Submitted
by Al Kanovsky 04/13/15
Afro-Cuban JAZZ and I saddle up and go.
Last night it was to Arts Garage in Delray
Beach. The Omar Sosa Quartet. And am I glad I went. Omar
on piano/keyboards, Leandro Saint-Hill (sax/flute), Childo Tomas (bass)
and Ernesto Simpson playing drums. Wotta band and what music. OOOweee
Baby! In Spanish it's "Muy Calor"---very H O T!
The show opened with Chado stepping onto the
stage, stomping out rhythms and chanting in "ronga" the language of
Mozambique. Next Omar came on to the keyboard to provide some melody. Chado
took an electronic thumb piano in hand. Now en espanol another voice was added
with Leandro coming out. Finally Ernesto takes his place. The rhythm is
definitively African. There is a voice and tone track playing under Omar and
Leonardo's soprano sax. The audience is totally enraptured by the music. Slowly
the rhythm and the melodic lines change to a Latin beat. Leanardo is now
playing alto and we are in solid JAZZ mode. The tune's title was "Mi
Conga". The next number was "Iyawo". It started with a soft
piano intro then a little flute solo. Little by little the mood and rhythm
picked up. BANG! Full-out Afro-Cuban JAZZ. Rockin' to the rhythm. Then we were
all put solidly on the ground in Cuba. The beat was 'charanga' to me. Up tempo
and making me clap and tap. The title eluded me. Great flute solo. The audience
is asked to participate by repeating after Leonardo "cha-cha-cha".
Wait a sec. Not the usual 1 2 cha-cha-cha, but rather 1 2 3 cha cha cha. Not
easy for a Bronx brat more used to the traditional dance rhythm. A classical
piano intro, changing to a slow, traditional ca-cha for the tune "For
You". Leonardo does the soneyo. If there is a rhythm known as Afro-Cuban Funk then that was next.
I was back in the Apple. 125th & Lenox or maybe 116th & 3d. I
could go on and on about the band, the music and the pure pleasure they
provided.
I will give you some of the rest of the
programs song titles---"A Love Lost". "Sad Meeting",
"Dame La Luz" and for an encore Omar and Ernesto did a classical
piece, "Muevette en D" (Movement in D). The coordination between the
two was incredible. It must have taken hours of practice. Or so I thought. I
was told by Omar that they never practiced the piece. They speak the same
musical language. On my recommendation, catch this group. Wherever and
whenever. It's early. Only 9PM. The only reason to get up early Monday is to
write this review.
"Onward Music Listener" To
'toity-toid' for the band Eric and the Jazzers. The
joint is packed. Somewhat unusual for Sunday night. Did the crowd know I would
be there? No! They were there for this very entertaining and fun band. I'm in
time for a little N'awlins. "The Saints Go Marchin' In". Cornelius
'joo-joo' Johnson (reeds), Yami Mustafa (trumpet), Ken Burkhart (keys),
Doc Albertson (drums) and Eric himself. I don't know what Eric does outside of
announcing and introducing. Barbara Glen is doing the vocals and she has
several guests. They do "What A Wonderful World" and "That Old
Black Magic". I dance with Denise. Yami does a Chuck Mangione tune and
this young 'cat' can blow!. Kenny, as usual, delivers some really good stuff.
Joo-joo never disappoints and Doc keeps them all in line and on time. Eric is
dancing with his wife. I cut in 'cause they are doing a step tat
originated in the cellar clubs of The Bronx. It is known as "The
Fish". Eric and I share that heritage. He asked me not to mention it but I
can' help but tell that I had to give him a music lesson------and as Clarence
Palmer told me and I quote "Al, you don't know sh-t about music!"
Eric is a generous host and invited a couple of young men to sit in. Elijah on
keys and Brett Charles on a vocal rendition of "A Train". Heck of a
night of music.
Stayed late talking with Eric, Doc, Kenny,
Joo-joo and Yami. Drove Yami home. Very interesting young man---bright future
if he stops smoking.
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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