MIGUELO VALDES 10.11.18
PERSONNEL
Congas: Miguelo Valdes
Bass: John Benítez
Piano: Josh Benitez
Drums: Francis Benitez
Saxophone: Ivan Renta
This evening's festivities had a few hiccups early... the featured performer Miguelo Valdes was running late due to delays at the airport, and the weather wasn't particularly cooperative. Upon arriving, Valdes literally dropped his bags and jumped on stage as the remainder of the band started the show, and proceeded to beat the drums into total submission! It was wild... the crowd was mystified. Valdes is truly masterful on the congas, playing incredibly fast and with great soulful passion. It was an unreal display of pure power unleashed. The night's program was a true rollercoaster ride of groove... with elements of funk, soul, and heavy traditional Afro Cuban passages. John Benítez's bass work was a highlight as the band was really swinging. His sons Josh and Francis held down the piano and drums respectively, and Ivan Renta's saxophone tone was tremendous. It was impossible not to move and chant once the band was at full tilt.
Brothers (waiting) at arms... Saxophonist Ivan Renta and bassist John Benítez warming up, in anticipation of Miguelo Valdes' arrival.
Miguelo Valdes in total command with drummer _______ Benítez along for the ride.
A true family affair: Josh Benítez on piano played beautifully.
John Benítez's bass solos were on full display this evening. The 5-time Grammy winner had played previously in the Dangerous Rhythms series with Los Habeneros in April.
The re-birth of cool: Caught this before the start of the second set. The first official costume change in Dangerous Rhythms history.
The whole kit and kaboodle.
In one of the standout moments of the night, singer _________ joined the band on stage and wailed on an uptempo Chano Pozo number.
Exit stage right... the band watches on as __________ takes center stage.
Renta's playing of soprano and tenor saxophone were powerful and perfectly balanced admist the frenetic pace.
Valdes brings the energy... the crowd was definitely feeling it this evening!