History

The Story

Dr Mambo is a Musical Experience like no other.

Dr Mambo's music is a magical experience that takes you on a musical journey through the streets of New York City, to Africa, the Caribbean and Central/South America. With the core members who share Dwight's passion for the music this ensemble of musicians has developed a very unique style. This music can only be learned through the combination of music played in the streets just strolling through the various neighborhoods in NYC on any given summer day. The blend of classic jazz with Salsa, African polyrhythms and funk creates an amazing listening experience as well as danceable tunes.

​

ADr. Mambo can be found on the radio on his “World of Jazz" show.  This program is some of the best jazz programming in the world. The great thing about this show is that it can be heard anywhere on your mobile devices or desktop computers. Music lovers especially those who enjoy Afro-Caribbean Jazz will love this show because it features some of the best musicians playing their favorite stylings just for you. Join Dr Mambo and his band The Experience Ensemble as they take you on an unforgettable musical journey filled with exciting sounds and rhythms from all over the world.

​

The man behind Dr. Mambo is known simply as “Doc.” – short for doctorate – but that's not why he chose it as his stage name. He says he was inspired by an old comic book character named Doctor Strange who had magical powers due to his knowledge of science and medicine.  "For me, it was just a matter of time before I made my own mark on this planet using my superpower, Funk & Roll," says Dr. "I studied hard and learned everything I could about music production and performance so I could put my best foot forward."  In 2015, Dr. launched a YouTube channel where he's uploaded videos of himself and the band performing his tunes in the Salsa/Jazz Funk & Roll dance style he is so fond of…

​

The History of how we got here.

It's no secret that Dr. Mambo is a musical force to be reckoned with, but what you may not know is how early in his career he began working as a Latin Jazz musician from the Bronx, New York. It was this experience that led to him meeting Willie Colon and forming his first orchestra, which caught the eye of Al Santiago of Alegre Records and Jerry Masucci and Johnny Pacheco of Fania Records (also see publishing), the label eventually signed the band.

​

Their first album "El Malo," included one of the all-time classics: "Jazzy." This song was written by Dwight, along with two other tunes also contributed as an arranger and keyboardist in the La Dynamica Band.  "Chongui," "Quimbombo" and "Jazzy" were some of his most popular tracks at the time. But it wasn't until he worked with Héctor Lavoe on a collaboration that people started taking notice of Dwight's talent as a songwriter and arranger. At first Hector shared older musician's opinions: They were just a kiddie band with a terrible sound! But after listening to Dwight's tunes, Hector quickly changed his mind--and joined the band!

During the 60s, the group worked all across New York, often performing opposite Tito Puente, Charlie & Eddie Palmieri, Ricardo Ray, Tito Rodriguez, Ray Barreto and Joe Cuba.  They also had the opportunity to work with Cal Tjader and many other quality Salsa/Latin Jazz artists. When Dwight returned from vacation (a Vietnam era tour) the music business had made its regular trend change so Dwight was on the hunt for bigger and better projects.

​

After a short vacation from the business (Vietnam)

Dwight, In 1971, formed the eight-piece Latin Jazz Funk $ Roll band called "The Junglerat.”  Funk & Roll band.  This group took full advantage of the lessons learned from the Salsa and Latin Jazz experience and put it to good use with a top of the line, hot dance band. The Junglerat used its knowledge of Latin jazz, and funk and worldwide dance music to tour most of Central and South America. Based in Panama (in the city not the canal zone!), the band became well known in the region for its special blend of Afro Caribbean Jazz all world music. The “Rat” recorded one of the world’s greatest vinyl collectables “Love One Another” and “Have a Little Faith in me”.  Units of this vinyl 45 are still sought after today as collectables.  With this experience under his belt, Dr. Mambo knew what it took to be successful in playing Latin Jazz Funk & Roll music.

​

After two tours with the Junglerat, Dwight took a "woodshed" gig at a club in the heart of New York's "Hell’s Kitchen" called The Liquid Smoke owned by a grammar school friend. Jazz musician Robin Kenyatta heard the Latin Jazz Reggae Funk sound Dwight was performing and asked him to join his group. Mr. Kenyatta with Dwight performed as an opening act for Ashford and Simpson, also entertaining on the same stage with many of the giants of Jazz Miles Davis and Sonny Stitt to name a few. Mr. Kenyatta recorded two albums for Atlantic Records with Dwight handling the bulk of the keyboard work.  The friendships Dwight made from this band have been long lasting. Working with Mr. Kenyatta was the "break" that Dwight needed to enter into the record making side of the business.

As a Producer, Arranger, many other recording projects came into focus.

Two albums with Art Webb for Atlantic Records; Prism Records; ATV Records with Patrick Adams; Kathy Kristy for RCA Records; Two Albums with Kalyan, (crib-funk from Trinidad) for MCA Records; The Main Ingredient for RCA and Power Exchange Records (England); The Imperials (Power Exchange Records); Funky Nassau with Ray Munnings for Tammi/Island Records; Captain Conners for Norman Connors and Buddah/Arista Records; East 6th Street for Aquarian Dream ​Buddah/Arista Records; Luther Vandross for Cotillion Records; Carlos Garnett Power Exchange Records; Ace Spectrum for Atlantic Records; Tony Silvester and the New Ingredient for Mercury Records; and many others.

​

Dwight is an accomplished musician and composer with a long list of credits to his name. In fact, during this period Dwight worked as keyboardist, percussionist in the studio or on tour with many different artists that would have an influence on his music. Some of the personalities: Bo Diddley, Barry Rogers, The Brecker Brothers, Mtume, Chaka Khan, Carlos Alomar, Bert DeCoteaux, Wah Wah Watson, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Mandel, John Sussewell, Gilberto, Louie Ramirez, Charlie Palmieri… the list goes on and on.

​