Vámonos Pa'l Monte
Eddie Palmieri · 1971 · from the album Vámonos Pa'l Monte
Two brothers, an organ and an electric piano trade lines over a hypnotic montuno, with a baritone sax in the horn section.
- montuno
- organ
Why it matters
Eddie Palmieri led one of the most adventurous bands in New York salsa. On Vámonos Pa'l Monte (1971) he added instruments that salsa bands of the time rarely used: an organ, an electric piano, a baritone sax and a drum kit. His brother Charlie Palmieri, a bandleader and pianist himself, played the organ on the title track.
Fania's notes describe the song as a hypnotic montuno that became a favorite base for improvising in jam sessions. It's a classic of Latin music, and a good place to hear salsa open up to jazz and rock sounds without losing its dance groove.
What to listen for
- The organ: Charlie Palmieri, Eddie's older brother, plays it. It's a long, smooth, breathing sound, very different from the sharp attack of a piano.
- The electric piano answering the organ: that's Eddie Palmieri. The two brothers play off each other like two singers.
- The baritone sax, played by Ronnie Cuber. It's the lowest horn in the band, and it adds weight under the trumpets and the tenor sax.
- The montuno: a repeated, open pattern that never rushes. It's a good groove to settle into and dance to without hurry.
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