Submitted by Al Kanovsky 08/18/14
...and dancing my butt off. Is it a Latin invasion of the music
market in South Florida? Maybe the awakening of the clave rhythm that lies in
each of our Almas (souls)? Either way it is great fun and even better exrcise,
not discounting a wonderful way to meet people. Last night started for me
at Arts Garage in Delray Beach.
The band of Cuban expatriates is Tiempo Libre.
Each and every member emigrated from Cuba and are now American citizens.
Jorge Gomez is the pianist and band director. With him are Xavier
Mili (vocals/audience exciter),Wilvi Rodriguez Guerra (bass), Luis Beltran
Castillo (Sax/flute), Leonardo Gonzalez (congas), Raul Rodriguez (trumpet) and
Israel Morales Figueroa at the drum kit. I miscalculated the show time and so
arrived as they were ending the first set. The rhythm was infectious and there
were lots of folks up and dancing. Directly in front of me, shaking this and
that, was a tall blond young lady. (you know me, tall, blond and young). I
joined her in the parts shaking and she smiled. Maybe I'll try being late
again. It was a full house and I couldn't get to my table and the young lady,
Christy Fabel, invited me to join her, her Mom, Cheryl, and guy pal
Jorge Cerdona. Jorge let me know that Christy was 'taken'. He and I were
laughing at the term 'taken' because like movie seats, that means "for the
moment" or until the end of the movie. During the break I spoke with Jorge
Gomez about the band and wondered if they had a play list for the second set.
He smiled and replied, saying that they play off audience reaction and wing it
as far as what to play next. A unique approach. The 2d set had it all, bolero,
guaguancoa, son, cha-cha, salsa and ending with a rhythm seldom heard
anymore---conga.
Christy danced, Jorge Danced, Cheryl danced, I danced. Almost
everyone in the audience danced. Heck of a nite, ending all to soon and leaving
me wanting a lot more of this exciting band. Early enough to catch 2 sets
at BJB's where Jessi Campo had her band (at last) for BJB's ongoing Latin
Sundays.
With Jessi were cousins Jose Velasquez (bass) and Ivan Velasquez (drums).
Manuel Gomez at piano and in the tradition of very good latin trumpeters Carlos
Puig. Jessi's program went from salsa to latin pop. Lots of American standards
done to Latin rhythms and straight ahead JAZZ. She sang selections from
her latest CD which has been nominated for Grammy Awards in 3 different
categories. It was late in the evening when I finally became brave enough
to dance with another tall, blond and young hip whirler. Ian Caven(TheEmcee)
was there shooting pix and he congratulated my on my heroic action. I would be
remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful solos by Manuel Gomez (piano) and
Carlos Puig (trumpet). The Latin Invasion continues with JAZZiz announcing an
ongoing Thursday Latin Nite, starting this week with Nestor Torres. I seldom
decide destinations in advance but I will be there (G-d willing) on
Thursday. BJB's will continue with their Sunday Latin and I am sure that
Arts Garage will do something as well. In closing I would like to thank and
remember Tito Puente, Cachao, Celia Cruz, Beny More, the Morales Brothers,
and the owners/promoters at The Palladium in New York for bringing this
great music to us.
Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?" 
~ ~ ~
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