Live From Stern Grove Festival (Concord Picante/Stiletto Flats, 2012)
Renowned Latin jazz timbalero and band leader Pete Escovedo has a new live album titled Live From Stern Grove Festival. Although the digital release came out in late 2012, the CD version comes out in 2013.
Pete Escovedo is a well-known figure in the American West Coast Latin jazz scene. This live album was recorded on July 22, 2012 at Stern Grove Festival, one of the most prestigious outdoor live events in San Francisco (California).
Live From Stern Grove Festival features a mix of hot Latin jazz, smooth jazz and salsa, with a modern perspective. It’s great to hear a live Latin jazz band where the electric guitar and piano play, along with percussion play an important role.
The concert featured Pete Escovedo and his musical family, including sons Peter Michael, Juan, and his daughter, famed drummer and percussionist Sheila E. Band lineup included Pete Escovedo on timbales, Juan Escovedo on congas, Peter Michael Escovedo on drums, Joe Rotondi on piano, Michael Angel Alvarado on guitar; Marc Van Wageningen on bass, Mario Gonzales on trumpet, Louis Fasman on trumpet, Kerry Loeschen on trombone, Joel Behrman on trombone; and Melecio Magdaluyo on saxophone and flute.
Guest artists included guitarist Ray Obiedo, famed trumpet player Arturo Sandoval, and saxophonist Dave Koz.
Album highlights include ‘Brasileiro,’ ‘True or False,’ ‘Solo tú,’ and Sueños de los toreros.’
Live From Stern Grove Festival is the third live recording from Stern Grove Festival. “Stern Grove Festival has built a solid reputation as a premier venue for amazing live performances that draw enthusiastic crowds,” said Festival executive director, Steven Haines. “With this latest live recording, we’re thrilled that audiences around the world can hear more of these one-of-a-kind performances that take place every summer at Stern Grove Festival.”
On the weakness side, the lack of proofreading in the CD booklet. The piece ‘Brasileiro’ is repeatedly misspelled and, as evidenced by web searches; lazy journalists have copied the incorrect title. In addition, the song ‘Sueños de los toreros’ appears without the ñ and with an extra r.
Overall, Live From Stern Grove Festival is a splendid Latin jazz live album.
Buy Live From Stern Grove Festival
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
