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And The Beat Goes On

Posted on Aug 26, 2010

I recently emceed a rock show featuring two of Cuba’s forward thinking artists Equis (X) Alfonso and Osamu. Both artists had no problems mixing rock, hip hop, reggae, pop, blues, rumba, salsa and folklore into exciting new fusions of music. Equis Alfonso is a dynamo of a performer who knows how to play practically every instrument, has a terrific presence and singing voice…and knows how to get funky while rapping it down to the audience. It’s no wonder that he is a huge star in Cuba! Osamu is an astonishing guitarist and vocalist who leads a powerful rock band that features tv star Yoris on vocals. Performing his fusion of salsa and rock called Rock Con Sabor, he dazzled the crowd with his guitar riffs and danceable melodies. The biggest surprise was his special guest the ageless Pedro Calvo who was THE voice of Los Van Van for many years. Calvo ,nearing 70 was in tip top physical shape and commanding voice, tearing through rock versions of his hits with Los Van Van such as “Sandunguera”. Ironically enough, he looked more like a rock star in his trademark soldier style hat, tight t-shirt, leather jeans and silver buckled belt that Equis and Osamu! Both Equis and Osamu produce their own videos and the visuals presented at this Yerba Buena Center of the Arts “New Frequencies” show were outstanding, progressive and...

Posted on Aug 9, 2010

Saturday was a big day…not only was Puerto Rican diva Choco Orta headlining the festival with Austin’s own party band Grupo Fantasma but I was also dj’ing my second night at Tempo Latino. Choco worked the press on Friday: singing at the press gatherings and wanting to be taken seriously as the heir to Celia Cruz’s throne. I was only able to check out 3 songs but she clearly showed off her powerful singing voice backed by a swinging band with tight coro singers. Her old school repertoire from her recording “Ahora Mismo” included gems from the Machito and Celia songbook. She danced like a staggering woman possessed by voodoo. She was nervous and self concious on stage but turned into a dynamo as soon as the music started. I missed her fiery conga and timbales solos later in the set as I had to run to start my gig. Grupo Fantasma played a tremendous opening set..more salsafied than when I saw them at South By Southwest. Fantasma was made up of an explosive brass section, screaming guitars, fine lead vocalists and played a set that included cumbia, funk, latin rock, bolero and descarga. Vocalist Jose Galeano took the place of two missing percussionists with fire and chops behind his percussion set of timbales, congas and bongos. Eric Duffau introduced their encore by stating “La Revelacion” to the crowd and revealed that Fantasma had earned themselves a headlining spot in the future. The crowd roared with approval. I started at La Conga earlier than expected because the place was nearly packed by 12:15 am! I tore it up on my first of 3 sets before our musical guests Zulu 9.30, a reggae band from Barcelona started. Zulu 9.30 struck a chord with the partying crowd although the salseros backstage were asking me when I was going to come on. The crowd was screaming for more at the end of their set. I had no choice but to play the best music that I felt at the moment. I started with Bobby Valentin’s “Aqui No Me Quedo” and the rest was history-the entire La Conga dance floor was packed with dancers! What a great scene! I loved playing at Tempo...

International Salsa at Tempo Latino 2010

Posted on Aug 3, 2010

Salsa music took over the main stage of Tempo Latino in all of its international flavors on the course of the following 3 evenings. Friday night’s opener, Calambuco impressed the packed Plaza De Toros crowd with their 70’s influenced salsa dura sound from Colombia. This vibrant youthful ensemble led by pianist Andres Succar gave the crowd what they wanted: a fine show with a tight band, charismatic singers up-front and an irresistibly danceable sound. Ireland’s Salsa Celtica headlined the evening with their unique fusion of traditional Irish music, afro cuban rhythms and salsa. Their instrumentation blended banjo, gaita, irish flute and guitars alongside congas, timbales, bass, piano and horn section. There were moments of explosive fire such as their live version of “El Agua De La Vida” but the novelty wore off for me by the end of the set. La Conga featured the Afro-Caribbean group Grupo Kfe from Paris whose erratic set ranged from tasteful son montuno to tasteless covers of pop salsa hits. El Molestoso dropped a totally unpredictable but tasty dj set that ranged from bugaloo to classic salsa to a Paso...

Mas Viejo Pero Sabroso

Posted on Jun 27, 2010

I have been celebrating my birthday since this past Wednesday. My birthday was actually on Friday, June 25th. Friends and family made sure that I celebrated my birthday in style. I appreciate all the fine friends, acquaintances and contacts that I have made in the music, radio and media business. I am blessed and gratified to still be a part of the music scene in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond for so many years. Now the challenge is to continue to do the hard work and deliver consistently with quality and not rest on one’s laurels or complacency. Yes, I am ready to meet that challenge….born...