Poncho Sánchez Latin Jazz Band at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle

Seattle (Washington), USA – Poncho Sánchez Latin Jazz Band will be performing four nights at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. Band members include Poncho Sánchez (Congas), George Ortiz (Timbales), Rene Camacho (Bass), Kye Palmer (Trumpet), Javier Vergara (Alto and Tenor Saxophone), Francisco Torres (Trombone), Alfredo Ortiz (Bongo, Tres) and David Torres (Piano). Set times are Thursday through Saturday April 20-23, 2006 at 7:30PM and 9:30PM and Sunday 6:30PM and 8:30PM.

COST: $26.50. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley is located at 2033 6th Avenue, Suite 255, Seattle, WA 98121. Phone: +1 206.441.9729 x210, Fax: +1 206.443.8247. Touring in support of his most recent release Do It!, Latin jazz bandleader Poncho Sánchez delivers another high-energy recording with his longtime ensemble, as well as some special guests including Tower of Power and Hugh Masekela. A mix of Afro-jazz tunes and Latin inflected funk, Do It! has already garnered rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

More than anything else, Poncho Sánchez is a storyteller. And, as leader of one of the most popular Latin jazz groups in the world today, it’s his congas and seasoned ensemble that do the talking. Live in concert or on recordings, they spin vivacious tales that pay homage to the glories of a half-century tradition that was born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop. One-on-one, the Chicano conguero is equally expressive, recounting in vivid details the encounters, friendships, and passions that have contributed to his remarkable career as a bandleader and recording artist. Behind the choice of every song, album title and guest artist, there’s a story Poncho delights in telling.

Do It!, the latest in a long series of releases that began in 1982 for Concord Picante, is no exception. “Its name is taken from the tune by our trombone player Francisco Torres that was originally called Duet,” Sanchez explains. “It features a duet between the trombone and tenor sax. For a while, we even called it Brothers Duet, and then Francisco suggested we just call it Do It. When we announce it at gigs, the audience starts yelling, ‘Do it, do it!’ So, I said, well, there it is. That has to be the title for the new CD!”