Juan de Marcos

For two nights at Zellerbach Auditorium, Cal Performances presented Juan de Marcos and the Afro Cuban All Stars. De Marcos, musical director for the BVSC recordings, has been touring with this all star group for the past few years, delighting audiences both here and abroad with his warm style, brilliant arrangements, stellar musicians and guest vocalists.

Even at this Sunday show, the hall was full with an expectant audience. The thirteen-piece big band entered the stage to a loud applause, which continued as they started with Juan de Marcos's arrangement of the Chico O'Farrill tune 'Ran Can'. A swinging version of this timeless piece included notable solos by Julio Padron on trumpet and David Alfaro on piano.

De Marcos dedicated the next tune to the late O'Farrill also as he spoke and joked with the audience in his eloquent English. Alfaro on piano is always a treat as he dances on those keys, taking us to heights we did not know were possible. Adel Gonzales on congas, with lightning fast hands, had the audience cheering.

Antonio Leal came forward with a wonderful trombone solo, including some circular breathing, as he seemed to hold a note forever.

Vocalist Luis Frank Arias entered the stage to sing "Chan Chan'. He strong vibrato and energy were more reasons for applause from the audience. De Marcos soloed on his trademark tres, and sang as Luis danced and the coristos, Felix Valoy and Luis Lang, who also played violin, provided solid back up vocals.

Left to right: Juan de Marcsos, Mazacote, Luis Alemañy

What continues to keep de Marcos and his group in the fore front of the touring Cuban music groups is the superb technical expertise of each musician and de Marcos's leadership and arrangements. His choice for this year's traditional vocalist was 79-year -old Mazacote Carillo, who entered the stage in his bright suit, dancing smoothly as he took the microphone to sing. His clear, tenor voice was a treat to hear and in usual Cuban style, he invited a young woman up on stage to dance with him. The audience cheered.

'Hecho pa'ya' with de Marcos on tres was a nice cha cha chá, with Antonio Leal on trombone solo. Mazacote came back out to everyone's delight with a trombone sole by Juan Carlos Marín, who wrote the next tune for his ex-wife. De Marcos explained the sad state of Juan Carlos's situation to the audience. Indeed, the tune was a slow bolero, with both sax and trombone solos almost crying of a lost love.

De Marcos introduced the next guest vocalist with gusto as Pedro Calvo, a vital 63-years-old, took the stage in his trademark Panama hat and bandana. A singer for many decades, most recently with Los Van Van, the return of his voice and energy with ACAS was a delight. His stellar voice in 'Asi soy yo' and his sexual prowess still rang true as he sang to and danced with women in the audience. Best was when he and de Marcos would duo, their harmonies true and beautifully blended .

Juan de Marcos and Pedro Calvo

Finally, de Marcos had the crowd up and dancing for the end of the concert, as Calvo sang lead in 'Pintate tus labios, Maria'. Folks joined him on stage to dance and others danced in the isle. They were brought back on stage for two encores, one with de Marcos playing tres like one off his musical idols: Jimi Hendrix. Sones by Luis and Calvo had all dancing and applauding until they finished.

As usual, no was left wanting for anything during this musical feast by the ACAS except for more music. Hurry back, everyone is waiting!

 

Review ©2003 by Julia Sewell
Photos ©2003 by Tom Ehrlich
No reproduction of any kind without permission.
All rights reserved.

 

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