The Latin/ Jazz Mecca

Today's article in The Vacaville Reporter: on Festival de la Isla, and CLAVE

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:46:00 -0700

Oooh... Check THIS out!:

Today in a Solano County publication of record in the article about tomorrow's 20th Annual Festival de la Isla there is actually a mention of CLAVE!!! Already on the front page this week, was 111th Chief Justice Sonya Sotomayor, describing the American journey of '..a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx (ohoh: another one of those words!) to the Supreme Court'l and now: CLAVE; And with Fernando, Cafe and Jose of Orquesta BaKan with guiro y conga, complete with la bonita bandera!

Aydiosmio: What's next for America: Cafe con Leche y Pan y Mantequilla at Starbucks? "Lamento Borinqueno" at the baseball games? Mofongo y Pastelles at the drive thru-? (btw, did you see the clip of Sonya talking about making 'Sofrito'-?)

Well actually I don't know about the rest of America, but although Puerto Ricans ARE American also, it is refreshing to see these mentions in the 707, where despite the nice recent press coverage, clave y la cultura are alive and well!

ANYWAY: as final preparations are being made, enjoy the nice article in today's Vacaville Reporter newspaper: On island time, Puerto Rican-style. Those of us from the heritage of las islas de los alas can laugh about the inside joke of 'island-time', but rest assured: the trains DO run on time in Vacaville!

Actually, the mention in the article of clave rhythm is another good way of conceptualizing "island time": whereas by contrast most of 20th-century music has lifestyle has been grounded largely in the same ol' march-step 4/4 musical meter. The West African concepts of musical time that has become a large part of the musical expression in the Caribbean and in Brazil, offers more polyrhythmic possibilities that can work well within 4/4 meter, but yet does add a little accent and spice; and adds musical tension and release.

As musical educators of latin jazz, afro-caribbean and salsa music also point out, I've discussed and played examples on the Latin/Jazz Mecca radio program demonstrating how a lot of Soul, R&B and Rock music borrows from Afro-Caribbean musics: Fats Domino's rendition of Mardi Gras to the Bo Diddley Beat to James Brown's I Got The Feeling and Led Zeppelin's Custard Pie, all have strong or explicit Clave feel to their rhythms. If you can feel these, then you can very likely feel at least bit of what's going on in 'Salsa'. It is, after all, 'American' music, too.
BTW as for dancing?: there is also an old African proverb: "If you can walk, you can dance." So come out and 'walk' a little bit!

Of course, when we start getting into advanced clave, there is among even the most well-schooled and seasoned street rumberos and maestros, an ongoing debate of 3:2 vs. 2:3 Clave, I'm not going to try to get into THAT controversy now ;-) except to warn others: the Mastery of Clave is NOT for the faint of heart....

Be sure to check out our article on Ray Sepulveda, who is headlining tomorrow at Festival de la Isla. Hope to see you there!

More about the
20th Annual Fiesta de la Isla
Vacaville, CA - Saturday August 15 - 10am - 7pm

The Latin/Jazz Mecca - www.OzcatRadio.com
Vallejo/SF Bay/California - Wednesday 6pm PST
New York/Miami/San Juan/Havana! 9 pm EST

(re) Introducing: Latin/Jazz Mecca

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:02:00 -0700

Welcome / Bienvenido! You may be here from our link at Twitter

Currently transferring website; more info/links coming soon:

Check out the article about Latin/Jazz Mecca written by Orlando Sentinel journalist and El Sentinel founding editor, Maria Padilla: "Music to Your Ears: http://bit.ly/35BUdY

More about CTon' and the Latin Jazz Mecca: (link TBA)

Send us your music! (link TBA)
Ozcat Radio is committed to featuring independent and local music

Past featured programs: (link TBA)

Stay in touch:

Join the Latin/Jazz Mecca on Facebook

The Latin/Jazz Mecca on Twitter

Samples of some music we play on The Latin/Jazz Mecca radio program at Ozcat Radio

...and at our old page on Myspace

Latin Jazz Mecca weblog

DIRECT from New York: Ray Sepulveda headlines the 20th Annual Festival de la Isla - Vacaville, CA - Saturday Aug 15, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:51:00 -0700

Just in from James Barreras: it's official!

Direct from New York: RAY SEPULVEDA headlines this year's 20th Annual Fiesta de la Isla in Vacaville here in Solano County, California!

Carrying on the musical legacy of his father Ray Sepulveda Sr. of Trío Los Románticos, Brooklyn-born Ray Sepúlveda(Jr.)began his own singing career in Mayaqüéz, Puerto Rico with the group La Solución, and with La Dictadora alongside Frankie Ruíz. On his return to New York he joined with the Sociedad 76 Orchestra in 1977, contributing to their album, “The Big Apple.”

