Jazz/Latino, inc.
Enclave with Rebecca Cline on foreground. Photo by Dr. Joseph Bowman.
Beyond Standards Ensemble concert, May 11, 2007, Schenectady Whisperdome, 1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308. With Jazz/Latino, inc. President, Dr. José E. Cruz, clockwise from top left Andrea Brachfeld, Wilson “Chembo” Corniel; Elio Villafranca; Vince Cherico; Carlo DeRosa; and Steve Turre. Photos by Elena Cruz-Allen.
Sonido Isleño concert, May 16, 2007, Schenectady Whisperdome. Clockwise from top left Benjamin Lapidus, Michael Molina and Francisco Javier Cotto; Michael Molina and Félix Sanabria; Héctor Torres; Michael Molina; Francisco Javier Cotto. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Bobby Sanabria and Quarteto Aché concert, May 25, 2007, Schenectady Whisperdome. Clockwise from top left Alex Hernández and Bobby Sanabria; Enrique Haneine; Jeff Lederer; Enrique Haneine, Alex Hernández, Bobby Sanabria, and Jeff Lederer. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk. For a review click here
Bobby Sanabria during his lecture/performance “Clave: A Rhythmic Journey From Africa to the New World,” April 2, 2008, 7:00 pm. Photos by Colwyn Allen.
From the left, Jennifer Vincent, Bassist; Dr. José E. Cruz; Guilderland Public Library Reference Librarian Maria Buhl; Nicki Denner, pianist; and Willie Martinez, drummer, after the concert by the Nicki Denner Latin Jazz Trio, April 12, 2008, 2:00 pm. Photo by Colwyn Allen.
Clockwise from top left, Brian Lynch; Pedrito Martinez; Justin Brown; Luques Curtis; Zaccai Curtis; Brian Lynch & Spheres of Influence. May 2, 2008 at the Schenectady Whisperdome, Ahora, Latin/Jazz! Spring 2008 Series. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Ahora, Latin/Jazz! at the New York State Museum in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Zaccai Curtis Trio at the Carole Huxley Theater, New York State Museum, Albany, New York, September 17, 2008. Clockwise from top left, Zaccai Curtis; Luques Curtis; Tony Escapa; The Zaccai Curtis Trio. Photos by Albert Brooks. This program was sponsored by the New York State Department of Health Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, the New York State Office of General Services, the New York State Lottery, and the New York State Museum/New York State Education Department.
The 2009 Ahora, Latin/Jazz! season got off to a great start on March 28 with the show Palladium Nights at The Egg, featuring Ballet Hispanico with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Dr. Jose E. Cruz and Arturo O’Farrill. Photo by Elizabeth Allen
Dr. Jose E. Cruz and Peter Lesser, Executive Director of The Egg. Photo by Elizabeth Allen.
Arturo O’Farrill in a post-concert chat with Dr. Jose E. Cruz, Bobby Rivera, Pedro Diaz, and Nelly Massenet. This photo and photos below by Joseph Putrock.
Arturo O’Farrill’s students at SUNY-Purchase entertained the crowd at the post-performance reception.
O’Farrill with SUNY Central Administration Deputy Provost and Drummer Jim Ketterer.
SUNY Board of Trustees member Bob Bellafiore handing O’Farrill a token of appreciation on behalf of SUNY. “Is it tenure?,” O’Farrill wondered outloud. It wasn’t but he certainly deserves it!
Bill McCann, host of WCDB-FM’s “The Jazz Corner” and president of UAlbany’s Alumni Association addressing the post-performance reception crowd.
O’Farrill signs a copy of his Grammy-winning recording “A Song for Chico” for Jazz/Latino Board member and host of WCDB-FM’s “Maiden Voyage” Joseph Bowman (right). Looking on is Herb Crossman, a local resident and Jazz/Latino enthusiast.
Local jazz notable and father of bassist Gregg August, Ed August addresses O’Farrill while Jazz/Latino Board Chair, attorney, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and vocalist Walter Ramos and his wife Nellie Massenet look on approvingly.
