Deep Groove Encyclopedia

Candido

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Click below for a Candido sample:

Candido Camero is a Cuban percussionist witih recording history dating back to the 50s, when he did sessions with Dizzy Gillespie. From there, he worked with most of jazz's greatest players, considered the preeminent percussion player of the day. In 1979, he dropped one of disco's greatest LPs, Dancin' and Prancin'. Having conquered that style with one album, he resumed his afro-latin focus, making apperances on record to this day.

Candido's Deepest Groove

Dancin' and Prancin' (Salsoul, 1979)
Ranking up there with Logg and the Inner Life records, Dancin' and Prancin' may be Salsoul's most satisfying LP. It's certainly one of the highest regarded, exchanging hands at ridiculous rates before being reissued by Charly. Only 4 cuts, but 3 of them are certified classics: the title is uptempo boogie at its best, a pean to the disco lifestyle; "Jingo" is a Latin standard refashioned for the dancefloor; and "Thousand Finger Man" is one of the most hypnotic grooves laid to wax, 9 minutes of aural sex with a delightfully sleazy vibe. The main musicians on the album were members of Kleeer and they keep things tight and funky. Above it all, Candido's bongo and conga are put prominently on display. Everything on the album has been a source of inspiration (and samples) for too many records to count, but you just can't beat the original.