After a hiatus from the salsa music scene, he returned to the stage in 1988 with Johnny and Ray Orchestra for the album, Salsa con Clase, working with up-and-coming production wiz, Sergio George, developing an association for two more releases, Un Poquito Más and Con Sabor. At that point Ray returned to Puerto Rico to record the widely acclaimed Llegaste Tú.

In 1997 he released De Todo Un Poco with his musical director, producer Ricky González. Ray Sepulveda continued working with other artists as well in latin and jazz, including Tito Puente and Grover Washington Jr.. Check out his most recent release, Salsabor.

Here is a video clip of Ray Sepulveda performing live:

Ray Sepulveda official website:
www.raysepulveda.com/

More about the
20th Annual Fiesta de la Isla
Vacaville, CA - Saturday August 15 - 10am - 7pm

The Latin/Jazz Mecca - www.OzcatRadio.com
Vallejo/SF Bay/California - Wednesday 6pm PST
New York/Miami/San Juan/Havana! 9 pm EST

TONITE: a Latin/ Jazz Tribute to Michael Jackson - 9pm Eastern/6pm Vallejo, CA/SF Bay - OzcatRadio.com

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:02:00 -0700

This week's special edition of the Latin Jazz Mecca contributes to Ozcat Radio's ongoing retrospective with a Jazz and Latin Tribute to the musical memory of Michael Jackson.

Latin Jazz Mecca on Ozcat Radio
Live stream: ♫ http://tiny.cc/LatinJazzMecca
9 pm Eastern (NY MIA PR HAV);
6 pm Pacific Vallejo, CA/San Francisco Bay

Although we will hear several cuts featuring Michael himself, this program will be a different kind of musical exploration, including a few of his many collaborators and influences, such as singer Jackie Wilson, Manu Dibango, Diana Ross, Motown's house band The Funk Brothers, rock guitarists Eddie Van Halen and Carlos Santana, producers and songwriter Rod Temperton of the group Heatwave; and MJ's greatest collaborator and mentor, Mr. Quincy Jones.

We also sample some Latin and Jazz reconstructions and renditions of some of his classic tunes, including from Miles Davis, Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy, guitarist Tuck Andress, and Chaka Khan. We will also listen to rare studio demos of his works in progress, that exemplify his rhythmic and musical instincts to effectively blend togher Funk, Latin and Jazz with R&B, Pop, Rock, Gospel and other expressions of musical humanity.

Some listeners and readers may be wondering, "What does Michael Jackson have to do with jazz or latin music?" Per a quote from the great Herbie Hancock "Jazz has borrowed from other genres of music, and has also has lent itself to other genres of music."

For starters, the young Michael Jackson actually handled percussion duties on stage with his brothers' group, The Jackson Five. Although the percussion work for the early recordings of the J5 were likely handled by members of the Motown Funk Brothers studio collective, Michael's command of percussion and ability to blend with funk is evident in the demos for his later solo recordings, as was in his dancing, which as one of the video clips below is not far removed from the Afro-Cuban Columbia and guaguanco dancers.

We can also consider, that besides late 20th century vocal and pop music itself having been heavily influenced by early jazz and jazz Big Bands, that Michael's greatest contributing collaborator, Quincy Jones, has a deep and critically respected background as a Jazz performer, composer and arranger going back to the late 1950s. As food for thought, Quincy's craftwork will be heavily featured during tonight's broadcast.

And of course, we will feature jazz and latin renditions of Michael's tunes, to hear some of the other possible expressions and interpretations that his music inspired.

Below are some links to video clips and further reading:

Essay by Jazz Bassist Christian McBride
MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009 : Gone at 50? My heart is in pain.
http://www.christianmcbride.com/scrolls/scroll_mythang_output.html?id=128

Ted Gioia from The Jazz.com Blog
http://www.jazz.com/jazz-blog/2009/6/26/michael-jackson-a-jazz-perspective
Michael Jackson: A View from the Jazz Camp

[LA Times] Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson: 'We made history together'
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/06/quincy-jones-on-michael-jackson-we-owned-the-80s-and-our-souls-would-be-connected-forever.html

Producer and Bassist Marcus Miller:
Rest in peace, Michael Jackson...Marcus' reflections on MJ [Jun 27, 2009]
http://marcusmiller.com/news_entry.html?newsid=300&color=1

Video clips:

Dancing Machine - w/brother Randy on Congas
(Carol Burnette Show)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8d3abOsHr4

Billie Jean - Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En-cHBv7UpA

Afro Cuban dancers - Guaguanco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDkIE6PG2Eg

Miles Davis "Human Nature" - 1991
(Looks like Steve Thornton on percussion-?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGBPSx1Zxlo

Mashup: Rumbero Miguelito Does El Conga:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7G1s9G8-H8

The Latin/Jazz Mecca radio program "...Explores the Roots and Branches of the Afro-Latin Musical Diaspora". Broadcasts on Ozcat Radio are programmed within the nonprofit educational scope of the Ozcat Edutainment Foundation.

