Palo Congo (1957)

Palo Congo is the debut album by conguero Sabú Martínez, recorded on April 27, 1957 and released on Blue Note later that year. The octet features Arsenio Rodríguez, his brothers Raúl and "Quique"—alongside Ray "Mosquito" Romero—on congas, bassist Evaristo Baró, and vocalists Willie Capó and Sarah Baró.

Reception

It was listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Personnel

Musicians

• Louis "Sabú" Martínez – congas, bongos, vocals
• Arsenio Rodríguez – congas, tres, guitar, vocals
• Raúl "Caesar" Travieso – congas, vocals
• Israel Moisés "Quique" Travieso – congas
• Ray "Mosquito" Romero – congas
• Evaristo Baró – bass
• Willie Capó – vocals
• Sarah Baró – vocals

Technical personnel

Alfred Lion – producer (uncredited)

• Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineer, mastering
• Reid Miles – design
• Francis Wolff – photography
• Hsio-yen Shih – liner notes