Mario Ortiz All Star Band Rides High Again
MARIO ORTIZ ALL STAR BAND 50 ANIVERSARIO ALL STAR Trumpeter/Bandleader Mario Ortiz Jr. pays tribute to his late father, PR music icon Mario Ortiz with a powerful followup to his debut “45 Aniversario” which came out a few years ago. This recording’s strength lies in the material which is beautifully performed by Ortiz’s top notch band. A who’s who of guest stars including Ismael Miranda, Victor Manuelle, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Andy Montanez and Giovanni Hidalgo join to help elevate the material to the sublime. This is Salsa at it’s finest. This recording is a knock...
Read MoreHerman Olivera -La Voz Del Caribe Review
HERMAN OLIVERA LA VOZ DEL CARIBE SALSANEO MUSIC Olivera is one of Salsa’s great contemporary soneros. Best known for his lead vocalist work with Eddie Palmieri, Olivera delivers his best recording to date. Backed by Venezuela’s creme de la creme, Olivera cuts the competition at the knees with gems such as “Privilego Y Honor” detailing a father’s love for his son, the swinging “Libre Para Siempre” medley of Olivera’s well known songs with Manny Oquendo’s Libre and the dance floor bomb “El Heredero Del Sabor”. Olivera’s delivery is flawless, passionate and strong. The songs on this recording are worthy of his immense talent. One of the best recordings of...
Read MoreCiao, Robin Williams
Robin, how you made me laugh. Now I’m sad. You decided to check out early from life. Everyone is crying now. We have your movies, tv, videos and your photos. That’s all we have now. RIP Funny man…may you find the peace now that you couldn’t find in life.
Read MoreI saw the future and his name is Aldo Lopez-Gavilan
Last night, I was invited to the SF Jazz Festival where my radio station is sponsoring the closing night of a four night run for Juan De Marcos and The Afro Cuban All Stars. However, I didn’t attend the second night of their run, I was invited instead to see Cuban born child prodigy and piano wunderkind Aldo Lopez-Gavilan in the intimate Joe Henderson Lab space. Lopez-Gavilan who looked like he was 22, sported long curly hair, a goatee and a boyish smile. He had an easy way of connecting with the audience with a sense of humor as he had a story for every song he introduced. He dazzled the sold out crowd with brilliant technique combined with his inventive arrangements and original ideas that revealed a fluid fusion of jazz, afro-cuban and classical music. I was mesmerized listening to every tune of his magical 85 minute set. I sensed the importance of this date as if I had discovered a young Chucho Valdes or Gonzalo Rubalcaba in a small club. I had just witnessed the future and his name is Aldo...
Read MoreCelebrating 40 Years In Radio and Broadcasting-Sat 6/21-El Vacilon, Treasure Island
Time flies quickly when you’re having fun. I started in radio back in 1974 when I was still a broadcasting major at San Francisco State University. I was bit by the radio bug when I observed the late Arturito Santiago hosting his radio show from the old KBRG studios. A few months later, I was invited to co-host and provide the music for a radio program hosted by my cousin at a new community radio station called KPOO. I loved all types of music but I was really turned on by Salsa music. I started to host my own Salsa program and it’s been a love affair ever since. I was turned out to be my deep passion to expose Salsa music as well as Latin Jazz and Afro Cuban music throughout my career at various public radio stations including KPFA and on commercial radio at KBRG in the 80’s. My career has blessed me with having the opportunity to interview and work with many of my heroes as well as being the recipient of numerous awards and recognition. This year, I’m celebrating 40 years of hosting Salsa radio programs and what a ride it’s been! I’m hosting my program “Con Sabor” on Saturday evenings from 9 to 11 pm on KPFA 94.1 FM (also on www.kpfa.org) where I serve as Music Director and also host Music Of The World on Mondays. There will be a celebration honoring this milestone in my life on Saturday, June 21st starting at 6 pm and running until 2 am at El Vacilon (Oasis Cafe), 401 California Avenue at Treasure Island. Two great bands “Son Y Clave” from Hollywood and the all-star SF based band “Karabali” led by Santana percussionist Karl Perazo and Grammy nominated conguero Michael Spiro will be providing the musical fireworks on stage. Special guest dj’s Jose Ruiz from KPOO and a surprise guest will be spinning the best in Salsa Dura, Timba, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata and more in-between sets. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 510-517-1059 or 510-432-2355. Save The Date! It’s going to be an explosive and memorable...
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