Random Notes 10/3/19

Congratulations to Pacific Mambo Orchestra who just finished playing a triumphant set at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival on Sunday, September 29, 2019.  They are currently in the studio working on their 3rd recording to come out in 2020! …..Also in the studio, the popular SF based vibes oriented Salsa band Vibrason fronted by bongocero Jake Jacobs and featuring Charlie Barrera on vibes.  They are working with super producer Greg Landau on their first recording.  You can catch them at Bar Fluxus at the Hotel Des Arts in San Francisco every Tuesday night…..Vocalist/guitarist Carlos Xavier (Orquesta Borinquen/Foreverland) whose solo project “Vive Todo Ahora” has taken off nationally on several prominent national Latin charts has exceeded 1 million hits on Spotify!  His live act is worth checking out!  He’s an exciting talent whose original music not only seduces the listener with it’s hook oriented contemporary Salsa sound but keeps the dance floor packed as well….I hope that you had the opportunity to check out the Los Rumberos De La Bahia live presentation of their Cubadisco nominated recording “Mabagwe – Tribute To The Elders” at SF’s Brava Theater on the weekend of Sept. 20th and 21st.  The group led by vocalist Jose Luis Gomez “Seluma” and veteran Grammy nominated percussionist Michael Spiro were joined by dancers and rumberos that were top notch.  Joining this fine ensemble were the record’s producer/vocalist/conguero Jesus Diaz, the renowned conguero Sandy Perez of Afrocuba De Matanzas, the famed dancer/conguero Roberto Borrell, the legendary composer and rumbero Lali Brito who was in town from Cuba and legendary rumba vocalist “El Gato” who flew in from Florida.  The show was spectacular!!…..Coming into town during the next few months:  Chucho Valdez residency at SF Jazz w/special guests Joey D’Francesco, Kenny Garrett, Diane Reeves, Regina Carter and Rebeca Mauleon, the legendary Salsa trombonist/vocalist Willie Colon and Alexander Abreu and Havana D’Primera!  Ciao 4 now!!