Sly And The Family Stone's Stand Performed Live in SF

The Independent was packed wall to wall on Sunday night by people of all walks of life paying tribute to the music of Sly and the Family Stone.  Vocalist Zakiya Harris was on stage with her large troupe of singers, dancers and musicians putting their take on the Sly classic "Higher".  The energy was high as the producers UnderCover presented this unique tribute to Sly with different bands from all genres of music each taking turns playing one song from a classic album.  The crowd roared with approval as they heard funky, hard rock, jazzy and latinized versions of the classic "Stand" album.  The Marcus Shelby Quartet was a crowd pleaser.  Mission district's own Bayonics came on next with a crowd rousing version of "Sing A Simple Song".  They flipped the song to bring in the Latin flavor and took the crowd to a higher place. Sly alumni Rusty Allen, who took Larry Graham's place in the 70's was practicing and taking in the groove happening on stage from his spot in the VIP mezzanine section.  KPFA's Rickey Vincent from the History Of Funk program was the emcee.  He took the opportunity to make his own comments and recall classic moments.  It was a groove thang!

Tribute To Cachao/Walfredo De Los Reyes at SF Jazz Center

Last night, Grammy nominated percussionist/bandleader John Santos pulled off another great all-star tribute at the beautiful SF Jazz Center in San Francisco.  This tribute was to honor the late genius who was instrumental in the development of the descarga, mambo and danzon,  Israel Lopez "Cachao" and the living drum/percussion legend Walfredo De Los Reyes Sr. who also developed the descarga and Cuban Jazz.  The sold out show was divided into two halves: the first set was devoted to the Cuban Danzon, many of which were written by Cachao.  John Santos and his talented sextet made of pianist/trumpeter Marco Diaz, bassist Saul Sierra, drummer David Flores, saxophonist Melecio Magdaluyo and flutist/pianist John Calloway were joined by Cuban master woodwind master Paquito D' Rivera,  the Cultural Revolution string trio led by violinist Anthony Blea, legendary timbalero Orestes Vilato and conguero Javier Navarette.

What a beautiful set of danzon, strings and swing expertly played by this ensemble.  Rivera was a delight as he balanced his virtuosity with his great sense of humor.  There were plenty of musical fireworks as almost everyone had an opportunity to solo and shine.  The second half of the show was dedicated to the "descarga" or jam session that both Cachao and De Los Reyes were noted pioneers.  The ensemble were cookin' with explosive fervor with the three horn section of Rivera, Magdaluyo and Calloway.  Walfredo De Los Reyes Sr. joined the band displaying his brilliance on the timbales and trap set especially on his composition "Leche Con Ron".  If that wasn't enough, surprise guest, former Santana conguero Raul Rekow brought the house down with a fiery conga solo near the end of the set. All of the participants were at the top of their game playing with passion and displaying their fierce virtuosity.

I'm delighted that SF Jazz continues their commitment to great music thanks to executive director Randall Kline!  Thanks to artistic director John Santos for his enthusiastic vision in planning and presenting this excellent show.

Top Picks 2013 - Salsa/Latin Jazz/Afro Cuban/Musica Cubana

I just finished airing my programs featuring the best music of 2013.  Here is my list in no particular order because they are all fine recordings!!

Puerto Rico All Stars - Echando Candela
Cubana All Stars - A Dream Come True
Mauricio Silva - Legado De La Salsa Venezolana Volume 1
Chucho Valdes/Afro Cuban Messengers - Border-Free
Orquesta SCC-Salsa Con Conciencia - Renacimiento
Africando - Viva Africando
Conjunto Sabrosura - Mona Pa Mi Bongo
Sonora Poncena - 10 Para Los 100
Yolanda Rivera - La Hija Del Guaguanco
New Swing Sextet - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Various Artists - Sabe Venezuela Volume 2
Ray Viera Y Trombao - Sambumbia Radioactiva
La Maxima 79 - Regresando Al Guaguanco
Maikel Blanco Y Su Salsa Mayor - A Toda Maquina
Trombonranga - Al Mal Tiempo Buena Salsa
Mamborama - Baila Que Baila
Omar Sosa - Eggun
John Santos Sextet - Filosofia Caribena Vol. 2
Pedrito Martinez Group - The Pedrito Martinez Group
Buika - La Noche Mas Larga
Mitch Frohman Latin Jazz Quartet - From Daddy With Love
DJ El Chino/Various - Salsa World Series Vol. 5
Tipica Novel - Mirando Pa'l Cielo
Manuel Valera/New Cuban Express - Expectativas
Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet - Latin Jazz Jazz Latin
Mayito Rivera - Alma De Sonero
Pacific Mambo Orchestra - PMO
Timbalive - Con La Musica Cubana...NO!

Late 2013 releases that can be considered for 2014
El Gran Combo - 50 Anniversario
Pete Rodriguez - Caminando Con Papi
Eddie Palmieri - Doin It In The Park EP
Hector Aponte/Orquesta Harlem Riverside - Tres Generaciones De Nuestra Musica
David Calzado Y Charanga Habanera - Se Sufre Pero Se Goza