Tito Puente @ the Latin Quarter

Here's another segment of that big band sound like no other. Tito swings through a rendition of his classic "Oye Mi Guaguanco."

"From Santeria To Swing" Tribute to Tito Puente

On 8/25/01 the Caribbean Cultural Center in conjunction with the Boy's Harbor Latin Orchestra (under the direction of Louie Bauzo), paid tribute to Maestro Tito Puente at Lincoln Center. This is the 2nd and 3rd video from this series and includes tunes from Puente's early career as a band leader. The sound of the orchestra is awesome in my humble opinion.

Tremendo Guaguanco composed by Tito Puente

Eddie with the Tito Puente Orchestra

On Sept. 20, 2000 several months after Tito had passed away, Tito's Orchestra and Eddie Palmieri held a blow out concert at South Street Seaport. Here we see Sonny Bravo give up the piano to Eddie and a rare appearance by Eddie on timbal, which he can play quite well. The percussion section really rips this one.

Los gatos behind El Rey

No man or women for that matter, is an island as the saying goes. This is especially true in a band. A group of artist who have come together, acknowledging one as leader and combining their particular talents to create what we call music. With that in mind, the following is a small photo tribute to those that backed up Tito "El Rey De Timbal" Puente during his last years at the helm. Puente was the heart of this orchestra....these guys were the soul. Can you name them?

TITO we love you dearly

The following is a small tribute to a giant of a musician. The late, great Tito Puente made the world dance for decades. If you've never been to a Latin dance club you owe it to yourself to experience it at least once. Nothing matches the excitement of a band of Puente's caliber casting a spell on a willing audience of dedicated dancers. This performance took place on 9/3/98 at the famed Latin Quarter. I would be remiss if I did not point out the presence of Mario Rivera, "El Comandante," yet another tremendous loss for the Latin music community. The band is literally a who's who of NY's best, however I would like to make special mention of Bobby Porcelli, a fantastic woodwind player who is seated next to Mario in Puente's sax section.