Statement from Mandrill re: Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:07:00 -0700

"We are still reeling from the shock of Michael Jackson’s abrupt transition. He was truly unparalleled as an entertainer and international goodwill ambassador. We can only reflect on a moment when MANDRILL and the Wilson Brothers shared the stage with The Jackson Five. An amazing event at Pittsburgh Arena in the early 70’s - truly a family affair. We were special guest stars playing to a wildly enthusiastic sold out crowd that spanned the age spectrum, with young people accompanied by their adult parents, grandparents and or guardians.

"It was truly a refreshing experience to play to such an audience but, more importantly, the transformation when the Brothers Jackson hit the stage was of tsunami-like proportion and you couldn’t help but ride the wave - exhilarating to say the least. Our paths never crossed on stage again, however, what we shared that evening will remain with us always.

"The Wilson Brothers of MANDRILL truly give our condolences to the Jackson Family and we feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to perform with the number one entertainer of all time and his family. His music and the music of The Jacksons will endure forever. May he rest in peace."

Lou, Ric, Carlos and Wilfredo
The Wilson Brothers of MANDRILL

Falleció Jesús Alfonso Miró de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Wed, 3 Jun 2009 07:21:00 -0700

Falleció Jesús Alfonso Miró de Los Munequitos de Mantanzas

* * * * *
June 03, 2009

(de Jorge González) :

Hermanos todos, lamento informarles de esta sensible pérdida de la cultura cubana.

Jorgito

. . .

"Comunicado:

A las 6 y 45 minutos del día de hoy, 3 de junio de 2009, a los 60 años de edad, falleció en su ciudad natal, Jesús Alfonso Miró, director musical de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, compositor y percusionista excepcional. Hijo de padres matanceros, único varón de la familia Alfonso Miró y padre de 8 hijos, todos dedicados a la rumba como músicos o bailarines. Dos de ellos han sido parte de esta agrupación y en la actualidad Freddy Jesús Alfonso Borges, dotado también de la destreza de su padre, es el quinto del grupo y ya comienza a seguir también su camino como autor de sentidas rumbas.

Como músico de Los Muñequitos Jesús conoció casi todos los continentes; donde quiera que estuvo sembró amigos, discípulos, brilló en cada escenario, pero nunca olvidó su raíz y vivió toda una vida orgulloso de su estirpe rumbera, saboreando cada esquina de su barrio: la Marina. Desde los siete años hasta la fecha, participó como músico y bailarín en la Comparsa La Imaliana, fundada por su padre y por Félix Vinagera. Por un tiempo fue integrante de la Orquesta de Música Moderna de su ciudad y el grupo de Papa Goza. Desde 1967 es Director Musical y quinto del grupo Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, agrupación a la que amó profundamente y dedicó la mayor parte de su vida.

Como compositor fue imprescindible en el repertorio de esa agrupación, siendo conocidas sus obras en el mundo entero, como autor de Congo Yambumba, la Llave, Chino Guaguao, Lengua de Obbara, Saludo a Nueva York, y muchas otras que ya son clásicos de la rumba cubana. Muchos intérpretes prestigiosos como Eddy Palmieri dan cuenta de la sabrosura y popularidad de sus obras, incluyéndolas en sus discos y mencionándolo como un imprescindible en la música de nuestro continente.

Siendo aún muy pequeño de edad, junto a otro de los grandes de Los Muñequitos: Ricardo Cané, Jesús Alfonso partió a las montañas de Cuba para alfabetizar a los campesinos, graduándose más tarde como joven maestro revolucionario. Por sus grandes aportes a la música y a su pueblo, le fue conferida la condición de Hijo Ilustre de la Ciudad de Matanzas.

Jesús Alfonso, perteneciente a la sociedad matancera Efí Irondó Itá Ibekó, respetuoso portador de la regla de Osha, será recordado por todo su pueblo y muy especialmente por los rumberos de todo el mundo. Su nombre nunca será olvidado, su recia voz indicando cómo tenía que vibrar la música y el sonido de sus manos en el cuero, perdurarán en la memoria de todos los que le conocimos y le reconocemos como uno de los más insignes músicos de todos los tiempos, porque Jesús fue a la rumba como Cuní o Chapottín al son. Jesús le dio a la rumba su vida toda. Su nombre está sin lugar a dudas, junto a Chano, Tata, Papín y todos los grandes de la música cubana. "

* * * * *

Foto: Los Muñequitos de Matanzas - 1955

Videos de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

Cántalo pero bailalo
"El marino": Yambú

De Cuba a Puerto Rico (De Parte De Jesus y "El Niño"

Issac Delgado con Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

Los Munequitos in 1988 Cajon

MUÑEQUITOS DE MATANZAS EN VIVO DESDE CUBA

Tonite: 30 May 2009 - Cuba Canta con Emiliano Echeverria - KPFA FM

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 21:01:00 -0700

Cuba Canta - Broadcasting tonight on KPFA-FM: Tribute to Ricardo Abreu y Los Papines, los maestros de Guaguanco!

