new 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 sound!