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LATIN JAZZ BAND official website - myspace page
Blazing trumpets, swinging saxophones, blaring trombones, melodic vocals, an exciting and driving percussion section…this is the Latin Giants of Jazz! One of the most exciting, colorful and authentic orchestras currently on the music scene today. The band, which is comprised of former members and alumni of the Tito Puente orchestra, is able to perform a wide variety and array of new musical compositions. In addition, the band can also present, with exceptional authenticity, material and tunes that were made famous by the wonderful trio of bands from the Palladium Ballroom heyday in New York City during the 1950’s, Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente. Led by long time Puente band members John Rodriguez, Jose Madera and also CEO Stew Jackson, the Latin Giants of Jazz offer the best of the Afro-Cuban and Latin American traditions with a tremendous drive and swinging perfection that is pleasing to both listener and dancer. The orchestra has recorded two CD’s; the fist offering is entitled “ The Latin Giants Play the Music of the Palladium…Tito Lives” and the second CD, is aptly named “Trip to Mamboland”. These albums have been at the top of radio playlists through out the world. Both recordings are very representative of the different styles of musical performances that the band is able to present to the general public. It is the heart and soul of the Latin Big Band style that the Giants have dedicated themselves to preserve and it is a task that the orchestra takes very seriously. To put it plain and simple, it is the most authentic band playing this style of music that exists in the industry today. Having toured the world for the last 35 plus years with the late and great Tito Puente, these wonderful all-star musicians are well known and have been accepted virtually all over the world. Unlike other music idioms, all of the works performed by the Latin Giants of Jazz are danceable and thereby serve to create an environment that is very exciting and enjoyable to all, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or age. ABOUT THE BAND Jose Madera - Music Director Born in New York City to Jose "Pin" Madera, who was the first arranger for the Machito Orchestra. Jose started playing timbales with machito as a teenager and went on to become Tito Puente’s Conguero for 30 years. He was the musical director for the Tito Puente Orchestra for the last ten years and was also a staff arranger at the legendary fania records since the 1970’s. Stew Jackson - CEO Stew Jackson is a professional musician and has appeared with a vast majority of the top stars of the music industry. He is currently the director and CEO of the world famous Woody Herman Orchestra and The Latin Giants of Jazz. Mitch Frohman - Road Manager Grew up in the Bronx. For over 25 years he was the sax and flute soloist with the Tito Puente Orchestra and Latin/Jazz Ensemble. He has played and recorded with all of the top artists in this music such as mongo santamaria, celia cruz, eddie Palmieri and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. He is the saxophone soloist on the theme song of HBO’s mega hit “Sex and the City” Johnny Rodriguez , JR. - Executive Director His father was the respected Latin musician, Johnny Rodriguez. He started as a teenager with Tito Rodriguez. Johnny earned a spot playing bongos in the Tito Puente Band for 27 years. That was the beginning of a life long association with the man acknowledged as the king of Latin music. Mario Rivera He has been recognized as a Jazz Musician by some of the most prominent performers of his time. Titans such as Thelonious Monk, Dexter Gordon, sonny Stitt and George coleman have distinguished him. The late Dizzy Gillespie presented him with one of his trademark trumpets. Mario has learned to play twenty different instruments and remains very active in both the jazz and Latin jazz circuits. For 40 years he has been associateed with Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito. Oscar Hernandez Has long been considered one of the most gifted and prominent pianist/arrangers on the contemporary Latin, Latin-Jazz and Salsa music scene. Oscar is the Pianist on HBO’s hit “Sex and the City” theme song. He was the musical director of the Ruben Blades Orchestra and currently leads the Spanish Harlem Orchestra Lewis Kahn Based in New York City, he has been working as a trombonist and violinist since the late sixties. After studying at the Eastman and Juilliard Schools of Music, he went on to perform worldwide in a wide variety of musical styles. Lewis was a member of Tito Puentes' last working ensemble for 7 years and was an original member of the Fania All-Stars. Bobby Porcelli Worked with many Latin bands such as Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria and the Duke Pearson Big Band to name a few. He also recorded with Machito, George Benson and Eddie Palmieri. Bobby also has two records under his name in Italy. Bobby was a steady member of Tito Rodriguez, Machito and of course Tito Puente Orchestras. Ray de la Paz One of the greatest Latino vocalists who has worked with Ray Barretto, Louie Ramirez and many others. He beautifully recreates the sounds of Tito Rodriguez, Machito and Santos Colon. Enrique Fernandez Formerly worked with Mario Bauza, Chico O’Farrill, Machito and the Tito Puente Orchestra. Gerarado Madera Played with Machito and the Tito Puente Orchestra Raul Agraz Previously played with Eddie Palmieri, Mark Anthony and the Tito Puente Orchestra Pete Nater Formerly played with Larry Harlow and the Tito Puente Orchestra George Delgado Has worked with Eddie palmieri and the Tito Puente Orchestra. Dan Reagan Previously played with Mark Anthony, Chico O’Farrill and the Tito Puente Orchestra Noah Bless Played with Ray Pacheco, Larry Harlow and the Tito Puente Orchestra Pete Miranda Formerly worked with Chico O’Farill, Machito and the Tito Puente Orchestra Reynaldo Jorge A Fania All-Star who has played with Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto and the Tito Puente Orchestra for 7 years. John Walsh Has played on the Latin scene for years and the Tito Puente Orchestra for 7 years Richie Viruet (right) Great Trumpet player who has worked with Larry Harlow
THE LATIN GIANTS OF JAZZ - VEN BAILA CONMIGO (CD-2009)
Frankie Vazquez
Lead vocals
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
THE LATIN GIANTS OF JAZZ - TRIP TO MAMBOLAND (2007)
Raul Agraz
Trumpet
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
THE LATIN GIANTS OF JAZZ - THE LATIN GIANTS PLAY THE MUSIC OF THE PALLADIUM (2004) Alto saxes: Bobby Porcelli, Enrique Fernández Tenor saxes: Mario Rivera (flute) Mitch Frohman (Road Manager) Baritone sax: Pete Miranda Trombones: Reynaldo Jorge, Lewis Khan, Dan Regan, Noah Bless Trumpets: John Walsh, Pete Nater, Kevin Bryan, Richie Viruet, Raúl Agraz Piano: Oscar Hernández Bass: Gerardo Madera Congas: George Delgado Bongoand percussion: John Rodriguez Jr. (Executive Director) Timbales: José Madera (Musical Director/Orchestrator/Conductor) |
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THE
LATIN GIANTS OF JAZZ
