John Santos Sextet New Release

The John Santos Sextet is releasing their new recording in six years, “The Art Of The Descarga” on the Smithsonian Folkways label on August 7th.

Santos and his core group, consisting of flautist Dr. John Calloway, pianist Marco Diaz, bassist Saul Sierra, saxophonist Melecio Magdaluyo and drummer David Flores, harness the energy and spirit of those classic sessions of yesteryear for rollicking interpretations of rumbas, bombas, mambos, and other traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms arranged for jazz ensemble”.

An impressive cast of special guests played with Santos on this recording include legendary percussionist Orestes Vilato, flautist Orlando “Maraca” Valle, the late trumpeter Jerry Gonzalez, Pedro Pastrana on cuatro, violinist Anthony Blea, vocalist Orlando Torriente and Rapper/Vocalist Rico Pabon. The Descarga or Cuban Jam Session brings to my mind those classic 1950’s recordings by pioneers such as Israel Lopez “Cachao”, Julio Gutierrez, Niño Rivera, Pedro Justiz “Peruchin” and Jose Fajardo. These masters usually recorded these sessions late past 2 am after working their regular gigs as side men with their respective groups and orchestras.

The descarga originated in Cuba as a term for loose jam sessions full of powerful rhythmic interplay and spontaneous group improvisations. These explosive descargas have served as the building blocks and point of reference for many a budding musician. Now John Santos and the sextet will add their unique flavor to the legacy of the Descarga. As Santos explained to me “We are not playing the descargas in the traditional sense on this recording but doing something fresh and different”. Santos has been known to push the envelope with his artistic vision and expression throughout his recording history. This upcoming release promises to be a highlight of this unusual quarantine summer.

Image: Photo of John Santos w/Afro Cuban All Stars @The Freight 1/19/2020 by Luis Medina.

Other news:

A new internet Salsa radio station is going to launch on Friday, July 10th! WorldSalsaRadio.com will launch with a wide array of knowledgable dj’s, musicians and ethnomusicologists from around the world.  I’m excited to be hosting a new program “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 pm PST starting July 15th. The core team launching this radio station is comprised of SF Bay Area internet radio hosts Felipe Martinez “El De La Clave”, Ivette Fuentes “DJ La Coqui” and Orlando Felix “DJ Boricua“. More WorldSalsaRadio.com news to come next time

I’ve checked out on You Tube a video of Bululu‘s gorgeous new song “Bengali“. I have been hearing about Bululu led by percussionist Lali Mejia and their enticing and seductive Venezuelan/Tropical mix for quite some time. Esteemed musicians such as Omar Ledesma Jr., Jose Roberto Hernandez, Lichi Fuentes, Fernanda Bustamante, Norma Kansau (who provides the lush vocals on the video), Jose Gregorio Kansau, Ayla Davila, Ruthie Dineen and Peta Robles are part of this fine ensemble. “Bengali” is co produced by renowned producer Greg Landau and Davila. Check it out!

That’s it for today! Take care of yourselves and stay safe!! Ciao 4 now!!