Latin and Caribbean dance music group originally formed in 1983. Despite its inauspicious beginnings the band continued quite successfully well into the ‘00s, becoming one of Baltimore’s top party bands playing over 100 shows per year.
The brainchild of Bob Friedman (guitar, bass ex-Fabulous Dogtones), who came up with the band name while organizing the Ad Hoc Fiasco, an alternative to the Artscape arts festival. Just what type of music would a band called Mambo Combo play? Latin, Caribbean, Island styles? The initial concept began as a joke as none of the original members had any experience with these musical styles.
The Mambo Combo performance at the festival incorporated props such as cardboard palm trees, colorful island outfits, crazy hats and drawn-on mustaches. The concept worked and eventually the group began adding experienced musicians and began taking the music seriously. Friedman and drummer Henry P. ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins (ex-Da Moronics) were the mainstays. After numerous personnel changes they added Didier Prossaird (keyboards, percussion), and Steve Bloom (congas, shaker, percussion –also worked with Rumba Club).
After only one year they were named 1984 Best Band by Baltimore magazine. Local appearances included the Galaxy Lounge…
The group eventually released their first CD “Mr. Happy” in 1996 featuring studio tracks recorded at 1137 Recording Studio and live tracks recorded at the Belvedere Hotel’s 13th Floor. In addition to the above lineup, the CD featured guest spots by Leo McLaughlin (guitar), Dave Fairall (tenor sax), Ron Penuska (trumpet), Will Martin (trombone), John Schock (accordion, piano, melodica ex-Touch the Floor, Alien Blues, Two Legs, Polkats), Kraig Greff (accordion), and Craig Considine (guiro).
In 1999 Mambo Combo was named Best Party Band by Baltimore Magazine. The late-’90s-00s lineup featured Friedman, Hopkins, Prossaird, Bloom, and Larry Meltor (bass). Later adding Andrew Hartzell (keyboards, accordion, percussion), Tony DeFontes (bass)…
1996(CD) Blue Heron 1002-2 Mr. Happy
2001(CD) Blue Heron 1002-3 “Live”
