CON SABOR PLAYLIST 5/2/2026-KPFA 94.1 FM/KPFA.ORG-SATURDAYS 9 TO 11 PM PST
CD 1/CUT 1 CACHAO DESCARGA MEXICANA CUBAN MUSIC IN JAM SESSION-BONITA 4:58
CD 1/CUT 2. JESUS ENRIQUEZ DE QUE MANERA TE OLVIDO MOTIVOS PARA SONAR-RMM 4:12
CD 1/CUT 3 THE LATIN JAZZ COALITION/DEMETRIOS KUSTURIS MULENZE Y YO EL GRIEGO RUMBERO-IJC RECORDS 5:18
CD 1/CUT 4. RICO WALKER NI CAYUCO, NI CULEMBO SINGLE-SALSANEO 5:35
CD 1/CUT 5. YURI BUENAVENTURA EL GUAJIRO DEL MONTE VAGABUNDO-MERCURY FR 5:01
CD 1/CUT 6. DON PERIGNON Y LA PUERTORRIQUEÑA FEAT HERMAN OLIVERA RITMO BEMBE 45 ANIVERSARIO-AGRADECIDO Y AFORTUNADO-DON RECORDS 4:03
***HERMAN OLIVERA W/ORQ TAINO WILL BE APPEARING THIS SAT 5/9-2 PM-4:30 PM YERBA BUENA GARDENS-MISSION STREET BETWEEN 3RD & 4TH STS., SAN FRANCISCO FREE! BATEY TAMBO WILL BE OPENING THE SHOW. INFO: YBGFESTIVAL.ORG
CD 1/CUT 7 IRAKERE TRIBUTO A PERUCHIN (LIVE) FELICIDAD-RECORDED LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTT’S CLUB-RONNIE SCOTT’S JAZZ HOUSE RECORDS 11:34
CD 1/CUT 8. ADALBERTO ALVAREZ Y SU SON FEAT MANDY CANTERO TAL VEZ VUELVAS A LLAMARME (LIVE) SON PARA UN SONERO-EL CONCIERTO-BIS 9:18
CD 1/CUT 9. PALO A RUMBEAR EN LA HABANA SINGLE-PALO 3:29
CD 1/CUT 10 ORQUESTA FUEGO W/BETSY LOPEZ LEJOS DE TI MAMBO MANIA-ORQUESTA FUEGO 4:24
CD 1/CUT 11. OMNY CARDONA DE SANTURCE A CALI, DE EL BARRIO A LA 15 SINGLE-OMNY CARDONA 4:18
CD 1/CUT 12. JOSE FLORES MILLIONARIO SINGLE-JOSE FLORES 4:15
CD 1/CUT 13. SONORA PONCEÑA COMO MANGO BACK TO THE ROAD-PIANISSIMO 6:10
CD 1/CUT 14. ERNAN LOPEZ-NUSSA, KELVIS OCHOA, SEXTO SENTIDO, YAROLDY ABREU, GASTÓN JOYA TIN TIN DEO RUMBA CON SWING: RECREACIONES DE CHANO POZO-PRODUCIONES COLIBRI 4:27
CD 1/CUT 15 BOBBY CARCASSES W/CUBAN JAZZ MASTERS JAZZ TIMBERO JAZZ TIMBERO-TUMI MUSIC 5:21
CD 1/CUT 16. SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA DESCARGA DE JAZZ THE LATIN JAZZ PROJECT-ARTIST SHARE 5:04
CD 1/CUT 17. TONY VEGA SI ME MIRES A LOS OJOS SI ME MIRES A LOS OJOS-RMM 5:01
CD 1/CUT 18 CHOCO ORTA HOMENAJE A LAS SONERAS CHOCO SWING-CHOCOLOCOTON MUSIC 4:01
CD 1/CUT 19 LALO RODRIGUEZ TU NO SABES QUERER SIMPLEMENTE..LALO-TIERRAZO 6:21
CON SABOR PLAYLIST 4/18/2026-KPFA 94.1 FM/KPFA.ORG- SATURDAYS 9 TO 11 PM PST
INTRO
CD 1/CUT 1 JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCH W/WYNTON MARSALIS FEAT RUBEN BLADES BAN BAN QUERE UNA NOCHE CON RUBEN BLADES-BLUE ENGINE 6:28
CD 1/CUT 2. EDDIE PALMIERI/CHEO FELICIANO/FANIA ALL STARS BUSCA LO TUYO FANIA ALL STARS LIVE PUERTO RICO JUNE 11, 1994-FANIA 6:30
CD 1/CUT 3 BOBBY VALENTIN LA ESPINITA BOBBY VALENTIN-BRONCO 5:55
CD 1/CUT 4. CHRISTIAN ALICEA EL DOMINO SWINGKETE 2.0-MARATHON-TERAPIST 3:03
CD 1/CUT 5. NORBERT FEAT TITO NIEVES Y SI MAÑANA SINGLE-NORBERT VELEZ 4:11
