New York City based master timbalero Ralph Irizarry and his 8 piece ensemble Son Cafe was created to celebrate the dance music of Cuban origin made popular by Celia Cruz Pacheco Barretto and others. Ralph Irrizary’s pedigree in this genre is without question. A virtuoso on the timbal drums he came to international prominence in the 1970s playing recording and touring with Ray Barretto’s Salsa Orchestra and followed by a 13-year stint with Ruben Blades and Seis Del Solar.
Ralph Irizarry was born in New York’s Spanish Harlem. His family later moved to Puerto Rico in 1970. He spent there three years working with famous Puerto Rican combos such as La Terrifica, El Gran Combo and Sonora Ponceña. In 1974 he returned to New York
These days while not playing in his own well-know Latin Jazz ensemble Timbalaye, Irizarry has created Son Cafe as an engaging and highly danceable band whose repertoire is mainly based on salsa pura and son cubano. Their exciting novel sound a blend of diverse influences brings to life echoes of such respected aggregations as the legendary Sonora Matancera from Cuba and Puerto Rico’s Sonora Ponceña all combined with the best of the typical New York swing. The group`s powerful delivery is a unique experience for the listener as well as the dancer.
Ralph’s international stature was cemented as a founding member of Ruben Blades’ Seis del Solar. After several world tours and albums with Ruben Blades Ralph was asked to tour and record with the legendary bassist composer and creator of the Mambo: Israel Cachao Lopez. Ralph was immortalized in the films “Cachao: Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos” (produced by Andy Garcia) and the film “Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love”.
Fronted by Ralph’s electrifying timbales, the Son Cafe has featured the dual lead vocals of Jorge Maldonado and Dominican sensation Elsa Ozuna.
Discography:
Timbalaye (1998)
Best Kept Secret, with Timbala (2000)
It’s Time, with Timbala (2004)
Tributo (2006)
Bailando Con Azucar, with SonCafe (2007)
Tributo, with SonCafe (2007)
Viejos Pero Sabrosos, with Los Viejos De La Salsa (2012)
20th Anniversary, with Timbala (2015)
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.
