Chico Y Rita

I was invited by my good friends, film producer Tom Luddy and musician/educator Rebeca Mauleon to attend a sneak preview of esteemed Spanish director Fernando Trueba's new animated film "Chico Y Rita" at the Pixar Studios. The film which is loosely based on the life of the famed Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes is full of the great classic Latin Jazz, mambo and boleros by Bebo which were re-recorded especially for this film. The story which is set in the 40's and 50's Cuba, New York and Europe tells the story of the romance between budding piano virtuoso Chico and rising vocalist Rita. The animation is spectacular, vibrant and colorful yet different from Disney or Pixar style. "Chico Y Rita" even features full frontal nudity which is quite a change from current animated fare such as the PG rated Tangled and Megamind in 3D. This is a such a great film that is adult, heartfelt, dramatic and a musical to boot. I throughly enjoyed this film. Tom explained to me that the film has yet to secure an American distributor because of the glut of animated films in the market. I hope that this situation will change soon so all of you can check out this gem of a film. I give it the golden thumbs of approval-way up!!

A Trio Of Riches/Un Trio De Riquezas

During the past few weeks, I was fortunate enough to see a trio of great shows with the likes of Lila Downs, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Concha Buika. All unique and distinctive. I hosted the Lila Downs show at the SF Jazz Festival representing KPFA radio. Lila proved why she is one of the great performers today as she radiated warmth, her exuberance as a show and dance pro and showcased that elastic, sensational voice. Her repertoire ranged from traditional torch style rancheras to latin-tinged world pop. Her songs touched the hearts of the audience and she was rewarded by thunderous applause and standing ovations. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra slammed no nonsense hard-hitting salsa dura at Yoshi's. Led by pianist/musical director Oscar Hernandez, the orchestra shined with a set of new material drawn from their latest cd "Viva La Tradicion" peppered with a few choice nuggets from earlier recordings. Apart from being an instrumental powerhouse, the orchestra is blessed to have a trio of great vocalists such as Ray De La Paz, Marco Bermudez and newcomer Carlos Castante (also a fine songwriter). One of the finest salsa dance orchestras in the world today. Concha Buika's first Bay Area appearance was a highly anticipated date due to her great recordings including her latest with Chucho Valdes "El Ultimo Trago". She did not disappoint...what an original artist in terms of her unorthodox approach, her devastating wit and an dramatic voice which is both powerful and emotive. She is not your traditional flamenco singer at all-she skillfully blends jazz, afro-cuban melodies and flamenco to forge a new category of music. Her band included the phenomenal pianist Melon who contributed fiery solos that propelled her trio. At the end of her encore, she was alone on the stage performing an acapella version of the traditional Spanish copla "Ojos Verdes" which was both unforgettable and spellbinding.

Makes You Wanna Holler!

I have been busy dealing with changes in my work place as I continue to work as Music Director for KPFA in Berkeley. KPFA is the oldest listener sponsored public radio station in the U.S.. However, KPFA is one of the most complicated and dysfunctional media outlets with a history of internal politics, conflicts and never ending drama. Currently, there is a serious financial crisis with both KPFA and it's parent network Pacifica. This valued resource of left thinking alternative media has been around for 61 years but now is broke due to a toxic combination of mismanagement, over spending, a difficult "democratic" governance structure and a bleeding network. There are major disagreements between paid staff running the station, the unpaid programming staff and network management over the recent firing of the entire Morning Show staff. Network management has been criticized over the timing of the firings and the lack of public disclosure of a plan B to replace the program which is the station's most successful fund raiser. That controversy has led to a public relations disaster which is alienating loyal listeners. Add to that situation, dwindling resources and lack of money supporting KPFA's original model of a listener sponsored station without commercials and underwriting that has led to never ending fund drives and shrinking audiences. KPFA interim management had to cancel the station's upcoming fund drive scheduled for this week. The network is being accused of attempted union busting due to the political nature of the firings while the executive director claims that she is following union protocol honoring seniority of staff. The diverse and divisive opinions from internal waring factions from the paid staff to the non fund raising local station board fly all over the place as the painful layoffs and reduction of hours of staff continue. Seven key people have taken voluntary layoffs. It is a situation that is sad, absurd, challenging and puzzling at the same time. In spite of this morale busting environment, I am continuing in my now part time job and hosting my weekly program "Con Sabor" with the goal of producing good radio in this chaotic time. Other fellow music programmers are doing the same because the station deserves to exist and get support. I'm doing a lot of soul searching as I'm contemplating things in my life right now. Life tests you from time to time to see what you are made of and what choices you need to make to survive and move forward. To be continued...