The work is dedicated to his Grandfather “Cruz Jimenez” and Uncles’ “Luis  and Polo Jimenez” all Korean War Veterans.  Its only fitting, as I received the CD shortly before Veterans Day and being myself a Veteran,  was touched by the sentiment.

To honor those that served in our defense so that we could enjoy our current liberties; BTW… Dad if you are reading this…. Thanks for the two tours in Nam and glad you came home safe.  As for me, while I was in during Vietnam, I was safe and dry  as our involvement was winding down; enough of my ramblings, now back to the CD.

As with fine wine, once the bottle is opened it should be allowed to breath for a spell before one begins the process leading to enjoyment. Similarly with a new CD, once the seal is broken, a random sampling and then a scheduled long drive, phone turned off and CD playing; total immersion.

This CD is a departure from previous works and signifies artistic growth not only as a tremendous flutists but as a vocalist.  Featured on this CD are Edy Martinez (Piano); Alfredo “Alfredito” Valdes Jr. (Piano); Orlando Marin (Timbales); and Sonny Bravo (Piano).

The fist thought that came to mind was “Now this is serious dance music”.   Listening to the words of first cut entitled “Tanto Rogarte” I was reminded of loves lost or thrown away; was it fate? The next cut is “Goza Nena” meaning “Enjoy it Baby” and the trend continues as by the third cut, the title is ” Tu Boquita Duce Y Maravillosa” the literal English translation is “Your Mouth Sweet and Marvelous”.   I am certain you will agree that from theses titles the inspiration behind these as well as other cuts on the CD just might  be a Love or a Lover’s lament; you decide.

I did speak with Carlos briefly about the CD and the inspiration behind it; commenting that the symbolism on the cover art was heavy and that the music seem to be in step.  On the surface, several of the cuts are instantly appealing as the rhythms hit deep, perhaps the essence of this performance; resonating so deep within the listener that it’s just a matter of time before all heck breaks loose and they find themselves gyrating to the Afro-Latin beats.  The longer one listens, the deeper into this mystic journey and that is where you will  find a well laid out series of influences showcased by the exceptionally talented musicians that collaborated on Red Tailed Hawk.

This is a CD that is surely to be well received and coveted.

John Irizarry
Enbreve.com

Dave & His Grammy

We caught up with Grammy Award winner Dave Valentin, at Willie’s Steak House in the Bronx section of New York CIty - we were there to hear Willie Rodriguez and his group regale us with those consistently great Latin Jazz tunes that keep us coming back every first Wednesday of the month. Now the music was hot enough, but when Dave added his touch it just kicked it into over drive. This was a very special night as you can see by the photo, it was the emmy arrived, the emmy arrived night. The set was in full swing with other musicians sitting in and enhancing the performance, in the audience were Jimmy Sabater, and Ada Chabrier, whom also sat in to deliver some classics and ensure that the final ingredients in the guiso were just right.  It was indeed an all star night.

It is very apparent to us after witnessing several performances that the combination of Willie Rodriguez and Dave Valentin is a great one, and one which featured several impromptu guest performances.  Now if you’ve never been to Willie’s there’s one thing you ought to know, Proprietor Kenneth Giordano knows his music and is very selective about whom plays there.  The audience, well they are a tough, and for the most part very savvy.

But on this night somewhere during the second set the place was filled with a unique magic as the rhythms were expertly mixed with vocals to create an electric atmosphere,  it all was captured on video tape by the producer of “Tributos a Borinquen” a Queens, NY  Public Television show Mr. Angel Ricardo.

In the audience seated at the back of the room was none other than Jimmy Bosch, just chilling with the crowd. That is the beauty of Willie’s is that you never know whom will stop by.

I got to say that Willie Rodriguez has the best musicians in his ensemble. The group not only has it all together but put on one heck of a show.

Editor´s note: There are many musicians whom frequent Willie’s Steak House, it’s a pretty open atmosphere where you can sit in with some of the Latin Jazz greats, but you should be forewarned if you can’t cut it don’t even attempt to jump in.  Most musicians are open to other musicians sitting in on their sets, other’s are not.. We’ve seen many great musicians both established and up and coming, grace the stage at Willie’s to add another dimension of sofrito to the guizos.  To all the musicians we say thank you.

