Small Intimate Tribute for Mongo

[Doctorumba]

On Dec 26th 2002,I had a small intimate tribute for the legendary maestro Mongo Santamaria here in Miami. Johnny Conga you missed it,mi socio,but Seattle is probably a better place. Mongo recently had a minor stroke,but thanks God he is OK.He is not active anymore.Miguel Cruz was on hand and had "el maestro" smiling the whole time,so was Flaco Padron from "Sabado Pedante" oops! "Sabado Gigante" among other rumberos who looked to Mongo as the guiding light for over 30 years.JC,you know where I'm coming from.

El maestro is rejoicing from his memories when he used to "kick ass" in the Palladium in Puente's band,from his days with Cal and Willie Bobo and from all his bands through the years,who graduated luminaries such as Willie,Chic Correa,Herbie Hancock,Hubert Laws,Chombo Silva,Nat Adderly,Carmelo Garcia,Luis Perico Ortiz,Rolando Lozano,Ray Vega,Johnny Almendra.......and the list goes on ! Saludos, Dario

[JohnnyConga]

Vaya Doctor Rumba(DARIO) Bienvenido aqui.....glad to see u here my drum brother. Yes the many times we had those rumbas at Maria Medinas house and Mongo and his son would drop by and jam with us are memories that will last with me forever,including every gig I ever saw Mongo play since 1965 .I am glad to hear he is doing better but we know at 86 he has led a very full life and has contributed a lot to the music we call "Latin Jazz". Please give him my love and respect the next time you see him and tell him we ALL miss him dearly and Thank you for the Legacy he has left us. I will be a Mongoite till I die!....At your Service...JC JOHNNY CONGA.....