CD 1/CUT 6. BULULU SAN BENITO CON SABOR LIVE SESSION/LUIS MEDINA 4:27
CD 1/CUT 7 JESUS ALEMANY’S CUBANISMO TUMBAO DE CACHAO ACUARELA CUBANA-SBK 6:36
CD 1/CUT 8. LOS VAN VAN FEAT YENY VALDES DESPUES DE TODO CHAPEANDO-UNICORNIO 6:09
CD 1/CUT 9. MANOLITO Y SU TRABUCO AMISTAD ES UN CALLE ME ESTOY ACOSTUMBRANDO-ENDIRECTO 5:44
CD 1/CUT 10. MARIO Y SU TIMBEKO FEAT SUSEL “LA CHINA” GOMEZ DALE PA’FUERA SINGLE-TIMBEKO 4:29
CD 1/CUT 11 LUISITO Y SU SALSOMETRO SE FORMA LO QUE SE FORMA -LUISITO/SALSO 4:23
CD 1/CUT 12. PIRULO Y LA TRIBU FEAT ÑEKO HOY TODO ME SALDRÁ BIEN SINGLE-LA VIDA RECORDS 3:53
CD 1/CUT 13 CORDOBA LOOKING FOR LOVE SINGLE-CORDOBA 4:48
CD 1/CUT 14. SUPERMAMBO FEAT FELIPE FOURNIER, RUBEN BLADES & JEREMY BOSCH SUPERMAMBO SINGLE-SUPERMAMBO 5:03
CD 1/CUT 15 PEDRO JOSE PASTRANA FIESTA EN EL PUEBLO LO QUE NOS LLEVAMOS-PJ PASTRANA MUSIC 3:55
CD 1/CUT 17 STEFON HARRIS/DAVID SANCHEZ/CHRISTIAN SCOTT E’CHA NINETY MILES-CONCORD PICANTE 4:11
CD 1/CUT 18. HUMBERTO RAMIREZ MR. AFINQUE BETTER DAYS-NIPO MUSIC 4:39
CD 1/CUT 19. CONJUNTO DE CLAVE Y GUAGUANCO YO SOY DE LA TIMBALAYE CANTAREMOS Y BAILAREMOS-AREITO 2:49
CD 1/CUT 20 MARKOLINO DIMOND FEAT ANGEL CANALES BRUJERIA BRUJERIA-VAYA 4:48
CD 1/CUT 21. MARIO ORTIZ ALL STAR BAND FEAT ISMAEL MIRANDA, ANDY MONTAÑEZ, TONY VEGA, GILBERTO SANTA ROSA, RAY DE LA PAZ, TITO ROJAS & VICTOR MANUELLE LOS SONEROS 50TH ANNIVERSARY-ALL STAR MUSIC 3:57
CD 1/CUT 22 TIT0 RODRIGUEZ JR/GILBERTO SANTA ROSA LA LEY DEL GUAGUANCO SINGLE-TITO RODRIGUEZ JR 4:24
CD 1/CUT 23 PARIS ALL STARS/JOSE BARRIOS SON PA LOS SONEROS SINGLE 4:58
CON SABOR PLAYLIST 4/11/2026–KPFA 94.1 FM/KPFA.ORG- SATURDAYS 9 TO 11 PM PST
CD 1/CUT 1 GRUPO FOLKLORICO Y EXPERIMENTAL NUEVOYORQUINO ANABACOA CONCEPTS IN UNITY-SALSOUL 6:25
CD 1/CUT 2. NESTOR TORRES NO ME PROVOQUES NO ME PROVOQUES-SUAVE 4:55
CD 1/CUT 3 DANY MARTINEZ Y CUBANO-RICAN PARA TI-BESITO PA TI VOLUME 2-PARA TI-DANY MARTINEZ 4:41
CD 1/CUT 4. FELIPE FOURNIER FEAT RUBEN BLADES & JEREMY BOSCH SUPERMAMBO SINGLE-SUPERMAMBO 5:03
CD 1/CUT 5. DON PERIGNON Y LA PUERTORRIQUENA ELLA SIGUE BAILANDO CLASICO Y SABROSO-DON RECORDS 4:24
CD 1/CUT 6. LA MAXIMA 79/DJ FABRIZIO ZORO ESCUCHE ESTE SON MONTUNO SINGLE-SMARYA 4:24
CD 1/CUT 7 LOS VAN VAN W/MANDY CANTERO TIM-POP VIRUS-BIS 7:56
CD 1/CUT 8. MAYITO RIVERA & THE SONS OF CUBA BAILALO COMO TU QUERIAS TIEMPOS DE GOZADERA? TIMBA RECORDS 4:48
CD 1/CUT 9. TANIA PANTOJA NUNCA TE DI EL MANDO ASI SOY-MB RECORD 4:19
CD 1/CUT 10 DAYME AROCENA/ARTURO O’FARRILL AFRO-LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA MAMBO NA MA(LIVE) THE ORIGINAL INFLUENCERS: DIZZY, CHANO AND CHICO LIVE AT TOWN HALL-TIGER TURN 4:04.
