album

Bright jazz, like the kind that blares out from the background of Cuphead levels. Sounds like lounging at the side of a Technicolor pool, in an exotic resort made of plastic. Very pleasant.

Man this was a hot fire album, i listened to this at least 10 times yesterday and added it to my library, It’s brilliant, bright, and full of life. It made me happy just having it on in my background. Top tracks: all of them honestly there was not a track i did not like, Frenzy is probably my favorite out of all them though if I had to choose one. 5/5 all the way on this album

3

! WOW. Really enjoyed.

Outside of my typical genre preference, but this was a great album!

Ya like Jazz? Thoroughly enjoyed this album. Gave me The Mask vibes. Definite boost in productivity while this was playing.

jazz instrumental stuff....not for me

lot of rythm, fun to listen to

poo poo

It was what I expected. Not bad but not my taste. Quality recording.

The sound is si relaxing, typical of Caribbean sound ❤️

Not my usual, but good

Was ok. Not my type of music but clearly talented musicians

Good if you like jazz

Feel like I should be all suited up in a smoky lounge with some dame in a red dress 💃 Not bad indeed. It's unique. Has a bit of a tribal feel to it every once in a while

Solid jazz sound!

The instrumental album without vocals. It reminds Tom&Jery soundtracks.

I enjoyed listening to this

Dope but also boring

Joyful, impressive, upbeat.

Unexpected. Brightens up even the gloomiest day!

Ok but a bit same after first few tracks.

zu stressig

Didn’t like

Good, but chaotic.

I like the genre, but this one failed to impress.

How can you not like afro cuban jazz grooves?

Not really my style, but a good listen.

Nice, easy listening.

Classic

Such a fun album! It paints a very vivid picture in my mind and brings a great mood. I love the complexity of the arrangements, the expert performances, and the great mixing. Fantastic!

Sounds like it could be modern

Different kind of vibe than I'm used to but it made for excellent work background music.

It has no lyrics. I'm not actually a fan of Jazz. It's not bad, but I wouldn't put it on myself.

Boogaloo magic

Fun good motivating background music

It's interesting that this is the first album that I had listened to in full before considering this is likely one of the least popular albums on this list. That being said, I think it definitely deserves to be on here. It's a classic afro-cuban album and has some great tracks. I'm impressed by all of the trumpet players because it sounds like 90% of the notes they play are above the staff. Sometimes it's a little abrasive mostly because the recording equipment is obviously not up to 21st century standards but generally I think the arrangements are interesting and high energy. The percussion is also incredible throughout and is certainly integral to the style. Plus there are some amazing solos like all of Cannonball Adderly's solos. There are also some beautiful melodies on songs like Kenya that are reminiscent of jazz standards. Favorite songs: Congo Mulence, Kenya, Holiday, Cannonology, Frenzy, Blues a La Machito, Conversation, Tin Tin Deo

I thought this album lacked entertaining music, which seems absurd because the whole point, I presume, is for each song to be entertaining at least in part. Some moments were fun, but all of it was a chore. I'll give some of my favorites a listen again, but I'm not sure why this was significant. Either way, I'm no big fan. This is what you recommend someone who can't stop listening to 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 and you want them to never listen to it again.

Cuban jazz. Nice!

Pretty solid album. Would listen again.

Clearly a talented and influential musician but wasn’t really feeling it and couldn’t hear beyond Jamie’s comment about it sounding like an Odeon ad

Om eoa rare reden heb ik deze plaat helemaal afgedraaid en vond ik het best leuk. Verder ga ik dit nooit meer aanzetten natuurlijk, maar blijkbaar wel leuk voor 1x.