Marcus Gordon

I wanted to post a pic that our man in San Francisco sent over, (Geordie). He is playing a little rumba, and guess who stops by? Non other than Marcus Gordon. Marcus was a big early influence on the West Coast bata drumming scene, having come from New York, and playing with guys like Gene Golden. More info on Marcus soon...

(Per Geordie: I'm the golfer, the young guy is Matt Leffel, just moved here from NY and studies with Jesus Diaz, the guy with the beard is James aka taikonoatama who did the rumba clave blog and has a ton of drums, the other man (to the left) is Marcus Gordon.

Manny Oquendo....

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of the greatest proponents of Afro-Caribbean Music. Manny Oquendo's resume reads like a who's who of luminaries with whom he has played his Timbal and Bongos. I first became aware of him as a member of Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta where he and Tommy Lopez laid down some of the hottest and sweetest rhythms ever recorded. His work with Libre and Grupo Folklorico Y Experimental Nuevayorquino were ground breaking to say the least. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Ilu Aye 3.27.09

(Fidel, Jonathan, Bembesito, Norka, Photo Credit: Ilu Aye)

This Friday, if you got plans, than break them, if you want to impress your girl than take a trip uptown and catch Ilu Aye once again at the infamous "La Pregunta Arts Cafe". Definitely worth the price of admission.

La Pregunta Arts Cafe
1528 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10031
(347) 438-3236

They say 9pm, but probably won't start until 10pm, call ahead.

Manuel Martinez "El Llanero Solitario"

Willie told me about a new recording by Pedrito & Roman called "Rumbos de la Rumba." Needless to say, it is well done, and true to their style. Pedrito's quinto and singing is on point, and "Pescao" does an excellent job as well, chambele, chambele, chambele....etc....

It's been a while since I have written but this particular album has sparked my interest in the great Manuel Martinez. Manuel who came to NYC via the Mariel exodus, was and is probably the most overlooked, underrated and under-appreciated rumberos to hit these shores. Pedrito and Roman dedicate a track on their latest project to Manuel, aptly titled, "El Monumento". But this leads me to a specific question, what is going on with "El Llanero"? Is he still in the Bronx? How is his health? I hate to ask, but is he even still alive?

Can anyone drop some intel as to his whereabouts, and what he has been up to? Unfortunately the last pic I saw of Manuel had him laying up in some kind of resthome, but that's the last thing I've seen. Can anyone shed some light?

(Manuel doing what he does best, Photo Credit: Mark Sanders)