Record Review: Jack Costanzo, Latin Fever (1958)

The album cover shows a shirtless woman in leopard-print panties beating on a drum, head thrown back in ecstasy, mouth open in a primal growl. Put the needle to the groove and “Mr. Bongo” plays a relentless Latin rhythm accompanied by piano, bass, flute, and occasional Spanish shouts. It’s a fair example of the exotica genre, but all tracks sound alike. Fine background ambiance for a hipster retro cocktail party, perhaps, but I can’t imagine anyone listening to this record for its musical merits. Maybe the brunette on the sleeve isn’t roaring at all, but failing to stifle a yawn. (2/5)