Musical Notation
by George Rivera
Musical Notation
by George Rivera
July 16, 2000 - Well, it's been two weeks since the last column and a lot has happened since. One of the reasons for my absence was that I was out of town soaking up some rays in Puerto Rico. The visit to the island of enchantment was a sort of working vacation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those individuals that extended a welcome. I would like to especially thank the folks over at MP Records for their hospitality. Para Tony, Gunda, Santo y especialmente a mi amigo y hermano Rei Peña les envio un fuerte abrazo e-mail-tronico! A la familia Lugo-Carmona, saben que son familia! Aviso para "El Mudo", la proxima vez no te dejare ganar! Asi que ponte duro. Y finalmente a la gente del El Nuevo Dia gracias por todo!
Meanwhile back at the ranch it was back to basics. Gilberto Santa Rosa was in town during the Holiday weekend. They were holding court at the Copa, and like usual it was full to capacity. This time around two of the guys, Jimmie Morales (congas) and Pablo Padin (timbales), stayed a few days, so we took the opportunity to just hang and jam. Wednesday night it was off to Gonzalez & Gonzalez, where Johnny Almendra y Los Jovenes del Barrio regularly hold court. You never know who'll be around at G&G, and this night was no different. Both Jimmie and Pablo were invited to join the band on stage for a couple of numbers. Things would eventually heat-up when percusionist Marc Quiñones shows up, followed by Ralph Irizarry. At Ralph's invitation it was off to SOB's, where Azucar Negra was holding court.
For those of you not familiar with Azucar Negra, it's a group fronted by Haila Mompie. Haila, who was formerly with Bamboleo, is a very energetic and exciting performer. The group, who were performing their last show in the States before returning to Cuba, was on fire. I had the opportunity to capture them on video tape and as soon as all the editing is completed you'll have an opportunity to check them out for yourself here on SalsawebTV.
Last Sunday, Old Timer's Day was celebrated in El Barrio. This is an annual event that has been going on for over twenty years. This year's celebration was in honor of Tito Puente, who was born and raised in El Barrio. The celebration was kicked-off with a Timbalero duel featuring Nicky Marrero, Jimmy Sabater, Ralph Irizarry. Bobby Sanabria, Luisito Quintero and Pablo "Chino" Nuñez. All I can say is, wow!!! Imagine this for an encore, "Para Los Rumberos". Needless to say it was all captured on video for you. That was followed by Ray Sepulveda and his orchestra, and the participation of various plena ensembles. The closer for the event was the Tito Puente orchestra. There was lots of music and dancing. Lots of fun was had by all in a very peaceful environment.
Hasta la proxima, ciao…
NightLife in the City
Monday, July 17
Laito Jr's La Sonora Sonora@ SOB's
Wednesday, July 19
Michael Stewart,
Nestor Torres & New Swing Sextet @ South Street Seaport*
5:30 to 9:pm (For info call (212) 732-7678)
Charanga All-Stars @ La Maganette
Septeto Son from Finland @ Nells
Thursday, July 20
Ray Sepulveda @
Latin Quarter - Cuco Valoy @ Windows On The World
Friday, July 21
Orlando Marin @
World Trade Center Plaza*
6:pm to 9:pm
Saturday, July 22
Ray Sepulveda @
Roberto Clemente Park*
W. Tremont Avenue & Matthewson Rd, Bronx
6:pm - 7:30pm • For more info: 718-299-8750
Sunday, July 23
Colombian
Independence Festival
Flushing Meadow Park, Queens, NY
Tribute to Hector Lavoe
Monday, July 24
Orlando Maraca Valle
& Otra Visión @ SOB's
Tuesday, July 25
Los Adolescentes
& Roberto Roena @ Copa
Wednesday, July 26
Jose Alberto
"El Canario", Rafael Cruz @ South Street Seaport*
5:30 to 9:pm For info call (212) 732-7678
Jose Fajardo @ La Maganette
Miguel Quintana y Los Soneros De Oriente @ Nells
Thursday, July 27
Ray Castro's
Clasico @ Latin Quarter- Grupo Imagen @ Windows On The World
Robert Roena @ Copacabana
Friday, July 28
Hermanos Moreno @
World Trade Center Plaza*
6:pm to 9:pm
Orquesta Broadway @ Wild Palm
Andy Montanez, Bobby Valentin @ Copa
Saturday, July 29
Fito Paez @ The
Town Hall
123 W. 43rd Street (Bet. 6th & B'way)
For more information: (212) 840-2824
Conjunto Clasico
@ Wild Palm
Andy Montanez,
Bobby Valentin & Luis Damon @ Copa