Willie Bobo

Willie Bobo, born in Spanish Harlem NY, 1934, was one of the greatest latin percussionists that ever walked the earth. In his career, which lasted 4 decades, he worked with Perez Prado, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Carl Tjader, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley and Herbie Hancock, to name a few. Willie also scored a few solo hits with Spanish Grease and Fried Neckbones and some Home Fries on the Verve label in 1965.

Willie Bobo & The Bo-Gents – Do What You Want to Do (Sussex 1971)

Tracklist: Do What You Want To Do, Shut Up And Pay Attention
Dindi, Come Together, Soul Foo Yong, Broasted Or Fried, The Thrill Is Gone, How Can I Say Goodbye, Never You Mind.

One of my favorite Sussex releases, a funk album with latin influences, contains killers like Soul Foo Yong and Broasted or Fried. Also included a fine version of Beatles' Come Together and Antonio Carlos Jobim's Dindi, which Bobo quoted as his all time favorite song. With Victor Pantoja (who also played with Azteca, Malo and Santana) on congo, produced by Sussex head Clarence Avant. Recently also re-issued by the spanish Vampisoul label.

Willie Bobo - Broasted or Fries/Soul Foo Young (Now Again 2006)

Nicely issued single with two alternate versions of Broasted or Fried and Soul Foo Young, from the same sessions as the 1971 Sussex album. Uncovered by his son Eric and mixed down by Mario C. Released by the Stones Throw offshoot Now Again. Higly recommandable!