Till next time,

John Irizarry/Enbreve.com

Grupo Latin Vibe's CD "Amanecer"

We’ve had the CD for a while now and we can say that there is something in it for everyone,  from Swinging guajiras, mambos, rhumbas, bombas, to a really good bolerito.  These guys are consistent performers and its never been so evident as in this,  their 3^rd CD titled AMANECER.

So turn down the lights, break out a nice bottle of wine, and groove to the sounds of Grupo  Latin Vibes. This CD is a must get!!

To purchase this CD: Visit this artists website!

I find myself thinking “hmm playing with pandora’s box again”, every time the topic of Puerto Rico and Statehood is raised; yes it’s not a new topic, but it is the all important topic.

El Nuevo Dia has a good article on the topic (search their archives) if you are looking to get up to speed on the issue (written in Spanish); there are other articles on line; do a quick search.

In general at issue is the current status, should it change or remain the same; Puerto Rico Statehood or reatin its Commonwealth status.

The question out there (to gauge opinion) is, who should decide (Congress or The People)?  Rather than joining the multitudes and poll for some meaningless statistic, we though we’d try something different; knowledge.

Yes, how about pointers  to pertinent information, a suggested approach, and we let you draw your own conclusions?

Recommended reading from the Library Of Congress website:

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: PUERTO RICO IN 1898, Marisabel Brás, Ph.D.

Common sense, as basic as it gets… If I were going to form an opinion as to whether it was a good thing to become a state or not, wouldn’t it be a good idea to read some of the case history on the last two states accepted into the union?

Alaska Statehood Bill:   July 7, 1958

HAWAII Statehood Bill: August 21, 1959

At the very least read up on how the Hawaiians or Alaskans felt after going through the process; what they expected vs. what they got.? Both these journeys are well documented; read the debates of the day, and the realities of the day after.

when it comes to Puerto Rico Statehood – BORICUA EDUCATE!!!

John N. Irizarry/Enbreve.com

Thanks to Pochy, Leo and all the new Enbreve friends for putting on this bash; a great raggeaton party. Enbreve travels abroad seeking both new talent and great events, if you are having an event that promises to be a memorable one let us know; we just may surprise you with a visit from our crew and coverage in a future issue of Enbreve.

To submit your event, send us an email to: jazz@enbreve.com

I was cruising the net one night…. looking for new sounds in the style we’ve all grown accustomed (you know it Salsa, Latin Jazz), both local and throughout the world, when I came across this group. The sounds are hot the music is alive and you know it….. I just had to get them into our sphere. So in the classic Jazz enbreve style we went after the all important to you (our readers ) interview.

After exchanging emails and several phone calls with the bands manager in Belgium, we finally hit pay dirt. An email address! Wow, great I thought now I can use technology to overcome the distance and hold a nice chat with the band, novel idea for an interview! (yeah right). What we have is an email interview (for which I am highly appreciative), and we hope a new friend in Leonel Limonta and Azúcar Negra.

(A little back ground) Formed in 1998 by composer Leonel Limonta, Azucar Negra is ranked top-level of the younger salsa/timba groups. The title song of their CD “Andar Andando”(Bis music) was number 1 on the Cuban hit parade for months on end. Other great songs include: “Tres de Azucar y dos de Café” and “loco por ti”, amongst many others.  They are currently recording their second CD. After two European, two American and a Caribbean tour, Leonel Limonta will celebrate his group’s 5th anniversary in summer Europe and in the fall in the USA. The interview was conduct in spanish and was pre-submitted for approval to Cuban Authorities.

Now for the Interview:

Here are the questions asked during our e-interview (keep in mind, not our style of interview, but we were limited)

Enbreve.com:  ¿Quién fue la persona que más influencia tuvo en tu vida, aquella que te motivó a convertirte en artista?

