The Secret of El Gran Combo... The Bay Area was honored with a concert by El Gran Combo of Puerto Rico, Saturday, March 15th. Anticipation was in the air, as people walked briskly to the entrance of the Hyatt in Burlingame, to hear the music of this band, now in its 35th year of perfoming and recording. The music of the Bay Area's Orq. Actualidad blasted the ballroom (they were working on the sound mix - ouch!) and tables began to fill, as everyone eagerly awaited El Gran Combo. Members of El Gran Combo milled about upstairs, speaking with friends and fans alike. Oscar Orellana, of KIQI La Grande 1010, sponsors of the concert, introduced me to Charlie Aponte, one of El Gran Combo's vocalists for the past 24 years. Charlie graciously agreed to answers questions, and even posed for a photo. Q: We know you performed in Los Angeles last night. Where is Gran Combo off to next? C.A.: We will return to Puerto Rico, and from there, off to NY. Then, we go to Columbia, Panama, and in June, we will be in Spain to start a European tour. Before we leave Puerto Rico though, we will record 5-6 songs, then go on the road, and then return to do five more. Q: Sounds like a very busy schedule. Is the new recording going to come out in 1997 or 1998? C.A.: It has to come out this year, in April or May. We have all the songs, just waiting on some of the arrangements. Q: Are all of Gran Combo's arrangements done by Raphael (the leader of Gran Combo, now in his and Gran Combo's 35th year) ? C.A.: Usually, but now we have started what I call an "experiment". About 4 years ago, we started with other arrangers. But for more than 30 years, only Tito Veles, and then Rapael [Ithier] did the arranging. Q: It will be interesting to hear how this "experiment" works out. C.A.: Well, the new arrangers arrange according to Rafael and El Gran Combo. He either approves or not. Q: There is a definate sound that Gran Combo has. C.A.: Yes, we do have a definate style and sound, and we want to keep it that way. Q: With all this in mind, do you think the sound or style has changed in the past 20-30 years? C.A.: Well, the rhythm and the swing of the music never change. People say that Gran Combo is about the rhythm, and as long as that hasn't changed, then the same sound and style are there. You can use a new arrangement, but then it has to be done according to the sound and the rhythm of Gran Combo. The rhythm is the soul of the music. That is what you feel. When you listen to Gran Combo, the rhythm is what moves you. It strikes in your soul and your body. That is the secret of Gran Combo. Ah, the secret. I thanked Charlie for his time. El Gran Combo was getting ready to go on stage. The magic was there all night, with two sets, filled with old favorites and new tunes alike. Interview © 1997 by Julia Sewell All rights reserved.

The Secret of El Gran Combo... The Bay Area was honored with a concert by El Gran Combo of Puerto Rico, Saturday, March 15th. Anticipation was in the air, as people walked briskly to the entrance of the Hyatt in Burlingame, to hear the music of this band, now in its 35th year of perfoming and recording. The music of the Bay Area's Orq. Actualidad blasted the ballroom (they were working on the sound mix - ouch!) and tables began to fill, as everyone eagerly awaited El Gran Combo. Members of El Gran Combo milled about upstairs, speaking with friends and fans alike. Oscar Orellana, of KIQI La Grande 1010, sponsors of the concert, introduced me to Charlie Aponte, one of El Gran Combo's vocalists for the past 24 years. Charlie graciously agreed to answers questions, and even posed for a photo. Q: We know you performed in Los Angeles last night. Where is Gran Combo off to next? C.A.: We will return to Puerto Rico, and from there, off to NY. Then, we go to Columbia, Panama, and in June, we will be in Spain to start a European tour. Before we leave Puerto Rico though, we will record 5-6 songs, then go on the road, and then return to do five more. Q: Sounds like a very busy schedule. Is the new recording going to come out in 1997 or 1998? C.A.: It has to come out this year, in April or May. We have all the songs, just waiting on some of the arrangements. Q: Are all of Gran Combo's arrangements done by Raphael (the leader of Gran Combo, now in his and Gran Combo's 35th year) ? C.A.: Usually, but now we have started what I call an "experiment". About 4 years ago, we started with other arrangers. But for more than 30 years, only Tito Veles, and then Rapael [Ithier] did the arranging. Q: It will be interesting to hear how this "experiment" works out. C.A.: Well, the new arrangers arrange according to Rafael and El Gran Combo. He either approves or not. Q: There is a definate sound that Gran Combo has. C.A.: Yes, we do have a definate style and sound, and we want to keep it that way. Q: With all this in mind, do you think the sound or style has changed in the past 20-30 years? C.A.: Well, the rhythm and the swing of the music never change. People say that Gran Combo is about the rhythm, and as long as that hasn't changed, then the same sound and style are there. You can use a new arrangement, but then it has to be done according to the sound and the rhythm of Gran Combo. The rhythm is the soul of the music. That is what you feel. When you listen to Gran Combo, the rhythm is what moves you. It strikes in your soul and your body. That is the secret of Gran Combo. Ah, the secret. I thanked Charlie for his time. El Gran Combo was getting ready to go on stage. The magic was there all night, with two sets, filled with old favorites and new tunes alike. Interview © 1997 by Julia Sewell All rights reserved.