THE JOY OF LA MUSICA
Simply stating that I enjoy Latin Jazz does not adequately
express the impact it has had on my life. I grew up listening
to the music of the great ones: Machito, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri,
Charlie Palmieri, The Alegre
All-Stars and Tito Rodriguez to name a few. It always gave me
a sense of pride to see these musicians perform and know that
they were part and parcel of my culture.
As a child, my father, Tomas Pena, sang and played the guitar
on the radio in Puerto Rico. In the 1940's, he was featured with
various trios in New York City. Years later, he moved to California
and retired from the music scene. As an interesting side note,
even after he retired I never saw my father go anywhere without
his guitar in hand! It was an extension of his being. My mother
was a Palladium dancer and often speaks of the Mambo era as one
of the best times of her life.
I was destined from childhood to be infected with the richness,
diversity and beauty of Latin music. I love Latin music in all
its forms, however, Latin Jazz with its complex changes set to
the rythm of the clave has always taken precedent.
Thanks to the contributions of the masters, such as; Mario
Bauza, Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo, Chico O'Farrill and others
of like mind, Latin Jazz is alive and kickin'. Morevoer, there
are some very exciting, up and coming musicians who are expanding
the concepts of the founding fathers while still honoring the
traditions of the past. Percussionist/educator Bobby Sanabria
comes to mind. I was fortunate enough to be present at Birdland
in New York City when Bobby performed his grammy nominated CD
- Bobby Sanabria, Live and In Clave with his Afro-Cuban Big Band.
The recording was a homage to his musical mentors: Mario Bauza,
Machito, Chano Pozo and Arsenio Rodriguez. Throughout the evening
the electricity in the air was palpable. I consider myself fortunate
to have been there to witness the birth of a recording that I
predict will be a classic.
Other musicians that come to mind are Roberto Carcasses, Bobby
Matos, John Santos, Jesus Rubalcaba and Danilo Perez. They are
elevating the genre to the next level and let us know that the
possibilities are endless.
Musicologist, John Storm Roberts called the influence of Latin
music, the Latin tinge. But perhaps Eddie Palmieri said it best
when he simply stated that, "Latin music is the music of
the 21st century and beyond." I think it is safe to say
the he was on to something when he made that statement. In my
opinion, the best is yet to come!
Que Viva La Musica!
Thomas Peña