Tonight, Cuba Canta presents 2 hours of Guaguanco with Los Papines in a special dedicated to the late Ricardo Abreu, founder and leader of Los Papines.

Rarezas con Celeste Mendoza, Merceditas Valdes, Orquesta Aragon y otros.

If you're not in Bay area, we're streaming at KPFA.org or archived at RadioCubaCanta.blogspot.com. We'll feature early and rare recordings along with some live surprises & some of their "big hits"....

Produced by Emiliano Echeverria
Community Calendar produced by Ron Flores
Engineer C'Tone at the controls.

Broadcast: May 30, 2009 - 9 pm PST / 12 midnight EST
KPFA 94.1 FM - in SF Bay Area & Northern California -
KPFB 89.3 FM - Berkeley
KFCF 88.1 FM - Fresno

Live on the web at: http://www.kpfa.org/

REPLAY FROM THE CUBA CANTA ARCHIVE
(available immediately after broadcast):

Mp3 Podcast:
Cuba Canta - May 30, 2009

Audio stream -KPFA:
Cuba Canta - May 30, 2009
(streams in WinAmp, Windows Media Player, iTunes):

more program info:
http://www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?show=55

Videos de Los Papines:

LOS PAPINES 1978 (gracias a plslcore)

LOS PAPINES - EN UN AVION (gracias a Shaktor)

Los Papines con Pupy y Que Son Son (gracias a igemellidicuba)

Brazilian Music: Discreet Music 1 June 2009 - Pt02

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 01:01:00 -0700

Discreet Music continues with Adalia. Including: Jorge Aragao, Maria Bethania, Caetano Veloso, Bandala Fumenga, Ana Costa, Simonal, Mariene de Castro and others.

Original Broadcast: 1 June 2009 1:00am - KPFA FM 94.1

PLAY NOW! Mp3/Podcast
Discreet Music - 01 June 2009 KPFA FM - Part 2

Part 1 - Mp3/Podcast
Discreet Music - 31 May 2009

more info:
http://www.kpfa.org/node/92

Brazilian Music: Discreet Music 1 June 2009 - Pt01

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Discreet Music with Adalia. Featuring the music of Vakti, Milton Nascimento, Edu da Gaita, Hermeto Pascoal, Edberto Gismonti, and more.

Original Broadcast: 31 May 2009 10pm-1:00am Pacific Time- KPFA FM 94.1

PLAY NOW! Mp3/Podcast
Discreet Music - 31 May 2009 - Part 1

Part 2 - Mp3/Podcast
Discreet Music - June 1 2009

more info:
http://www.kpfa.org/node/92

¡Feliz Cumpleaños a Maestro ARMANDO PERAZA!

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:00:00 -0700

Today, Maestro Armando Peraza celebrates his 85th Birthday!

Armando, born in Havana, Cuba has been on the cutting edge of music spanning Afro-Cuban to Jazz to Rock with groups performers such as Conjunto Kubavana (with Potato Valdez), Slim Galliard, Machito, Perez Prado and Tito Puente.

While most of his Cuban compatriots settled in proximity of the 'Jazz Capital' - New York City - Armando has made the San Francisco Bay Area his home since the 1940s, becoming an imporant collaborator in the jazz scenes of the Fillmore District and the North Beach/Broadway area clubs of the late 50s/early 60s; and providing that Afro-Cuban rhythmic foundation for bandleaders such as George Shearing, Carlos Federico, Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader, Carlos Santana, The Machete Ensemble, and many more.

Two evenings of tributes to Armando are being held this weekend at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland

Check out this week's article in the San Francisco Chronicle

...and enjoy a few of the many highlights from his illustrious career:

Armando Peraza with José Areas - Percussion solos
(Live in Montreux Jazz Festival, 1988)

Armando se junta con Tata Güines despues 30 años para un Changüi con Cubanismo en San Francisco, 1998:

Armando with George Shearing and Peggy Lee
(Armando's composition, "Mambo in Miami" starts at 2:45:)

Armando Peraza at the annual NAMM music convention, Los Angeles, January 2009:
(with Giovanni Hidalgo and Jesus Diaz)

With Santana and Herbie Hancock in 1981: Percussion Jam
(also featuring percussionists Raul Rekow and Orestes Vilato)

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Maestro!

Jazz: Forms & Feelings 30 May 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:01:00 -0700

Extended version of Forms Feelings with Horace Mansfield. Featured artists include Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Max Roach, Les McCann with Eddie Harris, Oscar Brown, Art Taylor. Also the music of Dwight Trible, Art Taylor, Abraham Burton, and others.

