Sofrito is a Latin jazz fusion piece by Cuban percussionist Mongo Santamaría. At a time when many Afro-Caribbean artists were drifting toward disco or easy listening, Santamaría held a steady course, balancing the sounds of the era with a deep respect for Latin jazz traditions. The result is a mostly instrumental track driven by rhythm and an irresistible swing – controlled, but with a healthy dose of attitude. Few records groove quite like Sofrito.
The track opens with a dramatic, exploratory piano melody before the percussion locks in and pushes things forward. From there, the alto flute and saxophone step out one by one, each taking their turn in the spotlight. Today, Sofrito stands as a benchmark. If you were asked for a top-shelf example of 1970s Latin jazz fusion – the musical equivalent of a well-aged heritage wine – this track would be in very select company.
The title “Sofrito” (as shown on the album cover) refers to the flavor base used in many Caribbean and Latin cuisines, made by slowly sautéing ingredients like onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs in oil. The word “sofrito” is chanted throughout the song, joined by “na’ má,” a contraction of nada más, meaning “nothing more.” Like the dish itself, Santamaría’s music is a careful mix of ingredients that create a rich, distinctive flavor. Best enjoyed slowly – sofrito, indeed.
Born in 1917 in Havana, Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría Rodríguez and raised in the Jesús María district of Havana, Cuba, Ramón Santamaría. He was immersed in the deep-rooted West African culture that permeated this impoverished area. It was the sound of rumba and son that he heard in the tenements that served as his first percussion lessons.
He played percussion at the Tropicana Club during the golden era of Cuban music. The Cuban percussionist (primarily a conga drummer), and bandleader spent most of his career in the United States. By the time he recorded Sofrito in 1976, Santamaría had the confidence of a successful bandleader who had mastered his craft, allowing him to stretch the limits of Latin jazz.
Santamaría passed away in 2003 at age 85 leaving behind a fantastic recording legacy.
References:
1. Sofrito, the jazz classic by master conguero Mongo Santamaría, set for first vinyl reissue on May 13th – Concord
2. Sofrito – Fania
3. Mongo Santamaría – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
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