Hello:

We sincerely thank all our readers for your support of LatinJazzClub Magazine and hope that it brings you many joyful moments as well as serve to further enhance your knowledge of this great music, the marriage of Jazz & rhythm--Latin Jazz.

While Latin Jazz has come a long way in being recognized and established as a unique artform as part of mainstream contemporary music worldwide, it is still a very small nitch genre of music.

You can help Latin Jazz continue to grow by simply taking notice and buying the music of new and emerging Latin Jazz artists, and attending Latin Jazz concerts at local venues in your city.

Latin Jazz is Alive and Well in LA

This past January I visited Los Angeles, California for the first time. My first musical impression was that it is a great area for Jazz. There are many Jazz happenings in and around LA virtually every day of the week. Ofcourse, I could not miss the chance to explore the Latin Jazz scene.

On the week that I was there, I was fortunate to catch the great master musician Justo Almario performing at the Catalina Bar & Grill. This place has a nice cool ambiance for Jazz, and the food was excellent. Justo and his band just ripped the stage with their energetic sound. It was a treat to watch and hear these cats! Unfortunately, I had to leave before they ended the set and didn't have a chance to say hello.

I was also very fortunate to catch the Banda Brothers band (minus one of the brothers on that night) with a group of super musicians performing at Steamers Jazz Club located just outside of LA in Fullerton. They where playing all kinds of Jazz. In one of the short breaks, I introduced myself to Ramon Banda and he graciously invited me to sit in with the band.

Ramon is a steady groover and extremely versatile in many forms of Jazz and other styles. We performed Dizzy's "Night in Tunisia" going from swing to Jazz and back. The band was swinging" like mad and laid down an amazing Afro-Cuban Jazz groove that had me almost dancing. The Banda Brothers band is definitely a must see-hear Jazz band for those that visit LA.

On my last day in LA, I got an unexpected call from musician trumpet/vibraphonist Bob Desena inviting me to sit in with his band for a set that evening. I was delighted and accepted the invitation. The gig was in Long Beach about half hour from LA at a place called the Rhythm Room. I immediately rented a car, looked up directions on the internet and headed South.

For those that never seen--or better said--experience the artistry of musician Bob Desena; well, I for one was amazed at his incredible versatility and technical prowess on the trumpet and vibes. Especially on the vibraphone, he is simply out of this world! His band was also amazing playing Latin Jazz "con tremendo swing" that would rebel the best Latin Jazz bands from LA to NYC. I sat in on flute and it felt great jammin' with Bob and the cats.

The best surprise was yet to come. Bob Desena didn't mention that on this evening, his band was actually opening for the top Latin Jazz band in the world: Poncho Sanchez.
The Rhythm Room is a nice venue that probably holds about 600 people. When we started performing, there where maybe 20 people in the place. As we got into the second song, I started noticing that more people began to arrive. Suddenly through the middle of the set, tons of people began to arrive. I'm asking myself, "what the heck is happening?"

So I ask Bob. He says, "oh yeah, Poncho will be performing after us." I'm like: "wow!" By the time we finished the set, the room was jam packed, standing room only. Later, Bob introduced me to Poncho. It was great meeting him in person. He's a soft spoken guy with a humble and friendly personality.

Watching the people congregate to hear Poncho and his great band, it felt almost like a rock concert: the audience was spirited and in tune to Poncho's sound and movement never missing a moment to show great appreciation to Poncho and his swinging Latin Jazz band; applause at every corner as well as sophisticated in the way that one would only expect from a great "Jazz" audience.

Of course, Poncho was there to give the audience what they wanted--and indeed he did and them-some! His congas resonated throughout the room and the audience seemed to savor every moment. He showed great skill performing tasty licks on his congas. If you close your eyes and listen to Poncho's sound, it is very reminiscent of the greats like Mongo Santamaria. Although his style is not rapid-fire, at times he can get very intense and passionate. It is evident that his true artistic power comes from his soul which has a unique way of reaching, connecting and speaking to his audience. And that is an essential component of a great artist.

What a great time I had in LA! Thank you to all for making those moments possible. I'm hoping to return again to share more great moments. Latin Jazz is definitely alive and well in LA! br

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by Bobby Ramirez:

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