New Music and Live Shows 9/25/2021

VibraSON, local favorites of the Salsa dance scene, have release two singles during the past two months. “De Vez En Cuando” and their new single “La Salsa Buena“. Led by veteran Salsa instructor and bongosero Jake Jacobs, this tight band features vibraphonist Charlie Barrera, timbalero Christian Pepin, percussionist Julio Perez, pianist Marco Diaz, bassist Saul Sierra and lead vocalist Luis Guidos-Morales (formerly of Avance). This group creates has an intoxicating vibes sound with solid musicianship and tremendous swing. You can pick up their recordings at bandcamp.com or by visiting their website www.vibrason.com.

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición, a mainstay of the SF Latin scene playing Charanga and specializing in the sounds of Danzon, Cha Cha Cha, guaracha and timba since 1998 has just released “En Cantado“. The orchestra under the direction of violinist Tregar Otton and percussionist Michael Spiro had a dilemma when the pandemic struck last year. They were going to record a batch of new songs for their latest album but were unable to do so due to restrictions due to the COVID. So they decided to put out a new version of one of their previous recordings adding their current lead vocalist Felix Samuel, trombonist extraordinare Jeff Cressman (formerly of Santana) and Miguelito Martinez on flute along with new arrangements and a sparkling new mix. Soon “En Cantado” was born. The recording updates the La Moderna Tradición sound that’s full of fire and swing!! Check them out live this coming Wednesday, Sept. 29, 8 pm at Yoshi’s, Jack London Square in Oakland. For more information, visit www.yoshis.com. They will also play a Sunday afternoon date at Rocky’s Market in Oakland in early October.

La Clave Del Blanco led by charismatic Peruvian vocalist and bandleader who goes by “El Blanco De La Salsa” released a number of tunes this year including the catchy “Llegamos“. Blanco tells me that he will be releasing a new recording featuring “Llegamos” and other tunes hopefully by the end of the year. For more information, visit laclavedelblanco.com.

Look out for Gilberto Santa Rosa, Marc Anthony, Ruben Blades with Roberto Delgado’s Big Band and Grupo Niche to visit the Bay Area in the next few months. Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Tito Puente Jr. are scheduled to hit Yoshi’s Jack London Square. SHO will be at the venue on Sat. Oct. 9 and Sun. Oct 10th while Tito Puente Jr. will be there on Monday, October 11th. And look out for Jesus Diaz Y Su QBA playing the big Miner Auditorium at the SF Jazz Center on Friday, October 15!!

Speaking about live shows…don’t miss the Charanga Descarga at Rocky’s Market located at the Brooklyn Basin in Oakland tomorrow-Sunday Sept. 26th at 5 pm! This all-star ensemble features violinist Anthony Blea, flautist John Calloway, vocalists Orlando Torriente and Christelle Durandy, pianist Marco Diaz, bassist Ayla Davila and percussionists Michael Spiro, Julio Perez and Javier Navarette. Kudos to percussionist/curator Javier Navarette whose “Modupue Sundays” featuring inventive bookings and great bands are taking place every two weeks alternating with World Music at this fine outdoor venue.

Talk to you next time! Ciao 4 now!!!