LP Legends Series adds Jose Madera Congas and Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez,
Jr. Bongos
LP assumes the responsibility of shining the spotlight on those who went
before us, just as we’re committed to nurturing tomorrow’s Latin
stars. The drums of our Legends series are the sonic signatures of Latin
pioneers. Fully playable in contemporary musical settings, they are simultaneously
the voice of our Latin roots.
For example, the new LP Legend Series Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez Bongos speak of a man for whom bongos were not auxiliary instruments
but his sole focus. The son of respected Latin musician Johnny Rodriguez,
Sr., “Dandy” Rodriguez apprenticed with stalwarts Ray Barretto
and Tipica ‘73 before beginning a 27-year tenure playing bongos
and bells with the Tito Puente Orchestra. This was an era when bongo
playing was a true art form and the LP Legend Series Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez
Bongos keeps the noble profession alive. Dandy’s flourish, snappy
technique and incredible charisma influenced generations of musicians,
many of whom will want these new Legend bongos.
A bongo must cut through with tone. Beech is a unique hardwood for
that purpose, since it confers a little “sizzle” along
with the “snap”, in addition to a well-defined bottom end
(which explains its use in signature snare drums). Thus LP Legend Series
Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez Bongos incorporate prized European
beech in both the 9” Hembra (larger drum) and the 7º” Macho.
Of course, the only possible rims that would make aesthetic and historical
sense would be traditional rims, thus their inclusion. Add to that
authentic Cuban style steel bottoms, traditional rims, a smalll center
block that allows the drums to be picked up with one hand and the picture
is complete.
The Legends series is now richer for the inclusion of LP Legend Series
Jose
Madera Congas, winner
of the 2009 M.I.P.A Award for best percussion product. Jose began his career in New York City playing timbales
with the Machito Orchestra. His legacy was cemented when Jose Madera
joined Tito
Puente’s Orchestra. Aside from his tenure as Tito’s
musical director, he also played lead congas in that organization for
thirty years! An arranger at Fania Records, a stage performer, and a
recording artist, Madera appears on well over 100 Latin recordings.
Accordingly, LP Legend Series Jose Madera Congas have been constructed
to faithfully render his various musical activities. For starters,
shells are finished in a stage-worthy beautiful swirling gloss chosen
by Madera himself. Standing at 30”, the three standard-sized
drums gain warmth from kiln-dried environmentally friendly Siam oak,
which is shaped in a special contour to promote
the projection of mid and high frequencies. The latter are augmented
by an inner coating of fiberglass, which seals the top section of the
inside shell for added strength along with projecting focuses highs
and booming lows. Specially selected and matched rawhide heads provide
optimum touch and resonance. Other features include chrome hardware,
Comfort Curve II Rims, reinforced LP Heart Side Plates, ProCare Integrated
Shell Protectors, and, of course, an LP accessory pouched fully stocked
with tuning wrench and Lug Lube.
Listen to an audio clip of this instrument. LPL201A-JR Bongos
