RIP Wayne Gorbea and Steve Pouchie
Sadly, we have to say goodbye to 2 great musicians, bandleader/pianist Wayne Gorbea and vibraphonist Steve Pouchie who have left this world too soon. Gorbea, whose discography goes back to 1972 with his first band Conjunto Salsa but gained immense popularity in the late 1990’s through the 2000’s with his band Salsa PIcante. His later recordings which included “Cogele El Gusto”, “Fiesta En El Bronx”, “Salsaseando-Salsa Dura En NY” and others were text books for many aficionados who appreciated his old school Salsa Dura sound. Gorbea also played as part of Manny Oquendo and Libre for a time as well before he released “Cogele El Gusto”. His earlier recordings in the 70’s and 80’s reflected both his brass dominated sound and affinity for Charanga. Gorbea didn’t record with his band after 2007. He lost his battle with cancer on Sept. 15th. Steve Pouchie who died August 28 by a sudden stroke was a bandleader, educator, arranger and producer of the Latin Jazz Alive and Kickin’ cable TV program. According to Jazz Times, Poutrie became a high school music teacher in 1993 and, in 2004, was awarded theNew York Post liberty medal for his work as an educator. With his ensemble, he performed at colleges, restaurants, nightclubs, political events and outdoor concerts. He has played with or opened for Tito Puente, Charlie Palmieri, Dave Valentin, Bobby Sanabria and others. In 2002, he released his first recording “Vibe Mania” but it was his 2nd recording “El Puente” released in 2010 which brought him recognition as a talent to be reckoned with. He collaborated with renowned percussionist Wilson “Chembo” Corniel on that cd as well as his last recording, this year’s “North By Northeast”. Pouchie was known by his fine vibes work, swinging arrangements and great ensemble...
Read MoreCiao, Benny Velarde RIP
I received the news via Facebook that SF based Salsa/Latin Jazz pioneer Benny Velarde passed away early this week. Benny who was a great timbalero, percussionist and bandleader for the Super Combo, one of the oldest and best loved S.F. Salsa bands in existence, carved his legacy on dance floors all over this area. He was also a key player with the legendary Cal Tjader Latin Jazz band in the 1950’s, recorded with Mongo Santamaria and Joe Loco among others, shared stages with master conguero Francisco Aquabella and collaborated with pianist/composer Lalo Schifrin on the extremely rare “La Clave” recording in 1973. I remember dancing all night long to Velarde’s explosive Super Combo at old haunts such as El Senorial, The Reunion and Bimbo’s 365 Club. His last recording “Viva Velarde” released in 2002 captured his Super Combo with an updated take on his classic sound featuring John Calloway, Sal Nunez, Anthony Blea and Ray Martinez of Azabache fame. He was also a columnist and music critic for the Mission district newspaper El Bohemio for many years. Benny has been inactive for the last few years due to illness. But his passing was sad and unexpected news. It is indicative of the end of an era in SF Bay Area...
Read MoreFrankie Negron-Pop Salsero aiming to reenter the Charts
The San Francisco Bay Area/Northern California has been visited by Salsa acts that have targeted the younger demographics in the last few weeks: Frankie Negron who headlined the Festival De La Isla in Vacaville this past weekend as well as the Venezuelan duo Severano and Florentino who visited S.F.’s Roccapulco. Negron, who hasn’t put out new music in four years, is coming out with two new singles this year hoping to land back in the charts. He stated during our radio interview that he is concentrating on the songs rather than an entire new album because he believes that the music business has changed due to streaming and downloading music. He said that the emphasis is now on individual songs and believes that is the path to new success. Negron has been touring and has been focusing on live shows which has been impressing crowds with his high-energy performances. Negron who has mixed elements of pop, funk, rn’b and reggaeton in his Salsa for most of his career is also hoping that his live performances will open up the door for further success. Negron who is no newcomer on the scene has had his share of hits since starting his career in 1997. He is reinventing himself as are other artists that emerged in the 1990’s and who are trying to make a comeback on the charts. Whether Negron is successful or not will depend on the popularity of the songs. Judging by the positive reaction to his performance at Festival De La Isla this past weekend and a booking at the prestigious New York Salsa Congress set for early September, Negron is on his...
Read MoreLos Van Van-Davies SF
There was a lot of anticipation regarding the return of Los Van Van to San Francisco. Their current tour is a tribute to the late Juan Formell who led the band for most of their 40 year existence. His son, Samuel Formell has come to his own as a great drummer, percussionist and leader. The latest version of Los Van Van came to the most unlikely place to showcase one of the finest Cuban dance bands in the world: Davies Symphony Hall, home of the S.F. Symphony. Their show was a stunning triumph despite the acoustic limitations of the hall which caused erratic sound in some areas and lack of designated areas for dancing. Los Van Van proved why they are one of the great bands of the world: an incredible repertoire that included decades of signature songs along with new material, a tight ensemble, a front line of charismatic vocalists and great instrumental virtuosos at the top of their game. The dancing crowd took over the front of the stage, the aisles, stood up and shook in front of their seats….they were not to be denied! SF Jazz and the venue were intelligent in allowing the crowd to dance throughout the entire performance. After a 2 hour performance that would satisfy the most staunch Van Van fan, the band came back for an encore with an exuberant version of “Te Pone La Cabeza Mala” which left the crowd smiling on their way out to the exit...
Read MoreCubanismo/Yoshis
It’s been a great August for Cuban music fans in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California….Cubanismo led by the fierce trumpeter/bandleader Jesus Alemany conquered Yoshis in Oakland. Alemany and his hand picked ensemble of all stars were on fire in front of a sold out, standing room only crowd of fans. Cubanismo’s signature blend of son, pilon, cha cha, descarga with a shot of timba was awesome and impressive! The instrumental virtuosity of the band was matched by the vocal fire power of Rojitas who led a charismatic trio of singers. It has been 12 years since Cubanismo hit these shores. Now there is talk about an extensive US tour and a new recording coming out next year. They were just too good to miss! No worries, Cubanismo will be...
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