SF Bay Area based Cuban vocalist Bobi Cespedes has returned with a gorgeous recording “Mujer Y Cantante”. Eight original songs celebrating the Cuban son penned by the veteran vocalist who was an important part of the esteemed Conjunto Cespedes back in the 80’s and 90’s and later Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum band.
Backed by a all star group of musicians that are led by musical director Marco Diaz on piano and trumpet, Cespedes’s voice soars with an abundance of soul and emotion on each of these songs from the dance floor ready “El Choco Choco” to “Nada”, a love song to the Son Cubano to the heartfelt homage to her mother “Mamaita”. Bobi Cespedes reminds us why she is considered a treasure by a legion of her fans. As I listen to this cd, I’m seduced by Bobi’s lush voice, delighted by her devotion to traditional Cuban Son music that’s performed with a swinging modern flavor and intrigued by the engaging compositions that reveal her spiritual side and reflections on life’s struggles. It’s a joy to listen to this cd. Very highly recommended!
The Brian Andres Trio Latino is receiving critical acclaim for their recent recording “Mayan Suite”. After years of leading his octet “The Afro-Cuban Cartel”, this recording features this incendiary Latin Jazz trio made up of the octet’s rhythm section: Andres on drums and percussion, Christian Tumalan (co-leader of Pacific Mambo Orchestra) on piano and Aaron Germain on bass. Check out scintillating original compositions such as “Viento Solar” and “Escucha“. Among the other explosive highlights on Mayan Suite is their take on the Chick Corea composition “Got A Match?” There is a wonderful musical conversation and connection with these three outstanding musicians. You’ll have an opportunity to check out the Brian Andres Trio Latino in a livestream concert that will be broadcast this Saturday evening, August 29th at 7 pm on WorldSalsaRadio.com.
Community Music Center in the Mission District of San Francisco is teaming up with the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble and Mister Latin Jazz to host a fall series of monthly music workshops. The first workshop launches on September 10 from 5:30–7:00pm with notable Bay area composer, educator, and multi-instrumentalist Dr. John Calloway, presenting an interactive clinic on improvisation techniques and strategies for Latin jazz. The October 8th workshop features GRAMMY award-winning artist Oscar Hernández (Spanish Harlem Orchestra) with a clinic on 50 years of musical innovations in Latin Music. The November 12th workshop with the legendary Michele Rosewoman (New Yor-Uba) will focus on creative expression through Afro-Cuban rhythms and improvisation.
The MusicLab Workshop series brings master Latin jazz artists from around the country to share their wealth of knowledge in an interactive setting. These 90 minute workshops give the participants an opportunity to learn, listen, discuss, and practice in real time in an online class experience. Admission is $15 per class, $10 CMC Faculty/students/seniors. For folks who want to attend but have financial hardship, contact Adriana Marrero at amarrero@sfcmc.org. For general information, go to sfcmc.org. Thanks to Arturo Riera a.k.a. Mister Latin Jazz for the info!
That’s it for this time. Ciao 4 now!!
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