Orquesta Aragon – Down Memory Lane
The scene at Yoshi’s was highly charged caused by an irresistible catalyst on stage that had the dance floor packed and excited people moving in their seats. Orquesta Aragon, Cuba’s beloved classic charanga (band emphasizing flute and violins) who celebrated 72 years of playing together was back in town. Aragon, well known and loved for their songs that are part of the Cuban songbook such as “El Bodeguero” took the audience down memory lane and back to performing a modern day timba done in their own explosive yet elegant style. Orquesta Aragon kept their strong dance groove strong mixing great cha cha chas with guaracha, son, danzon and timba. The orquesta featuring 5 violins(!), flute, piano, bass and 3 singers sounded tight as they played with swing, virtuosity, precision and grace. The band led by violinist Rafael Lay Jr. are seasoned pros who also know when to improvise with gusto they demonstrated during their classic “Pare Cochero”. They were so good that I savored each note of music that hit my ears with a deeper appreciation for this musical institution. I look forward to their next visit because they are such a treat for the senses and my...
Read MoreSalsa Mayor takes over Cocomo
Pianist Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor hit the SF area this past Friday to a full house at Cafe Cocomo. Representing the new energy in Timba, Cuba’s contemporary dance music, Salsa Mayor did not disappoint. They were similar to other great timba bands in their formation: 4 vocalists with distinctive personalities, keyboards, 2 trombones, 2 trumpets, drum kit with timbales, congas, guiro, bass and Blanco. Maykel Blanco ran the stage like a man possessed: he would play his piano, run to different parts of the stage to physically give his band directions when he needed the band to pump it up and jumped on the microphone to get the crowd going. The front line of fine vocalists: Yasser, Michel (who sang last time with Pupy), Livan and Yordir fired up the crowd with their strong voices, inventive choreography, call and response and interplay but with youthful sexually charged energy to spare – all of them must be in their twenties although the baby faced Livan may even be younger than 20. Although in existence for 6 years, Blanco has reaped massive hits, exposure through his video clips and has traveled to 22 countries gaining recognition and respect. The band was well rehearsed and tight driving the audience to the dance floor and the ladies to the front of the stage. It was a spectacular debut. No doubt we’ll be having return visits from this young...
Read Morenew month for bright moments
(Originally posted on October 1, 2011) The fall season is here and the anticipation was high for the appearances of Maykel Blanco Y Su Salsa Mayor, Orquesta Aragon and Oscar D’ Leon who are all visiting the SF Bay Area in October. What a contrast in styles as Maykel Blanco represents the young energy in contemporary Cuban dance music which is Timba. His band Salsa Mayor has a solid reputation as one of Cuba’s most exciting live acts both for their showmanship and music. The legendary Orquesta Aragon represents the undying tradition of classic Cuban dance music. The champagne of Cuban charanga (a band that emphasizes the flute and violin sound instead of brass) has existed for 72 years now under the direction of violinist Rafael Lay Jr. Expect Cuban music of the highest order played with elegance and virtuosity. Venezuela’s legendary vocalist/bassist/powerhouse Oscar D’ Leon has been thrilling audiences for 40 years since he was first noticed with Dimension Latina. One of Salsa’s greatest soneros, D’Leon is an impeccable showman whose two to three hour tour de force sets are of salsa aficionado’s legend. Although he has had his health issues and setbacks, D’Leon is bringing his orquesta to seduce us once again with his powerful voice and swinging...
Read MoreNew Music – September 2011
I am listening to great music on my cd player such as the new Poncho Sanchez/Terence Blanchard “Chano Y Dizzy” which is a tribute to the late pioneers of Afro-Cuban jazz Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie. Their opening “Chano Pozo Medley” comprised of “Tin Tin Deo”, “Manteca” and Guachi Guaro” out of the Pozo/Gillespie repertoire is worth the price of the cd or download alone!! Outstanding performances by Blanchard (sounding tasteful and powerful as ever) and Sanchez who plays likes he’s been possessed by the spirit of Pozo! This Latin Jazz opus also features tasty salsa for dancing. I like the new recording of local based salseros, Montuno Swing entitled “Rico Tumbao” which has a tremendous amount of swing under the capable direction of musical director/keyboardist Christian Tumulan. The diversity of music that ranges from salsa dura, timba, bachata, merengue to balls out descarga with the help of the latest version of the SF Salsa All Stars. Montuno Swing also features a trio of fine percussionists who can handle lead vocals: Edgardo Cambon, Omar Ledesma and Braulio Barrera. Let’s not forget the new project “De Corazon Al Son” by the talented Mexican flautist Miguel Martinez and his group Corazon Sur. Martinez, whose exceptional flute work usually leaves dancers sweating as part of the all-star Karabali ensemble, mixes Mexican folklore into his dynamic Afro-Cuban jazz. Tracks such as “Descarga” and “La Bruja” features fine ensemble work from contributors Jose Roberto Hernandez, Julio Perez, Marco Diaz, Saul Sierra and Carlos...
Read MoreLive Appearances
Follow Luis on
Follow Luis on