Bobby Sanabria Big Band at the Apollo Theater
For the audience who experienced the Bobby Sanabria Big Band on June 18 at the Apollo celebrating the musical wonders of Mario Bauzá, it was a magical evening of intense Latin rhythms, improvisational highs, poetry and profound musicianship. Bobby Sanabria and his 19 piece big band, along with guests Felipe Luciano, David Amram, ‘La Bruja, Chareneé Wade, Jon Faddis, and the legendary (90 year old) Candido Camero had the Apollo audience dancing in their seats, singing, chanting and feeling the inner motion of the clavé beat. Electric concerts such as this happen only once in a while and it was an honor to be there. Felipe Luciano got the evening started with a spirited rap to pulsating percussion section with his piece ‘Rhythms’. The players in this band all have individual and strong creative musical voices. When playing together as the Bobby Sanabria Big Band, they soar. The next three pieces, ‘Mosscode’, Nuryorican Son, and Congo Mulence featured soloists from the band and the audience was there with every nuanced note. When Bobby Sanabria introduced Chareneé Wade to sing ‘Since I Fell For You’, she melted the audience and took them on a joyous vocal ride. The 80 year old, musician extraordinaire, David Amram joined the band soloing on penny whistles taking the evening to another high point. Then, La Bruja, Candido and Jon Faddis entered to bring down the house with the performance of Manteca. Latin Jazz is strong and alive in the hands of the leader of the cause, Bobby Sanabria. Be on the lookout for Bobby as he rises to greater recognition. In other words…..check him out!!!!
