Arts at the Palace in Hamilton will host a free community engagement workshop followed by a concert featuring Los Pleneros de la 21 in September.

Attendees can learn to dance and drum from a team of world-renowned LP21 artists at 7 p.m. Sept. 27. LP21 will guide and engage participants through an informative and interactive session of Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena chants, dance and drumming components.

The concert follows at 8 p.m. Sept. 28. The LP21 ensemble, an exceptional mix of Puerto Rican folk masters and professional musicians, are all united in their common cause to expose the importance of traditional Puerto Rican music.

They have pioneered the road for Bomba and Plena performance and are responsible for expanding platforms for continued performance, learning and the presentation of Bomba and Plena—paving the way for many other musicians who now share their stage.

LP21′s landmark community-based cultural and educational programs, such as Bomba and Plena Community Workshops for adult and kids, Bomba and Plena in the house for New York City school children, and Cultural Legacy Programs, have created a common space for the recognition, education and practice of Puerto Rican culture and identity.

Their programs have educated thousands of individuals, young and old, and inspired dozens of performing groups and aspiring musicians to become leaders in their own right as they carry Bomba and Plena into the future for generations to come.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for college students with valid ID or $15 for youth.

This engagement of Los Pleneros de la 21 is funded through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. The performance is also sponsored by Colgate University’s Department of Theater.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 315-824-1420 or visit artsatthepalace.org.

“LOS PLENEROS DE LA 21” (LP21) CELEBRATE 35 YEARS AS THE PREMIER PRACTITIONERS OF THE “BOMBA” AND “PLENA” STYLES WITHIN THE “LATIN DIASPORA” WITH THEIR DEBUT RELEASE ON TRUTH REVOLUTION RECORDING COLLECTIVE “LIVE AT PREGONES”!

Featuring: 

Juan J. Gutierrez “Juango”, Camilo Molina, Julia Gutierrez-Rivera, Nelson Matthew Gonzalez, Nicholas Laboy, Gabriel Lugo “Gabo”, Karenly Nieves, Flaco Navaja, Alexander LaSalle, Zaccai Curtis, Pablo Mayor, Alex Ayala “Apolo”, Ivan Renta and Hommy Ramos

Produced by Camilo Molina, Juan J. Gutierrez and Julia Gutierrez-Rivera

The “plena” and the “bomba” may be “traditional” and “folkloric”, but they can also be popular and contemporary, and it is that innovation that “Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21) bring to the tradition while maintaining its essence that makes their achievement unique. The upbeat music draws people in, which is evident from the hundreds who regularly pack the group’s concerts and community events. “Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21) inhabit a vital and distinctive space in the contemporary Puerto Rican musical landscape.

On “Live at Pregones”, their debut CD for Truth Revolution Recording Collective, a number of the musicians within “Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21) participated in a live recording session for the first time.

“Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21) formed as a group in 1983, as the culmination of an enduring relationship of master and apprentice, between Juan J. “Juango” Gutiérrez, a Puerto Rican musician and LP21’s founder, and the legendary “plena” practitioner Marcial Reyes. Juango, followed the pride he had in his Puerto Rican heritage to assemble “Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21), as a unique gathering of traditional practitioners and versed, working New York musicians, to perform the signature genres of “Afro-Puerto Rican” music: “bomba”and “plena”.

“Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21) pioneered the road for “bomba” and “plena” performance, and are responsible for expanding platforms for the continued performance, learning and celebration of the two sub-genres. In brief, “Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21) has succeeded in transporting Puerto Rican roots music around the globe, and continues to guide and inspire others to actively participate in performing and celebrating the traditional music of Puerto Rico.

The band includes; Juan J. Gutierrez “Juango” on percussion and chorus, Camilo Molina (Eddie Palmieri, Santana, Papo Vasquez and the Mighty Pirates Troubadours) on percussion, vocals and chorus (musical director), Julia Gutierrez-Rivera on percussion, chorus and dance, Nelson Matthew Gonzalezon percussion, chorus and dance (Bobby Sanabria, Hector Tricoche), Nicholas Laboy on percussion and chorus, Gabriel Lugo “Gabo” on percussion, Karenly Nieves on vocals and chorus (Migrant Motel, 427 Flavah Factory, The Ibetnia Project), Flaco Navaja on vocals and chorus (Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam), Alexander LaSalle on vocals (track 4) (Elio Villafranca), Zaccai Curtis on piano (Ralph Peterson, Cindy Blackman-Santana, Donald Harrison), Pablo Mayor on piano (track 3) (Orquesta Broadway, Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra), Alex Ayala “Apolo” on bass (Paoli Mejias, Nestor Torres, Gilberto Santa Rosa), Ivan Renta(Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colon, “Chembo” Corniel) on tenor saxophone

“It is that warmth, energy and love that we hope is conveyed in this recording.”

