The Best of Sound
These are the words on the label of this album from the magnificent composer and sax player Johnny (Juan) Sedes. The album is called Mama Calunga, but also goes by the name “The Best Sound of Johnny Sedes - Mama Calunga” from 1969 (Fonseca LPF-1123).
And so it is! This is simply one of the strongest releases ever in the genre of Salsa/Mambo/Latin Jazz. Yet it still remains unknown to most people, most likely because it came out on the elusive Fonseca label of New York. This was a legendary record label that produced so much good stuff in the late 60s and even until early 80s. However, Fonseca went under and along with it disappeared the master tapes of all their recordings. This is one of the reasons the LPs on the Fonseca label have for a long time been highly sought after by collectors.
I was truly lucky to be able to get hold of this album on the original black label Fonseca pressing, and even at a fraction of the price it normally sells for (this album has been selling for up to $800 US). The cover of my copy does not look so great, but the vinyl is sheer bliss! Very few marks and all the luster of a brand new vinyl record. Did I mention that it plays like a dream too?
And what a dream it is to listen to this album! This is in many ways an album of Ricardo Ray’s though as it is his orchestra, but with Johnny Sedes on sax and doing the arrangements and compositions. It says on the back of the cover that Chivirico Davila and Leo Gonzales are on vocals, but some also include Bobby Cruz here in the coro and as the singer on the song “Mama Calunga” even though he is not credited.
So what is so special about this album? No less than five exceptional killer tunes that simply stand out as some of the best ever recorded latin music. No wonder djs in all kinds of clubs are playing Johnny Sedes’ music. Still not convinced? Listen to these samples…
- Carupano - What a track! What a sax break! I think I need a cigarette — and I don’t even smoke! This one does, however…
- Doce Cascabeles - Never mind the lyrics which are basically a children’s rhyme. Listen to that fat sax… Have a look at Juan Matos dancing to this song here. Juan (they are all called Juan, are they?) is one of the best street dancers I have seen. He has enourmous flavour!
- El Manicero - Unique and groovy version of this classic amongst all cuban classics. Definitely a unique arrangement
- La Verdad - Now, this is it. This is the TRUTH and nothing but the truth, so help us God! What a guaguanco. Smokin’ swingin’ Salsa at its best!
- Mama Calunga - Title track and again what a track a short but heavy swinging mambo like no other. Unique. Play it again Juan!
In addition to this excellent album, Johnny Sedes recorded four more to my knowledge:
- Johhny ‘Juan’ Sedes was his first recording (Mama Calunga second)
- Salsafrocumbe - recorded in Venezuela on the Discolando label in 1975.
- Vuelo - recorded in Venezuela on the CBS label in 1977.
- Acabando - recorded in New York on the King label in 1980.
Enjoy!
- Guachi
4 comments October 21st, 2007