2012

Top Salsa-Latin Jazz-Afro Cuban Music Picks 2012

Posted on Dec 23, 2012

Hi Everyone, the following are my picks for the best recordings of 2012.  I focus on Salsa, Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban music which is presented on my radio program “Con Sabor” on Saturday evenings from 9 to 11 pm on KPFA 94.1 FM.  I’ve enjoyed sharing these recordings with you on my program.  I hope that you pick up one of these titles for your collection.   I wish you Happy Holidays! ARTIST/TITLE/LABEL EDDIE MONTALVO “DESDE NUEVA YORK A PUERTO RICO” – SENOR MARCHA CHEO FELICIANO/RUBEN BLADES “EBA SAY AJA” – ARIEL RIVAS MUSIC RALPH IRRIZARY Y LOS VIEJOS DE LA SALSA “VIEJOS PERO SABROSOS” – BKS LA EXCELENCIA “ECOS DEL BARRIO” – HANDLE WITH CARE SANTIAGO ALL STARS “JOYA Y RAREZA” – HASBUN PRODUCTIONS MARLOW ROSADO Y LA RIQUENA “RETRO” – PINK CHAOS CUBANA ALL STARS “A DREAM COME TRUE” – VCM BAILATINO “ANIVERSARIO” – PRODUCE KORTA SEPTETO SANTIAGUERO “VAMOS PA’ LA FIESTA” – PICAP PACIFIC MAMBO ORCHESTRA “PMO” – PACIFIC MAMBO ALEXANDER ABREU/HAVANA D’PRIMERA “PASAPORTE” – BIS PAPO VASQUEZ “OASIS” – PICARO WILSON CHEMBO CORNIEL “AFRO BLUE MONK” – CHEMBORO CHARANSALSA “PA’L MI PUEBLO” – CHARANSALSA TOP RELEASES FROM LATE 2011 INTO 2012 VARIOUS SONO SONO TITE CURET – BANCO POPULAR MICHAEL STUART “TRIBUTO A LOUIE RAMIREZ” – RLM NG LA BANDA MIS 22 ANOS –...

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El Gran Combo visits…

Posted on Dec 11, 2012

This Saturday, December 15th, the iconic El Gran Combo visits the San Francisco Bay Area celebrating their 50th Anniversary at Cafe Cocomo.  This group that was created by members of Rafael Cortijo’s orquesta back in 1962 brings their trademark sound that has launched a galaxy of hits throughout their illustrious career.  Their leader, pianist/musical director Rafael Ithier will conduct the Combo but has stopped performing live as their pianist a number of years ago (the esteemed pianist/producer Willie Sotelo has taken Ithier’s place in live performance).  Their front line of vocalists Charlie Aponte, Jerry Rivas (who took over Andy Montanez’s place back in the 70’s) and Papo Rosario have been performing as a team since that time.  The band has always been a tight unit who performs with precision, style and fire.  This is the classic Rolls Royce of Salsa from Puerto Rico but always with the love and heart of their public fueling this classic hit making...

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Things To Do And Listen To…December 2012

Posted on Nov 29, 2012

Scenes to look out for during December:  El Gran Combo will be bringing their 50th Anniversary tour to Cafe Cocomo on Saturday, December 15th.  Pepe Y Su Orquesta will be opening the show.  The last time that El Gran Combo played at Cocomo, it was packed to the brim.  Expect the same.  You may want to get your tickets at www.cafecocomo.com.  Pete Escovedo will be celebrating the next year at Yoshis in Oakland from Friday, Dec. 28 through New Years Eve.  His sons Peter Michael Escovedo and Juan Escovedo will join him along with his big band playing his brand of Latin Jazz, Salsa and those fabulous Azteca classics.  Timbalero extraordinare Eric Rangel has led his Orquesta America for the past two decades and is a staple of the SF Bay Area Salsa scene having played with Conjunto Cespedes, Salsa Caliente, Conjunto Rovira and others.  He has been recently diagnosed with throat cancer and is undergoing surgery and treatment.  There will be a benefit/tribute to Eric by former bandmates and friends at El Vacilon in Treasure Island on Sunday, December 16 from 4 to 11 pm with the likes of Avance, Borinquen, Candela, Pepe Gonzalez, Julio Bravo and other special guests.   DJ Carlitos Way and yours truly will be spinning in-between sets.  Proceeds to offset medical costs. New cd’s out now by Diego Gale, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Sammy Gonzalez, Alberto Barros, Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera, Victor Manuelle, Papo Vasquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, Septeto Santiaguero, DJ Ricky Campanelli, N’Klabe, NG2, Tito Puente’s six cd box set and more.  Hopefully you already have your copy of the Eddie Montalvo, Bailatino and Chembo Corniel recordings that have been out for a little while...

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Venezuela’s Bailatino-Explosive music 4 your collection

Posted on Nov 26, 2012

Bailatino, one of the finest of Venezuela’s contemporary Salsa orchestras have put out their latest recording “Aniversario”.   Their horn sound is defined by their two trombone and flute attack.  Veteran percussionist Jose “Cheo” Navarro leads this fine band through a swinging repertoire of Salsa, Descarga, Cha Cha and Latin Jazz.  Edgar “Dolor” Quijada (what a great nickname for a vocalist) leads Bailatino’s charged vocal trio throughout the entire cd.  Venezuela has some of the finest musicians playing in the Salsa and Latin Jazz genres.  Bailatino keeps raising the bar in terms of bringing interesting and challenging arrangements to compliment their ferocious swing.  This is evident in “Aniversario” when you listen to a tune such as “Donde Estara Margot” (the single from the cd) or “La Vampira”.   Do not overlook this cd among the many fine new Salsa recordings that this season has to offer.  This is worth seeking...

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