RALPH IRIZARRY - radio vinilemania web-radio Latin - Jazz

Ralph Irizarry, recognized worldwide as an excellent percussionist, first fell in love with the timbal at an early age when his father coincidentally brought home a set received as payment for a debt. A self-taught musician, Irizarry has developed a highly efficient and personalized style of playing while leaving an enduring mark on the artists with whom he has collaborated. His love for the instrument evolved into a full-fledged passion that has fueled his career since 1970. Irizarry admits, without reservation, that this passion has been all consuming since he was a youngster, and is the same passion that he infuses now into his music.

Born in New York's Spanish Harlem, Ralph Irizarry's family first moved to Brooklyn and then briefly to Queens, before finally relocating in Puerto Rico in 1970. There, he spent three years immersed in music and gained the knowledge and experience that eventually granted him the opportunity to join Ponce's La Terrífica, as well as sitting in with such prestigious aggregations as El Gran Combo and Sonora Ponceña.

In 1974, Ralph Irizarry returned to New York City to pursue a career as a professional musician. After playing with local groups for almost four years, his break finally came when Ray Barretto invited him to join his top-rated orchestra. Shortly afterward, they were in studio recording the first of six productions. In April of 1983, Rubén Blades sought out Irizarry to join in the formation of Seís Del Solar. This association lasted for fourteen years and consisted of intense performing and traveling as well as the production of eight recordings. After Blades left and with his encouragement, the group continued performing and recorded two Latin jazz albums.

Ralph Irizarry has performed, recorded and toured with the likes of Bebo Valdés, Harry Belafonte, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Paquito D'Rivera, Juan Luis Guerra, Earl Klug, Israel López "Cachao", Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon and many others. He has appeared on the Johnny Carson Show and the David Letterman Show, as well as Don Francisco's Sábado Gigante and Raul Velasco's Siempre en Domingo. Irizarry has been featured in the major motion film The Mambo Kings and documentaries such as Belafonte's Routes of Rhythm, Cachao's Como Mi Rítmo No Hay Dos and The Life of Rubén Blades.

Timbalaye

In 1996, Ralph Irizarry created his own Latin jazz project, Timbalaye, a septet with a different instrumental format: Latin percussion instruments instead of the typical drum set, as well as a fresh innovative sound. Timbalaye's repertoire combines cotemporary jazz sounds with rhythmic elements from all over Latin America and Africa, as well as Cuba and Puerto Rico. Timbalaye latest exciting release is entitled It's Time!

SonCafé

SonCafé is Ralph Irizarry's hottest new ensemble making an impact on New York City's Latin music scene. Evolved from his former 'Son Criollo' sextet, the eight-piece powerhouse is integrated by seasoned musicians and outstanding vocalists. SonCafé's exciting novel sound and powerful delivery encompasses a blend of diverse influences pleasing to listening and dance audiences alike.

SonCafe currently has two CDs in the marketplace, the debut CD entitled Bailando con Azucar and the all medley's CD Tributo. Just released is a Live Performance DVD entitled En Grande y En Vivo !

RALPH IRIZARRY & SON CAFE' - EN GRANDE Y EN VIVO - (DVD 2007)

Ralph Irizarry Timbal, leadet
Ray Martinez Bass
Arturo Ortiz Piano
Richie Viruet Trumpet, music director
Manuel Ruiz Trumpet
Ricky Salas Congas, coro
Jorge Maldonado Lead vocals
Elsa Ozuna Lead vocals
Rolanda De Los Reyes Coro
Willie Ruiz Coro

review by Pietro Carbognani: RALPH IRIZARRY & SON CAFE' - EN GRANDE Y EN VIVO - (DVD 2007)

review by Bruce Polin: RALPH IRIZARRY & SON CAFE' - EN GRANDE Y EN VIVO - (DVD 2007)

Intro 
Sera Cuando Tu Digas 
Fascinate Con Mi Tumbao 
El Vacio 
Cuando Se Hable 
Tributo 
Cha Cha Cha Medley 
Sonora Matancera Medley 
La Lupe Medley 
Charlie Palmieri Medley

SON CAFE' WITH RALPH IRIZARRY - TRIBUTO (2006)

Tribute concept record with all medleys of the pioneers of the golden era of Salsa and Cuban Genres

Ralph Irizarry Leader, timbal
Jorge Maldonado Lead vocals
Elsa Ozuna Lead vocals
Ray Martinez Bass
Edwin Sanchez Piano
Richie Viruet Trumpet
Adalberto Santiago Guest vocalists
Pedro Brull Guest vocalists
Manuel Ruiz Trumpet
Bobby Allende Congas, bongo
Luisito Orbegoso Coro
Rolando De Los Reyes Coro
Guests