Bongo Fury

Wednesday, October 7, 1992 - 10:00

Bongo Fury

By Scott Lewington

MELBOURNE — Top Australian percussionist Ray Pereira has assembled some of the city's finest young percussionists to produce a delicious taste of Cuba.

Basing itself on Afro-Cuban rhythms and chants such as Bembe, Guaguanco, and the Comparsa, his talented ensemble — Bongo Fury — creates the nearest thing to a Cuban carnival atmosphere the city is likely to get.

The hypnotic rhythms, interspersed with some brilliant soloing, leave the audience with uncontrollably gyrating hips and the percussion fanatics inspired to go home and do hours of practice.

It's quite unusual in Melbourne and a show well worth catching. The audience response has been tremendous. The group will be doing regular shows at the Esplanade Hotel's Gershwin Room, so keep an eye out for details in your gig guide. Bring your dancing shoes.

From GLW issue 74