CD 1/CUT 11 LOUIE RAMIREZ BAMBOLEATE KING OF THE LATIN VIBES-SUGAR 5:25
CD 1/CUT 12. WILLIE ROSARIO EL CALLEJERO A MAN OF MUSIC-BRONCO 4:22
CD 1/CUT 13. GILBERTO PULPO COLON TIRANDOTE FLORES PULPO’S HOT BREAD-THE MAMBO PROJECT 6:15
CD 1/CUT 14 YILLIAN CANIZARES MAPUTO VITAMINA Y-CANIZARES 3:29
CD 1/CUT 15. ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ FEAT PEDRITO MARTINEZ HOTEL CALIFORNIA TAKE COVER-TAKE COVER RECORDS 3:20
CD 1/CUT 16. JULITO ALVARADO PONCE’S RUMBA MY MUSICAL JOURNEY: 40 YEARS CELEBRATION-JULITO ALVARADO 5:57
CD 1/CUT 17 EDDIE PALMIERI DA LOWDOWN HIGHEST 2 LOWEST ORIGINAL FILM SOUNDTRACK-A24 MUSIC 4:57
CD 1/CUT 18 LOS HACHEROS FEAT JEREMY BOSCH JUANITO LA BATALLA-CHULO 5:00
CD 1/CUT 19. CORTIJO Y SU NUEVO COMBO FEAT FE CORTIJO PICA PICA CHAMPIONS-COCO 4:34
CD 1/CUT 20 GRUPO GALE VEN A MEDELLIN LIVE ANNIVERSARY-CODISCOS 5:58
CD 1/CUT 21 PETE BONET TUMBANDO CAÑA THE ODDS ARE ON PETE BONET-SWINGER 5:05
Back To Business
Don Omar, Cali Aleman, Victor Manuelle, Elvis Crespo and India are all going to pay San Francisco a visit during the next few months. This should be a bonanza for all the fans who love these stars of Reggaeton, Merengue and Salsa. With the exception of Fania All Star/Guayacan veteran Cali Aleman, all of these artists are part of the musical vocabulary of younger generations who listen to these respective genres…some of whom are livin’ large with their disposable incomes, iphones, twitter accounts and facebook posts. A large majority of folks do not buy full length recordings but rather download single songs. It will be interesting to see how are the music industry especially independent artists will survive. This is why we have to continue to support our favorite artists by buying their cds or downloading their music. Also checking them out when ever they perform live will also assure their survival in this tough global economy. And just maybe…some of the seasoned vets that we know and love will have a platform to visit us once in a...
read moreHappy New Year!
Usually I’m excited about sharing information about new releases, concert dates and what I’m up to in the New Year…there is plenty of that coming up in future communications. However, I am disturbed and troubled about the tragic shootings in Arizona this past Saturday. As a radio host and media professional, I am upset about the misuse of power and influence that these so-called messiahs of the airwaves spew on gullible segments of the public. Whether it’s distorted rhetoric such as Sarah Palin’s bullseye targets (which tragically came true this past Saturday) or Rush Limbaugh’s defense of on-air hateful political evangelism, we are living in dangerous times here in the U.S.. It will be up to each of us to challenge these “spokespeople” at every opportunity…the work starts...
