Random Notes 4/15/2020

Professor Joe Torres, the distinctive swinging pianist who played, recorded and toured with Willie Colon passed away yesterday morning after a long illness. Torres was a key element in the formation of the modern NY Salsa sound that Colon brought to life with his innovative band in the late 1960’s. Torres played on Colon’s biggest hits from in the classic Salsa era of the 1960’s and 1970’s. He also played and recorded with Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz and different projects throughout his career. Torres’s passing follows the recent deaths of such iconic musicians as Andy Gonzalez and Ray Mantilla. RIP Joe Torres!!

With our current worldwide lockdown, I have been glued to my laptop and my cell phone. I have seen music performed from the homes of the following artists: Chick Corea’s amazing nightly solo performances, Chucho Valdes weekly residency and a great intimate set by Juanes. I’ve checked out fine archival performances on the Fania Records channel, the amazing duo of Changuito with Giovanni Hidalgo, the late Miguel “Anga” Diaz showcasing his virtuosity on various styles of rumba, The Lebron Brothers, Eddie Palmieri with special guest Ile from this year’s El Dia Nacional De La Salsa, classic clips by Sonora Ponceña, Johnny Pacheco, Niche, Frankie Ruiz and others. Various DJ postings ranging from global vinyl mixmasters to swinging talent from the SF Bay. And…a cavalcade of postings of live performances, photographs and videos from the fine talent here in the SF Bay! (I’ll go in depth in future posts!!) This is just mentioning the Latin side.

I’m a music fanatic with open ears so I’ve also seen amazing performances by Andrea Bocelli, H.E.R. with Lianne La Havas, Beyonce, Willie Nelson, Alicia Keys, Lauren Hill, Bruce Springsteen and countless others. Music does soothe the soul at a time like this. Keep your spirits up. Until the next time!!!