13. Machito — Kenya (1957)

1. Drums, drums, horns, drums, and drums. This album erupts with “Wild Jungle,” a song that fully lives up to its name. The multiple bongo, conga, and other drummers in Machito’s group absolutely kill it on Kenya.

2. A minor note on later influence: I’ve been watching the classic anime Cowboy Bebop for the first time. Listening to “Wild Jungle,” all I can hear is Bebop’s opening title sequence. Very cool to hear a sound like this carry across decades, continents, and cultures to find an audience with people who likely will never know Machito’s name.

3. My gut reaction upon listening to this for the first time was to seek out some live videos. Unfortunately, this has proven largely fruitless. No matter; however this album was recorded (in studio? performance?) gives a total sense of spontaneity, the kind of impromptu vibe you get from a live performance. The 2000 remaster I’m listening to on Spotify sounds impeccable, as well.

4. Being unfamiliar with Machito, I hopped over to Wikipedia. Born in either Cuba or Tampa, in either 1908, or 1909, or 1912, or 1915…I’m electing to go with Havana 1912, as my limited experience in Tampa makes it difficult to imagine such vibrant music originating there. He moved to New York and started his Afro-Cuban band there and man, I wonder what it felt like to hear this blend of jazz sounds at that time. It feels thrilling in 2019; I can only imagine 1939. I do wonder about the name of the album…it doesn’t look like Machito ever made it to Kenya. All but one of these tracks are originals, mostly by a guy named A.K. Salim, who’s still alive today, a mere 97 years young. Time flies.

5. Writing this one on a chilly San Francisco day feels odd, as the album itself is practically dripping with sweat. Next time I make it down to Mexico — or to reiterate a point from my notes on Sabu’s Palo Congo, if I ever make it to Cuba — this album’s getting some heavy play.

One Essential Song:

Listen on Spotify: