A Night of Worth….

A Friday night in New York City, the warm breezes of early summer moved the flaps on my jacket; as I flicked my cigarette into an evaporating puddle in the middle of the street. The sounds of Latin Jazz, Salsa were beckoning, from behind the bar and through a myriad of conversations I could hear the voices of two women as they spoke “what’s the matter with you…, mira que loiza aldea….hahahah” and as the girlish laughter echoed down the hall, I chuckled, and shook my head, yes it time to head back to the band.

Strolling across the crowded room, noticing the faces and thinking how at times, we all need a sense of belonging and how the phrase “Loiza Aldea” did more for me, than the laughter in the young girl’s voice. And so, as the music played, and rhythms stirred, I walked across the room admiring the rich hues of beautiful women, in many shades and shapes.  It occurred to me that the real story was in the moment, the dancing, and the energy of the room. A couple dancing rhythmically to the Caribbean beats as in some spiritual ritual, mingling souls, a prelude to a dream.

The rhythms that moved the dancers for me were deep rooted calls to Borinquen.. WEPA!! Another reminder, although far away from the Isla, our identity, our culture, and our music is very much in our souls.

On the corner there was a couple talking, against the backdrop of a ten piece band as the music started to play.  The dance room seemed to shrink as more and more couples lined up in anticipation. Tonight the featured band was Don Adolfo and his Orquesta Organizacion, Salsa to dance by, with original compositions entwined in a harmonious blend.

And while the band setup, the DJ was queued, and we had a chance to chat with the bandleader. Before we go into that... here is a sampling of the music… listen to this and email us your opinion…..CLICK HERE

E-mail your comments to: jazz@enbreve.com

Look for Part II of this story coming in the later part of June.

John Irizarry/Enbreve.com

When you need to know where the scene is at, check enbreve.com!
©Enbreve Latin Jazz Magazine., 2003 all rights reserved

 New Artists | Reviews | Hot Spots | Featured Artist/Group | The Origins | Submit an Event | Suggest a Link | Submit an Article | Submit a Review

Last updated 05/10/2004