Otra Vission
When you check out who is going to perform in the SF Bay such as Elio Reve Y Su Charangon, Grupo Niche, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Joe Arroyo, Orquesta Aragon, Oro Solido…you have to pinch yourself to realize that this isn’t a dream. Wow! We have a renaissance of fantastic music coming our way. But we also need to remember to big up our own fine acts in the Bay. In that regard, the new recording by Vission Latina entitled “Sonando Como Un Canon” is a fine example of great musicians in our mist. Pianist/trumpeter Marco Diaz, bassist Saul Sierra and percussionist Carlos Caro are not household names yet but they will be if they keep producing the dynamic music heard on this new cd. They make up one of the hottest rhythm sections anywhere having been a part of John Santos Sextet, Anthony Blea’s Charanson, Jesus Diaz y su QBA and other varied musical icons. This recording will features a myriad of styles including timba, son, cha cha cha and rumba is a joy to the listener and dancer. They are joined by Eduardo Herrera, Ramon “Monchy” Esteves, Carlos Soto, Felix Samuel and Jose Roberto Hernandez…what a powerful group of soneros joining in on this tasty stew. Kudos to the amazing blind percussionist Julio Perez who adds to the instrumental fire power of this cd. For more information, visit...
read moreMas Viejo Pero Sabroso
I have been celebrating my birthday since this past Wednesday. My birthday was actually on Friday, June 25th. Friends and family made sure that I celebrated my birthday in style. I appreciate all the fine friends, acquaintances and contacts that I have made in the music, radio and media business. I am blessed and gratified to still be a part of the music scene in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond for so many years. Now the challenge is to continue to do the hard work and deliver consistently with quality and not rest on one’s laurels or complacency. Yes, I am ready to meet that challenge….born...
read moreBeen Too Busy To Write…but I’m back!
this month has been incredible! Great shows that I’ve seen this month have been Silvio Rodriguez who mesmerized the crowd at the Paramount in Oakland…talk about audience participation! The crowd was singing along and shouting out their political comments and expressing their love at this esteemed troubadour who sang beautifully with his prolific and ageless voice. His band was a top notch group of flawless instrumentalists who graced his every tune. On the other side of the spectrum, Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso y Los Que Son Son demonstrated why they were worthy of that name with virtuosity, style, showmanship and non-stop quality modern Cuban dance music. Pedroso in spectacular form, played flawlessly, smiled at the adoring crowds at both Cocomo and Yoshi’s while leading this powerhouse of a band. The front line of Rusdell, El Noro and Michel Perez were fun to watch. Each possessed a great voice to go along with their unique look, grind and dance steps. El Gran Combo kicked off the month with a swinging set at Cafe Cocomo showcasing their new hit “Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso” and proving once again why they are one of the top Salsa bands in the...
read moreLife Is Good
Sometimes we have to take the time to appreciate all the beauty that surrounds us. When we are closed minded, too busy, short of time, lost in thoughts about our troubles…we lose sight of the little things and the people that make life worth living. We need to take a moment to appreciate that we wake up every morning to a new day. How that day turns out is completely up to us. Life is good when we take advantage of that opportunity to make things better.
read moreCarnaval has come and gone!
Carnaval SF 2010 has gone into the record books. It came and was gone in a flash! I was only able to visit for a couple of hours on early Saturday afternoon with my wife and son. There was a time when I used to spend months perhaps an entire year planning, organizing and presenting the entertainment on four different stages for Carnaval but that was a long time ago when there was still real money around to support events for the community. Until recently, our radio station KPFA was one of the sponsors of the stages as well….unfortunately, that’s also in the past as well. Now I’m just a spectator checking out the new generation of carnavalescos, bands, promoters, djs and scene makers do their thing. I wasn’t impressed by anything this year really because I’ve seen everything that could happen and has happened in Carnaval…however I was impressed that SFCAT was able to pull it off this year anyway and kept the spirit of Carnaval alive for the freshly initiated, the fans and guys like me. John Calloway’s SF State Student Salsa/Afro Cuban big band played the best music the whole time I was there. I visited the Havana Pavilion where Dark Rum, Walt Digz, Nick & Serena and company were setting things up despite lacking a huge tent. Their spirits were still high while they were doing the hard work. We actually went there to see Mestiza who didn’t play after all which disappointed all of us. When I inquired back stage about their non appearance, Jimmy, a gruff young guy who ran the show told me that they had a “keyboard issue”. What happened? The keyboard player didn’t show up? Well..the ups and downs of a big festival! Meanwhile, Calloway and company had the crowd riled up though…dancing and cheering to those great tunes played by smiling students who were stars for an hour on a glorious sunny...
