Tuesday, December 23, 2008

World Famous 87 Year Old Jazz Musician

Candido Camero who was born April 22, 1921 is Cuban percussionist (mainly conga and bongo) backed many Afro-Cuban jazz and straightforward jazz acts since the 1950s. Early on he had recorded in his native Cuba with Machito. He moved to New York in 1952 and started recording with Dizzy Gillespie. During 1953-54 he was in the Billy Taylor quartet and in 1954 he performed and recorded with Stan Kenton. He also enjoyed some hits during the disco era, most notably with the Babatunde Olatunji penned track "Jingo" which he recorded for Salsoul Records, which was off the Dancin' and Prancin' Album He was honoured with the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award. A great performance with Kenny Burrell on his 'first blue note sessions'; available on the CD 'Introducing Kenny Burrell'. It was such a pleasure to witness this Legendary Icon in person at the Clarion Riverfront Hotel here in Rochester. While he is 87 years of age, when he gets behind he conga and bonga he plays like one in his 20's.


Yvonne and I are very happy to have been the guests of those who hosted Candido. Our table was proof positive that we were the guests of the powers that be....Thanks again.

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