Limonta:  Pudiera decirte , que la música desde pequeño ,la sentí dentro de mi , era vocación mas que cualquier cosa , sin dejar de reconocer que mi madre influyo y estimulo esta vocación , pues siempre me llevaba a bailar con ella a las fiestas populares , Carnavales de Santiago , los mejores de Cuba , en esas fiestas me pasaba las noches completas mirando a las orquestas e interpretes que estaban de moda , Pacho Alonso , la  Orquesta Aragón LA Riverside, Fernando Alvarez etc,etc  , luego trataba de imitar  a Felo Bacallao cantante de la Aragón y bailarín , o a Fernando Alvarez o a Tito Gómez , cantante de la Riverside, y era así como me iba  alimentando  :  :  :

Enbreve.com:  ¿Cuándo te enamoraste por primera vez de la música latina?

Limonta:  SIEMPRE SENTI AMOR POR LA MUSICA LATINA.

Enbreve.com:  ¿Cuándo decidiste seguir la música latina? ¿Recuerdas qué agrupación o artista te inspiró a seguir los géneros latinos?

Limonta:  Recuerdo con mucho agrado a Cortijo y su grupo tocando plena , Jonny Ventura con sus MERENGUES , y luego comienzo a escuchar a Ruben Blade, Oscar de Leon Y Gilberto Santa Rosa , este ultimo mi ídolo y patrón que me permite inspirarme a la hora de componer , pensando siempre en su manera melódica y voz cristalina.

Enbreve.com:  ¿Qué pieza o piezas de música han tenido mayor impacto en ti y por qué?

Limonta:  Si se trata de mi obra autoral , Pa que se entere la Habana , fue el tema que me lanzo definitivamente como un autor de pegada popular y bailable , y además consagro mas el trabajo de Charanga Habanera , pero no puedo dejar de mencionar , No me Parezco a Nadie , obra que muestra con orgullo lo autentico y original que somos los Cubanos , y una de las obras que muestra en su mensaje serio , pero con mucha alegría la necesidad de cuidar la Paz y la Justicia, ésa obra es Andar Andando , titulo que da nombre a mi primer CD

Enbreve.com:  ¿Qué artista, según tu criterio, debería el público tomar más en cuenta?

Limonta:  El artista que trabaja mas con el pueblo , el de la música popular bailable , incluyendo todos los géneros que permitan expresar sus sentimientos a través de los pies o la danza y el canto

Enbreve.com:  ¿Cuáles son tus horas más productivas y por qué?

Limonta:  Las horas más productivas para mi son en el momento que trabajo para mi publico y en el momento en que la Musa viene a visitarme para componer juntos

Enbreve.com:  ¿Qué haces para inspirarte?

Limonta:  ESO VIENE CONMIGO, LA INSPIRACION PUEDE SORPRENDERME Y YO RESPONDERLE CON LA CREACION DE INMEDIATO, PERO   UNA VIVENCIA, PUEDE SER MOTIVO DE INSPIRACION, AUNQUE NO SEA MI PROPIA EXPERIENCIA

Enbreve.com:  ¿Qué es lo que practicas día a día?

Limonta:  DE VEZ EN CUANDO EL EJERCICIO FISICO, PERO DIA A DIA EL EJERCICIO MENTAL, TRABAJANDO SIEMPRE COMO MEJORAR LO ANTERIOR

Enbreve.com:  ¿Cuáles son tus prioridades cuando subes a un escenario?

Limonta:  QUE LA EJECUCION DE MI MUSICA ESTE AL NIVEL DE LA EXIGENCIA DEL PUBLICO QUE NOS ESCOJIO

Enbreve.com:  ¿Cómo te ves dentro de la tradición?

Limonta:  Me veo como alguien que quiere dar continuidad a la historia de las música Cubana, pero con tendencia a globalizarla en lo mas que pueda.

Enbreve.com:  ¿Qué tipo de música escuchas cuando estás descansando?”

Limonta:  Escucho la música variada, aunque mi fuerte es la popular bailable.

Enbreve.com:  ¿Podrías ofrecer una imagen de tu lugar favorito en el mundo?

Limonta:  No tengo idea de cual seria el lugar favorito del mundo, pero si quisiera tener siempre un espacio que me de paz, tranquilidad y emociones para poder vivir y trabajar

Enbreve.com:  ¿Cómo te afecta la música que tocas, emocional, espiritual, socialmente hablando?