Local jazz stalwart Mike Lategano makes a point while multitasker O’Farrill listens and signs his CD “Song for Chico” for him. Between Lategano and O’Farrill, local DJ Maria Perez, AKA “Lady Salsa.”
O’Farrill shakes hands with a beaming Joseph Giordano, a piano and trombone student, while his father, trombonist and music teacher, Mark Giordano looks on. Arturo’s tongue-in-cheek words of encouragement for Joseph? “Study hard, be good so you can travel the world over for very little money.”
A handshake for the ages!
Our second event of the 2009 season was a “bio-performance” by master percussionist, composer, arranger, and educator Bobby Sanabria on the life and music of El Rey del Timbal, maestro Ernest Anthony Puente, Jr. AKA Tito Puente, at the University at Albany on April 16.
Sanabria answers a question from an audience member at UAlbany. On the background, El Rey del Timbal, Tito Puente. Photo by Elena Martinez
Before his performance at the University at Albany Sanabria gave a master class at the home of Dr. Jose E. Cruz to a young local drummer, Joe Ulmer. In the background Deb Ulmer, videotaping the session. Photo by Jose E. Cruz
Bobby Sanabria and a very happy Joe Ulmer after the master class. Photo by Jose E. Cruz. The camera was not properly set and the picture came out of focus but it nevertheless preserves a special moment.
Two views of the audience at UAlbany during Sanabria’s program on Tito Puente. Photos by Jose E. Cruz. For a review click here
On April 24, Ahora, Latin/Jazz! moved to the Schenectady Whisperdome for its third event of the season, a concert by Willie Martinez La Familia Sextet.
Willie Martinez during sound check at the Whisperdome. Photos by Jose E. Cruz
Jennifer Vincent, Max Schweiger, Willie Martinez, Renato Thoms. Photo by Jose E. Cruz
J. Walter Hawkes. Photo by Jose E. Cruz
Renato Thoms. Photo by Jose E. Cruz
La Familia Sextet at the Whisperdome. From left to right, Renato Thoms, Jennifer Vincent, Dr. Jose E. Cruz, Willie Martinez, J. Walter Hawkes, Misha Tsiganov, Max Schweiger. Photo by Andrzej Pilarczyk. For a concert review click here
Above and below, Willie Martinez sharing insights about Afro-Latin drumming with local drummers. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk
J. Walter Hawkes. Photo by Andrzej Pilarczyk
Jennifer Vincent and Max Schweiger. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk
Misha Tsiganov on Piano and Renato Thoms on congas. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk
Willie Martinez La Familia Sextet. Photo by Andrzej Pilarczyk
The 2009 Ahora, Latin/Jazz! series came to a close with a grand performance by Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS band at the Schenectady Whisperdome.
Soundcheck at the Whisperdome. Clockwise from the top, Chris Washburne addressing Diego Lopez; Cristian Rivera rehearsing a chart; Diego Lopez rehearsing his chart; From left to right, Ricky Rodriguez, Ole Mathisen, and Chris Washburne. Photos by Jose E. Cruz
Below from left to right, Ricardo “Ricky” Rodriguez on bass and Barry Olsen on piano. Photos by Jose E. Cruz
Performance photos below by Andrzej Pilarczyk
Ole Mathisen, La metralleta del sax; Chris Washburne, el trombon supremo.
Cristian Rivera, el niño bonito de las congas.
Ricardo “Ricky” Rodriguez
From left to right, Diego Lopez and Barry Olsen
The band after the concert. From left to right, Diego Lopez, Ole Mathisen, Barry Olsen, Dr. Jose E. Cruz, Chris Washburne, Ricardo “Ricky” Rodriguez, and Cristian Rivera. For a concert review click here
Photo by Mark Curiale
From the left, Dr. Jose E. Cruz with Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, and members of Grupo Chaworo, Elio Villafranca, piano; Andy Eulau, acoustic bass; Justin Flynn, tenor, soprano sax and flute. Missing from the picture is Vince Cherico, drums, who flew off to another gig right after Chaworo’s performance. Photo by Pedro Diaz.
