Afro Cuban All Stars Shine; Koketos Pop Up; John Santos Sextet-Shelby w/Tiffany Austin explode @KCSM Bash

Juan De Marcos brought his latest Afro Cuban All Stars (photo-Luis Medina) group to headline a four night fun at the SF Jazz Center. This special version of the famed group, which has evolved to a family affair that features De Marcos’ talented wife and daughters, was fiery and unique. This time around was a special performance because the De Marcos clan did not make the trip but that fact did not hinder the All Stars’ performance. On the contrary, this was one of the best sets that I’ve seen the Afro-Cuban All Stars perform in quite sometime. Juan De Marcos exuded the same charm and charisma but he took a leadership role in showcasing his own talents on tres and vocals. He had major help by a top-notch band which included vocalists Emilio Saurez Martinez and Alberto Alberto and the show stopping pianist/rumba dancer Orlando Cardozo. The horn section was a standout especially the solo turns by both saxophonists. Great performance that had the SF Jazz Center crowd on its feet!

It’s been a long time since I have gone to the KCSM sponsored Jazz On The Hill event at the College Of San Mateo. I checked it out this past Saturday. The event was blessed with sunshine and mild temperatures! Lady Bianca was getting down on the heavy blues and rn’b when I arrived. Bianca, a veteran Bay Area stalwart, was in fine voice singing with a lot of emotion and soul which resonated with the audience. The John Santos Sextet made their first performance in three years and they made up for lost time with an explosive set of original Afro-Cuban Jazz. A few of the selections were from the latest John Santos Sextet recording “Art Of The Descarga”. This tight ensemble made up of flautist Dr. John Calloway, Saxophonist Malecio Magdaluyo, pianist-trumpeter Marco Diaz, bassist Saul Sierra and drummer David Flores cooked throughout their featured set..

Another highlight which ended the afternoon was the performance of the Marcus Shelby Orchestra. Bandleader Shelby boasted a sophisticated big band sound embellished by the professionalism and virtuosity of the fine players and the vivacious, dynamic presence of the amazing Tiffany Austin on vocals. What a beautiful combination of talent! The MC for this fine afternoon of music was KCSM’s music director and host of the Latin Jazz Show, Chuy Varela who was joined by a revolving cast of KCSM radio personalities such as Chris Cortez, Leslie Stovall, Greg Bridges, Keith Hines and Sonny Buxton. A fun afternoon of music for all!

Speaking about fun afternoons, I drove to the reopening of Koketos Sundays at the site of the Pisco Bar at Sipan Restaurant in Saratoga this past Sunday. The husband and wife team of Eric and Grace Rivera produced this pop-up at the Sipan to test out the waters for a series of future Koketos pop ups and were met with a packed, enthusiastic crowd that danced to the sounds of the Koketos All Stars featuring Monchy Esteves, Eric Rangel, Carlos Ortega, Tom Bertetta and Mario Arsenio Jr. Swinging band, great food (try the Lomo Saltado!), great drinks (Pisco Sours are killer!) and DJ and Sound guru Len Johns kept the dancers on the floor. Can’t wait til the next Koketos happening!

That’s all for this time! Ciao 4 now!!