Just A Quick Note
Just a quick note to say that I love all kinds of music. My tenure as Music Director at KPFA gave me the opportunity to expand my love of different genres of music. I have always had open ears and an open mind since I was 10 years old. And thankfully that hasn’t stopped although my forte in radio is in Salsa, Latin jazz, Musica Cubana and Afro-Caribbean music. Recently, I caught two great shows. Vocalist Lianne La Havas from London who sold out The Independent in SF for two nights! Not bad for someone you haven’t heard about yet. She was magnetic on stage blessed with a sensational voice. She was offering her musical mix of urban rnb and folk/pop with jazzy world influences. Her recording on Nonesuch “Blood” is absolutely intoxicating. There is no justice in the world if this woman doesn’t blow up to be a major star. A Jazz icon like Wayne Shorter doesn’t need any introduction. I was lucky to catch the 80 year old saxophonist at the SF Jazz Center with his all star quartet consisting of pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade. Shorter now sits down while he plays but that doesn’t diminish any of the power, grace and taste of his playing. It was a sublime, unforgettable evening of world class jazz. The ensemble was totally locked in communication with one another. Their performance was inventive, adventurous and energetic. The music took me away to far away, interesting places. I had to pinch myself and consider the luck of catching Wayne Shorter and company in this special time and place. Life is...
read moreRIP 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...
read moreChucho, Gonzalo, Michel-Once In A Lifetime Concert – Great new recording!
History was made on June 21st when Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Michel Camilo graced Davies Symphony Hall for their tribute to Cuban composer/pianist Ernesto Lecuona presented by SF Jazz. This once in a lifetime show featuring all three pianists in solo, duo and trio settings playing grand pianos. In the trio setting, they were trading places on the same piano bench playing the same piano! What jaw dropping, incredible piano virtuosity was displayed by these three incredible pianists. It was a mesmerizing, spellbinding and wonderful concert. A new recording has just been released entitled “Playing Lecuona” which features these three greats which happens to be a soundtrack of a new movie featuring these giants. The format of the recording is different from the concert since the recording features these artists contributing their interpretations of Lecuona’s work but no collaborations. It’s still quite a recording to add to your collection. I can’t wait to see the movie! However, if you did see the show, you were treated to one of those great shows that you will be remembering for quite a while! Gracias...
read moreRandom Notes 7/29/15
It’s been a while so let’s catch up! The list of performers that have visited the Bay Area has included Dafnis Prieto, Grupo Niche, Charanga Habanera, Viti Ruiz, Renzo Padilla and the incredible comeback performance of Jesus Alemany’s Cubanismo after a 12 year absence. So what does August hold in store? Check out the San Jose Jazz Summerfest which promises to be a feast for Latin music aficionados as well as for jazzistas, blues, rnb and funk fans on the weekend of August 7 thru the 9th. An All star lineup featuring Eddie Palmieri’s Latin Jazz Septet, Doug Beavers’ Titanes Del Trombon, Bombay Jazz w/Larry Coryell, Tower Of Power, Ernesto Oviedo with the John Santos Sextet, Louie Romero’s Mazacote and a whole slew of great bands will be gracing the streets of San Jose that weekend. I’m joining the party as guest MC/DJ for Doug Beavers party on Friday night and MC for the Salsa Stage all day Saturday! Go to sanjosejazz.org for more information. And if you want to keep the fun going strong on Sunday, you may want to check out Koketos Sundays at St. James Gate in Belmont with special appearances by Doug Beavers’ Conjunto Rovira with special guests from NYC and yours truly, Luis Medina as guest DJ and MC. There will be a special benefit for the family of KPFA DJ Wesley Burton who was killed in a tragic hit and run accident also on Sunday, August 9th at the Seahorse in Sausalito. Pacific Mambo Orchestra will be the featured band. The show starts at 4 pm. And don’t forget that SF Jazz is presenting the iconic Cuban superstars Los Van Van paying tribute to their late leader Juan Formell at SF’s Davies Symphony Hall on Friday, August 14 at 8 pm. Info: sfjazz.org. If that wasn’t enough, the annual Festival De La Isla Puerto Rican festival on Saturday, August 22nd will feature Salsa singing star Frankie Negron along with Grammy Award Winners Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Orquesta Saboricua, Orquesta Borinquen and DJ Tony O at Pena Adobe Park in Vacaville from 11 am to 7 pm. For more information, visit...
read moreFather’s Day: Stern Grove, The Sun and PMO
Fathers Day was a great day for Salsa, Mambo and Latin Jazz lovers. 2014 Grammy Award winners Pacific Mambo Orchestra presented a great afternoon of music with special guest stars the one and only Sheila E., 2013 Grammy winner Marlow Rosado and the Salsamania Dance Company. The band was in fine form as they played selections from their explosive repertoire featuring classic big band salsa and an original new takes on Salsa en English and Bachata. The 21 piece PMO also shined on a Stern Grove commissioned suite combining Afro-Cuban folklore, Brazilian and Timba which showcased the exciting Salsamania dance company led by champion dancers John Narvaez and Liz Rojas. Guest pianist Marlow Rosado added to the fireworks with his dynamic piano playing and showmanship during his segment of the show. Sheila E. ended the show playing 2 numbers with plenty of show biz glitz, superstar attitude and incredible percussion chops. At the end of the day, it was PMO who pulled off a spectacular performance that clearly showed that they were worthy of winning a Grammy and much more!! Our joint pre-concert talk that I hosted with PMO leaders Christian Tumalan and Steffen Kuehn was attended by a full house of fans. The talk turned out to be an informative, witty and inspiring talk for all involved. A huge thanks to Judy Tsang and Monica Ware of Stern Grove for the invitation to host this special...
read morePMO Mania at Stern Grove 6/21/15
I will be the host of a pre-concert talk with Pacific Mambo Orchestra prior to their appearance at the Stern Grove Festival on Sunday, June 21st at 12 Noon. The location will be the Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse. We will be talking about PMO’s new music, mambo and direction after their celebrated 2014 Grammy Award. The concert will start at 2 pm where they will be joined by the electrifying Sheila E. and 2013 Grammy Award winner Marlow Rosado. The amazing Salsamania Dance Company will open up the show. So come down early, save your space, check out the talk and get ready to mambo!!...
read moreLive Appearances
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