Limonta:  Me afecta o la siento en todo los sentidos, sobre todo emocional y espiritual

Enbreve.com ¿Qué cambios o hitos en tu vida relacionas con la música que tocas?

Limonta:   Los relaciono con el cambio de productor manager, a director  y compositor, ya que puedo componer a mis antojos la música que se me antojé e interpretar lo que a la gente le gusta de mi obra

Enbreve.com:  ¿Con qué disco te quedarías si tu obra fuera a desaparecer?

Limonta:   No tengo muchas opciones para escoger, por lo que prefiero que mi obra no desaparezca

Enbreve.com:  ¿Con cuál de los discos de otros músicos te hubieras gustado quedarte si los discos fueran a desaparecer?

Limonta:   No sabría que decirte hay muchos discos y obras y talentos en este mundo que no he tenido la oportunidad de escuchar y creo injusto enmarcarme en el disco que pude escuchar, si existen otros que no he tenido la posibilidad de escuchar,

Enbreve.com:   ¿Con cuál banda o músicos del pasado te hubiera gustado tocar, y por qué?

Limonta:   Tierra Viento y Fuego, por la dinámica y originalidad de sus arreglos y su forma de interpretar

Enbreve.com:  ¿Consideras que la crítica es importante? ¿O preferirías ver tu obra reseñada en revistas dedicadas a la farándula? ¿Eres susceptible a la crítica?

Limonta:   Si la consideró importante , es unos de los mejores puntos de referencia para mejorar tu trabajo,, si soy susceptible a la critica,  y la acepto en la vertiente que pueda construir,

Enbreve.com:   ¿Crees en la música como arte? ¿O crees que se trata de una mercancía?

Limonta:   Creo en la música como arte, porque es lo que queda para siempre

Enbreve.com:  Un consejo para los músicos

Limonta:  Que traten de seguir dando buena música para que la tierra siga floreciendo cosas buenas

Enbreve.com:   Un consejo para el público

Limonta:  Que nos permitan dejar seguir haciendo buena música para ellos

Enbreve.com:   Un consejo para vivir la vida

Limonta:   Que haya mucha Paz.

Who Knew? Imagine a twenty-four year old Puerto Rican draftee with a collection of LP’s in his locker and getting funny looks from his commanding officer. The North Korean Army just a few miles away and this same draftee persist in practicing on his drum pads. First, he manages to win the army’s Pacific Championship and then moves onto the world armed forces championship in Washington, DC. Who won? No, not Elvis (another ole’ draftee), it was Orlando Marin.

In the 1950′s this same guy was carrying a conga on his back while scurrying around New York’s subway, traveling from his home at “Banana Kelly” in The Bronx into Manhattan. It must have been the water – other notable Banana Kelly boys up the block included Latin Jazz artist Eddie Palmieri and the future Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Collin Powell.

Orlando Marin, one of the original Mambo Kings, prefers to talk of his stick ball prowess and handball playing ability. Not bad for a guy on the eve of his seventieth birthday. Yes – 70, we counted with our fingers and then politely begged the question.

On this day Marin partly jests with the Filipino tourists, his “is the only orquesta playing in New York on this early Sunday afternoon.” The sun was trying to peer through a heavy overcast sky over City Island’s Tito Puente’s Restaurant.

A bartender and our editor (John), were comparing notes on great golf links as we enjoyed beverages on the stools along the street side bar when the band started playing to the small crowd. The usual swarms of day trippers were scared off by the offending and threatening clouds on this Memorial Day weekend.

Alfredito @ Tito Puente's City Island, NY (2003)

Oh well, we get to have the band all to ourselves. Marin, lead percussionist, and the other band members, his son, bassist -Orlando Marin, Jr. ;  Congero Pequin, and on keyboard – Alfredo “Alfredito” Valdez, Jr., came out to enjoy the few minutes of sun that was granted to us by the Mambo Kings harboring in the heavens.

We were later joined by the restaurant’s manager John Arminio, and  a couple of handshakes later and we were in for a history lesson. His band shadowed Tito Puente’s in the development and marketing of Mambo. You may know it as Salsa, or even Latin Jazz.

