On December 7, 2010 John and his son, Francis Benitez brought their respective bands to the congahead.com studio to perform.
Videos
Hector Morales video session at congahead.com studio
On November 21, 2010 percussionist/bandleader Hector Morales brought his band to the congahead.com studio to record two tunes.
Lara Bello at Drom
Spanish singer, Lara Bello brought her vocal talents to Lower East Side music club, Drom with an all star band comprised of Jason Lindner, keyboard; Yayo Sirca, drums and Armando Gola, bass.
New York Gypsy All Stars
On November 6, 2010 the exciting and different New York Gypsy All Stars created 3 videos at congahead.com studio featuring a United Nations of musicians. Tamer Pinarbasi, kanun (Turkey); Ismail “Smajko” Lumanovski (Macedonia), clarinet; Engin Gunaydin (Turkey), drums; Panagiotis Andreou (Greece), bass; Jason Lindner (US), keyboard and Sebastian Nikoll (Germany), conga
Celebrating Carlos “Patato” Valdez’s birthday.
Born roughly November 4, 1925, Carlos “Patato” Valdez was one of the most influential figures in the development of my career and that of the LP, percussion company I founded in 1964. It was love at first sight for me. He was talented, funny and a bit crazy. He helped me hone my hanging out chops in the after hour clubs in the Bronx and in the parties in his apartment. He was a part of my life for nearly 40 years. With his help I introduced a conga design that has his name and a bata drum set in fiberglass that was a bit oversized. In 1979 he was part of a band I founded that included Tito Puente and Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez called the Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble that made 3 European trips and one to Japan. If the trips themselves were costly to me, they helped me develop a global business that became a powerful brand in percussion.
Patato died in a hospital outside of Cleveland, Ohio on November 11, 2007
Mambo Legends at SOB
On October 29, 2010 the renowned orchestra, Mambo Legends brought their musical brilliance to SOB in NYC
Kaïssa at Zinc Bar
Cameroonian singer, fresh from her world tour with David Byrne performed at the Zinc Bar in NYC
Raphael Cruz Quintet in Montvale, NJ
On October 17, 2010 percussionist, Raphael Cruz brought his Latin jazz quintet to congahead.com studio in Montvale, NJ to record two tunes.
Little Johnny Rivero’s Heat Wave and Lula Valdivia
On October 10, 2010 Little Johnny Rivero brought his Latin jazz band, Heat Wave to the congahead.com studio. Accompanying Johnny were Hector Davila, Luques Curtis, Louis Fouché, Anibal Martinez and David Silliman. An added attraction for this wonderful Sunday afternoon of great music was the lovely singer from Peru, Lula Valdivia with John Benitez,Yuri Juarez and Hector Morales.
Gregorio Uribe at Zinc Bar
With movie star good looks, Gregorio Uribe from Colombia brought his 16 piece big band to the Zinc Bar for an off-the-chain performance of tunes he arranged.
Recording Academy Latin Advisory Committee Reception
Recording Academy Latin Advisory Committee hosted a reception in their elegant 42nd Street offices and piano virtuoso, Arturo O’Farrill performed.
Music Works Studios Opening Party
Percussionist Chris Theberge has put together a world-class recording/mixing facility in NYC that will have an emphasis on percussion projects. The great Giovanni Hidalgo was there to conduct an incredible jam session. Much success to Chris.
Ralph MacDonald with Toph-E and the Pussycats
Percussionist and composer, Ralph MacDonald appeared with Toph-E and the Pussycats at elegant club, Covet Lounge in NYC. Amongst the audience were 90 year old music business legend, Morty Craft and music promoter, Charles Carlini.
In the band along with Ralph were Will Lee on bass, Chris Parker on drums, Clifford Carter on keyboard and David Mann on sax.
Gilmar Gomes Pandeiro and Voice and Duo with JC Maillard
Jason Lindner and Now vs Now
Jason Lindner brought his trio (augmented on one tune with the addition of percussionist, Gilmar Gomes) to the congahead.com studio to record 3 tunes.