Anthony Blea..Celebrating the SF Violin Virtuoso!

One of our local treasures, Violinist Anthony Blea‘s (Photo: Anthony Blea at Rocky’s June 2021; Photo: Luis Medina) celebrated his 60th birthday on November 9th. This home-grown violin virtuoso’s numerous credits since starting his career as a teenager include his work with Tipica Cienfuegos, Orquesta Batachanga, John Santos and the Machete Ensemble, Cachao, Son Primero, Charanga 76, the Musical Art Quartet, Los Bros and many others.

His band Anthony Blea y Su Charanga (formerly Charanson) were a popular act featuring both young lions and veterans of the SF scene including Marco Diaz, Saul Sierra, Julius Melendez, Roger Glenn, Juan Ceballos, Orlando Torriente, Bill Ortiz, Javier Navarette, Raul Navarette, Monchy Esteves and others since their start in the mid-1990’s.

Anthony Blea Y Su Charanga’s recording “El Virgen De La Caridad” captures that era of the ensemble’s explosive live sound. When I listen to a rousing version of “Goza La Vida‘ off the same era, rare, out-of-print ‘Live At Jelly’s” compilation cd, my ears are treated to Charanga music played with sophistication, serious improvisation and an irresistible swing. Blea was recently featured on various all star live Charanga sessions with former Charanson members and special guests such as Dr. John Calloway at Rocky’s Market in Oakland. He’s been featured on recordings and live concert dates with the John Santos’ Machete Ensemble and the John Santos Sextet.

Blea has been a member of the Musical Art Quartet whose debut recording had a classical take on Ray Barretto’s jazzy cha cha cha classic “Algo Nuevo“. Anthony has also performed with various symphonies and smaller groups displaying his classical chops.

He now has a new quartet with bassist Ayla Davila, percussionist Javier Navarette and guest pianists performing a wide range of material at the Gestalt Bar on 3159 16th Street in San Francisco on Friday nights. Jam sessions are commonplace in this new spot in the Mission.

Feliz Cumpleaños, Anthony! Thanks for the music. Ciao 4 now til next time!