Fabulous Rhythms of Modesto

A disciple of mambo innovator Perez Prado, the cuban-born Modesto Duran was a pivotal figure in latin dance music’s transitionary mid-century period. His gentle slaps can be heard across dozens of 1950’s mega-sellers, from Esquivel to Bela Fonte, Eartha Kit to Lena Horne. On his 1960 solo debut, Duran Gathers a who’s who of conga-men, Including Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, and Juan Cheda, delivering a cinematic and percussive melange of Afro-cuban, Cha Cha, and exotic Jazz styles for the discerning listener.