Pasion @ Wagner Park, NYC 8/12/97

Two veteran musicians from the New York scene, Connie Grossman (flute) and Betsy Hill (violin) joined forces to create their great Charanga band, Pasion. Meant to be an all women band, they were still in search of a woman bassist, timbalera and guiro player at the time. Helping them are Guillermo Edgehill, Willie Martinez and Danny Gonzalez (from Orch. B'way) respectively. You will see Wendy Ryan on piano and Debra Resto singing lead on one tune. My deepest apologies to the other ladies whose names I do not remember. More about Pasion can be found at salsacentro.com under a by-line from Eileen Torres.

Brass Convention Tribute to Chocolate

Brass Convention Tribute to Chocolate

Ray Vega conducted his Suny Purchase student orchestra at the annual Brass Convention (date ?) in a tribute to Chocolate Armenteros, trumpet player extraordinaire. Also appearing as guests were Bobby Porcelli and Manny Duran. Playing tunes by Machito gave these GIANTS a chance to show their stuff and inspire some respect from the youngsters in attendance. Chocolate had just turned 75 at this point and was really enjoying himself as were all. Check out this rendition of the classic Almendra. Chocolate blows that Cuban funk that made him a household name.

Hector Casanova and Herman Olivera @ Wagner Park 9/12/00

The great thing about this band, which has a serious groove happening, is that they are ready for either Charanga or Conjunto style music. Among the players are Willie Rodriguez on piano, Hector Zervignon on flute and Luis Rodriguez on cuartro.

Tite Curet Alonso Recording

I received an email from Aurora Flores about a "tribute" to the late Tite Curet Alonso, that is being released today.

check out Aurora's site for the liner notes:

http://www.zondelbarrio.com/Press.php

More info on Tite Curet Alonso:

http://www.herencialatina.com/Cachao/Canciones_Tite/Cancionero_Tite.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tite_Curet_Alonso

http://www.herencialatina.com/Mon_Rivera_2/Entrevista_Tite.htm

The Mambo Combo rides again 7/5/01

Wendy Ryan's Mambo Combo is featured once again with the great Jimmy Sabater on the lead vocal. Please click on their name in the index for more videos of this group and personnel information.

Latin Jazz Alliance, Dyckman Farm House, 9/30/99

The Latin Jazz Alliance has assumed several different incarnations over the 15 years of its existence. This particular combination includes Victor Venegas on bass, Igor Atalita on keys, Steve Glusban on trumpet, Victor Montanez on tims and yours truly on congas. Alfie Alvarado video taped the performance for us.

First of the New Year...Tambo reunion 1/27/98

Here is a another great jam from Tambo at their reunion gig at the Knitting Factory in NYC. Tambo featured some of the best known Latin musicians, among them...Johnny Almendra, Mitch Frohman, Ray Vega and Luisito Ayala to name several. This particular tune features a guest appearance by Jimmy Bosch, trombonist extraordinaire.

A Couple of Thoughts...

So ends another year...and without missing a step a new one is afoot and already a day old. As you may have noticed Willie and I have been pretty occupied with end of year rituals and have not posted to the blog as usual as we would like. We will be posting full force soon though. For all you regulars I just want to say thanks for a good year (although we just started in August 08') and hope to see much more of you in 09'. For all the newbies, I hope you find this blog just as entertaining as it is informational. Willie and I have always subscribed to the motto, "Less is more", and although we do post alot, it is rarely ever fluff. If it ever turns into such a blog, than rest assured it will not last for too much longer. I'd like to personally thank Willie, whom without the blog wouldn't have lasted more than a month, Alfie Alvarado (AAA) whose drive and willingness to share has been an inspiration in and of itself, and of course Felix Sanabria, for his openness and willingness in sharing his time, home and information. Much more to come in '09.

Thanks to all...

Geordie
Eddie Bobe
Tony S
Oseiku
Ilu Aye
Barry Cox
Susan Sanabria
Max
Conor
JC
all others who have contributed in some form or fashion...