read moreFeliz Navidad y Viva La Musica
As we near the end of the year, I am often asked what are my picks of the year’s best recordings in Salsa, Latin Jazz and Musica Cubana. I am going to run down some of my favorites in no determined order. So, here they are: The Spanish Harlem Orchestra “Viva La Tradicion”, Luis Gonzalez “El Tsunami De La Salsa” recording “Tributo A Un Gigante”, Sonora Poncena “Trayectoria + Consistencia = Sonora Poncena, Various Artists “Salsa-Un Homenaje A El Gran Combo”, Chucho Valdes & The Afro Cuban Messengers “Chucho’s Steps”, Issac Delgado “L-O-V-E.”, Manolito Y Su Trabuco “Trabuco Una Vez Mas”, Hilario Duran “Motion”, Edwin Bonilla “Homenaje A Los Rumberos”, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet “Bien Bien”, El Gran Combo “Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso” and Afrocubism “Afrocubism”. My advice to everyone is seek and find these great...
read moreAqui El Que Baila Gana
The beloved Cuban band Juan Formell y Los Van Van hit Yoshi’s San Francisco for four days of exciting shows the week of December 9th-12th. There was some doubt that the band would make it through their first tour in over 7 years due to legal issues and delayed visas but there they were on stage playing in front of standing room only crowds. Los Van Van were musically awesome, charismatic and ruled the crowd from the first notes of “Aqui El Que Baila Gana” to the grand finish of “Te Pone La Cabeza Mala”. The front vocal line of Mayito, Roberton, Yenny, Lele and Juan Formell himself (on coro and electric bass for “Muevete”) had the crowd totally involved by singing, dancing and waving their hands in the air. They were one of the tightest ensembles who perform with astonishing precision that this reviewer has seen in quite some...
read moreA Proud Moment
I gotten used to the fact that recognition can be elusive in my business. It can be especially sweet once it arrives at your door. I experienced one of the proudest moments of my life this past weekend when I was honored for my 36 years of promoting and presenting Latin Music on the airwaves. I along with 4 of my peers in radio, Chata Gutierrez (KPOO), Emiliano Echeverria (KPFA) and Avotcja (KPOO/KPFA) were honored during the 29th annual Encuentro Del Canto Popular which benefited the El Tecolote Newspaper celebrating 40 years of serving the Mission District community. The wonderful music was provided by La Familia Pena-Govea and the Futuro Picante youth salsa band (the future of Salsa with those kids 9 to 18). I was presented with the Certificate Of Honor from SF Mayor Gavin Newson in recognition of my many contributions to Latin Music. I was also presented by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (a former comic with wicked wit) with the Certificate Of Recognition by the California Legislative Assembly for my role as producer, radio host and dj who helped create an environment where Latin Music could thrive in the Bay Area. I shared this proud moment with my mom Olga, my wife Isidra and my best friend Benji. You can check out my history at...
read moreChico Y Rita
I was invited by my good friends, film producer Tom Luddy and musician/educator Rebeca Mauleon to attend a sneak preview of esteemed Spanish director Fernando Trueba’s new animated film “Chico Y Rita” at the Pixar Studios. The film which is loosely based on the life of the famed Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes is full of the great classic Latin Jazz, mambo and boleros by Bebo which were re-recorded especially for this film. The story which is set in the 40’s and 50’s Cuba, New York and Europe tells the story of the romance between budding piano virtuoso Chico and rising vocalist Rita. The animation is spectacular, vibrant and colorful yet different from Disney or Pixar style. “Chico Y Rita” even features full frontal nudity which is quite a change from current animated fare such as the PG rated Tangled and Megamind in 3D. This is a such a great film that is adult, heartfelt, dramatic and a musical to boot. I throughly enjoyed this film. Tom explained to me that the film has yet to secure an American distributor because of the glut of animated films in the market. I hope that this situation will change soon so all of you can check out this gem of a film. I give it the golden thumbs of approval-way...
read moreA Trio Of Riches/Un Trio De Riquezas
During the past few weeks, I was fortunate enough to see a trio of great shows with the likes of Lila Downs, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Concha Buika. All unique and distinctive. I hosted the Lila Downs show at the SF Jazz Festival representing KPFA radio. Lila proved why she is one of the great performers today as she radiated warmth, her exuberance as a show and dance pro and showcased that elastic, sensational voice. Her repertoire ranged from traditional torch style rancheras to latin-tinged world pop. Her songs touched the hearts of the audience and she was rewarded by thunderous applause and standing ovations. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra slammed no nonsense hard-hitting salsa dura at Yoshi’s. Led by pianist/musical director Oscar Hernandez, the orchestra shined with a set of new material drawn from their latest cd “Viva La Tradicion” peppered with a few choice nuggets from earlier recordings. Apart from being an instrumental powerhouse, the orchestra is blessed to have a trio of great vocalists such as Ray De La Paz, Marco Bermudez and newcomer Carlos Castante (also a fine songwriter). One of the finest salsa dance orchestras in the world today. Concha Buika’s first Bay Area appearance was a highly anticipated date due to her great recordings including her latest with Chucho Valdes “El Ultimo Trago”. She did not disappoint…what an original artist in terms of her unorthodox approach, her devastating wit and an dramatic voice which is both powerful and emotive. She is not your traditional flamenco singer at all-she skillfully blends jazz, afro-cuban melodies and flamenco to forge a new category of music. Her band included the phenomenal pianist Melon who contributed fiery solos that propelled her trio. At the end of her encore, she was alone on the stage performing an acapella version of the traditional Spanish copla “Ojos Verdes” which was both unforgettable and...
