Willie Colon In The House!!
What a week! Caught Willie Colon in one of his very rare SF Bay Area appearances at the 10th Annual San Francisco Salsa Congress at the Oakland Marriott. Colon, who has a notorious reputation for being unpredictable, played a phenomenal set. Backed by a top notch band and a powerful horn section boasting 2 trombones and sax, Willie was splendid on lead vocals, trombone and bass trumpet (one of his featured instruments since the late 70’s which sounds like a trombone). He thrilled the crowd with his opening medley of his early hits with Hector LaVoe. His trombone playing was strong blasting out monas as he did 40 or more years ago. He was also in fine voice as he performed songs from various periods of his long career with passion, style and power. Colon doesn’t visit us very often but this was definitely a musical...
Read MoreLatin Grammylicious
I’m checked out the Latin Grammys on TV on Thursday night. I watched as the current crop of hot recording stars who are enjoying massive success such as Shakira, Romeo Santos singing a duet with Usher, Pitbull with Marc Anthony, Christian Castro, Pepe Aguilar and Disney rehab comeback princess Demi Lovato entertained with gusto. This 3 hour awards ceremony/spectacular is your traditional long drawn out affair with “highlights” that were either dope, corny or awful. Calle 13 accepted the award for record of the year with Residente and their crew as they seized the moment to make a political statement supporting the current student protest movements in Chile and Puerto Rico. I had to endure Alejandra Guzman and Franco De Vita as they sang an insipid ballad that was nominated for song of the year. Co-host singer/actress Lucero and the Muppets own Kermit The Frog introduced the hot Mexican norteno band Intocable. Pitbull and guest Marc Anthony performed their hit duet surrounded by an over abundance of scantily clad women..some wearing bikinis and some were being showered by water! So much for a “top notch” awards show. Oh well, there’s always next...
Read MoreBe ready to bring your dance shoes 2 my shows
I will be the guest DJ at the new Sabor Salsa monthly happening next week in Marin County at Georges Nightclub, 842 Fourth Street in San Rafael on Thursday, November 17 starting at 9 pm. I will be putting it in the mix with my blend of Salsa Dura, Mambo, Musica Cubana, Merengue, a taste of Bachata y mucho mas for all the salseros and salseras. Georges has been featuring live salsa each month since August featuring bands such as Orquesta Borinquen, Avance and Julio Bravo y Salsabor. I’ll be bringing the Con Sabor wall of sound as featured during my nights at Cafe Cocomo. Speaking of Cafe Cocomo, I will be the dj this Saturday, November 12 as the 19 piece Pacific Mambo Orchestra celebrates their one year anniversary. This great big band is led by pianist Christian Tumulan (Montuno Swing) and trumpeter Stefen Kuehn (Mazacote). Be ready to bring your dance...
Read MoreOscar D’Leon – Still A Superman!
I had the opportunity to run over to Roccapulco after my radio show on KPFA to catch the living salsa legend, Oscar D’ Leon last Saturday. D’Leon is one of the premier performers in Latin music….a tireless, consummate showman whose live shows are legendary and whose sets last two to three hours at least. I arrived at Roccapulco once D’Leon started his set. At 68, Oscar D’Leon looks good for someone who has survived 4 heart attacks and a few scandals throughout his long career…his voice more powerful than ever and his body strong and robust as he performed his dance moves with the boundless energy of someone half his age. He is a performer that solidly connects with his audience whether he is singing to an admiring fan, signing autographs, taking notes from fans or on the receiving end of a bra thrown on stage from a smitten female. D’Leon sang an impressive range of material from his big hits such as “Calculadora” to Mexican rancheras to boleros. A tune or two bordered on schlock for my taste, but it was his brand of Salsa that consistently had the crowd going with expert backup from his solid orchestra of veterans. Although he was constantly covered in sweat, D’Leon didn’t let it bother him at all as he gave 150% for his audience. He hardly took any break as he went from one tune to the next to the delight of fans and dancers alike. This was the kind of show that reminds you why a legend such as D’Leon is still loved and appreciated...
Read MoreLive Appearances
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