Mongo has probably his best group here, which certainly would be his "way."
Armando Peraza,
Cachao,
Neal Creque,
Eric Gale,
Stanley Turrentine, and
Pretty Purdie are just a few of the formidable talents. "The Letter" is the only oldie/Top 40 cover, and for once, the
Mongo treatment really makes the tune into something else indeed.
Eddie Harris' "Listen Here" is an out-and-out soul-jazz monster, while "Hippo Walk" is further evidence that
Neal Creque is what the
Santamaria-
Sheller team has needed all along.
Mongo's Way maintains an evenness despite ranging from mellow, vibes-led Latin jazz to upbeat, funky soul-jazz to percussion-heavy rock. ~ Tony Wilds