Sabroso Mambo

75-year-old conguero Robin Jones is a Latin music institution – and, indeed, a London one. When not beating the skins at jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s and the 606 in Chelsea, he can be found special guesting for an array of big names. If they command respect, and they’ve got a band, then the diminutive Jones has probably played with them: his CV reads like a Who’s Who of Latin-leaning percussion, and he has played with Mongo Santamaria, Miguel Anga Díaz and Changito as well as chart toppers like Elton John, Al Jarreau, Sade and Moby.

There have been too many jazz collaborations to list here (think Stan Getz and Arturo Sandoval for starters). What matters is that Jones and his band King Salsa have this new album, out on a new label, featuring a scorching young horn section and stalwarts including pianist Chris Kibble and the esteemed UK-based Afro-Cuban/ Brazilian percussionist Bosco de Oliveira. It’s a record that pulses with energy and experience; the album’s eponymous opener manages to be both smooth and edgy, setting the tone for the old-school classics and new compositions that follow.

With a 13-piece band – and a bandleader – this good, highlights are numerous. The great Mario Bauza’s ‘Mambo Inn’ has all the honeyed depth of the Palladium-playing original. A lively rendition of ‘Ran Kan Kan’ is a fitting ode to Jones’ old mucker Tito Puente. Oliveira’s bembé-style chant ‘Ode to Wa Silé’ adds further authenticity. Home grown talent – sort of – with an international reach.