Honor Roll Time
I was among four honorees receiving the Armando Peraza Award at the recent 8th Annual edition of the Voices Of Latin Rock Autism Awareness Benefit at Bimbos 365 Club in San Francisco. I was contacted several months ago by “Dr. Rock” himself…Bernie Gonzalez who wanted to honor my contributions to the Music and Latino/Hispanic communities through my various endeavors including my years as a radio producer and host. What a thrill it was to be introduced by an old friend, KCSM’s own Chuy Varela to a the full house made up of celebrities, music stars, community activists and old friends. I had a speech planned but was a little thrown off by being asked to come up first. So I was able to wing it successfully and was able to thank everyone that I wanted to thank…whew! What an event! Entertainment was provided by The Family Stone featuring original members of Sly Stone’s old band Jerry Martini, Cynthia Robinson and Greg Errico performing rousing versions of the old hits, the fresh edgy Latin rock of singer/songwriter Blanca Sandoval and the funky pop/rock band led by Miles Schon (son of Neal Schon) and Wil Champlin (son of Bill Champlin). After all the hoopla has died down, my plaque is placed proudly on top of my...
Read MoreLatinJazzingit!
The Grammy Awards was a special celebration that honored a wide spectrum of musical genres. Due to the Academy’s tragic decision to eliminate more than 35 categories, Latin Jazz will not be given its due. That means that the musicians that have been keeping this genre of music strong and vibrant will not get the hard sought after recognition that they deserve. Such artists which range from established giants such as Michel Camilo to young lions as the Curtis Brothers will be given the brush off. Tragic indeed. We are in 2012, not 1812. Society supposably has evolved to be inclusive at this day and age. Or is the Grammys another microcosm of the flawed nature of the times where racism has been accepted in states like Arizona. Where fences are being built to keep people out who work jobs that the status quo would never accept for less than acceptable wages. Now Latin Jazz artists are given a flimsy excuse for their exclusion such as they need to compete with “legitimate” jazz artists to be part of the general Jazz genre. The Latin Jazz category was hard fought for by masters such as Eddie Palmieri and Bobby Sanabria to bring to light the fact that Jazz has always been influenced by latin rhythms and melodies. What a shame that the Academy wants to censor and minimize the impact of the music. The Grammys will not be the barometer of great music that it once was. Instead it will represent the tunnel vision of a privileged few and celebrate the glory of the million sellers. The Grammys have taken a big leap backward…..what a...
Read MoreCon Sabor Top Picks of 2011/Salsa-Latin Jazz-Musica Cubana
Con Sabor Top Picks of 2011: (in no particular order)Various Artists “Sono Sono Tite Curet” – Banco PopularMambo Legends Orchestra “Ten Cuidado” – Mambo LegendsVarious Artists “Salsa – Un Homenaje A El Gran Combo” – Banco PopularChoco Orta “Choco Swing” – Chocolocoton BasilloCachao “The Last Mambo” – Eventus/SonySonido Criminal “Crime Payz” – Sonido CriminalDon Perignon/Orquesta La Puertorriquena “A Otro Nivel-30 Anniversario” – Al AndujarMichael Stuart “Tributo A Louie Ramirez” – RLM8 Y Mas “Una Mas” – 8 Y MasIssac Delgado “El Supercubano” – PlanetNG La Banda “Mis 22 Anos” – EgremMaraca & Latin Jazz All Stars “Reencuentro” – Maraca/Descarga SarlVictoria Sanabria “Mi Decima Con Orquesta” – Echa CompayJose Alberto “El Canario” “Original” – Select O’HitsPupy Y Los Que Son Son “Simplemente Pupy (Unreleased tracks) – Pupy/EgremStefon Harris/David Sanchez/Christian Scott “90 Miles” – ConcordLa Sucursal SA “Sin Fronteras” – La TrifulcaMontuno Swing “Rico Tumbao” – Tumulan MusicJohn Santos/Coro Kindembo “La Esperanza” – MacheteJerry Gonzalez Y El Comando De La Clave “El Comando De La Clave” – SunnysideJane Bunnett/Hilario Duran “Cuban Rhapsody” – AlmaWilly Torres “Hardcore” – Latin StreetBobby Sanabria “Tito Puente Masterworks Live” – JazzheadsSantiago All Stars – Joya Y Rareza – Hasbun...
Read MoreJoyful Pre Xmas Tribute To Jose Guaman
I was scheduled to dj the last part of the benefit/tribute to La Fuerza Gigante’s band leader and bongocero Jose Guaman last Sunday. He has been battling pancreatic cancer. A group of friends led by fellow musician “Cafe” Agosto and Angel Cordero organized this benefit/tribute to a nice guy. By the time I arrived at Cocomo, I was delighted to see that the place was stuffed with folks and that they were being entertained by the likes of Orquesta Borinquen who played a smokin’ set. DJ Carlitos Way followed them with selections that connected with the dancing crowd. Guaman has been a fixture on the salsa scene for the past decade or so with Orquesta Baakan. He had to change the name to La Fuerza Gigante a while back due to legal reasons but that hasn’t stopped him from radiating his warm personality, putting out a big smile and playing good music. The Salsa community that night reflected an older, mature crowd who enjoyed and applauded the sounds of Pa’l Bailador, Julio Bravo Y Salsabor, Alexis Y Su Original which also featured veteran sonero Monchy Esteves, La Fuerza Gigante and special guests throughout the entire evening. There was a touching, heartfelt tribute to Jose from family members including his wife and sons and fellow musicians such as Karl Perrazo, Julio Bravo, Cafe and Avance’s Armando Cordova. There were a lot of teary eyes during that tribute at Cocomo. The show ran late but I got my chance to play music in honor of Jose. The show reflected life as it often plays out: the happy with the sad and the hard road ahead. Jose was showered with enthusiastic support, hope and optimism from a loving, appreciative crowd. I was glad I was...
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