Original Broadcast: 30 May 2009 - KPFA FM 94.1

PLAY NOW! Mp3/Podcast
Musical Colors - 30 May 2009

more info:
http://www.kpfa.org/node/92

Latin Jazz: Musical Colors - 26 May 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:01:00 -0700

This evening's program begins with a poem read by the late Mario Benedetti, followed by the music of Anat Cohen, Omara Portuondo, Eva Ayllon, Cliff Korman & The Brazilian Tinge, and more. Features an interview with Jean-Pierre Simons discussing his career and upcoming live performances.

Produced and hosted by Raquel Aguirre

Original Broadcast: 26 May 2009 - KPFA FM 94.1

PLAY NOW! Mp3/Podcast
Musical Colors - 26 May 2009

more info:
http://www.kpfa.org/node/92

Latin Jazz: Musical Colors - 28 April 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:00:00 -0700

Raquel Aguirre presents a two hour mix of tasty Latin Jazz, including Poncho Torres, Lila Downs with Brian Lynch, Lorie Carsillo, Elaine Elias, Chucho Valdez, and more

Original Broadcast: 28 April 2009 - KPFA FM 94.1

PLAY NOW! Mp3/Podcast
Musical Colors - 28 April 2009

more info:
http://www.kpfa.org/node/92

TODAY!: Interview with Tony Vega - 1:30pm PST OzcatRadio.com

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:16:00 -0700

Late breaking update:
Just got contacted by James Barrera, he and Fiesta de la Isla organizer Linda August have confirmed arranging to have me interview Tony Vega this afternoon regarding his career, projects and his upcoming performance in Vacaville this Saturday. Despite the fast development, the folks at Ozcat are making it happen. (dare I call this an 'exclusive'-?!) As a second-generation listener/fan of Willie Rosario and Tommy Olivencia, this is pretty exciting for me; as my compay Arturo Gomez of KUVO would say, "I got a 'Kool-Aid smile'..."

I will interview Tony Vega at 1:30pm PST - hear it live on the web at www.OzcatRadio.com

Tony Vega

Festival de la Isla - Vacaville, CA 10am-7pm -
http://sabordelaisla.com

Conjunto Alegre - live on Ozcat Radio this week - Weds 13 Aug 2008 - 7pm PST / 10pm EST

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:48:00 -0700

Conjunto Alegre

In scheduling an interview for this Wednesday with organizers of the upcoming 19th Annual Fiesta de la Isla in Vacaville, we also hoped there might be an opportunity to connect some of the Borinquen musicos with the audiences here in Solano County. Tony Vega is not yet in town, most musicians are rehearsing, while the volunteers and staff are dealing with details for the Big Day.

As it's turning out, we've worked it out to also have Vallejo-based bandleader LeRoy Rodrigues in the studio, discussing his group, Conjunto Alegre, who will also be performing at the Festival along with Bay Area-based salseros Rumba Café, Luis Acosta, and dance troupe Afinkao. If all goes well, members of Conjunto Alegre will offer a live performance. Stay tuned!

The Latin/Jazz Mecca - www.OzcatRadio.com
Vallejo/SF Bay/California - Wednesday 7pm PST
New York/Miami/San Juan/Havana! 10pm EST

Conjunto Alegre on the web:
myspace.com/conjuntoalegreproductions

More about the
19th Annual Fiesta de la Isla
Vacaville, CA - Saturday August 16 - 10am - 7pm

CTone to Emcee at 2008 San Jose Jazz Festival - August 8-10 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 20:33:00 -0700

Well it's confirmed: KKUP jazz host Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs has tapped yours truly to serve as an Emcee at a couple stages at the 19th Annual San Jose Jazz Festival.

I usually attempt to go every year anyway, but as this puts me 'on duty' means I'm going to be like a kid working at the candy store... If this happens more frequently I might have to get an agent-? ;-)

My schedule so far (plus fill-ins as needed):

Saturday Aug. 9 4:00pm -
Rhythm & Blues Stage - Blane Lyon
Up-and-coming funky conscious freeform group from Fairfax/Marin County

Sunday Aug. 10 - 4:00pm -
Silicon Valley Stage - Bob Enos and Soundwave
A Bay Area legend and institution, keeping the big-band sound alive for nearly 50 years!

Plenty of "Latin Jazz" and 'Roots of..' can be found every year;
this year some of the notables include Chembo Corniel and Chaworo, Yosvanni Terry, Bobby Matos, (relatively)new Bay Area supergroup Karabali, Anthony Blea y su Charanga (aka Charanson), Jesus Diaz y su QBA, Alexis Morales, John Santos, Avance, Rumbache, and many others.

San Jose Jazz Festival - more information:
www.SanJoseJazz.org

Transfer in progress

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:44:00 -0700

There is nothing wrong with your set... do not adjust...