Go search the web sites, watch the movies, or read the articles for music history; I was most interested in his passionate performances for the residents of our prisons and senior citizen centers.  “It lifts the spirits of the guards, prisoners and the seniors.” “Everyone just feels better and happy,” he says with a smile. As far as not looking his age, he still practices stick ball, and punishes the handball.  Of course, while this place is hopping on  Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday nights, dining during a late brunch at Tito Puente’s with  Orlando Marin on site could do all our hearts some good, too.

Beltran Lopez/Enbreve.com

According to this popular theory, every one knows every one else via a half dozen or so intermediaries and as the plane taxied down the runway heading back to New York from Helsinki, Finland, the outline for this article began to take shape.

It all began with a trip to Helsinki, Finland… Having previously experienced the Arctic chill that sweeps across this country, I had no clue what to expect as I boarded the plane in the early spring, destination Helsinki.  My last visit was for a New Years Celebration and I will confess, it was so cold that I went out to smoke, only to experience a new dimension in freezing, one that made me come to regard last years top memory of freezing my ass off while waiting for a cab in the city, as a warm memory.  But being from Nueva York (NYC) I was not going to let that memory of the cold guide me.  On this trip I was excited about meeting my new niece Lilja Solveig Irizarry (yep, Boricuas in Finland) and spending time with family.

Now you know,  that whenever two Puerto Ricans get together, a party is not far away, WEPA!!! and after the ceremonies and familial festivities, we were headed downtown to checkout the night life.  In case you aren’t aware,  people of Spanish Origin (yeah I know the fashionable word is Latino) are very social creatures, and regardless of the language (Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, English), when we are in the zone, get ready to party, dance, banter and overall have a great time. Oh yeah, and if you are just a bystander and not twisted with a legacy mindset  you too may be a beneficiary of this.

So here’s how it went.. Gathered at Helsinki’s Teatteri night club, after a few phone calls where Neff Irizarry (Latin Jazz Guitarist), Eduardo De Jesus of Brazilian Aeroplane (Lite Latin/Brazilian Jazz), and of course yours truly.  A couple of beers, beautiful women lurking trying to get a peek and to celebrate my arrival a good cigar (La Gloria Cubana).  Wwhat more could I ask for?   A story?

Well I asked one question, what differentiates Latin Jazz from Salsa?  As I anticipated this launched a heated debate over the origins, names were tossed back and forth Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria and on and on.. In an effort to get back to the much needed R&R, I conceded and rephrased the question ” what can we at enbreve.com tell the general public in a one line blurp? The answer settled on was, Salsa has Words and Latin Jazz doesn’t, not satisfied with the answer I let it go and they proceeded on bringing me up to date.

Neff was getting ready to start his tour with a CD release party, and we at enbreve.com were the sponsors of that tour, Eduardo had a new video which was scheduled to be broadcasted on Finnish TV, all during this time we were interrupted by pretty girls wanting to chat with Eduardo, the crowd gathered at our table grew, and before we realized it we had a small crowd listening to our ramblings and carrying on.

The conversation somehow migrated back to the Latin Jazz theme and it was decided to locate Tomas Jimeno as he would be able to give us another view point. As so the search for Jimeno began…

It took us a while to work our way across from Espoo a suburb of Helsinki to the other side of town, which is where we were to rendezvous with Jimeno. As we worked our way through the labyrinth of streets and the hodgepodge of new and old architectures, we arrived at the site where we were to meet up.  Slightly late, and only to find that the rehearsal was over, we decided to hit the cell phone and try to locate him.  So we headed for a local pub to strategize, quench the thirst and after a few phone calls, located Jimeno.

Now getting to Jimeno’s house was something out of a sixties sci-fi movie, with it’s modern monolithic appearance and streets devoid of people (well it was already 9pm).  What struck me most was that there were no local neighborhood stores, odd i thought, but I was quickly reminded that I was in Finland as the street signs flashed by.  Arriving at the complex which was comprised of mixed architecture and futuristic building, we quickly made our way. After the customary introductions and greetings we sat down to chat.

