If, like me, you were listening to the music of Los Mas Valientes – on their disc, Valientazos, to be precise – the chances are you...
Inspired by his South Bronx Afro-Cuban roots, percussionist Ray Mantilla rose to prominence in the early ’70s, performing with a host of prestigious bands, and eventually...
Mike Freeman and ZonaVibe pay wonderful homage to two of great vibraphone masters of musicians on Venetian Blinds; Tito Puente and Bobby Hutcherson. Tongue firmly in...
In 1932, Duke Ellington wrote one of the most famous songs, one that has not only endured for decades but might also be held up as...
Jazz Photographer Andrew James Presents Ali Bello & The Sweet Wire Band at the New Haven Jazz Fest 2014, and the Ray Mantilla Ensemble at Bushnell...
Ray Mantilla may be better remembered for his being one of the founding members of Max Roach’s legendary drum ensemble, M’Boom, but in reality that came...
According to writer Ned Sublette, “Son de Altura has three trumpets, but Yunior’s a violinist who grew up a charanguero, and the band collapses the two...
It is a daunting task to play in the idioms of jazz, salsa and mambo in a big band setting without the spirit of El Rey,...