Los Van Van-Davies SF
There was a lot of anticipation regarding the return of Los Van Van to San Francisco. Their current tour is a tribute to the late Juan Formell who led the band for most of their 40 year existence. His son, Samuel Formell has come to his own as a great drummer, percussionist and leader. The latest version of Los Van Van came to the most unlikely place to showcase one of the finest Cuban dance bands in the world: Davies Symphony Hall, home of the S.F. Symphony. Their show was a stunning triumph despite the acoustic limitations of the hall which caused erratic sound in some areas and lack of designated areas for dancing. Los Van Van proved why they are one of the great bands of the world: an incredible repertoire that included decades of signature songs along with new material, a tight ensemble, a front line of charismatic vocalists and great instrumental virtuosos at the top of their game. The dancing crowd took over the front of the stage, the aisles, stood up and shook in front of their seats….they were not to be denied! SF Jazz and the venue were intelligent in allowing the crowd to dance throughout the entire performance. After a 2 hour performance that would satisfy the most staunch Van Van fan, the band came back for an encore with an exuberant version of “Te Pone La Cabeza Mala” which left the crowd smiling on their way out to the exit...
Read MoreCubanismo/Yoshis
It’s been a great August for Cuban music fans in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California….Cubanismo led by the fierce trumpeter/bandleader Jesus Alemany conquered Yoshis in Oakland. Alemany and his hand picked ensemble of all stars were on fire in front of a sold out, standing room only crowd of fans. Cubanismo’s signature blend of son, pilon, cha cha, descarga with a shot of timba was awesome and impressive! The instrumental virtuosity of the band was matched by the vocal fire power of Rojitas who led a charismatic trio of singers. It has been 12 years since Cubanismo hit these shores. Now there is talk about an extensive US tour and a new recording coming out next year. They were just too good to miss! No worries, Cubanismo will be...
Read MoreChucho, Gonzalo, Michel-Once In A Lifetime Concert – Great new recording!
History was made on June 21st when Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Michel Camilo graced Davies Symphony Hall for their tribute to Cuban composer/pianist Ernesto Lecuona presented by SF Jazz. This once in a lifetime show featuring all three pianists in solo, duo and trio settings playing grand pianos. In the trio setting, they were trading places on the same piano bench playing the same piano! What jaw dropping, incredible piano virtuosity was displayed by these three incredible pianists. It was a mesmerizing, spellbinding and wonderful concert. A new recording has just been released entitled “Playing Lecuona” which features these three greats which happens to be a soundtrack of a new movie featuring these giants. The format of the recording is different from the concert since the recording features these artists contributing their interpretations of Lecuona’s work but no collaborations. It’s still quite a recording to add to your collection. I can’t wait to see the movie! However, if you did see the show, you were treated to one of those great shows that you will be remembering for quite a while! Gracias...
Read MoreRandom Notes 7/29/15
It’s been a while so let’s catch up! The list of performers that have visited the Bay Area has included Dafnis Prieto, Grupo Niche, Charanga Habanera, Viti Ruiz, Renzo Padilla and the incredible comeback performance of Jesus Alemany’s Cubanismo after a 12 year absence. So what does August hold in store? Check out the San Jose Jazz Summerfest which promises to be a feast for Latin music aficionados as well as for jazzistas, blues, rnb and funk fans on the weekend of August 7 thru the 9th. An All star lineup featuring Eddie Palmieri’s Latin Jazz Septet, Doug Beavers’ Titanes Del Trombon, Bombay Jazz w/Larry Coryell, Tower Of Power, Ernesto Oviedo with the John Santos Sextet, Louie Romero’s Mazacote and a whole slew of great bands will be gracing the streets of San Jose that weekend. I’m joining the party as guest MC/DJ for Doug Beavers party on Friday night and MC for the Salsa Stage all day Saturday! Go to sanjosejazz.org for more information. And if you want to keep the fun going strong on Sunday, you may want to check out Koketos Sundays at St. James Gate in Belmont with special appearances by Doug Beavers’ Conjunto Rovira with special guests from NYC and yours truly, Luis Medina as guest DJ and MC. There will be a special benefit for the family of KPFA DJ Wesley Burton who was killed in a tragic hit and run accident also on Sunday, August 9th at the Seahorse in Sausalito. Pacific Mambo Orchestra will be the featured band. The show starts at 4 pm. And don’t forget that SF Jazz is presenting the iconic Cuban superstars Los Van Van paying tribute to their late leader Juan Formell at SF’s Davies Symphony Hall on Friday, August 14 at 8 pm. Info: sfjazz.org. If that wasn’t enough, the annual Festival De La Isla Puerto Rican festival on Saturday, August 22nd will feature Salsa singing star Frankie Negron along with Grammy Award Winners Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Orquesta Saboricua, Orquesta Borinquen and DJ Tony O at Pena Adobe Park in Vacaville from 11 am to 7 pm. For more information, visit...
Read MoreLive Appearances
Follow Luis on
Follow Luis on