back in the 90's when my friend was managing Poncho Sanchez, I got the job of picking up Mongo and his band at the airport and drive them to their hotel before performing with Poncho's band. I remember one night before his performance at the Catalina Jazz club having dinner with him and his very young wife, Joe Frasier's ex-wife along with Poncho and his manager. What a night, Mongo was so nice and easy going, his wife had so many stories, great memories.
This is the Mongo Santamaria band that I saw live in person at the Hollywood Palladium on Christmas night 1965. It was the one time that I was able to see Mongo and his band perform. I am still blown away now in December 2019, and very happy about that.
back in the 90's when my friend was managing Poncho Sanchez, I got the job of picking up Mongo and his band at the airport and drive them to their hotel before performing with Poncho's band. I remember one night before his performance at the Catalina Jazz club having dinner with him and his very young wife, Joe Frasier's ex-wife along with Poncho and his manager. What a night, Mongo was so nice and easy going, his wife had so many stories, great memories.
Ray Maldonado brother of richie ray on trumpet... Rip
He was great on trumpet. I thought it was Sheller.
The timbalero is Carmelo Garcia (RIP).
Great showman...he also played congas.
This is the Mongo Santamaria band that I saw live in person at the Hollywood Palladium on Christmas night 1965. It was the one time that I was able to see Mongo and his band perform. I am still blown away now in December 2019, and very happy about that.
That's what I'm talking about. Name that baby after the bass player. It's all about the bass!
Marty Sheller great on trumpet; Garcia and Mongo were the best!
Who is the timbalero?
Ungria Carmelo García