Wednesday
Sep262012
Mambo Legends Orchestra nominated for Latin Grammy
The Mambo Legends Orchestra's "Watch Out! ¡Ten Cuidao!" has been nominated for a Latin Grammy in the "Best Salsa Album" category.
Share Wednesday
Oct192011
Something to anticipate... expected Spring of 2012
For the Love of the Mambo is a documentary film featuring the Mambo Legends Orchestra (former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra) and the Latin Ensemble of the Crane School of Music, State University of New York.
Taking place in New York City and the small northern New York village of Potsdam, the documentary follows a group of enthusiastic young musicians as they discover the mystery, passion, and thrill of performing Latin music with some of the legendary masters of this treasured American art form.
The expected release date for this film is Spring 2012.
You can get up to date information on this project here: For the Love of the Mambo
Wednesday
May112011
What is new with the MLO?
There are always new and exciting endeavors, projects and collaborations happening with the Mambo Legends Orchestra! We are proud to be involved with "For the Love of the Mambo", a documentary film featuring the Mambo Legends Orchestra and the Latin Ensemble of the Crane School of Music, State University of New York.
Taking place in New York City and the small northern New York village of Potsdam, the documentary follows a group of enthusiastic young musicians as they discover the mystery, passion, and thrill of performing Latin music with some of the legendary masters of this treasured American art form.
With an expected release date in Spring of 2012, this is something for MLO fans and friends internationally to watch for and anticipate! www.fortheloveofthemambo.com
Wednesday
Dec152010
It's finally here! Download it today!
The Mambo Legends Orchestra CD is finally here! You can get your copy NOW!
Digital downloads are available HERE
Monday
Sep062010
Mambo Legends Orchestra leaders interview with Jazz Planet TV
September 5, 2010
Mambo Legends Orchestra leaders interviewed by Arturo Gomez for Jazz Planet TV about their performance at the Detroit International Jazz Festival. The Mambo Legends leaders talked about their careers, starting a band independently, their upcoming album release: "Watch Out! ¡Ten Cuadao!", and a little about the rich history of the songs they perform. More information about Jazz Planet can be found HERE.
Tuesday
Aug242010
Detroit Jazz Festival
Detroit Jazz Festival
Sunday, September 5, 2010
9:45pm
You can get more info on the DJF HERE
The Detroit Jazz Fest takes place in the heart of downtown Detroit, ranging from Hart Plaza on the riverfront to beautiful Campus Martius Park, three blocks north.The driving directions below will lead you to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, the official hotel of the 30th annual Detroit Jazz Fest. The Marriott is close to several parking options and within easy walking distance of the festival.
Information on how to get there, where to stay for the festival & who else is playing can be found on the DJF website.
Can't make it to the festival?
Of course, if you can get to the DJIF you want to be there! There is nothing like live music to stir your soul and make your bones rattle! BUT if you can't make it, you should not have to miss out on all of the fun! The Detroit International Jazz Festival has unveiled a unique concept to share the 2010 festival with the world on DJF's Jazz Planet tv - an interactive web experience that will stream via the internet live and taped performances, news flashes, interviews and behind-the-scenes commentary throughout Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3 - 6.
Click on the banner below to watch!
Monday
Aug092010
Just added to the Mambo Legends Website...
A great interview conducted by Eileen Torres with our very own Cita Rodriguez has just been added to our 1on1 page. The first in our interview series with Mambo Legends Orchestra musicians. You can take a look HERE.
Wednesday
May122010
What a review!!!
We just checked out this incredible review from Eileen Tores... it is such a treat for us to read and we wanted to share it with you!
You can visit the review by going to Eileen's page HERE
Thank you for your kind comments Eileen... they are much appreciated!
The best Salsa Orchestra…IN THE WORLD
By
EILEEN TORES
In the 1970s Tipica ’73 boldly proclaimed “somos los campeones de la salsa en Nueva York” (We are the salsa champions in New York). And rightfully so—not many could dispute that statement.
On Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Westgate Lounge in Nyack, New York vocalist, Frankie Vazquez proudly announced “this is the best salsa orchestra… in the world”. I am here to say this is accurate, precise and true.
To whom does this announcement refer? The MAMBO LEGENDS! This 21 piece orchestra (yes 21) created magic in Nyack, NY. From the moment they began the song Blen Blen Blen, we collectively knew we were in for a treat. This band was cooking with nuclear power! They played with dynamics, changing intensity from powerful to silky and in your face to melodically beautiful.
We were in music lover’s paradise. It was like traveling through a time machine. One could imagine the electric atmosphere during the days of the Palladium. It was mambo at its best. The melodic tones from the five saxophones set up mambos and moñas that transported us to other dimensions. The musicians were “in the zone” and many of us went along for the ride.
But how could this big band do any less? The orchestra is a collection of masters. Many of them were part of the Tito Puente Orchestra. They reconfigured after the King’s death and emerged as the Latin Giants of Jazz. They have re-emerged as the Mambo Legends and seem to be tearing it up everywhere they go.
They are led by timbalero, Jose Madera, bongosero, Johnny Rodriguez and saxophonist/flautist, Mitch Froman. A partial list of the personnel also includes Sonny Bravo on piano, George Delgado on congas, Jerry Madera on bass, Pete Miranda on sax and several more. Solo’s by legendry trombonist, Sam Burtis were inspired. Trumpeters Pete Nater and Richie Viruet each took solos and then later did competing solos. It was a tie.
Frankie Vazquez with his street smarts puts forth inspired soneos (vocal improvisations). He employs wit and humor and worked in the names of some in the audience. He sounds just as good in English as demonstrated on the tune Mambo Land which begins with the storyline in English. Joining Frankie on vocals is Marcos Bermudez (who does double duty with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra). His voice transfers perfectly into the two part harmony and is wonderful on lead vocals.
Cita Rodriguez is the band’s rising star. She is the daughter of legendary Fania All Star vocalist, Pete “El Conde ” (The Count) Rodriguez. It is apparent she learned much at his knee. Her voice is strong, clear and controlled. There is no struggle, no discomfort, no failed attempts. She delivers with ease. Whether singing chorus or the lead, upbeat or bolero, Cita’s voice is on pointe. In addition, her vocal harmony is exact.
Celia Cruz will always be the Queen of Salsa, and La India is called the Princess of Salsa. However, Cita Rodriguez deserves the title of Countess of Salsa. She is salsa royalty.
Cita made it clear she was on stage representing women. She is a single mother, a school teacher by day and a songstress by night. Her song Ahora Mismo tore the house down. It is marvelous that this woman has penetrated the male dominated salsa world. She is now situated on top of that world singing for The best Salsa Orchestra…IN THE WORLD.