read moreMakes You Wanna Holler!
I have been busy dealing with changes in my work place as I continue to work as Music Director for KPFA in Berkeley. KPFA is the oldest listener sponsored public radio station in the U.S.. However, KPFA is one of the most complicated and dysfunctional media outlets with a history of internal politics, conflicts and never ending drama. Currently, there is a serious financial crisis with both KPFA and it’s parent network Pacifica. This valued resource of left thinking alternative media has been around for 61 years but now is broke due to a toxic combination of mismanagement, over spending, a difficult “democratic” governance structure and a bleeding network. There are major disagreements between paid staff running the station, the unpaid programming staff and network management over the recent firing of the entire Morning Show staff. Network management has been criticized over the timing of the firings and the lack of public disclosure of a plan B to replace the program which is the station’s most successful fund raiser. That controversy has led to a public relations disaster which is alienating loyal listeners. Add to that situation, dwindling resources and lack of money supporting KPFA’s original model of a listener sponsored station without commercials and underwriting that has led to never ending fund drives and shrinking audiences. KPFA interim management had to cancel the station’s upcoming fund drive scheduled for this week. The network is being accused of attempted union busting due to the political nature of the firings while the executive director claims that she is following union protocol honoring seniority of staff. The diverse and divisive opinions from internal waring factions from the paid staff to the non fund raising local station board fly all over the place as the painful layoffs and reduction of hours of staff continue. Seven key people have taken voluntary layoffs. It is a situation that is sad, absurd, challenging and puzzling at the same time. In spite of this morale busting environment, I am continuing in my now part time job and hosting my weekly program “Con Sabor” with the goal of producing good radio in this chaotic time. Other fellow music programmers are doing the same because the station deserves to exist and get support. I’m doing a lot of soul searching as I’m contemplating things in my life right now. Life tests you from time to time to see what you are made of and what choices you need to make to survive and move forward. To be...
read moreBusy Busy Busy…calendar item
This has been one busy month! Maintaining ones blog is a discipline in my world. I am juggling like many parents out there. Working gigs and the regular job, dealing with your family, taking care of obligations, networking, preparing radio programs, planning for the future..and the list goes on and on. I’m back..ready with new things to share with you.
read moreThe Legendary Jelly’s Dance Cafe – RIP
A San Francisco salsa lover’s institution, Jelly’s Dance Cafe at Pier 50 closed its doors last week but not without a final party blowout which featured Julio Bravo Y Salsabor, DJ Walt Digz and myself on the wheels of steel. It was beyond packed both inside and outside…I estimated that more than 600 people must have gone in and out of the venue during the evening. Since I have been a resident DJ on Club Havana Sundays for more than a decade, I recall some of the great musicians who sat in with bands at the club: Herman Olivera, Omar Sosa, Giovanni Hidalgo, Modesto Cepeda, Johnny Polanco, Pepito Gomez, Danny Lozada and La Palabra among others. In the early days, it was Louie Romero’s Mazacote and Anthony Blea’s Charanson who were the house bands. I rotated with Ivette “La Coqui” Fuentes as the house dj’s for years mixing it up with salsa dura y clasica, timba, mambo and more. Ivette left a few years ago and DJ’s Walt Digz and Antonio were added to the rotation. It was a delight to DJ at Jelly’s because we always tried to match or surpass the energy of the band and vice versa so the level of music created at the club was always top notch. The special communication between the band, djs, dancers and audience was unique among salsa clubs in the area and it didn’t matter that Jelly’s wasn’t a luxurious club or offered dance lessons (it never did!). What mattered to the dancers, faithful patrons, visitors, musicians and dj’s at Jelly’s was only the music! Even though new Sunday venues are popping up to fill the void, Jelly’s unique vibe will be sorely...
read moreLive Appearances
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