For this week’s spotlighted song, we’re going back to a simpler time when the Latin and jazz genres were happily married. Willie Bobo was one of the most notable Latin and jazz percussionists in the 1960s and 70s, specializing in Afro-Cuban rhythms. Bobo boasted over 14 records as bandleader and over 50 appearances as a sideman. Originally from Puerto Rico and eventually a Spanish Harlem transplant, he went on to work with names like Mongo Santamaría, Tito Puente, and Carlos Santana throughout his short-lived career.
Bobo’s skills reached a variety of genres–from mambo and salsa, to soul and jazz. In 2016, Nacional Records released a collection of rare and previously un-released recordings entitles Dig My Feelings. On this album you can see the sheer breadth of this legendary Nuyorican musicians talent and influences on every track. This week, we’re spotlighting the title track, “Dig My Feelings” a hype-filled percussionist’s dream full of spunk and Bobo’s natural flare for fun.