Co-Producers Camilo Molina, Juan J. Gutierrez “Juango”, and Julia Gutierrez-Rivera represent three successive generations within “Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21). In conjunction with sound engineer Javier Raez they were able to create a fresh take on the classic sounds of an ensemble that has thrilled audiences for the past 35 years.

“Maria Antonia” a composition from “bomba” and “plena” giant Marcial Reyes Arvelo, which was arranged by Juan J. Gutierrez “Juango”and Ricardo Pons opens the album on a delightful and vibrant note, transporting the listener to the concrete streets of the East Bronx and Spanish Harlem, in tandem with the rolling hills of Ponce in Puerto Rico.

“Somos Boricuas” an original by Juan J. Gutierrez “Juango”has a very simple and yet powerful message, which speaks to the fact that regardless of whether on the island or in the neighborhoods of the East Bronx and Spanish Harlem, Puerto Rican heritage, culture, spirit and camaraderie resonates with great pride. 

“This live album is the first one of our own production. Further, as a concert that was hosted in Pregones Theater, one of our longest standing partners and collaborators, the concert setting which resulted in this album was especially significant for us, as we were able to share with our community, family, friends and dearest supporters the unveiling of our new faces, talents, and energies, all embracing our signature sound.”

“Camelia”, written by Angel Luis Torruellas and arranged by Juan J. Gutierrez “Juango” features the propulsive piano work of Pablo Mayor, known quite well for his associations with the legendary Orquesta Broadway, along with his writing for Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. The eloquence of Mayor’s piano playing, merged with the sublime lyrical content of this selection make for a serene listening experience to be had by all.

Completing the album is a selection that might be called Marical Reyes Arvelo’s masterpiece. Entitled “Puerto Rico” it is particularly fitting after the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria, that this song mark the conclusion of an album celebrating the impact of “Los Pleneros de la 21’s” (LP21’s) 35 year legacy on the Puerto Rican community in New York City, the island itself and around the world. Arranged by Juan J. Gutierrez “Juango”, this serves as a rallying cry for Puerto Ricans everywhere to remember their roots and to come together as one people in celebration of a beautiful homeland.

“Live at Pregones” from “Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21) is a monumental achievement for not only the proliferation, preservation and promotion of the musical subgenres of “bomba” and “plena”, but for the entire “Latin musical diaspora” as we know it. From the featured vocals of Alexander LaSalle on “Candelario Alomar” to the anthemic “Plena Plenita” and the transcendent bliss of “Morena”, complimented by the power and passion of “Don Pedro” and “Santigualo”, this album not only has something for the most seasoned fans of the “bomba” and “plena” respectively, but serves as the perfect introduction to these timeless styles and their premier practitioners.

“This recording is meant to showcase and highlight the mark of another era of the “Los Pleneros de la 21’s” (LP21’s) history. This project allowed us to really stimulate the younger generation of musicians that had grown up with us and our sounds to take leadership in the group. It is a ‘reinterpretation’ or ‘re-envisioning’ of our classic sounds as performed by the next generation.”Bandcamp
iTunes
CDbaby

“Los Pleneros de la 21” (LP21)~ “Live at Pregones” Release Date: 11/21/2018

For more information on “Live at Pregones”please visit:
losplenerosdela21.org

For more information on Truth Revolution Records, please visit:
TruthRevolutionRecords.com

On Wednesday September 20, 2017,  Truth Revolution Records artist Little Johnny Rivero brought the house down at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in NYC with his fiery brand of Latin Jazz. It was an engagement originally scheduled for earlier this year during the winter but was canceled due to a snowstorm that touched down in the NYC area.