Setting the correct theme, we quickly began with the question that sparked the quest: Where is the point of distinction between Latin Jazz and Salsa?  Jimeno looked at me for a few seconds, placed his hands on his chin and said ” That answer should not be given without first thinking about it”  after hearing that I figured ok let it go for now, we will get back to it later. So I explained to him my mission in making people aware of our culture and our music, and then he did something that ultimately would have me acting like a kid in a candy store.  He left left the room, only to reappear with his treasure… Forty years of recorded interviews with the greats of Afro-Cuban music, inclusive of pictures.  I could tell by the look on his face as he was exhibiting his collection that it was a prize worth its weight in gold.

You see Jimeno is a very fortunate man, as he worked at the Egren studios, and was responsible for documenting all the music recorded in Cuba during that era as well as the classic, he also taught at the music conservatory in Cuba and was a regular at the famed Club Tropicana along with Paquito D’Rivera and the likes.

Such was his talent that on one occasion delegates from Finland approached him in Cuba with a problematic piece of music that they having difficulty transcribing, and quickly he requested a pad and pen sat to listen to the piece and on the spot began transcribing the work.  They were so amazed by this ability that he was recruited while still living in Cuba to act as a consultant, professor in Finland. Well to make a long story short 16 years later he is still teaching the music he loves (folkloric music of Cuba) and has successfully fused Cuban sounds into the Finnish culture resulting in the group Afro-Suomi.

Ever the musician he is still an  active performer and is sought out by many musicians as professor, advisor, coach and friend.  One such group you may have heard of, the grammy award winning group “Vocal Sampling” where Jimeno was teacher, mentor and advisor during the fledging years and still maintains contact.

John Irizarry/Jazz Enbreve

Every year dedicated fun loving car aficionados from all parts converge on Parsippany, NJ for what is accurately referred to as the “World’s Biggest 50’s Party”.   It’s a Labor Day must do, for us and every year it seems to get better and better, or it could due to the kind of folk that attend.  If you are into old cars, rockabilly music, and having a good time, then this is the event for you.

We attended the event this year for our third year and had a blast, met some folks and even picked up the inspiration to do a little article on the event. The event in my opinion is a family affair, clean fun; a walk back in time, a time when muscle cars and good old American values ruled.

Here are some pictures we took while at the event:

I personally learned a very valuable lesson ….. that is when getting out of a Shelby Cobra…. Remember it has headers and go wide; cost of lesson = nasty burn on the right leg.  However, did not feel a thing until the next day thanks to the Shmoo Crew.  Actually if it weren’t for Tommy, Guy and Laurie,  I would of never met the owner of the Shelby Cobra replica.   Its easy to drift back in time as one strolls a parking lot or two full of nostalgia.

We were busy checking out cars and remembering which was owned by whom back in the day (while sipping on schmoo), as we ran across the Silver Cobra and started to chat with the owner.  Well it turned out that we had several things in common, one we were both Boricuas and two, we both have relatives with the last name Cruz (my cuz, Angel Cruz just happened to be next to me) well we briefly chatted it was a kit car but more importantly it was his baby and the car was spectacular.

Before I get too ahead, let me define Shmoo;  its an alcoholic beverage named after the character “Shmoo” what’s in it…well that is a secret mixed closely guarded by the Shmoo Crew.

So we went off, got Shmoo refills, listened to the razorbacks play some mean rockabilly and watched as the folks light up the dance floor.  We picked up some Shmoo for our new found friend as he had heard about it and wanted ato try it.    Upon our returned with the Schmoo, we settled to chat and as you know, one thing leads to another and before long we were meeting alot of the exhibitors some of which were also fellow Boricuas and that is the genesis of this article.  Now as for LEAD EAST…. we’ll be back , visit old friends and make some new ones; that is what it’s all about. You know when an event is good, people are friendly and you have a great time; Lead East is a great place to see some vintage cars, make new friend and chat with old ones.  We highly recommend it!

The 30^th Annual LEAD EAST, New York/New Jersey Metro’s Biggest Old Car Event and it will be held on Wednesday August 29^th
thru Sunday September 2^nd 2012 at the Parsippany NJ Hilton Hotel.

Here is a link to a video of the 2010 event: Lead East 2010 Video