Ahora, Latin/Jazz! had a Special Edition, August 29, 2009, at the Albany Latin Fest, featuring Wilson “Chembo” Corniel and Grupo Chaworo.
Clockwise from top left, Luques Curtis, Zaccai Curtis, Dr. Jose E. Cruz, Tony Escapa; Luques Curtis on bass; Tony Escapa on drums; Zaccai Curtis on keyboard. Photos by Colwyn Allen.
The crowd at the Albany Latin Fest. The Festival was moved from Washington Park to the I-787/I-90 Exchange due to rain. Not many were deterred from participating by the weather and the move to the rain site! Not pictured: the amazing array of criollo food!! Photo by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Clockwise from the left, MCs Mike Ascencio, President of the Albany Latin Fest Association, and Dr. Jose E. Cruz; Andy Eulau and Wilson “Chembo” Corniel; Vince Cherico. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, un conguero maravilloso con una sonrisa maravillosa. A marvelous conguero with a marvelous smile. Photo by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
From the left, Andy Eulau; Elio Villafranca; Justin Flynn. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Ahora, Latin/Jazz! at the Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084, Spring 2008 Series.
From the left, Guilderland Public Library Reference Librarian Eileen Sullivan, Dr. Jose E. Cruz, Bobby Sanabria, and Guilderland Public Library Reference Librarian Maria Buhl after Sanabria’s clave lecture/performance.
The 2008 Ahora, Latin/Jazz! series came to a close on November 15, 2008 with a performance by the Boston-based group Enclave at the Guilderland Public Library.
Enclave at the Heldelberg Room, Guilderland Public Library; Rebecca Cline on piano. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Enclave’s co-leader, saxophonist, flutist, and conguero Hilary Noble. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Steve Langone. Photo by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Above, Fernando Huergo; below, Rebecca Cline addressing the audience. Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.
Rebecca Cline on piano. Photo by Dr. Joseph Bowman.
Enclave with Hilary Noble on foreground. Photo by Dr. Joseph Bowman.
From the left, Fernando Huergo and Steve Langone. Photo by Dr. Joseph Bowman.
Steve Langone. Photo by Dr. Joseph Bowman.
Enclave with Dr. Jose E. Cruz. They rocked!! Photo by Dr. Joseph Bowman.
Misha Tziganov. Photo by Jose E. Cruz.
Ahora, Latin/Jazz! 2010 Season, began April 16, at the Schenectady Whisperdome with a concert by the Jazz/Latino All Stars, an ensemble of band leaders and members of bands featured in the series since 2007.
The Jazz/Latino All Stars during sound check, April 16, 2010. Photos by Jose E. Cruz.
Wilson “Chembo” Corniel reads a chart.
My name is Hilary Noble!
What is Jennifer Vincent smiling about? Something Willie
Martinez said?
Chris Washburne and Ray Vega.
Jennifer Vincent.
Nicki Denner.
The mighty Ray.
Noble Hilary.
Que montuno!
Hands of steel.
Tumbao machine.
Oye y ese guiro!
That’s the way it is!
88 y una mas!
A gozar!!
Below: The Jazz/Latino All Stars in performance.
April 16, 2010.
Jennifer Vincent and Willie Martinez. Photo by Rudy Lu
Nicki Denner. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Wilson “Chembo” Corniel. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Jennifer Vincent and Willie Martinez. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Above: Hilary Noble; below: Chris Washburne. Photos by Rudy Lu.
