Eddie Palmieri celebrates 75th!

The irresistible rhythms of salsa dura were driving people to the dance floor at the San Francisco Yoshi’s club.  The sound was coming from 9 time Grammy award winning maestro Eddie Palmieri who was in town to celebrate his 75th birthday.  One of the true geniuses and innovators of Latin music who has been making an impact since the 1960’s, Palmieri continues his life work by putting out dynamic recordings such as his new 50th Anniversary dvd.

Powerful live performances has always been Palmieri’s speciality.  This was evident as he brought La Perfecta II featuring an all-star group consisting of the great sonero Herman Olivera, trescero extraordinare Nelson Gonzalez, young bass phenom Loques Curtis, the tight percussion section of Little Johnny Rivero, Jose Clausell and Orlando Vega, the tremendous horn section featuring the trombones of Jimmy Bosch and Doug Beavers and the flute of Karen Joseph.  Palmieri’s repertoire consisted of his classic dance tunes such as “Sujetate La Lengua”, “La Malanga”and “Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso” to name a few.

La Perfecta II is simply one of the finest live dance orchestras that exist…period.  The interplay and communication between musicians, the sheer virtuosity of the players and the fiercest dance music to be heard on any bandstand.  Eddie Palmieri was in fine form whether he was playing jaw dropping solos, leading his top-notch ensemble or cracking jokes to the audience.  I wasn’t alone in thinking that I was lucky to be there to catch the master at work.