Cachao On TV

I was fortunate enough to be a part of the film documentary "Cachao Uno Mas" focusing on the late great music legend Israel Lopez "Cachao". The film is being aired nationally tonight on PBS. In the film, I was caught in the act of interviewing Cachao for my KPFA program "Con Sabor" at the Cigar Bar in San Francisco. A film crew was present to capture Cachao during the course of a weekend as he was being honored at San Francisco State University and later culminating with a fantastic concert at Bimbos 365 Club with Cachao, actor/musician Andy Garcia and the Cineson All Stars with local greats John Santos and Wayne Wallace. The original version of the film premiered at the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2008 and has been screened at various international film festivals. The TV version is a new version of the film with added interviews with Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Arturo Sandoval. This film is a testament to the greatness of this master musician and the gentle, humble human being that was Cachao.

Can't leave out Musica Cubana - Sept 2010

I've been also enjoying some new tracks from the master Cesar "Pupy" Pedroso y Los Que Son Son from his upcoming new release: "Un Loco Con Una Moto", his remakes of "Parece Mentira" and "Ni Bombones Ni Caramelos" and La Batea featuring Omara Portuondo. Maikel (now Maykel) Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor's new "Soy Lo Que Te Hala" for all the timba heads. Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Pineiro for those who love classic son. And who can forget the gorgeous tribute to the latin side of Nat "King" Cole, "L O V E" by mister smooth Issac Delgado joined by legendary jazz vocalist (and Nat's brother) Freddy Cole.

Tidbits on New Music - Sept 2010

Here are some great recordings that have been dominating my play lists: Chucho Valdes and the Cuban Jazz Messengers mesmerizing "Chucho's Steps", the no holds barred slammin' salsa release by Luis "El Tzunami De La Salsa" Gonzalez "Tributo A Un Gigante", the great new live recording "The Latin Side Of Herbie Hancock" by trombonist extraordinare Conrad Herwig with special guests Eddie Palmieri and Randy Brecker; "Providencia", the beautiful new cd by Panama's own Danilo Perez (Wayne Shorter's current #1 choice on piano), the indestructible 73 year old salsa legend Bobby Cruz who demonstrates vocal chops that most singers would die for on his new release "Alma, Tierra y Raices" and the exquisite recording "Motion" by former Jane Bunnett collaborator Hilario Duran and his Trio. Plus I'm still enjoying the music that I brought home from Tempo Latino in late June from AYVA Music based in Spain: pianist Leo Blanco's "Africa Latina" and trumpeter Guillermo Calliero's tango-flamenco-jazz fusion "Barcelona Hora Cero". Add to that great new releases by producer/musician Greg Landau's soundtrack from the film "La Mision", Carne Cruda's "Oakland Tight" and an out of the blue latin-jazz release from ex Bay area resident Silvestre Martinez "Heritage". All killer no filler!

Happy Brithday Benny Velarde!

Legendary Salsa and Latin Jazz timbalero Benny Velarde celebrated his 81st birthday in style at the Glas Kat on Tuesday evening, Sept 7th. The esteemed veteran percussionist who was part of Cal Tjader's seminal Latin Jazz ensemble and who has graced Bay Area stages for over six decades performed with an all star version of his Super Combo. Among the all-stars joining Velarde on stage were John Santos, Orestes Vilato, John Calloway, Monchy Esteves and Jorge Pomar. Velarde was in great spirits as he performed in front of an adoring audience that included his family, long time friends, admirers and dancers both young and older. Diana Bowen, producer of the Mr. Maracas Tuesday salsa nights at the Glas Kat came up with the idea of honoring Velarde. It was a party the entire evening with great music from Velarde and noted Bay Area dj/producer Fab Fred. Benny told me that he has revived the band and will be actively playing again. Good news for salseros everywhere!