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 Percussionist and vocalist Milton Cardona doesn't seem particularly impressed with the fact that he's made 703 recordings in his career. "What's amazing," he says, "is that I have them all!" Cardona's diverse discography spans several decades and is highlighted by albums with Cachao, Larry Harlow, Eddie Palmieri, Johnny Colon, Willie Colon, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Steve Turre, J.J. Johnson, jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw, and the Arab-tinged jazz ensemble of Rabih Abou-Khalil.
Among Cardona's most recent projects are the soundtrack for Spike Lee's film "Get on the Bus" and Paul Simon's album "Music from The Capeman." (Cardona also played two small roles onstage for the Broadway production of "Capeman."). He's just completed an album with the European percussion ensemble Mega Drums, and in the coming months will be touring Japan with bassist Jack Bruce, and Europe with jazz clarinetist Don Byron. In addition, he's hard at work on an album of his own: The tentatively titled "Cambucha" will feature Cardona's original music (ranging from religious to doo-wop) and an ensemble of 12 pieces -- 11 of which he will play.
Cardona studied violin for seven childhood years, then played bass professionally until the street jams of New York lured him to percussion. The music of Mongo Santamaria was a strong influence on his playing.
He still has his first LP instrument, a fiberglass conga. "LP's fiberglass congas sound as close to a wooden drum as you can get. The sound is good, the skin is good, and the weight of the drum is just right. I rely on LP -- in the studio and on the road."
Equipment list: LP Congas, LP Bata Drums and LP Bongos
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