Actually previous blog postings and articles elsewhere are being transferred to the this new account. Stay tuned....

vidtest - H.264

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:00:00 -0700

Latin Jazz: Musical Colors - 22 April 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:01:00 -0700

Musical Colors with Raquel Aguirre presents a two hours of Latin Jazz, including Chano Dominguez, the Garifuna Women's Project from Belize, Monica Molina, Pablo Ziegler with Walter Castro, Stereo Action Unlimited, and more

Original Broadcast: 22 April 2008 - KPFA FM 94.1

PLAY NOW! Mp3/Podcast
Musical Colors - 22 April 2008

more info:
http://www.kpfa.org/node/92

[video] 2005 Latin Grammys: Cachao con Bebo Valdez

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:37:00 -0700

Note: In 2005 Univision picked up the telecast of the Latin Grammys event. Unlike CBS' previous broadcasts, was this time produced completely in Spanish at a more respectable 3-hour broadcast. The event event reached 9 Million viewers, or 2 Million more viewers than the previous broadcasts on CBS, making it the largest audience ever for the event.

With this consideration, makes it even more fantastic that this tribute to Israel Lopez Cachao with Bebo Valdez and other musical contemporaries were exposed to more audiences than ever.

Here is the line-up of this historical segment:
Andy Garcia presenta un homenaje para Israel López "Cachao" con Bebo Valdez (piano). Incluye: Generoso Jimenez (trombon), Johnny Pacheco (guiro), Arturo Sandoval (trompeta) Orestes Vilato (pailas), Lazaro Galargara (sonero), Danilo Lozano (flauta), John Santos (tumbadores), Ed Calle (saxophon), Joel Peña (tres), y los hermanos Nelson Garcia-Marquez (claves) y Richie R. Marquez (coro).

Latin Grammys - Tribute to Cachao con Bebo Valdez
..

RIP: Israel Lopez Cachao - 1918-2008

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:21:00 -0700

Today in the world of music, we have lost one of our greatest innovators:

Word from Miami came this morning by way of my musical padrino, Walfredo de los Reyes Sr., who played with Cachao and others back in one of the many heydays of Havana over the centuries, in this case the 1950s on live gigs and recordings. These were cats who truly innovated some of the baadest bass & percussions Cuban improvisational music sessions.

Israel Lopez "Cachao", born in Havana, Cuba in 1918 to a family already known to produce a legacy of bassists, began playing for silent movies at a young age, debuting with the Havana Municipal Symphony by 12, standing on a crate, going on to play from the likes of Igor Stravinsky to Carlos Santana to Sheila E. to Isaac Delgado, and many, many others that he imbued and supported with his musical generosity.

Although of Cuban heritage and a fourth-generation listener to Cachao's music, there are 90 years of facts and music that I can barely fathom when also considering his mentors taking us another 90 years; and so I have to disclaim that I am by no means an authority on Cachao. However, with the outpouring of musical emotion and the phone calls today, I'd like to share to readers and listeners some perspectives and what little I do know, to deepen appreciation on this solemn occassion:

Together with his older brother Orestes Lopez playing with the group Arcano y su Maravillas, they would bring the classic Danzon up to 20th century standards, adding that funky section that became known as el Mambo, and spin off into its own style and dance, taking the world by storm (and still alive and well on dancefloors everywhere, even on Dancing With The Stars). Israel Lopez Cachao would not only be a noted composer, but also one of the greatest of Cuban bassists around, developing that funky syncopated caribbean style sometimes called Tumbao that is a mainstay of Afro-Cuban, Salsa, and Latin-Jazz musics today.

(Check out the article Rebecca Mauleon wrote on Cachao in
the latest issue of Bass Player Magazine - March 2008:
http://www. bassplayer. com/article/cachao/mar-08/33745)

The Lopez brothers would go on to write over 1000 songs (some says as many as 3000). Among the most influential of recordings he made in the 1950s was in a style known as Descarga, a 'jam session' blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with Jazz-influenced improvisations, featured on the albums Descargas en Miniature , Los Mejores Musicos de Cuba, and Cuban Jazz con Walfredo de los Reyes and his All Stars.

Of the many tunes Cachao wrote, one would later become the theme, and the name, of the Grammy-winning film (and group), The Buena Vista Social Club . In fact Israel's nephew/ Orestes' son, Cachaito, is featured on bass in the film and recordings.

Another danzon they wrote, circa 1942, would eventually become even more famous: "Rareza de Meliton", was later recorded in 1957 under the name "Chanchullo" by both Arcano as well as Tito Puente, who then recorded it a second time in 1962 under a new name, then picked up by Carlos Santana under the title "Oye Como Va", which continues to influence rockers and rappers well into the 21st century.

