Cándido de Guerra Camero, better known as Cándido Camero, was born in 1921 in a Havana barrio called El Cerro. Cándido was initially a multi-instrumentalist, showing dexterity on tres, guitar, and bass-these being key instruments in the popular son music of the day.
A switch to bongos and congas led to a six-year period with the CMQ Radio Orchestra and a residency at the famed Cabaret Tropicana. Heralded as the father of the technique of coordinated independence, Cándido had further accomplishments. For one, he pioneered the use of two congas and later three, whereas in past congueros were content with a single drum.
His playing became distinctive owing to a tendency to tune, when possible, to the melody of the song. Equipped with three congas and a bongo, he was able to complement horn, piano, and bass lines with harmonic contributions.
In 1954, pianist Billy Taylor wrote, “I have not heard anyone who even approaches the wonderful balance between jazz and Cuban elements that Cándido demonstrates.”
Cándido’s long list of recorded work includes sessions with Lena Horne, Billy Taylor, Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, Count Basie, Elvin Jones, George Shearing, Lionel Hampton, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Woody Herman, Doc Severinson, Marian McPartland, Lalo Schifrin, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Charlie Parker, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, in addition to his work as band leader.
Camero received the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award in 2008.
Cándido Camero died on November 7, 2020.
Discography:
Candido featuring Al Cohn (ABC-Paramount, 1956)
The Volcanic (ABC-Paramount, 1956)
Latin Fire – The Big Beat of Candido (ABC-Paramount, 1959)
In Indigo (ABC-Paramount, 1960)
Conga Soul (Roulette, 1962)
Candido’s Comparsa (ABC-Paramount, 1963)
Thousand Finger Man (Solid State, 1969)
Beautiful (Blue Note, 1970)
Brujerias de Candido (Discos Fuentes, 1971)
Drum Fever (Polydor, 1973)
Dancin’ and Prancin’ (Salsoul, 1979)
Giovanni Hidalgo, Candido, Patato Valdes – The Conga Kings (Chesky, 2000)
Candido & Graciela – Inolvidable (Chesky, 2004)
Hands of Fire – Manos de fuego (Latin Jazz USA, 2008)
The Master (Chesky, 2014)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.