Modesto Duran Fabulous Rhythms of Modesto

A student of mambo inventor Perez Prado, Cuban-born Modesto Duran was a key figure in Latin dance music's transitional period in the mid-20th century. His smooth slaps can be heard on dozens of 1950s mega-sellers, from Esquivel to Belafonte, Eartha Ktit to Lena Horne. On his 1960 solo debut, Duran assembles a who's who of conga men, including Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo and Juan Cheda, delivering a cinematic and percussive melange of Afro-Cuban, cha cha and exotic jazz styles for the discerning listener.