Feliz Navidad y Viva La Musica

As we near the end of the year, I am often asked what are my picks of the year's best recordings in Salsa, Latin Jazz and Musica Cubana. I am going to run down some of my favorites in no determined order. So, here they are: The Spanish Harlem Orchestra "Viva La Tradicion", Luis Gonzalez "El Tsunami De La Salsa" recording "Tributo A Un Gigante", Sonora Poncena "Trayectoria + Consistencia = Sonora Poncena, Various Artists "Salsa-Un Homenaje A El Gran Combo", Chucho Valdes & The Afro Cuban Messengers "Chucho's Steps", Issac Delgado "L-O-V-E.", Manolito Y Su Trabuco "Trabuco Una Vez Mas", Hilario Duran "Motion", Edwin Bonilla "Homenaje A Los Rumberos", Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet "Bien Bien", El Gran Combo "Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso" and Afrocubism "Afrocubism". My advice to everyone is seek and find these great releases!

Aqui El Que Baila Gana

The beloved Cuban band Juan Formell y Los Van Van hit Yoshi's San Francisco for four days of exciting shows the week of December 9th-12th. There was some doubt that the band would make it through their first tour in over 7 years due to legal issues and delayed visas but there they were on stage playing in front of standing room only crowds. Los Van Van were musically awesome, charismatic and ruled the crowd from the first notes of "Aqui El Que Baila Gana" to the grand finish of "Te Pone La Cabeza Mala". The front vocal line of Mayito, Roberton, Yenny, Lele and Juan Formell himself (on coro and electric bass for "Muevete") had the crowd totally involved by singing, dancing and waving their hands in the air. They were one of the tightest ensembles who perform with astonishing precision that this reviewer has seen in quite some time.

A Proud Moment

I gotten used to the fact that recognition can be elusive in my business. It can be especially sweet once it arrives at your door. I experienced one of the proudest moments of my life this past weekend when I was honored for my 36 years of promoting and presenting Latin Music on the airwaves. I along with 4 of my peers in radio, Chata Gutierrez (KPOO), Emiliano Echeverria (KPFA) and Avotcja (KPOO/KPFA) were honored during the 29th annual Encuentro Del Canto Popular which benefited the El Tecolote Newspaper celebrating 40 years of serving the Mission District community. The wonderful music was provided by La Familia Pena-Govea and the Futuro Picante youth salsa band (the future of Salsa with those kids 9 to 18). I was presented with the Certificate Of Honor from SF Mayor Gavin Newson in recognition of my many contributions to Latin Music. I was also presented by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (a former comic with wicked wit) with the Certificate Of Recognition by the California Legislative Assembly for my role as producer, radio host and dj who helped create an environment where Latin Music could thrive in the Bay Area. I shared this proud moment with my mom Olga, my wife Isidra and my best friend Benji. You can check out my history at www.eltecolote.org.