Newark, NJ-When you think of Latin Jazz, innovators like the great Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Arturo Sandoval, Chico O’Farrill and the magnificent Eddie Palmieri are just a few names that come to mind.
They’re among the many talented artisans within the Afro Caribbean genre who introduced the astounding sounds of Latin Jazz and Salsa that still reign prominent through today’s Latin American culture.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, that classic flavor made its presence felt at the eminent New Jersey Performing Arts Center Saturday night with some of the biggest luminaries gracing its vibrant stage.
Iconic Grammy Award winning pianist, composer, and maestro musician Eddie Palmieri blessed the spotlight with his preserving virtuoso flare flawlessly hitting those melodic keystrokes.
He teamed up with classic companerios (companions) Jersey native Grammy winning vocalist Herman Olivera, outstanding Bassist Luques Curtis and their all-star orchestra blazing their seasoned flow to vintage tunes “Oyelo Que Te Conviene” “Palo Pa’ Rumba” and timeless cut “Vamonos Pa’l Monte” getting fans donning their two-step twirls.
Following the majestic trailblazer was Grammy Award director of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and paternal protégé to Afro Cuban Jazz legend the late “Chico” O’Farrill, pianist and conductor extraordinaire Arturo O’Farrill with his elegant ensemble.
Perfectly interlacing their savory instrumental smoothness to hits “Baby Jack” “Gulab Jamon” and fan favorite “Para Los Rumberos” belting out that tantalizing sophisticated Jazzy aura.
Closing the magnificent melodious event was none other than “El Pavarotti de La Salsa” (the Pavarotti of Salsa) the vivifying Tito Nieves taking to the stage in true festive formation serenading the elated crowd to his remarkable array of classics “El Amor Mas Bonito” and “Fabricando Fantasias” driving admirers to turn the aisles of NJPAC into a full blown dance hall.
The romantic crooner continued slaying his sensual pizzazz on “De Mi Enamorate” and the enticingly adorned piece “I’ll Always Love You” mesmerizing concert goers throughout the entire coliseum.
These fascinating musicians put forth exclusive superior performances relinquishing the very essence of their passion driven craftsmanship and love for their cherished Latino heritage.
