El Maestro Eddie Palmieri announces his retirement due to health issues

El Maestro Eddie Palmieri announced his temporary retirement from performing this past weekend. Eddie Palmieri (pictured left with me at Yoshi’s last fall. Photo: Luis Medina) has been recently suffering lung problems that affect his heart. He could not attend major concerts in New York at Lincoln Center and Central Park Summerstage last week due to his current condition although his band performed at the shows dedicated in his honor. Due to these health issues, Palmieri’s condition does not allow him to travel by plane or perform outdoors. Although Eddie claims that the situation is not severe, it is necessary for him to take precautions to prevent significant damage.

Eddie spoke to radio dj’s Nandi Alvarricci and Nicky Melendez on Pacifica New York station WBAI on Sunday evening. It was reported that Palmieri was in good spirits during the WBAI interview although he announced that he was breaking up the band and retreating on doctor’s orders.

Eddie last visited the Bay Area late last year with his phenomenal Latin Jazz group at Yoshi’s in Oakland, performing a run of incredible shows which were received with rave reviews. Eddie is scheduled to perform at the UC Theatre is Berkeley this coming October as part of the Jazz Is Dead Latin series. That concert is now doubtful given these recent developments but hasn’t been cancelled yet.

Eddie Palmieri is both a musical inspiration and a dear friend of my wife Isidra and myself. I have always treasured the many interviews and private conversations that we have had since the early 1990’s. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery. At 86, Palmieri is music royalty and one of the few living legends who have continued to record and perform to this day up until the time of his retirement. Get your rest and get better Maestro! I hope to see you soon.