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World Music Central

Your Connection to traditional and contemporary World Music, including folk, roots, global music, ethno and crosscultural fusions
World Music Central
Your Connection to traditional and contemporary World Music, including folk, roots, global music, ethno and crosscultural fusions
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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.
Articles

Dazzling Female Instrumentalists in Latin Music

Les Moncada September 3, 2012 No Comments

Women in Latin music have taken a recent big turnaround. Long ago, there were was La Lupe, a gracious fiery singer, and Graciela, whose graceful…

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Obituaries

Yomo Toro, Cuatro Guitar Legend Dies at 78

Les Moncada July 2, 2012 2 Comments

One of the legends of Puerto Rican music, guitarist Yomo Toro died on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11:40 pm after more than a month…

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Obituaries

Legendary Puerto Rican Salsa Singer Junior Gonzalez Dies at 63

Les Moncada May 11, 2012 7 Comments

Legendary salsa singer and sonero like no other, Junior Gonzalez, died May 10th of pancreas and liver complications. He was one of the greatest salsa…

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Articles

A Tribute To The Late Conguero Giant, Francisco Aguabella

Les Moncada May 7, 2012 1 Comment

Francisco Aguabella was born in Matanzas, Cuba in 1925. He was an Afro-Cuban master drummer. Francisco played with different sets of drums from Cuba, from…

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Interviews

An Intimate Interview with Latin Piano Legend Larry Harlow

Les Moncada March 2, 2012 1 Comment

Larry “El Judio Maravilloso” Harlow of New York City is one of the legendary salsa piano players alive. He began climbing in his career when…

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Interviews

An Intimate Interview with Mambo Master Tito Rodriguez Jr.

Les Moncada February 20, 2012 2 Comments

Tito Rodriguez Jr. is the son of the legendary Latin orchestra leader and singer Tito Rodriguez Sr., from New York City who was also a…

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Obituaries

Salsa Master Jimmy Sabater Dies at 76

Les Moncada February 9, 2012 5 Comments

Jaime Sabater Sr., better known as Jimmy Sabater died in New York City on February 8th, 2012. Jimmy Sabater was a legendary Latin music vocalist…

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Interviews

Red Baraat Taking the Nation by Storm!

Les Moncada August 14, 2011 No Comments

New York City’s Red Baraat has taken the nation by storm. They recently released their first CD, Chaal Baby, a must buy CD for your…

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General News

Born To Drum Women’s Drum Camp 2011 in Northern California

Les Moncada June 14, 2011 1 Comment

The Born to Drum Women’s Drum Camp is a 4-day camp for women and girls 15 and older. Born To Drum takes place July 1,…

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Book Reviews

Wildman of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré

Les Moncada May 6, 2011 No Comments

Wildman of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré by John Radanovich University Press of Florida; 1st edition (September 27, 2009) Benny More was…

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