Francisco Aguabella, born in Matanzas (Cuba) told me that Esteban “Cha Cha” Vega Bacallo was the first individual to place the small okonkolo batá…
Les Moncada Remembering Francisco Aguabella
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.
An Afro-Cuban-Latin Jazz Chat with pianist Michele Rosewoman of New York City
I have a passion for pianists whom perform and include in their bands an Afro-Cuban percussion section, performing Latin Jazz with Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms…
Interview with Norka Tibisay Regalado, Daughter of Timbales Legend Rudy Regalado
The late Rudy Regalado, timbalero of timbaleros, was a genuine and outstanding timbales maestro and Latin Orchestra Leader as well as a highly regarded sideman…
A Chat with Latin Vocalist, Joe Bataan – Part 2
Part of the Latin Heritage Series: From Mambo to Salsa! Joe, you crossed over in music at times. What style of music are you known…
A Chat with Latin Vocalist, Joe Bataan
Part of the Latin Heritage Series: From Mambo to Salsa! My West Coast Story:On the West Coast, in 1973, musicians and dancers alike were…
An interview with Pete Bonet, Renowned Latin Orchestra Vocalist and Mambo to Salsa Pioneer
Part of the Latin Legacy Series: From Mambo to Salsa! Puerto Rico has such a beautiful and rich heritage: culture, beaches, music, food… One special…
An interview with Enrique Papo Lucca, famed Salsa and Latin Jazz Pianist, and Director of La Sonora Ponceña
Latin Legacy Series: From Mambo to Salsa! The island or Puerto Rico is known as La isla del encanto (The Island of Enchantment) and has…
A 2013 Tribute to Cuban Conga Legend Francisco Aguabella
When I was a young Latin music percussionist, I would strive to find the best musicians to look at on stage and study their techniques.…
An interview with Mario Grillo, Son of Renowned Latin Jazz Pioneer Francisco Raul Gutierrez Grillo “Machito”
Latin Legacy Series: From Mambo to Salsa! In the 1950’s there was the dance craze of mambo, cha cha cha and rumba, and Machito’s Orchestra…
Chat with Percussionist Melena
Melena Francis Valdés is a prominent Latin percussionist and orchestra leader, who is deeply influenced by folkloric Afro-Cuban drumming. Melena recently relocated from Los Angeles…