Abakuá!

Director Bernabé Hernández. Recorded (1962) in Cuba.

Our good friend and friend of the channel Jorge sent us this gem of a film to help educate us about Abakuá, one of the powerful sources of the Cuban music treasure.

The full film

– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube

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The artistry of Luis A. Chacon ‘Aspirina’

One of our treasured subscribers Jorge, who is deep in the tradition and comes from a family that is too, shared this gem with us.

Rumba at its highest level.

Here’s what he says about it:

“One of the Greatest Dancers and his group back in the ’80s… The real Rumba… Aspirina Family. He was the director of la Comparsa Los Guararechos de Regla, my Hometown. These guys are on another level.”

The artistry of Luis A. Chacon ‘Aspirina’ and Grupo Laye

– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube

P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
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Jerry González

Jerry González recalls his friendship with bass legend Jaco Pastorius.

Jerry’s explanations of the clave and the behind-the-scenes time that goes into great music are absolutely priceless.

Ends with a rare recording of a collaboration: Jerry González/Jaco Pastorius at the late/great 55 Grand in Soho, NY.

Another clip from the film and another lesson about musical reality

Victory Bailey picked up a bass and was a pro from Minute One. How the heck does that happen?

– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube

P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.

Kiki Valera Tour – Summer 2024

Listen to the new album – Click here

Appearances

Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano
Appearing at Joe’s Pub
Friday, July 5th
Set Times: 7:00, 9:30 pm
425 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10003

Tickets: https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2024/k/kiki-valera/

Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano
Saturday, July 6, 7:30pm
Caramoor
149 Girdle Ridge Road
Katonah, NY 10536
TICKETS

Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano
Sunday, July 7th, 5:00pm
PS21 Pavilion Theater
PS21, Inc.
2980 Route 66
Chatham, NY 12037
TICKETS

Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano
Sunday, July 21, 7:30pm
Catalina Jazz Club
6725 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
TICKETS

– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube

P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.

David Amram on the David Letterman show (1984)

The year was 1984.

David Letterman had an audience in the millions and he invited David Amram on to demonstrate the instruments in his collection.,

This might be the biggest group of people ever to get a lesson in world music.

– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube

P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.

Jerry Gonzales, Plena and Puerto Rican history

Jerry Gonzales, the great congero, trumpet player, and band leader.

More

We received these marvelous memories of Jerry from subscribers:

I remember a Fort Apache gig in NY at Sweet Basil. I was sitting right up front with my 9-year-old son. A group of young guys came and sat behind us—four of them—I think they were Cubans. They looked at Jerry’s set of five congas and started snickering… five congas? Nobody plays five congas, who is he kidding? And on, and on. Well, by the end of the set, they were whistling, clapping, and shouting the praises of Jerry. They became complete converts and had joined the church of the “Fort Apache Band” with the reverend Jerry González presiding!

– Yves Nazon
Born: Haïti, July 04, 1954


Jerry and Andy González, while with Conjunto Libre, played at my old Café Galería y Teatro – La Tertulia in the East Village, NYC in the late ’70s! Jerry was a consistent innovator, jovial, and a perfectionist when it came to his music! He respected those who respected good music. His live recording with Chano Dominguez, Rumba Pà Jerry, is evidence of how a master conguero transforms a simple tune into a great one! He also displays his ability to teach new musicians how to elaborate on a simple rhythm pattern without losing the original sound. I will always remember him doing what he did best!

– Raùl Cordova
Born: Puerto Rico, May 11, 1947


For a big chunk of time, I was their documentarian, photographer, and friend.

– Tontxi Vazquez
Born: New York City

More memories music here: https://www.jazzonthetube.com/memories/

– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube

P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.