Tito Puente Festival
at LatinJazzClub Magazine

Remembering Tito Puente

Ruben Rodriguez (New York City)
bassist with various groups including the 2003
Grammy winning Caribbean Jazz Project for "Best Latin Jazz" album

Tito Puente the man, to me was kind, humble, outgoing, good hearted and of the funniest guys I had the pleasure of knowing. The musician, again in my experience was at the beginning of my relationship w/ him (that began in 1982, I was 18 then), SCARY, INTIMIDATING, he was tough and very demanding of his musicians, (especially if you were subbing for the great Bobby Rodriguez, who in my opinion was ...... besides TP ........ the sound of that band). Some of the best lessons I've had were in his band, when he'd yell at me for not playing the right tumbaos, (literally yell in my ear ... play this ... would sing it ... MF) that Bobby had changed in the recording process and didn't write down, that made me go out and get all of his music I could get my hands on and learn it. After 4 or 5 gigs, I took care of business and it was smooth sailing from there, I owe a great deal of gratitude to TP, Jimmy Frisaura and Bobby Rodriguez for giving me the opportunity to play and appreciate that great music and most wonderful experiences w/ the "El Rey" I miss them dearly. I can never thank them enough!

Rudy Mangual (Gardena, CA)
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
Latin Beat Magazine

Even though I grow up listening to Tito Puente's music as a child in my home and in the streets of New York City and Puerto Rico, it was guitarist Carlos Santana's recording of the classic Puente composition Oye Como Va in his debut LP that got me interested in the music and talent of the great maestro, Tito Puente. From that point on, I tried to absorb as much of his music as possible, ultimately getting interested in playing Latin percussion instruments.

During his prime, Tito Puente was the undisputed "King of the Timbal" and throughout his illustrious career, the biggest ambassador of Latin music to the world. His orchestras were always top-notch and his music on the cutting-edge of the scene. Whenever I saw him perform live I felt pride in my Latino heritage and culture. Long live the "King of Latin music."

Ralph Irizarry (New York City)
Percussionist, bandleader of Timbalaye

For the overall domination and good taste in whatever aspect of the music, especially Latin music he portrayed, he will always be my King. Arranger, instrumentalist, dancer, bandleader, composer, coro singer and showman he had it all. In the last couple of years of his life he would always bring up the fact that he was advancing in years, and that it was up to the younger generation of timbaleros and musicians on a whole to keep up the traditions and keep knocking on the doors he opened for us.

I'm just happy that I was able to hand deliver my 2 C.D.s to him personally and from his feedback which was positive and encouraging, I only hope I can continue to make him smile from wherever he is. IMHO Still The KING of Timbales and Latin Music; TITO PUENTE!!!!!

Mark Levine (Bay Area - San Francisco)
Pianist, composer

I played only a couple of gigs with him. His was the first Latin band I ever heard, when Bobby Porcelli took me to the Palladium around 1964 (playing opposite Tito Rodriguez!). I was hooked on la musica Latina forever that night! He was always very gracious and supportive to me, and I was floored when he recorded Linda Chicana.

READ MORE:

Noted musicians, Jazz Journalists, radio hosts reflect on the life and times of the "King of Latin Music" Tito Puente: Larry Harlow, Sonny Bravo, Jose Madera, John Santos, Arturo O'Farrill, Howard Mandel, Victor Mendoza, JC Johnny Conga, Ruben Rodriguez, Rudy Mangual, Ralph Irizarry, Mark Levine, Erik Chico Manqueros, Vicki Sola', Cuban Pete & Barbara Craddock, Chembo Corniel, Luis Moreno, Bob DeSena, Ramiro Burr, Dr. Jazz, Kevin Espinosa, Nina Olson, Andrea Brachfeld, Mark Weinstein, Richie Gajate, Michael Bongard, Jesse "Chuy" Varela, Memo Acevedo, Norberto Rivera, Richard John Cadena, Trevor Salloum, Rae Arroyo, Mark Holston, Thomas Peña, Yosvany Terry Cabrera, Tomas Algarin

BUY TITO PUENTE MUSIC

This interview was edited by
Bobby Ramirez
br@latinjazzclub.com

Photo by Jorge Garcia from the album: Tito Puente Mambo Birdland