Bobby Sanabria & Band Perform at Birdland

Band leader, drummer and LP player Bobby Sanabria
before the performance

by Marcia Stevenson

The name Birdland is synonymous with great jazz and it was no exception when LP player Bobby Sanabria and his band performed to a packed house. It was my first trip to Birdland and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to hear the band and experience this renowned club.

To share the event, I brought my friend Norina Morales, Noro Morales' daughter. For those of you who are not familiar with Noro, he was a giant in the Latin music scene in from the 1940's to 1960's. Of Puerto Rican descent, he was a pioneer for getting the Latin sound into the New York club scene. In fact, Tito Puente's first professional gigs were with Noro.

We arrived early, wanting to get a good seat and meet up with LP endorsers. Not long after we arrived, I spotted LP artists Candido Camero and "Chembo" Corniel. Chembo a well respected percussionist and all around nice guy was thrilled to meet Noro's daughter.

Featured performer and longtime LP player Candido.

Candido was gracious and spent time with us reminiscing about the good old days. Amazingly, he recalled concerts including the dates and clubs where he had seen Noro Morales and his band perform both in New York and Puerto Rico over thirty five years ago. Candido immigrated to the US from Cuba in 1946 and is credited with being the first conguero to integrate into the New York Jazz scene. During Candido's incredible career, he has collaborated with such musical giants as Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Taylor,Tony Bennett and Tito Puente.

While the very busy band leader and LP endorser Bobby Sanabria was preparing for the concert, he was kind enough to spend a few minutes with me. Earlier I had spotted some very worn LP cowbells on his drumkit and was curious why he would not choose newer versions. He explains, "As the bells are played the surface becomes work hardened this may change the sound characteristics. My bells may look like they are on the last legs but I get a very good sound from them."

LP player Chembo on conga!

Bobby is recognized as one of the major players in the world of Afro-Cuban Jazz and his playing that night confirms it. Before the performance he thoughtfully introduced his 20 band members, giving a bit of background on each player including LP artist: Candido Camero, "Chembo" Corniel . He also mentioned that the multi-racial and international band pays homage to the freedom we experience in America.

The clubs intimate seating arrangement features a semi-circular, tiered design, this allows a good view of the stage; the food and service was also excellent. The concert featured two solo performances, John Stubblefield on tenor saxophone and Candido on conga.

John Stubblefield began his career with the Motown sound and has since played live and in the studio with many great Jazz and Afro-Cuban players. His solo was very exciting, evident by the audience rousing applause.

LP Founder Martin Cohen has often praised Candido's playing and I must confess his performance was incredible. It is hard to believe that he is 78 years old. He plays with total conviction and concentration, so convincingly, that the listener is transformed to his divine world.

The seasoned performer, Candido mentioned that each and every performance "is like my first and I enjoy them more and more." Norina summed up the performance appropriately enough, "Who wouldn't like this music?!"

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To read a review and hear a sound clip of Bobby's 2001 Grammy Nominated CD, please CLICK HERE.