Latin Jazz vibraphonist Bobby Vince Paunetto passed away in Bronx, New York on August 10th, 2010, at the age of 66 from complications of multiple sclerosis. Born in 1944, Paunetto resided at times in the Bronx (New York) and taught at the Berklee College of Music. After being inspired by the great vibraphonist and drummer Cal Tjader, Paunetto found a love for Latin Jazz.
Paunetto recorded several albums El Sonido Moderno (The Modern Sound), Commit to Memory, Composer in Public and Reconstituted to name a few. Paunetto was busy in the music scene until the 1990s.
Paunetto recorded with San Francisco Bay Area’s Tom Harrell; legendary New York Latin bassist Andy Gonzalez (Conjunto Libre); conga drummer and Latin jazz trumpet player Jerry Gonzalez, brother of Andy; and the late timbales legend Manny Oquendo (Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri’s La Perfecta Band and Conjunto Libre fame).
Paunetto’s inspiration will be appreciated and greatly missed.
Author: Les Moncada
Les Moncada is a former Latin Jazz orchestra leader and conguero for over 40 years. He was born in Oakland, California and currently resides in Sacramento, California. Les Moncada was an apprentice to conga and batá master Francisco Aguabella, a friend of vibraphonist Cal Tjader, Latin Jazz band leader Pete Escovedo, conguero Armando Peraza and many more. He has been writing for many years for World Music Central. Les Moncada’s Facebook site is: Timbales and Congas Bongo Bata and bells.
another great that leaves us a salsa dura that the new generation should listen and recpect RIP MAESTRO