Chris Washburne, Ray Vega, Chembo Corniel. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Hilary Noble. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Chris Washburne and Ray Vega. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Chris Washburne, Ray Vega, Hilary Noble. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Nicki Denner. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Wilson “Chembo” Corniel. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Ray Vega. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Ahora, Latin/Jazz! 2010 Salons
May 14, 2010 Salon on the life and music of Doc Cheatham. From left, Ray Vega, trumpet; Dr. Jose E. Cruz; Erik Johnson, bass; Ray Alexander, piano; Tim Olsen, from Union College’s music department. Seated, Pete Sweeney, drums.
Erik Johnson on bass and Pete Sweeney on drums, by Rudy Lu. May 14, 2010.
Ray Alexander on piano by Rudy Lu. May 14, 2010.
Ray Vega with Ray Alexander in background by Rudy Lu. May 14, 2010.
Ray Vega with Cheatham’s widow, Amanda Cheatham, and his daughter Alicia Croker. May 14, 2010. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Panel discussion about Doc Cheatham with, from left, clarinetist Skip Parsons, trumpeter Ray Vega, and drummer Tim Coakley. Parsons and Coakley worked with Cheatham in the Capital Region. May 14, 2010 Salon. Emerson Auditorium, Union College, Schenectady. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Dr. Jose E. Cruz with Grupo Los Santos. May 1, 2010 Salon.
Grupo Los Santos. Standing from left Paul Carlon, Pete Smith, David Ambrosio. On the drumset, William “Beaver” Bausch. May 1st 2010 Salon.
Secrets of the Latin Bass Salon. David Ambrosio and local bass player Pete Toigo. May 1st 2010.
Dr. Jose E. Cruz introducing David Ambrosio from Grupo Los Santos for his talk on the Secrets of the Latin Bass. May 1, 2010 Salon. Assembly Hall, UAlbany.
Andrea Brachfeld on the role of the flute in AfroCuban music. April 23, 2010, UAlbany. Photo by Jose E. Cruz.
The Jazz/Latino All Stars concert - Tribute to Mongo Santamaría, April 30, 2011. From left to right, Chris Washburne, Chembo Corniel, Ray Vega, Hilary Noble. Photo by Rudy Lu.
The Jazz/Latino All Stars concert - Tribute to Mongo Santamaría, April 30, 2011. From left to right, Chembo Corniel, Nicki Denner. Photos by Rudy Lu.
Willie Martinez. The Jazz/Latino All Stars concert - Tribute to Mongo Santamaría, April 30, 2011. Photo by Rudy Lu.
The Jazz/Latino All Stars concert - Tribute to Mongo Santamaría, April 30, 2011. From left to right, Chris Washburne, Ray Vega. Photo by Rudy Lu.
The Jazz/Latino All Stars concert - Tribute to Mongo Santamaría, April 30, 2011. From left to right, Nicki Denner, Jennifer Vincent, Chris Washburne. Photo by Rudy Lu.
The Jazz/Latino All Stars concert - Tribute to Mongo Santamaría, April 30, 2011. From left to right, Ray Vega, Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, Hilary Noble. Photo by Rudy Lu.
The Jazz/Latino All Stars concert - Tribute to Mongo Santamaría, April 30, 2011. From left to right, Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, Chris Washburne, Ray Vega, Hilary Noble. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Rebecca Cline, preparing for the concert in tribute to Noro Morales, June 3, 2011. Photo by José E. Cruz.
Nicki Denner, preparing for the concert in tribute to Noro Morales, June 3, 2011. Photo by José E. Cruz.
Foreground, Rebecca Cline and background, Nicki Denner, preparing for the concert in tribute to Noro Morales, June 3, 2011. Photo by José E. Cruz.
Ahora, Latin/Jazz! 2011 Season - 5th Anniversary Edition - Five Years Bringing the Best in Latin Jazz to the New York State Capital Region. ¡Bayamón!
Cline and Denner in concert, June 3, 2011. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Rebecca Cline. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Nicki Denner. Photo by Rudy Lu.
Talent, beauty, and two Steinways... ¡La combinación perfecta! Photo by Rudy Lu.
Rebecca Cline, José E. Cruz, Nicki Denner, and Tim Olsen. Photo by Rudy Lu.