A colorful performance by a boogaloo legend

Throughout his 50 year career, Joe Bataan always knew how to put on a good show.

A pianist-keyboardist who has been leading his own groups since 1965, Joe Bataan has had many hits along the way in the salsa world, was an originator of the New York Latin Soul style, and was an early influence on disco.

During a Boogaloo Weekend sponsored by the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture that also featured Pete Rodriguez, Johnny Colon and Willie Villegas during May 8-9, 2015, Joe Bataan was one of the stars.

He performs the ballad “Sad Girl” with three background singers, a fine rhythm section and an orchestra, singing and talking to the audience while obviously enjoying himself.

-Scott Yanow