by Tony Wilds
Fuego (released on the Vaya label) continues the soul-jazz of Mongo's Atlantic period but ranges a bit further, into funk and rock. &Fingers& is a bass-led original with psychedelic guitar recorded to sound as if it's being played several blocks away (much like an early Jimi Hendrix session). &Crazy Lady& is the other seriously funky track, although neither is essential. The original &Besame& is a fine, laid-back song in classic Mongo style; there are many other fine -- if not exactly thrilling -- moments, including &Malcolm X.& &Last Tango in Paris& is billed as the hit single, and it does win hipness points over many other, more treacly versions; but the tune is so brief that it seems to be just a substitute for something catchier -- something on another album. Fuego flickers, but never quite ignites.