A true pioneer of Latin Jazz, Cuban-born bandleader and vocalist
Machito (1909 - 1984) founded his influential orchestra, the Afro-Cubans, in 1940.
During that decade and beyond, he forged new bonds between Latin rhythm and progressive jazz improvisation, drawing established name jazz performers such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Buddy Rich, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Mann, and others into his band as featured soloists.
A staple of New York dance clubs, he was at the center of the 1950's mambo craze.
By the '60's and beyond, his band was a juggernaut, but in '68 he was still happily exploring (and looking for commercial 'pop' hooks).
This 'Memphis Soul' album isn't necessarily indicative of typical Machito, and neither can it be said to be his best album.
But that doesn't stop it from cooking, just the same!
From Machito's
'Machito Goes Memphis' LP,
(RCA Records, 1968), Listen to:
Baby I Love You
Hip Hug Her
Knock On Wood
Alfie
Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa
In The Midnight Hour
Shake
Green Onions
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
634-5789
Soul American
Hold On, I'm Comin'
(click for audio)
- - OR download all 12 tracks in one 28.2 Mb zipfile.
See also:
- Machito profiles at Space Age Pop and Descarga.Com
- At YouTube, video clips of Machito and his orchestra with vocalist Graciela in Japan, performing live and being interviewed live on Japanese TV in the 1960's!
(follow links to)
Part 1
Part 2
A true pioneer of Latin Jazz, Cuban-born bandleader and vocalist 
But that doesn't stop it from cooking, just the same!
