GRUPO LATIN VIBE

 Keepers of the Flame

 A Conversation with Artist Representative/Vocalist, Awilda Santiago

by Tomas Peña - Music Journalist

“The combined efforts of Tommy Mattioli and Mr. Anibal “Tito” Rivera have truly captured the vibrations and spiritual ambiance that existed in many of the 80’s after hours clubs. It resembles Bobby Rodriguez y La Compañia playing at The Nest …” --- Elvin Acosta (speaking about Grupo Latin Vibe and the ambiance at The Parkside Lounge).

 

TP: Tell me about Grupo Latin Vibe’s beginnings. Who came up with the idea of forming a band?

AS: GLV has been in existence for about nine years. Co-Leaders Anibal "Tito" Rivera and Tommy Matiolli formed the band twelve years ago under the name, TNT. The two met at Boys Harbour in El Barrio (interviewer’s note: a school in East Harlem whose mission is to empower children through music and education). Tommy is a jazz virtuoso who is addicted to the vibes & percussion. Tito is a gifted vocalist, percussionist, lyricist, composer and arranger with a "tipico" style. They combined their talents and "wham!” Magic!

 

TP: What is the significance of the title?

AS: The title is dedicated to all of the musicians who struggle so hard to perform and play the music to the best of their abilities, giving their all right up until sunrise (hasta la amanecer). We dedicate this CD to the wonderful talents and dedication of our fellow musicians who play the whole night long with all their hearts.

 

TP: And your “mission?”

AS: To send our message with swing and soul. We go out of our way to include dancers and listeners. A typical set might include Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Tito Puente’s Picadillo and original music. We like mixing things up, GLV style!

 

TP: GLV’s repertoire runs the gamut, from guajiras, mambos, rumbas, bomba, boleros to Latin jazz. Who selects the material? I get the distinct feeling that it’s a group effort …

AS: The band members always have the opportunity to participate in the process. As Carlito (the bass player) says, our combined experience adds up to over one hundred years!

 

TP: Who are the members of GLV?

AS: The members of GLV have been with Tito and Tom from four to nine years. During that time the group has become a family of musicians sharing all kinds of experiences.

Anibal "Tito" Rivera - Co-leader Conguero/arranger/composer/lead vocals/guitar - Tito was born with talent. His (vocal) style reminds me of some of the wonderful Puerto Rican singers of the past. His composition, Japonesa con Swing was chosen by the Sundance Festival Trilogy, Side Streets. La Llave (GLV’s theme song), Descarga Latin Vibe, Ritmo Pa’ Borinquen and All That Vibe appear on compilations in Japan, Italy and London.

Tommy Mattioli - Co-leader vibraphone/composer/arranger/percussionist - Tommy is a great jazz lover, who is addicted to the vibes. When he incorporates his jazz style with Latin, each sparkling note that he strikes, produces a brilliance that can be felt. The dancer/listener becomes aware of this once they have heard his original composition "Amanecer".

Carlos “Traba” Velazquez – Bass

Carlos is a gifted musician who has been performing for the better part of his life. “Carlito” has shared his talents with La Sonora Poncena de Ayer, Hector LaVoe, Cortijo and Ismael Rivera. His bass lines are the foundation of the group and he plays with so much integrity.

William Paul Rodriquez – Piano/arranger/ vocalist and coro

Willie studied with (pianist) Charlie Palmieri. In addition, he was the Musical Director for the off-Broadway show, "La Lupe.” He is also our resident stand-up comic.

Giancarlo “Panama” Anderson – Percussionist (bongo)

Giancarlo is the youngest member of GLV. To his credit, he is also part of Bobby Sanabria's Latin Jazz Orchestra and the Lehman College Latin Jazz Band.

Victor Rendon – Percussionist (timbales) Victor is the longest existing member of GLV. Over the years he has performed with many of the legends of Latin music: Chico O'Farrill, Mongo Santamaria, Carlos “Patato” Valdes and Tito Puente, among others. He is also the Co-Leader of his own Latin Jazz band.

