From the recording Horizontes
Mañengue 5:34
Composed by John Santos
Arranged by John Calloway, John Santos
(Guataca Music, BMI)
yubá cuartiao / changüí
José Manuel Hidalgo (December 12, 1944 - March 4, 2024), affectionately known as Mañengue, was among Puerto Rico's most well-known, innovative and beloved percussionists. He is the father of the great Giovanni Hidalgo (Mañenguito) who altered the course of modern conga drumming. He was a creative genius and bohemian who inspired many of us aspiring Boricua percussionists. I had the great honor of meeting him in the mid-80s and will always cherish our infrequent communications. This homage begins with a yubá cuartiao traditional Afro-Puerto Rican bomba rhythm and shifts to a jazzy, Cuban changüí-inspired dance piece. Jerry Medina delivers the heart-felt tribute to his old friend. The Guantanamero bongó del monte is masterfully played by Einar (Tito) Leliebre Núñez from Santiago de Cuba.
David Flores - drums, timbal.
Saul Sierra - electric bass.
Marco Díaz - piano.
Dr. John Calloway - flute.
Charlie Gurke - baritone sax.
John Santos - tumbadoras, barriles, maraca, cuá, chékere, clave, coro.
Jerry Medina - lead vocals.
Einar Leliebre Núñez - bongó del monte, coro.
Christelle Durandy - coro.
Juan Luis Pérez - coro.
Lyrics
Sentimiento profundo Deep sentiment
de la aldea Kisengue . from the town of Kisengue
El Maestrazo Mañengue The great teacher Mañengue
de Borikén oriundo originally form Puerto Rico
se fue de este mundo has left this world
al compás de la plena. to the pulse of the plena.
Se fue con una sirena He left with a mermaid
mandá por Yemayá Olodo sent by Yemayá Olodo.
Hay un Kongo pa'llá, criollo There is a Congo over there, criollo
pa'llevar la gente buena to carry the good folks.
coro chorus
Que te parece? What do you think?
Mañengue se nos fue. Mañengue has left us.
Agradecimiento Don José. Gratitude Sir José.
Honor a quien lo merece. Honor to the deserving.
Mañengue está en la paz, Mañengue is at peace
se levantó pa'l cielo. and has risen to the heavens.
Cantaremos y bailaremos. We will sing and dance.
No lo olvidaremos jamás. We will never forget him.