Todo Tiene Su Final – Tempo Latino 2010

Enrique told me that Sunday was usually the traditional slow final night at Tempo Latino. You couldn’t tell by the energetic capacity crowd that attended the Plaza De Toros show featuring trombone titan Jimmy Bosch and his All Stars and La Sucursal SA that evening. Barcelona’s La Sucursal SA started the show with a crowd pleasing set that featured original material from both their cd “Lo Nuestro” and their latest ep. The talented musicians of La Sucursal led by bassist/musical director Santiago Acevedo and vocalist Marcelo Rosero played smokin’ salsa dura that had the crowd dancing and cheering for more. Their inventive version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” took everyone by surprise. For their encore, they invited el sonero Herman Olivera and flautist Mitch Frohman from Jimmy Bosch’s band to join them on a rousing finale. Jimmy Bosch and his all star ensemble took the stage for a three hour set. Joining Bosch were heavyweights Olivera, trescero Nelson Gonzalez, bassist Mike Vinas, conguero Eddie Montalvo, timbalero Ralph Irrizary, pianist Arturo Ortiz, vocalist Wilito Otero, Frohman and a horn section that included members of La Excelencia and Mercadonegro. Drawing from a mixed repertoire of classic salsa and Bosch’s own tunes, these excellent players and singers had plenty of room to improvise and stretch out. What a descarga from this elite group of great players! I was particularly impressed by the fluid piano work of Ortiz, the masterful tres playing of Gonzalez, the soneos of Olivera and the youthful Otero and the trombone mastery of Bosch! Went over to La Conga to catch up with the Barcelona double team of Orquesta Sabor Y Son and DJ Jacoviche who were playing to the die-hards. Sabor Y Son had their moments but the real story was DJ Jacoviche (reminded me of a taller DJ Walt Digz in a cap and athletic suit) slammin’ la salsa dura until 5 am when the police finally cut the power. What a fitting end to a Salsa festival such as Tempo Latino! Gracias Enrique, Eric, Louise, the great crew of Tempo Latino and the Antilla crew! I hope that I’ll be back soon!!