Bands & artists like Mongo Santamaría

If you like Mongo Santamaría, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

New to Mongo Santamaría? Start with our listening guide.

Artists to try next

Tito Puente

Tito Puente

Known as the 'King of Latin Music', his energetic timbales and vibrant brass arrangements create a similar irresistible groove.

music of Latin America salsa
Poncho Sanchez

Poncho Sanchez

Sanchez blends Latin jazz with traditional salsa, showcasing layered percussion and lively brass that echo Mongo's sound.

jazz
Chucho Valdés

Chucho Valdés

A master of Afro-Cuban jazz, his piano work is complemented by dynamic rhythms and brass, creating a similarly infectious energy.

Afro-Cuban jazz classical music jazz
Arturo Sandoval

Arturo Sandoval

His virtuosic trumpet playing and incorporation of Latin rhythms produce a vibrant sound that parallels Santamaría's spirited grooves.

Latin jazz jazz
Los Van Van

Los Van Van

This band fuses salsa with jazz elements, featuring strong percussion and brass that generate an engaging rhythmic complexity.

music of Cuba
Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz

The Queen of Salsa's powerful vocals paired with vibrant instrumentation deliver the same danceable energy found in Mongo's music.

Cuban rumba salsa
Bobby Sanabria

Bobby Sanabria

His projects often blend big band jazz with Latin rhythms, utilizing rich percussion and brass to create an exciting soundscape.

Afro-Cuban jazz music of Latin America
Eddie Palmieri

Eddie Palmieri

Palmieri's innovative approach to salsa incorporates jazz influences and complex rhythms that resonate well with Mongo Santamaría's work.

Latin jazz salsa

Common questions

Who sounds like Mongo Santamaría?

Artists similar to Mongo Santamaría include Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Chucho Valdés and Arturo Sandoval. Each shares elements of Mongo Santamaría's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is Mongo Santamaría?

Mongo Santamaría is primarily known for Latin jazz. Layered percussion interlocks with spirited brass lines, generating an irresistible groove that compels movement.

Where should I start if I like Mongo Santamaría?

If you enjoy Mongo Santamaría, start with Tito Puente — their album "Mambo Birdland" is a great entry point. Known as the 'King of Latin Music', his energetic timbales and vibrant brass arrangements create a similar irresistible groove.