read morePalmieri
I saw the sun of Latin Music last night, the great maestro Eddie Palmieri y La Perfecta II at Yoshis in San Francisco. Talk about salsa expertly played by an ensemble of greats led by a master who has spent five decades creating unforgettable Latin music. Palmieri effortlessly led an all star ensemble through a smokin’ set featuring explosive versions of “Ritmo Caliente”, “Sujetate La Lengua” and “Cuidate Compay”. The 9 time Grammy Award winner performed music that was too irresistible for both the dancers and listeners in the crowd at Yoshis. Eddie will be releasing a new DVD of a live performance soon but check him out...
read moreI’m baaaaacccckk!
I know it’s been a while since I have talked to all of you. I spent some quality time with my family..recharged my batteries. What a Mothers Day weekend! Caught Manolito Y Su Trabuco at Cocomo. Although it took them a while to resolve their equipment issues, they rocked the crowd with a powerful show…la gente con las manos arriba..smiles abound..great music mostly on the timba side. The crowd on the light side appreciated every minute. Jumped over to the massive Luis Enrique salsa dance/concert at the Hilton on time to catch the tail end of the spectacle. Luis Enrique sounding good to an adoring packed crowd…the show started at 6 pm with 9 scheduled deejays, 3 local acts including crowd favorites Avance and the emerging Montuno Swing..and Proyecto A from the old Adolecentes from Venezuela. Yes, I missed all of that but caught “el principe de la salsa” en su gloria in jeans and t-shirt….ah..those stars can get away with it when they go...
read moreCinema Cinema and more Cinema
I have been immersing myself into the world of film by going to the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival. I have been a film buff since I was a kid (I have to thank my mom for my exposure to movies!). So I’m thrilled to have checked out the opening night screening of the delightfully wacky French film “Micmacs”, attended a discussion with this year’s Oscar winner for best song, T-Bone Burnett sharing his experience about making music for film and going to see new Latin cinema such as the poetic Columbian film “The Wind Journeys” and the revealing documentary about the tragic fall of iconic Brazilian entertainer Wilson Simonal. I’m looking forward to going to a tribute to the great filmmaker/director Walter Salles who directed the oscar winning “Central Station” and the sensational “The Motorcycle...
read moreCh..ch…changes!
Well, musical chairs are being played in the concert scene. I was looking forward to seeing Manolito at Yoshis. Now those shows have been canceled. David Calzado’s Charanga Habanera has also been canceled at Cocomo. Now, Manolito is scheduled to take their place on May 8th at Cafe Cocomo. However, the big Luis Enrique salsa dance with Adolecentes, Avance, Montuno Swing and others is still taking place on the 8th at the SF Hilton. Now if you’re a big tropical Latin music freak like me, there is a dilemma if you want to see both gigs that evening. I also have my radio show that evening so I will attempt to be at 3 different places at the same time that evening…I been practicing my...
read moreThe Cuban Invasion SF/Bay Area Style
One of my favorite modern Cuban bands is Manolito Y Su Trabuco led by pianist Manolito Simonet. Their repertoire includes some of the finest interpretations of timba, charanga, son and salsa today. Their ability to deliver anthemic songs with an irresistible swing such as “Marcando La Distancia”, “Caballo Grande” and “Communicate” have made them into one of the top draws in Cuba and a top touring act. They continue to put out great recordings and their live shows are incendiary. I never saw them live but on the dvd “Break Out” which came out a few years ago showcases the Trabuco in their timba drenched glory. This dvd which features a mano a mano between the popular Bamboleo and the Trabuco is well worth checking out. Now I will be able to finally check out Manolito and company absolutely live since they are visiting the Bay Area for the first time on Wed, May 5 (Cinco De Mayo) and Thursday, May 6, 8 and 10 pm at Yoshis, 1330 Fillmore,...
read moreLive Appearances
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