Tempo Latino 2011

While I was was Europe a few weeks ago, I returned to the Tempo Latino Festival. It’s the largest outdoor festival devoted to Salsa and Latin Music in Europe based in the little town of Vic-Fezensac, France. Wow…what a line-up this year! Headliner Ruben Blades played a 2 1/2 hour set loaded with crowd favorites as “Pedro Navaja”, “Juan Pachanga” and “Plastico” to name a few. Panama’s finest Roberto Delgado’s Orchestra with special guest trombonist Jimmy Bosch backed Blades. There were musical especially on “Plantacion Adentro” featuring a fiery exchange between Bosch and trumpeter Juan Lopez. Renowned Columbian Paris-based sonero Yuri Buenaventura thrilled the sold out Friday night crowd with his thrilling vocals, dynamic band and great music! Puerto Rican legend Willie Rosario brought his tight orchestra to play his classic dance music such as “El Callejero” and “Lluvia”. Plena Libre, Grupo Fantasma, Bomba Estereo, Quantic y Su Combo Barbaro and Zulu 90.3 were also featured in the main concerts at the plaza de toros. Fine Cuban and European based bands were featured at 3 different venues in the grounds. The Conga was the hot after hours night spot each night. Highlights included the irresistible son of Cuba’s own Septeto Santiaguero, the exciting French salsa dura band Salsafon with vocalist Rafael Quintero (uncle of percussionists Luisito and Roberto Quintero), the Big Band Cote Sud expertly performed Beny More classics and Cumbia Chicharra’s spirited repertoire of Cumbia, Timba and Salsa. DJ’s included one of Barcelona’s best DJ Jacoviche and Salsa/World music selector Ricardo Da Forza. My good friend and Tempo Latino legend Enrique Romero “El Molestoso” didn’t attend due to serious health issues. I missed his spirit and camaraderie as I have good memories of DJing and hanging with Enrique at last year’s festival. He was sorely missed by many including promoter Eric Duffau and staff. Get better fast, amigo!!