#300 Roundtable Celebration feat. Marcos Torres, Marcos Lopez, Paulo Stagnaro & Camilo Molina
This is the 300th podcast episode!!!
R.I.P.
Posted by the Sones de Mexico Ensemble in honor of Ruben P. Alvarez…..
RUBEN P ALVAREZ (1951-2022) — Our heartfelt condolences to Susan Frost Alvarez, Rubén Álvarez Silva, Cristina C. Salgado, and the many friends and family of our good friend, mentor and colleague, Chicago percussionist, band leader, and educator Rubén P. Alvarez. He died on Sunday night, September 25, 2022 from complications from an incurable respiratory condition. His complete list of credits and accomplishments is too long to list here.
He recorded on Sones de Mexico Ensemble's first two albums including a memorable conga solo on "La Bamba" that we tried to cover on our live shows for years. He was a distinguished, guest star at our memorable 20th Anniversary concert at the Millennium Stage, attended by a record 10K people. He hired us to play an Aztec chant at his father's burial. Only his heart was bigger than his positive and upbeat persona!
Rubén P. ALvarez was a Mexican kid who was first introduced to Latin percussion playing drums in Puerto Rican street "descargas" in the 1960s on the streets of Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, and he rose to be one of the most recognized Latin musicians in Chicago.
His credits include movie soundtracks, radio and television jingles, and performances and recordings with GRAMMY nominees Junior Wells, John Mayall, Dennis DeYoung, Dave Valentine, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Palmieri, Anita Baker, The Commodores, Sones de Mexico Ensemble, Guitarra Azul, Chuchito Valdes, Ramsey Lewis, Patricia Barber, Grazyna Auguscik George Freeman, Slide Hampton, Laurel Massé, Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra. He regularly performed with Chicago’s premier Latin jazz ensemble Chevere, Orbert Davis and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Jon Faddis and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and he was leader and musical director of El Trio Tropical, the @Raices Profundas Latin Music Ensemble, and his own company Astro Latino Productions. In musical theatre he was a percussionist and musical consultant for the Goodman Theatre Production of “Crowns", and the Broadway Chicago run of “The Lion King.”
As an educator, he was on the faculty at Columbia College Chicago, Northwestern University, Prairie State College, Roosevelt University, Urban Gateways, the Center for Arts in Education, the Ravinia Festival's “JazzMentors” program, Bands of America, the International Association of Jazz Educators artist outreach, Teacher Training Institute programs, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Armonía Community outreach program, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links residency program. He was an educational endorser/clinician for Latin Percussion™, Zildjian™, Vic Firth™, and Remo Inc.™ leading clinics, master classes, and performances at schools and music education conferences nationally and internationally. His educational articles were featured in DownBeat Magazine™, and he co-authored Rox Media’s Sheddin’ the Basics™ Latin Jazz/Part One. He also served as a board member for the Jazz Education Network, a governor for the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs Chicago Chapter, vice-president for the Percussive Arts Society Illinois Chapter.
You did so much! ¡Descansa en paz amigo Rubén!
Posted by Martin Cohen, in honor of Henry “Pucho” Brown……
Goodbye Pucho. A friend and supporter of my percussion brand for over 50 years, he pioneered bring Latin rhythms to a wide audience though his band, Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers. When I brought Tito Puente and Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble to Europe in 1980, Pucho helped with the tour. He died peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 with his family at his bedside. I will miss him.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Lenny Castro. Born in N.Y.C., N.Y on Sept. 19th. 1956 Son of musician, Hector L. Castro, who was pianist and Musical Director for Johnny Pacheco and Celia Cruz as well as having his own group, Conjunto Candela. His first conga and drum set were given to him by his stepfather, George Cordero. Lenny went to the same high school his father attended, Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. Lenny also attended Mannes College Of Music, Third Street Music School, All-Boro Band and Orchestra, All High School Band and Orchestra as well as playing in Salsa bands like Johnny Colon, Eddie Palmieri and other local NY bands at the age of 14. At age 19 he was discovered by Melissa Manchester working at the Frank Ippolioto’s Pro Drum Shop. Shortly after that Melissa and the band moved to L.A. where he met musicians like Steve Lukather, David Garfield, Carlos Vega, as well as The Porcaro Family, Chuck Delmonico, and many other. Soon becoming a part of the L.A. scene himself. He Started to work for many producers in L.A. like Richard Perry, Leon Ware, John Stronach, Vini Poncia, James Newton Howard, Bill Schnee, Tommy Lipuma, Russ Tittleman and Lenny Worenker, John Stroud and others. He has toured and recorded with countless artists.
Happy Birthday to Master percussionist Pablo Batista has performed, recorded and toured internationally for 30 years with some of the biggest stars in rhythm and blues, jazz, Latin, pop and gospel.
Artists with whom he has worked with include Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Diane Reeves, Norman Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Eddie Palmieri, and Musiq. A drummer of unusually diverse talents, Pablo is highly regarded for his professionalism, tireless work ethic and ability to listen. He can integrate his playing into almost any style at the highest level of musicianship, holds the rare distinction of having performed on Grammy-winning releases in jazz, R & B and gospel, and has also been a guest with the Philadelphia Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.
Pablo has also taught friends of the show, Aaron Draper and Dominique Thomas among many other people.
