KPFA needs your support!

Lot's of things have been happening that have taken my time away from my blog. I have been working hard the past month with the KPFA fund drive. It is no secret that this 61 year old listener sponsored radio station is in financial trouble going thru job cuts, reducing budgets, shrinking resources and enduring a heated local station board election and on-going internal political struggles. In addition to my duties and obligations as Music Director, I have been extremely busy producing fund drive programs, assisting my fellow on-air hosts in pitching for much needed money and securing premiums for this current drive. It has been a struggle this time which is reflective of our sagging economic situation and it appears that the station is going to fall short of its goal this time. You can contribute to KPFA by going to the web site at www.kpfa.org. If you listen to my program "Con Sabor", please consider supporting the cause, visiting the web site and becoming a member.

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!

Norah and Corinne - A Sweet Escape

I am a person that has a wide musical palate. That being said, I checked out the intriguing double bill of female singer-songwriters Norah Jones and Corinne Bailey Rae at the Greek Theater last Friday. Not only are these two ladies talented but beautiful as well. The English-born Rae is a fine singer who interprets sad, introspective folky neosoul pop. The majority of her songs are sophisticated ballads that aim to hit an emotional response to the listener. Very mellow yet she played compelling up-tempo material including her 2008 breakthrough "Put Your Records On". Norah Jones definitely showed why she was the headliner of the show. She possesses a clear commanding voice that is smokey, warm and soulful. Backed by a top-notch band, Jones came out with a cherry red electric guitar performing songs from her latest recording "The Fall". Jones looking glamourous in her patterned top, low cut blouse, tight jeans and high heels, also played acoustic, electric and toy pianos as she concentrated on newer material which reflected her country, bluesy and pop sides. She also played updated versions of a few of her early tunes which catapulted her into stardom. Her band was excellent which included the guitar wizardry of Smokey Hormel and the sweet vocals of Sasha Dobson.

Aragon - Le Champagne de Las Charangas

The great Orquesta Aragon presented a phenomenal dance concert at Zellerbach Auditiorium on Friday, August 13th. This legendary charanga led by Rafael Lay Jr, the son of the late band leader and violinist, demonstrated that they are one of the finest dance orchestras in the world. Aragon boasted 5 violins (including Lay), flute, piano, bass, timbales, bongo, congas and two dynamic singers drew from their extensive repertoire and played dance music that was sublime, swinging and irresistible. The front area of Zellerbach was turned into a dance floor once the dancers took over and was packed all night. The only draw back to the evening was the light attendance of approximately 700 people that showed up for 2 hours of dance heaven. The band was celebrating their 70th anniversary with the oldest member going back to 1955. However, age didn't slow up this band as some of the oldest grey haired members danced up a storm showing off their moves in front of an adoring crowd. Kudos to Shabi Samoohi, Patricia Morgovsky and Sue Taylor for putting together this treat for the eyes and ears.