Poncho Sanchez Sizzles Seattle’s Jazz Alley

Poncho Sanchez makes sure you have a great experience in his shows, like at the Jazz Alley.

When in the middle of a music show you see a bunch of people dancing between the tables, and you are singing along or clapping to the music, you know you got your money’s worth for the show.

I’m glad to see (and support) “blue-collar” musicians like Poncho Sanchez because they always keep in mind that we (the paying public) go to see live music to have a good experience. For me, a good live music show is when I get much more than what you’ll get on the CD or DVD. Many times we go to see a live music show, and it feels like going to see a recording session. Other than some greetings, the musicians in some shows don’t add much more than what they recorded on their CD. The songs may be a bit longer, but that’s about it.

I prefer live music when the artist engages and involves the audience in the show. Some artists talk between songs about their music, taking the opportunity to do a short story about the music that helps educate the audience on the artist’s music. In Poncho Sanchez’s case, he likes to encourage the audience to dance to the salsa songs. The live music show felt very cozy and Poncho was able to establish a connection with the audience.

A Blue Collar Latin Music Artist Who Keeps It Simple

Just as Poncho had promised in our conversation (Poncho Sanchez; Hard Working Latin Jazz Artist with Love for Salsa), he played a bit of everything, the old and the new, some Jazz standards, some Soul, and enough Salsa to get the room dancing. But the people who provided the spark for getting the room dancing were Poncho’s bass player who kept insisting people get up and move, and the friend with whom I was sharing the table at the Jazz Alley. Bart, a New Yorker who doesn’t know the definition of the word “shy”, sparked the room by getting up and dancing with about half the place, starting with my wife, and continuing to ask just about every woman in the place to get up and dance. The dancing fever spread all over the Jazz Alley, and the crowd really enjoyed the music show.

I believe the secret to Poncho’s success is to keep the music simple but meaty. Although Poncho Sanchez doesn’t have the musical sophistication of a band like Eddie Palmieri’s, his 9 musicians do a very good job of playing the various styles of music Poncho Sanchez includes in his repertoire with a full-bodied sound and good performances by the soloists and by the band in general. Poncho’s band plays with a tight sound, clearly the result of several years of working constantly together. Trombonist Francisco Torres was the glue that kept the band musically attached by acting as musical director and anchoring the wind section composed of trombone, trumpet, and sax. Poncho keeps things interesting in the congas, and his bongo player took over the congas when Poncho decided to get up and sing, which he does decently well. The fact that Poncho Sanchez mixes the rhythms he plays keeps the show interesting and flowing naturally.

Poncho is a hard-working, “blue-collar” artist that keeps playing and touring to pay the bills and uses the opportunity to sell his CDs and T-shirts at the shows. Poncho is also a very approachable musician. He was very open and graceful in our phone interview, and I had a chance to meet him after the show, again displaying a very affable personality towards those who stuck around to say hi or take a photo with him.

Latin Jazz and More Worth Going to the Jazz Alley

Paying to see and listen to Poncho Sanchez and his band is really a treat. Poncho plays good music with the audience in mind. One thing that Poncho didn’t do was take petitions from the audience. It must be hard to take audience petitions when you have such a vast repertoire spanning 24 recordings, plus some unrecorded music. It would certainly be fun if he could take a few petitions, but I understand it may cause more frustration than fun for the attendees.

If Poncho Sanchez comes to a jazz club or festival near you, which chances are he will, I highly recommend you go and check out his show.

Related Latino Music Café blogs:

Poncho Sanchez; Hard Working Latin Jazz Artist with Love for Salsa