Afrocubism Brings Out The Sun!
Afrocubism brought out the sun at Stern Grove this past Sunday. It was overcast and somewhat cold at the lovely Sigmund Stern Grove for this free KPFA co-sponsored show. The group of Cuban and Malian music icons known as Afrocubism featuring Buena Vista Social Club’s singer/guitarist Eliades Ochoa, renowned kora master Toumani Diabate and Ngoni (string instrument similar to a lute) god Bassekou Kouyate took the crowd who was already riled up by opening act Pellejo Seco to the next level. From the opening notes of their catchy “Mali Cuba”, the engaging, seductive blend of Cuban and African music performed by the 12 piece Afrocubism ensemble entranced listeners, delighted dancers and bowled over skeptics with their joyous hypnotic melodies and sheer virtuosity. They generously stretched out their songs to feature the members of their great band and to showcase the principal players which included Kasse Mady Diabate’s vocals, Djelimady Tounkara’s infectious guitar work and Fode Lassana Diabate’s balafon which anchored the sound. The show ended up being a love fest between the group and audience. This group’s musical concept was the original idea that brought Ry Cooder to Cuba to record with the Malian based musicians but it never happened since the Africans never showed up. Ry got the assistance of Juan De Marcos who recruited the musicians and vocalists who ended up creating the Buena Vista Social Club sessions and the rest is history. Finally last year, the Afrocubism concept was recorded in Cuba and released to world wide acclaim. If you missed the show at Stern Grove, you make your own party by picking up their fine recording “Afrocubism” on the World Circuit/Nonesuch...
Read MoreSalute to Benny Velarde
Renowned timbalero Bayardo “Benny” Velarde was honored at Yoshi’s in Oakland before a packed house of friends, musicians, dancers and long time fans. Velarde, 81, a mainstay of the San Francisco Bay Area scene for more than five decades since his start with Cal Tjader is known as the leader of his own orchestra since the 70’s. The evening was organized as a benefit to help Benny pay his medical bills as a result of four operations to fight his recurring throat cancer. Benny has no medical insurance, a common occupational hazard that has plagued other fellow artists who work in music as a profession. At Yoshis, the music was sublime thanks to veteran trombonist Al Bent and his Quintenscencia Latin Jazz band primarily made up of Velarde alumni and Benny leading an all-star version of his long running Super Combo orchestra. Special guests included Orestes Vilato, Louie Romero, Roger Glenn, Monchy Esteves and Sal Nunez. The vibe was incredible at Yoshi’s as some of the audience were able to express their love and appreciation to Benny on stage for his years in show business. I had the honor of co-emceeing the event with KCSM’s own Jesse “Chuy” Varela. It was an unforgettable...
Read MoreBataan’s Back In Town!
It was so sweet to see the legendary Latin soul man Joe Bataan at the S.F. Yoshi’s this past Saturday night which happened to be my birthday. Bataan solidly connected with the predominately older audience who knew his songs and demonstrated their idol worship by singing along or shaking their heads to his classic material. Bataan responded with a rousing performance that featured hits from his career such as “I Wish You Love” and “When Sunny Gets Blue” along with a few surprises such as his rendition of “Sad Girl” which transported me back to junior high school slow jams for a moment. Dressed in a blazing red cap, Bataan was accompanied by his wife Yvonne on background vocals and backed by the tight Raza All Stars band with guest Malecio Magdaluyo on woodwinds. Joe effortlessly shifted gears from boogaloo to salsa flavored songs but he primarily showcased the Latin Soul fusion that he helped pioneer in the 1960’s and led throughout the 70’s. He delivered the tunes with a story or a monologue that touched the sold out Yoshi’s crowd. He related his story of his rise from a gang member in prison to a successful singing career before launching into a heartfelt soul version of “The Lord’s Prayer” dedicated to youth in prison. Bataan could still belt a tune as well as bring the house down with his music. Thank God that Subway Joe is still around to bring us the...
Read MoreFrom Benin To Oakland
Benin born, Paris based world music star Angelique Kidjo is a dynamo of a performer. She proved it and more last Friday at the Paramount Theater in Oakland as part of a dream bill with Senegalese superstar Youssou N’Dour. She walked on the Paramount stage to roaring applause before she even sang one note. Kidjo was energetic, charismatic and embodied joy throughout her short set. She seduced the packed crowd from the first note with her warmth, distinctive powerful voice and exuberant dance moves. The crowd gave into Angelique fever by dancing, singing-a-long and responding to her commands during her repertoire of catchy hook driven songs. Her tight, supple band of just electric/acoustic guitar, drums, bass and percussion provided ample beat-driven African pop-rn’b-world fusion which propelled the music and locked in with her voice. By the time Kidjo ended her set, she had the stage filled with dancing patrons trying to keep up with her intense energy. Kidjo took it all in with good humor and was enjoying the participation of the crowd. It was an excellent performance from one of my favorite world music stars. The show was one of the last concerts for the SF Jazz Spring Season co-sponsored by KPFA...
Read MoreLive Appearances
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