Cheo Feliciano: 40 years Since Return with “Cheo”
Salsa music star Cheo Feliciano was able to successfully rebuild his career and more importantly his life, after falling deep in the grasp of drugs. The album "Cheo" marked his return more than 40 years ago.
Note: I originally wrote and…
Facundo Cabral was a Minimalist Latin Troubadour
It amazes me that an artist as popular as Facundo Cabral never had a home, and his actual material processions were few. A guy that as a kid was homeless with his mother and siblings, went on to become homeless by choice.
With the recent…
Maná’s Long Success is Refreshing for Latin Music
Mexican "Rock en Español" band Maná formed more that 30 years ago as “Sombrero Verde”, although they have been “Maná” for almost 25 years.
It’s refreshing to see a group stick together for so long while being extremely successful. In the…
Milton Nascimento; Older, Slower, and Still Great
I had the privilege to watch a Milton Nascimento performance at Seattle's Jazz Alley. The aging Brazilian icon is slower, but his voice and music are as captivating as always.
Aging Brazilian Still a Great Performer with Limited Mobility…
Maraca’s Summer Solstice in Seattle’s Jazz Alley
People at Dimitrious’ Jazz Alley in Seattle were sweating during the longest day of the year. The perspiration of musicians and audience was not because of the long sunny day outside, but rather due to the hot Latin music coming from…
Rubén Blades “Todos Vuelven Live” CD Review
Salsa star Rubén Blades "Todos Vuelven" tour marked his return to music after spending 5 years serving his country as part of Panamanian President Martin Torrijos’ administration.
The tour, which also celebrated the 25th anniversary of…
“Maraca” Valle Brings Cuban Jazz to Seattle
Cuban flautist Orlando "Maraca" Valle is one of the most important producers, composers and performers of anything from Latin Jazz to Salsa to Cuban Timba in the music scene today.
I had a chance to talk to Maraca ahead of his…
Maná’s “Drama y Luz” CD Review
It’s been 5 years since Mana’s previous release “Amor Es Combatir”. The iconic “rock en español” Mexican band just released “Drama y Luz” (drama and light).
"Drama y Luz" reflects the maturity this band continues to acquire both…
Luis Perdomo Bridges Two Jazz Festivals
Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo will play at two great Jazz Festivals. The Bellevue Jazz Fest is occurring close to where I currently live, and the Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest is where I used to live.
Luis Perdomo Trio Impresses at…