AUTOGRAPHED CONGA SKIN

[Isaac]

Many players I know over the years get
famous Congueros to autograph a conga head
for them. I only did it one time. I'm a big fan of these
players, but not really an autograph collector.
I have such a skin, it was my tumba mule
and I took it to get signed one night
by Candido, (red felt pen) Patato Valdez, Ray Barretto
and also Nicky Marrero who led the band that night,
on the occasion of Patato's birthday a few years
ago.
It would be nice to see what other people have.

Sadly, I have to let go of this collectible memento
due to expenses of an upcoming move. ~ ISAAC

Anyone interested in making a reasonable offer may email me at:

tradicionpercussion@gmail.com

ps. I also have a new great batch of conga mule skins.

[ABAKUA]

A true collectors item. I dont know if I could ever part with it if it were mine. Id be more inclined to sell mother in law.

[Isaac]

Abakua, After sleeping on it...You are 100% correct.
Except the mother-in-law part. My late mother-in-law was exceptional -
she actually bought me percussion stuff for my birthday.
I took her to see Tito and also Chico O'Farrill Orchestra.
I would definitely regret it...and my kids concurred.

Thanks,

ISAAC

[Tonio]

phew...

I was hoping you wouldn't sell it for your sake. You have a serious collector item in you hands.

T

[bongosnotbombs]

Keep it, you couldn't get the $$$ it's worth for the memories.

[Isaac]

Well, here's the real story that night was, that when I was crouching down taking photos in front of the
low bandstand, Patato sauntered in a little tipsy and tripped over my foot. He obviously didn't see me
or my size 11" shoe.
( Imagine now a slow motion movie scene ) Patato went flying into the air
and i leaped up to grab him and break his fall with my left arm. I prevented his injury, but got
a earful verbal assault from him and his classic finger pointing at me!
I was horrified - I just nearly caused an accident to my hero...
The people seated around there then gave me the evil eye! I embarrasedly then headed to the
bar at the back of the room as far away from the stage as possible.
After two sets I finally relaxed...I got Candido's signature, (Candido had his own
red felt pen handy ) then Ray, ...but how
was I going to approach Patato after I just pissed him off? Luckily my brother
Jack ( also a drummer ) was with me and I asked him to approach Patato for me.
I stood behind Jack sheepishly.
Patato then sang out his name loudly and in clave while signing!
CARLOS PATATO VALDEZ . X . X
He was always in character.
Nicky Marrero signed later. He was the one who invited us that evening.
The place was called Satalla on 24th St. in NYC - now closed.
~ ISAAC ~

[umannyt]

Very amusing anecdote, Isaac!