December 22, 2006—The Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s “Gusto at the Gallery” series continues with an evening devoted to to the the darkroom, dancing and drinking - in that order. At 5 p.m. participants are invited to make a photograph in a portable darkroom and learn about Christmas tradition from around the world. That’s followed by instructions in the cha-cha and a performance by the Wendell Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble. If you’re not sufficiently warm by them, partake in AKAG’s annual scotch and eggnog tasting. It’s all free. For more information call the gallery at 270-8292

WENDELL RIVERA’S Latin Jazz Ensemble
with John Patitucci
July 23, 2006—Buffalo, New York—-WPR Records and Camer Productions will celebrate the new release of Wendell Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble at The Burchfield -Penney Art Center on Friday July 28, 2006. The new recording features international jazz star John Patitucci on bass, Dave Kayne on vibes, Pat Georger on piano, Andrew Weinzler on sax/flute, John Bacon Jr. on drums and Wendell Rivera on percussion. Read the rest of this entry »

100 INDEPENDENT LATIN JAZZ RECORDINGS
By Nelson Rodriguez

In the past two decades, Latin jazz has evolved as a powerful voice for musicians, starting in the ’90s as an alternative vehicle for Latin musicians to express their individual voices. Young veterans like Humberto Ramirez, Papo Vasquez, Charlie Sepulveda, Giovanni Hidalgo, John Santos and Bobby Sanabria took their craft to another level as soloists. Aside from giants such as Paquito D’Rivera, Danilo Perez, Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes, Michel Camilo, Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria and Eddie Palmieri, the following is a ‘food for thought’ list of Top Latin Jazz recordings by independent labels/artists, in no particular order. These are my Top 100 recordings from the past few decades that should be part of any collection. If you have other picks, feel free to contact me at n2001rod@aol.com for your comments or come bend my ear at the LB Latin Jazz Symposium at Long Beach State University on April 19 and 20, 2004. Read on for rankings…

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Tuesday, May 30th, 2006 at Bobby McGee’s 8:30 - 11:30
3500 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14226 (716) 837 - 8338
Wendell Rivera, percussion Andy Weinzler, saxophone & flute Dave
Kayne, vibes Pat Georger, piano John Curry, bass your host,
drum set.  Read the rest of this entry »