After popularizing the bongo drum in a jazz setting with Stan Kenton’s orchestra of the late ‘40s, as well as a stint in Nat King Cole’s group, “Mr. Bongo”, Jack Costanzo, set out on his own, releasing his debut solo record in 1956 on the Zephyr label. As the title implies, the Chicago born bongo master is joined by a large orchestra that includes a boatload of trumpets in a Latin jazz/exotica setting. Cinematic in scope, some might call this “crime” jazz, with a distinct Latin flavor. Whatever you call it, be prepared to dance. Mr. Bongo Has Brass is lovingly reissued here on 180 gram LP by the fine folks at So Far Out. SIDE ONE: 1. DIGA DIGA DOO 2. EQUINOX 3. BEI MIR BIST DU SCHÖEN 4. YOUNG MAN WITH A HORN 5. BLUE PRELUDE 6. BARNEY GOOGLE SIDE TWO: 1. ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT 2. STREET SCENE 3. THE CONTINENTAL 4. EL DIABLITO 5. BURLEY-Q BONGO 6. MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM