Carlos "Patato" Valdés
1926-2007

For over 60 years Carlos "Patato" Valdez demonstrated how a musician could combine technical skill with superb showmanship. His conga playing demonstrated the fusing of melody and rhythm, and his keen understanding of rhythm is rooted in dancing. Patato even mastered the art of actually dancing ON TOP of his congas during his performances, to the delight of the audience.

Valdez dazzled an audience well into his seventies with his rumba moves. He's also is the man who gave Brigitte Bardot a mambo lesson in the film “And God Created Woman”. Valdez also expressed his understanding of melody through bass and tres, the Cuban folk guitar.  -- LP Music,
    www.lpmusic.com/Pros_That_Play_LP/Players_Roster/patato.html