Despite his great innovations and influence on Mambo, Salsa and Rock, Cachao did not get to cash in or garner the fame enjoyed by Puente or Santana. But he a working musician, he left Cuba for good in 1960, going between Spain and New York, continuing and even leading some recordings, and at one point relocating to Las Vegas in 1977 where he reunited with Walfredo de los Reyes, Tany Gil and Paquito Hechevarria (later the pianist on "(Com'on Shake Your Body) Do The Conga") and resulting in the album Wal-Pa-Ta-Ca.

However, going back to Miami in the 1980s, Cachao remained in relative obscurity (a place that despite the massive Cuban community, that another compadre and bandleader Jose Fajardo called "a musical graveyard").
But thanks to some kids from the San Francisco Mission District who dedicated themselves to preserving the rich traditions of la musica, this was about change forever...

In 1989, yours truly had the honor of attending a historic concert hosted by the San Francisco Jazz Festival and produced by percussionist and educator, John Santos with his group The Machete Ensemble (with Orestes Vilato on timbales, Rebeca Mauleon -pno, John Calloway -fl, Meleycio Magdaluyo -sax, Wayne Wallace -t'bone, David Belove-bass, Paul Van Wagenhagen -drums, and other greats, I hope to find the program again to give all their due).

Santos persuaded Cachao to come out to this concert, for which they were joined by other greats including Chocolate Armenteros, Armando Peraza, Francisco Aguabella, Walfredo de los Reyes, and, to complete the circle of "Oye Como Va", Carlos Santana. While the entire concert was an absolute thrill, one of the most moving moments for me was to witness the performance of a real live acoustic and authentic Danzon featuring Cachao, with the Mission's own Anthony Blea leading a string section, when the time came for the break where Orestes began cracking into the timbal, Rebeca doing the octave-run on the piano, and leading the group into the deep grooving mambo section. As I'm sure as with the case for everyone in the room bearing witness, this 150-year old musical style and its ancestors spoke to something deep in me; I would never be the same again...

Another memorable high-point was when everyone threw down some serious Descargas and a finale with Walfredo on traps, Armando on bongo', Chocolate on trumpet., and Carlos Santana wailing on guitar.

But also in attendance that evening: Cuban American actor Andy Garcia who was in town while completing Francis Ford Coppola's film"Godfather III".

From that evening on, Garcia and Cachao would become friends for the remainder of Cachao's years. Andy produced with Cachao several Grammy-winning and nominated recordings including 2005's Ahora, Si! and feature Cachao in his documentary film, "Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos". For the 2005 Latin Grammys, Andy Garcia presented Cachao along with his contemporary Bebo Valdez, an event that garnered 9 Million viewers, largest broadcast audience of the Latin Grammys . (video link and complete credits forthcoming).

Cachao was to make one more trip out to this year's San Francisco International Film Festival for the premiere of "Uno Mas" produced by San Francisco State University, and to join a musical tribute led by John Santos and his quintet at the new Yoshi's Jazz Club in San Francisco. But, as fate would have it, it was not to be.

Check out the description written by John Santos for the forthcoming film Uno Mas, produced by San Francisco State University, premiering at the SF Film Festival next month (April):
http://docfilm. sfsu. edu/cachao/bio/

This Wednesday evening on the Latin/Jazz Mecca , we will pay tribute to the original PHATTEST, FUNKIEST, OLDEST-School BASS,
Israel Lopez aka "CACHAO".

Latin/Jazz Mecca with C'Tone
Weds 10pm Eastern / 7pm PST Western Vallejo/Benicia SF Bay, California
www.OzcatRadio.com

Also tonite: yours truly will assist Bay Area latin music radio veteran Emiliano Echevarria with a special 2-hour broacast on KPFA Radio at 9pm: www.kpfa.org .
As some of you may know, Emiliano plays directly from his collection of vintage Cuban 78s rpm discs (shellack, before vinyl; talk about 'Old School'!)

For those who can't get enough broadcasts of Cachao, Chuy Varela will likely dedicate his Sunday broadcast on KCSM from 2-6pm

Check for other streaming broadcasts from WDNA in Miami, KUVO from Denver, WBAI in New York, KPFK in Los Angeles, maybe even Radio Habana from Cuba.
Support Latin music and local, non-commercial radio, who continue to keep la musica alive!

Gracias, Maestro for many years of magic, endurance, and wisdom.

Que Viva CACHAO!
http://www.myspace.com/cachaotumbao

C'Tone
The Latin/Jazz Mecca
www.OzcatRadio.com

Presenting - Hip Hop: LATIN FORMULA with M.C. Fly D Ozcat Radio - Wed March 5th 7pm PST

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 07:26:00 -0800

Debuting this Wednesday: The Latin/Jazz Mecca introduces...

