New Recordings for PMO, VibraSON

Posted on Jan 8, 2020

PMO's vocalist Christelle Durandy singing her heart out at Yoshi's

PMO’s vocalist Christelle Durandy singing her heart out at Yoshi’s

Pacific Mambo Orchestra celebrated the release of their new recording “The III Side” with two nights featuring their new music at Yoshi’s in Oakland.  The set featured dynamic versions of “Mambo Rachmaninoff” which was a classical influenced showcase for pianist/co-leader Christian Tumalan and PMO’s version of their own Afro Cuban Suite.  Other highlights was a reworking of the Chaka Khan Rn’b classic  “Through The Fire” featuring the soulful vocals of Armando Cordova (ex-Avance).  French vocalist Christelle Durandy shined throughout the evening especially on her composition “Mi Carnaval”.  Vocalist/percussionist Braulio Barrera tore it up on the swinging “Mr. B’s Mambo”.  Pacific Mambo Orchestra were on fire as the band sounded tighter as the instrumentalists played their asses off to the roaring approval of the sold out Yoshi’s crowd.  Trumpeter/Co-leader Steffen Kuehn exemplified that energy with a blistering solo on PMO’s opening instrumental number setting the tone of the evening.  If you missed the shows, do yourself a favor and pick up “The III Side” now available on all digital platforms and on CD Baby.  For more information, visit www.pacificmambo.com………VibraSON, the popular vibes dominated group led by dancer turned bongocero Jake Jacobs celebrated the CD release of their new recording “Llego VibraSON” at their home base, Bar Fluxus at the Hotel Des Artes and at the Dance Saturday’s Party in Space 550 in SF in December.  The all star band,  has a great swinging sound reminiscent of bands such as Joe Cuba and Las Siete Potencias, features Charlie Barreda on vibes, timbalero Christian Pepin, conguero Julio Perez, pianist Marco Diaz, bassist Saul Sierra and featured two outstanding vocalists Manny Martinez and Carlos Xavier alternating lead vocals. (Their lead vocalist Luis Morales-Guidos has taken a leave of absence)  Add to the equation, rapper Deuce Eclipse of the Latin Alternative group Bang Data on their unique version of Sting’s “An Englishman In New York” which further added to the excitement of the evening.  VibraSON featured the fine tunes on their new recording such as “Tu No Me Escondas”, “Lonely Is The Night” and “Latin Vibe Tuesdays”. For more information, go to vibrason.com….Before I forget, I wanted to recognize the following artists for their recordings in 2019: Carlos Xavier, Cabanijazz Project, The Latin Rhythm Boys, Fernandito Junior, Marco Diaz, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Fito Reinoso, Tribu,  Claudia Villela and Ray Cepeda.

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