Tommy Lopez, Manny Oquendo. Junior Tirado Congas

[Omelenko1]

Here are two of the "baddest" rhythm players of all time. Tommy Lopez on 2 Junior Tirado congas and Manny Oquendo on bongo', you can see his Leedy Ludwig Humberto Morales timbales. That photo is dated 1966, I'll give my "left cojon" to have those Junior congas today, I have the Humberto timbs.

Dario

[RitmoBoricua]

You made my day, Thanks For Sharing Dario. Them two together most likely with
EP and La Perfecta, that's when Manny (RIP) covered the timbal and bongo chairs.
Sabor Y Afinque "Bomboncito De Pozo".

[Omelenko1]

Both RIP. Manny and Tommy. Speaking of "super afinque", these two guys wrote the book with Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta. Probably the tightest "in the pocket" rhythm section. I loved Tommy's "marcha pastoza".

Dario

[RitmoBoricua]

Them two basically adapted Pello's "Mozambique" rhythm that had
several people playing percussion for only two percussion players or
what is better known as "NY Style Mozambique".

[Omelenko1]

Ritmo I agree with you, them 2 equaled a full rhythm section. It takes old 'skool guys like us and I know JC loved them 2 guys also. 90% of the forum members here probably never heard of this incredible rhythm team. Oquendo on both timbs and bongos is one of my all time favorites and Tommy's marcha was one of the best (bien gorda). Today my boy Montalvo has followed Tommy's footsteps. La Perfecta was the band back in the day!

Dario

[ABAKUA]

It takes old 'skool guys like us and I know JC loved them 2 guys also.

Cojones, y yo que? lol

[RitmoBoricua]

I have seen photos of Manny and Tommy playing with Vicentico Valdes (La Voz Elastica De Cuba) back like in the 50's.
So them two knew each other style very well even before they came together again with La Perfecta. They believe that less was more in their playing, it was all about putting people to dance.