Happy Birthday to renowned percussionist Carol Steele. She has been traveling to Cuba for 30 years, and introducing the island to fellow travelers for 20. Carol developed her love of travel as a professional musician, but it was going to Cuba in 1987 when she knew she had found her spiritual home. Carol’s enthusiasm is contagious, as is her love of Cuba, its culture, its history, and most of all, its people. Carol’s professional résumé reads like a Who’s Who of popular music. She has performed or recorded with Peter Gabriel, Steve Winwood, Joan Baez, Tears for Fears, Bette Midler, and many other well-known artists. Carol was the first American woman to play with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, one of Cuba’s iconic folklore groups, and she toured the United States with Lazaro Ros and Amelia Pedroso, two of Cuba’s most popular and beloved Folkloric singers. Carol’s second passion, besides music, is the study of Cuban Religions of African Origin. She loves to share her knowledge of the history of these spiritual practices, of their survival through music and art, and of how deeply entwined they are into the fabric of everyday Cuban life
Social Soundbyte
David Riviera and Congahead have released a new video featuring Marcos Torres on congas and bongos.
(Additional) Music News
Rihanna will headline the next Super Bowl Halftime Show in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12, 2023.
The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show telecast will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers–with Hamish Hamilton as director. Roc Nation is also serving as the strategic entertainment advisor of the live performance. Musical direction by Adam Blackstone. -Article
Damon was on the @Percussion podcast, roundtable edition with Pete Zambito, Casey Cangelosi and Josh Hartwell, episode 333.
Episode Show Notes
The song leading into the roundtable is a teaser from the practice loops, NOW AVAILABLE from Conga Chops.
Marcos (Lopez) brings up Lenny with John Mayer, and Damon mentions the show where Lenny played cajon then congas for some special tunes.
Paulo asks some memorable episodes. Marc Quinones was one. Camilo had to be recorded twice (Attempt 1 - Attempt 2). Munyungo Jackson’s files never aired because the memory card was corrupted.
Two other episodes Damon mentions are Walfredo Reyes Sr. and James Gadson.
Marcos (Lopez) asks about another memorable one, and Damon responds with Giovanni Hidalgo.
Damon recounts the story Kit Chatham told about breaking down on the side of the road.
Damon talks about the missed opportunity with Candido, but all the information in the Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez interview.
(Additional) Gig Alerts
Paulo will be back out with Ricky Martin. Marcos Lopez will be back out with Marc Anthony, Camilo will be back out with Eddie Palmieri. For Damon and Marcos Torres’ dates, you can check the hyperlinked sites.
Damon will be at PASIC and the schedule has been released.
Educational Spotlight
Conga Chops just released some practice loops and Paulo talks about those.
What Are You Listening To Now
Damon is listening to Madison Cunningham’s new album, ‘Revealer’, with Aaron Sterling on drums.
Marcos Lopez is listening to the album, ‘The Artist’ by Johnny Pacheco. Friend of the show, Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez is playing congas.
Paulo has two recordings. Machito’s ‘Fireworks’ album, “Mi Ritmo Llego”. Dandy is playing congas, Nicky Marrero is playing Timbales and Chucky Lopez is playing bongos. His second choice is “Filho Da Areia” by Gilmar Gomes. It reminded him to listen to “Alumbramento” by Djavan.
Marcos Torres picked Francisco Aguabella’s ‘Ochimini’ album and chose the song “Guajira Candela”.
The guys talk about groove and pocket, chops and notes.
Shout-out to the late great Milton Cardona.
More Music News
There was a Hurricane (Fiona) that hit Puerto Rico and they are dealing with flooding.
They are also dealing with power outages. Shout-out to Bad Bunny for helping bring awareness to that issue!
Damon brings up the DW and Roland partnership.
Paulo talks about the forthcoming Marc Quinones Masterclasses.
Camilo was sufficiently teased by the Marc Quinones instagram teaser.
Damon finished recording his loop and one-shot percussion library and it will be released through Yurt Rock.
He talks about the various folders of the sounds he recorded.
Damon talks about the Vic Firth cookbook and salt and pepper mills. The recipe he submitted was a Pepper Shrimp Aioli dish with Jasmine Rice. Created by Damon and Chef Matt Storch.
2 cups peanut oil for frying
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
¼ cup cornstarch
2 large cloves of garlic minced
½ teaspoon ginger minced
½ teaspoon cayenne
1 Tablespoon white wine
1 Tablespoon white vinegar
1 Tablespoon ketchup
5 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
5 green onions sliced on an extreme bias
½ cup of mayo or fresh aioli
2 Tablespoons sriracha (thai chili paste)
Vic Firth Pepper Mill
3 each red cherry peppers, chopped
1. Heat Peanut oil in a wok to 375 degrees
2. Toss the shrimp with ¼ cup of cornstarch to coat, then drop into the hot oil and quickly fry until golden brown, about 45 seconds. Drain and set aside.
3. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the wok, stir in the garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir until the garlic is fragrant and beginning to brown, about 30 seconds. Pour in the wine, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, salt and ¼ cup of water and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce by half and reserve.
4. Mix the mayo with the sriracha and then toss in the shrimp, cherry peppers and half the green onions.
Jasmine Rice
1 ½ cups of Jasmine rice
3 cups of water
1 teaspoon of salt
½ cup of coconut milk
2 twist of the Vic Firth Pepper Mill
1. Steam rice in rice cooker or Saucepot
2. When ready stir in the coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
To plate dish:
1. Pour a nice pool of sauce on one side of the plate
2. Pile the shrimp on top of the sauce and sprinkle with green onions
3. On the other side of the plate scoop a pile of the rice
4. Crack some black pepper on the plate and enjoy this spicy, sweet and sour creation!
Camilo brings up the relationship of drummers and being able to cook.
Damon’s professor said “A Proficient Percussionist Prioritizes Patience”. Damon relates that to the recording and mixing process.
Camilo talks about the Lehman gig with Eddie Palmieri and a bunch of other Latin music legends.
Shout-out to Jose Clausell and friend of the show Anthony Carrillo.
Camilo talks about vocabulary and communication on the bandstand.
There is a percussion ensemble in the works!
Damon recounts the Ed Choi episode and how difficult that was to pull off with time zones and busy schedules.
