By Danilo Navas
Dedicated to his wife, Iraida Palmieri, this long-awaited DVD (due to some technical issues its release was delayed a few years) serves two purposes. It celebrates 50 years of Eddie Palmieri’s prolific musical career (one of the most influential and acclaimed in Latin music). 50 years since Mr. Palmieri started to perform as a pianist, and 50 years since he formed his first band, Conjunto La Perfecta. Innovative, respected and adored by fans and peers alike, “La Perfecta” revolutionized the musical scene with a bold, striking sound, coming from a very unusual combination of horns, two trombones and flute. Later on, Eddie Palmieri would blend his Afro-Caribbean distinctive take on Latin music with Jazz, presenting an exciting combination that would stretch seamlessly between the two genres. Since then, he’s always been at the forefront of Salsa and Latin jazz.
A night to remember, this concert took place in 2006 at the Bushnell Auditorium in Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Palmieri is in top form and backed up by his terrific band, mostly composed by long-time collaborators (Brian Lynch, Conrad Herwig, Hermán Olivera, José Clausell, Richie Viruet and more) and a few new additions (Luques Curtis, Philip Dizack). Together, as a solid, tight unit, with an impressive sound, they revisit classical tunes from Mr. Palmieri’s repertoire (Muñeca, Vamonos Pa’l Monte, Azucar Pa’Ti), covering decades of historical performances. Latin jazz fans get treated to a terrific performance with the composition entitled “Vanilla Extract”.
The DVD also offers an insightful conversation between Mr. Palmieri and Felipe Luciano (well-known community activist, journalist and political figure from New York). Mr. Palmieri talks about his life, his music, achievements and challenges as an artist who’s always given the best, and nothing but the best, to his huge legion of followers.
You can buy this DVD -a true collector’s item- online from Eddie Palmieri’s official website, www.eddiepalmierimusic.com.
Songs:
1. Palo Pa’Rumbá
2. La Voz Del caribe
3. Pa’La Ocha Tambó
4. Muñeca
5. Vanilla Extract
6. Oyelo Que Te Conviene
7. Azucar Pa’Ti
8. Vamonos Pa’l Monte
Musicians:
Eddie Palmieri: Leader, Piano
Hermán Olivera: Lead Vocalist
Brian Lynch: Lead Trumpet
Richie Viruet: Trumpet
Philip Dizack: Trumpet
Conrad Herwig: Trombone
Jimmy Bosch: Trombone
Nelson Gonzáles: Tres Guitar and Back Up Vocal
José Claussell: Timbales
Vincent “Little Johnny” Rivero: Congas
Orlando Vega: Bongó
Luques Curtis: Bass
Joseph “Quique” González: Back Up Vocalist
Julio Salgado: Back Up Vocalist and Maracas
Related Link:
The Power of the Patriarch by Larry Blumenfeld – The Wall Street Journal
