Music Learned in Brooklyn
Anybody that knows me, knows that I have a deep fondness for Latin Music, particularly, Afro-Cuban, and Latin Jazz. When I was about six, growing up in a Brooklyn neighborhood, transitioning from a primarily an Irish-Italian culture, to that of a Puerto Rican one, I became aware of this new sound. It was something so much different from the Rock and Roll of Elvis and the Everly Brothers, or the 40's tunes my parents played. It was up-lifting and joyful. About three doors down from my apartment, lived a man I called Bongos. His real name was Hector, and he played the bongos almost every night. I would sit at my window and listen to him for what must have been hours. His playing lead me to Tito Puente, Joe Cuba, Cal Tjader and Celia Cruz. And later to Ruben Blade and so many other great Latin musicians. Hector's simple playing has lead me to so many nights of enjoyment. Its been a very long time since I've seen Hector, and I wish there was a way for me to thank him. Maybe the way to thank him, is to continue to pass along the great sound of Latin music. Recently, I became aware of a fabulous Conga player. His name is Samuel Torres, born in Bogotá, Colombia, Samuel graduated in Music Composition from Universidad Javeriana. In 1998 he came to the United States, and toured for four years with Arturo Sandoval. Samuel has had the pleasure to play with Tito Puente, Chic Corea and many more Latin Super Stars. He has also performed as a guest of the Florida International University’s big band, the 4th of July Esplanade 2000 with the Boston Pops, 2000, Singapore Arts Festival, the “5 de Mayo” Celebration 2001 with the Nashville Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Latin Festival 2001 with the L.A. Philharmonic, 2001 Newport Jazz Festival in Madarao. Samuel was awarded Second Place at the 2000 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition for Hand Percussion. Renowned jazz drummer, Jeff “Tain” Watts, said, “I have worked with Samuel Torres and found his musicianship to be very personal, yet virtuosic and highly informed. He has written and recorded music for his project that is inventive, lyrical and important work. He is a special artist.” Samuel is currently touring North America to promote his soon to be released CD, titled "YAOUNDE". Click here to hear a preview of that CD and discover for yourself the talented music of Samuel Torres. |
