Patato in da hood...

One of the great things about Willie's Steakhouse, was that here it sits in the middle of the neighborhood, totally accessible to all. You just never knew who was going to show up on any given Wednesday night; Latin Jazz night. Here we have Joe Santiago on bass, Edsel Gomez on keys, Patato on congas and "Chocolate" Armenteros sitting in on trumpet. If anyone can identify the saxophonist please let us know so that we can give him his props. Listen to them swing through this guajira on that night in '97.

La "Vieja Guardia" at Triads

Producer/Historian and friend Ritchie Rumbero put this group together for a gig at NY's Triad Theater on 72nd St. Unfortunately I didn't record the exact date. The band was a proverbial who's who with Eddy Martinez on keyboards, "Chocolate" Armenteros on trumpet, Victor Venegas on bass, Enrique Fernendez on woodwinds, Nicky Marrero on tims and Patato on tumbas. Sitting in are Lil' Johnny Rivero and Angel Rodriguez on shekere.

Patato @ Willie's Steakhouse

El gran Carlos "Patato" Valdez, live and in person at Willie's Steakhouse. Joe Santiago is on bass, Edsel Gomez on piano, and "?" on sax. The late great Patato, el mejor quintero de Cuba, may he rest in peace.