Aug 21, 2010 - That the great bandleader and percussionist Tito Puente is his father can not be disputed - seeing Tito Puente Jr. is like seeing a picture of his father from the 1960s. His gestures evoke memories of the great percussionist that some lucky ones got to see perform live and many of us will only see on video. Backed by Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad, Tito Puente Jr. performed at The Granada on Friday night and will continue to perform around town this weekend - Saturday at the Conga Room and Sunday at the Universal City Walk during the day and at Stevens Steakhouse in the evening. The presentations are part of a tour promoting Puente Jr.'s latest CD "Got Mambo?" in which he presents original material inspired by his father's music, as well as some well-known classics.
Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad sounded genuine with its two trombones, three saxophones, and the vibes, just as Tito Puente would have liked it. Furthermore, a few musicians who've been at it for a while added weight to it - Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez (who spent about 30 years with the Tito Puente band) played the bongos, Papo Rodriguez the congas, Artie Webb the flute, Polanco the trombone and the vibes, and of course Tito Puente Jr. the timbal.
Great night in Alhambra remembering the legacy that the great Tito Puente gifted us, while enjoying the talent of our time.
[E-mail your name to dena@vidasalsera.com to be added to the guest list to see Tito Puente Jr. at the Conga Room tonight.]
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