This event, which was a part of the 8^th annual Coca-Cola Generations In Jazz Festival @Dizzy’s  featured the percussionist in a setting most are not used to seeing him in, as a leader in a club known primarily for Jazz music. Touring the world with legendary multi Grammy award winning pianist & composer Eddie Palmieri doesn’t allow Rivero much time to work on his own projects, which made this gig even more special. The musicians joining him onstage were Louis Fouché alto sax, Alex Norris trumpet, Zaccai Curtis piano, Luques Curtis bass & Joel Matéo drums. Fouché & Luques Curtis are also members of the Eddie Palmieri Salsa Band & Latin Jazz Group and with the exception of Alex Norris, all the other musicians also appear on Little Johnny’s latest CD titled Music In Me. Much of the music performed on this night came from the aforementioned CD. Everyone had a chance to shine; from the blistering solos of Fouché & Norris, the slick montunos of Zaccai Curtis, the solid & swinging bass lines of Luques Curtis to the team work of drummer Joel Matéo, providing support for the soloists by pushing when necessary while at the same time locking in rhythmically with Rivero. And then there was the leader himself. Little Johnny’s solos are a force to be reckoned with. The hand speed that he applies is awe inspiring without being mechanical or overly technical. Many percussionists like to play fast but it usually ends up being a case of style over substance, or as the late great timbalero Manny Oquendo used to say “all rolls & no butter.”  With Little Johnny, the rolls are hot & buttered on both sides; he makes every note count and it fits. He proved that to the audience a number of times, with the most notable being an extended solo that served as an into to Alambique, a tune from the CD composed by pianist Eric Figueroa & arranged by Zaccai Curtis.

Little Johnny & His Giants is in the process of putting together a tour which means they may be coming to a venue near you. Take my advice, do not miss this band!

Keith Thomas
September 2017

Photo by Keith Thomas

Music In Me, the latest release from Little Johnny Rivero is available from Truth Revolution Records: https://truthrevolutionrecords.com/albums/littlejohnnyrivero-musicinme

Artist website:http://www.littlejohnnyrivero.com/

Truth Revolution Records artists at the Zinc Bar coming up for 3 weeks straight!

All of these artists have new releases from 2015 and will be rocking their music this month at the Zinc Bar! So make your way down to the village and warm up at one of NYC’s hottest Jazz establishments! Most of these shows have a jam session right after that attracts the city’s finest young musicians so you might want to stick around for that as well!

Ralph Irizarry & Timbalaye – Tuesday – 1.26.2016 – 8PM

Ralph Irizarry has been one of the most sought-after percussionists in the studio and on tours for the last 30 years. Irizarry celebrates the inception of his group Timbalaye on his new project ‘20th Anniversary’, featuring original compositions and arrangements written by past Timbalaye collaborators.

Roberto Quintero – Congas
Anibal Rojas – Sax
Adan Perez – Piano
Apollo Ayala – Bass
Hommy Ramos – Trombone
Dennis Hernandez – Trumpet
Ralphie irizarry – Timbales

Albert Rivera (Vandoren Jam) – Monday – 2.01.2016 – 10PM

Downbeat magazine called Albert and his band “part of the next wave in this jazz ritual.” He was selected as a 2012 Chamber Music America Residency Grant and a winner of the 2009 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award. He is the current Director of Operations at the Litchfield Jazz Camp.

Zaccai Curtis – Piano
Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere – Bass
Ian Carroll – Drums
TBA – Trumpet

Marcus Persiani – Tuesday – 2.02.2016 – 8PM

As a piano player, Marcus has been a steady, vital presence in New York City’s uptown jam-session scene. In his role as leader, Persiani has just released a new CD, “Uptown Suite.” It features original compositions that capture Harlem in its many musical tones and colors, from the blues, “Stoney Island,” paying homage to his Chicago roots, to the Latin-jazz-waltz “Mineret.”

Duane Eubanks – Trumpet
Reggie Nicholson – Drums
Zaid Shukri – bass

Cocomama – Tuesday – 2.09.2016 – 8PM

The debut album Quiero celebrates the coming together of wide ranging musical experiences, three different languages and the collective artistry of nine creative women. Quiero showcases the band members’ songwriting abilities and individual musical strengths. “It was time to make a recording reflecting our current sound because so many people associated us only with Latin dance music.” by Musical Director Nicki Denner

Karina Colis – Drums
Jennifer Vincent – Bass
Nicki Denner – Piano
Christelle Durandy – Vocals, Percussion
Ariacne Trujillo – Vocals