Hip Hop: LATIN FORMULA
with M.C. Fly D
on Ozcat Radio

Hip Hop: FORMULA LATINO
bringing the best and latest in Reggaeton, Rap, Thizz, Rock y Sol

Visit Fly D's MySpace page: myspace.com/MCFlyDradio

Tune in live: Ozcat Radio.com
And (soon!) on 89.5 FM Vallejo/Benicia/Solano County

Wednesdays 7pm PST Vallejo/Benicia, San Francisco Bay
10pm EST New York/Miami/Puerto Rico/Havana!

C'Tone

When I grow up... [video: Buena Vista Social Club]

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Sat, 2 Feb 2008 09:02:00 -0800

Even after three career reincarnations and many years of being confronted with the eternal question: What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up... the answer only recently came to me:

It was sometime after visiting my father's birthplace en "la Isla Bonita", where the oldest viejitos y viejitas seem yet so young; and then after seeing great old musicos like Israel Lopez 'Cachao', Celia Cruz, Candido Camero, Graciela, Armando Peraza. Bebo Valdez, and of course, the Buena Vista Social Club...
I finally decided what I wanted to be when I grow up:

An Old, Black Cubano!

Of course The Creator had other plans; but I'll be content to settle for two out of three...

La musica ES la secreta para vida, y juventud eternal...

(music IS the secret of life, and eternal youth...)

-Ctone
"The Latin/Jazz Mecca" aka The Fountain of Youth

(thanks to Andrew Beal for finding the post of this clip)

Check out this video: Buena Vista Social Club - Live in Amsterdam

..

Add to My Profile | More Videos

COMPOSER of Preciosa - Rafael Hernandez

noreply@blogger.com (Latin Jazz Mecca) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:47:00 -0700

Note: While searching around for more info on Don Rafaél Hernandez, I came upon this great little article posted by a myspace blogger going by the name of "Clipped Wing Angel".

original article: COMPOSER of Preciosa - Rafael Hernandez

==========

COMPOSER of Preciosa Rafael Hernandez

Rafaél Hernández Marín

As one of the most important composers of Puerto Rican popular music during the 20th century, the work of Rafaél Hernández Marin has passed the test of the time. Hernández was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on 24 October, 1892.

His musical training began at age 12 with professors Jose Ruellán Lequerica and Jesus Figueroa. He learned to play various musical instruments including the cornet, violin, trombone, bombardino, guitar and the piano. As an adolescencent he moved to San Juan, and played with the Municipal Orchestra under the direction of Manuel Tizól.

In 1912, he composed his first song, a danza called "Maria and Victoria", but with the arrival of World War I, the young Hernández had to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, where he played in the Army Band.

Upon discharge from the military, he moved to New York where he met important figures from Puerto Rico, such as Luis Muñoz Marín, Luis Lloréns Torres, Luis Palés Matos and Pedro Flores. He later went to Cuba to direct the Orchestra of the Faustus Theater in Havana. After four years there, he returned to New York where he organized the Trio Borinquen. After a brief period of successes, with songs such as "Siciliana", "Me la pagarás" and "Menéalo", the Trio Borinquen was dissolved and Hernández founded a new group.

The new band was called Conjunto Victoria through which, Hernández had one of the most important periods of his ascending career. At the beginning of the 40's, Hernández traveled to Mexico to fulfill a three month contract which actually lasted 16 years. In Mexico, a country that he always maintained was his second homeland, he undertook studies at the National Conservatory of Music of Mexico, from which he graduated as a teacher of harmony, composition, counterpoint.

He returned to Puerto Rico in 1953 and after several successful tours to various towns across the Island, he worked as a music consultant for the up and coming government radio station: WIPR. Between the 1956 to the 1959 he served as Honorary President of the Association of Composers and Authors of Puerto Rico. Hernández was active in various civic causes and helped to found baseball Little Leagues for Puerto Rican youths.

On 11 December, 1965 Hernández died after a long struggle against cancer. He left a legacy of more than 3,000 musical compositions of many different genres, including such classics as "Silencio" (lyrics), "Ausencia" (lyrics), "Campanitas de Cristal" (lyrics), "Preciosa" (lyrics) and El Cumbanchero". But perhaps his most famous song is "Lamento Borincano" (lyrics), which has been recorded by numerous artists since it was penned. It depicts the struggles of a Puerto Rican jibaro to survive; an archetypical hero that the Puerto Rican people immediately and always identified with closely. The identification with this poor jibaro, despondent from his inability to sell his goods in the town's marketplace can be seen as a representation of Puerto Rico's own struggle for national identity and self-reliance in the face of a colonial history. One of the older renditions of the song is this full length version sung by Alonso Ortiz Tirado-Lamento Borincano. A more modern version-Lamento Borincano (sample audio clip) was recently perfomed by the collaborative efforts of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Marc Anthony and La India.

The works of Hernandez were beloved far beyond his native Puerto Rico. Mexicans of the Puebla region considered "Qué chula es Puebla" as their unofficial anthem. Likewise, many people in the Dominican Repuplic consider "Linda Quisqueya" to be their second national anthem.