Awilda Mercedes Santiago – Coro/hand percussion

I front (MC) the group during live performances. I have no formal musical training, however, entertaining is my forte. I love every type of music imaginable: Latin Jazz, American jazz, Jazz singers, you name it. As Tito’s second voice I am proud to say I have earned the title, La Voz del Alma.

I should also mention our invited guests: Yasuyo Kimura (conga) and Willie Rivera Serrano (guiro/maracas).

 

TP: Musicians often pull double-duty, working by day and rehearsing and performing by night. How does it work for GLV?

AS: Willie (the pianist) is the only full time musician. Tito works for the Agency for Children’s Services; Victor, Giancarlo and Tommy are educators, Carlito is a locksmith, and I work in administration for a Psychiatry unit in a hospital. Would you agree that our jobs are second, so we can keep the music first?

 

TP: As far as this writer is concerned, YES!

The New York salsa scene has definitely seen better days. What’s the view from the trenches and where are the dancers?

AS: It's heartbreaking. There are tribes of dancers looking for a home and musicians vying to get their shot to play in a venue. Many bands are performing outside of the city. Luckily, we have had some success with managers, club owners and promoters (amenities are a plus). A big Thank you to the club owners who have taken a chance on us and invite us back time and again.

 

TP: So where can our readers catch GLV live?

AS: We perform every Friday at the Parkside Lounge in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It’s a Bar/Lounge that features, what I call underground salsa. Basically, it’s a salsa room in the back of a Rock n’ Roll bar! The atmosphere is very casual and everyone dances on a rug! We have held court there for ten years. For information on GLV’s upcoming performances log on to: grupolatinvibe.com/myspace.com.

 

TP: Are all of GLV’s recordings independent productions?

AS: Tito and Tom have produced all three CD’S out-of-pocket - Mambo City (2003), All That Vibe (2005), and more recently, Amanecer (2007). Their monies are "recycled" into future productions. The major objective is to keep creative control of the music and to not allow our music to be limited by anyone.

 

TP: There is a great photo of the band members with Ray Barretto on the back-cover of Amanecer. When and where was the photo taken?

AS: Tomas, it was more than a thrill. All of us were so honored to be with him (the band opened for him at The Copacabana, which recently closed its doors). It was Ray’s last appearance on the Vicki Sola’s, "Que Viva La Musica" (89.1 FM, which airs on Saturdays from 12PM to 4PM). Awesome giant of a man!

 

TP: Vicki and Ray were very close. She paid me the highest honor when she invited me to participate in a tribute to Ray (over the air) shortly after Ray passed.

TP: What’s in the future for GLV?

AS: To continue performing and producing CD’s and to have fun. Having fun and showing the audience warmth is so important. It makes them feel like they are part of the show. To learn more about the music business …

 

TP: Other thoughts…?

AS: Yes. I refuse to believe that salsa is a dying art. There is so much wonderful music that has yet to be created. GLV’s music brings the audience back to a time before musicians were stymied by greed and power. Over the years we have encountered so many wonderful people who have assisted us by believing in our music and understanding the struggle of all musicians. Much credit goes to the fans and DJ’s who have been our honorary agents. Kudos to disc jockey Vicki Sola for being an ally in the struggle. Salsa shows may be in jeopardy but as long as we have music, we can all share in the joy. Thanks to you, another ally in the struggle.

 

TP: To quote a recent article in the NY Times, “Salsa is experiencing a revival in popular culture, with El Cantante, and In the Heights, the Broadway-bound musical that’s set in Washington Heights …”

AS: The movie is historical, and ground breaking. I can't wait to see it. Tomas, speaking with you has been a marvelous experience. The respect you give to musicians and your insights are deeply appreciated.

TP: It has been my pleasure. See you at The Parkside Lounge!

Tomas Peña

Music Journalist

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