Before the international fame of the Buena Vista Social Club performers, the name of Orquesta Aragon called to mind the very essence of modern Cuban dance music. Aragon's trademark cha, whether a cha cha chá or cha-son, has delighted audiences around the world for over sixty years.

Zellerbach Auditorium was graced with a stunning performance as the grand orchestra enchanted and engaged an appreciative and fan-filled audience. The first stop on a month-long US tour, an anxious crowd waited as all the band members took their places onstage.

The music that followed for the next hour-and-a-half improved tune by tune. They started out a bit tired (to be expected since they had just arrived in California the night before) but a few tunes into the show, their energy level kicked in and was unstoppable. The group is well rehearsed and their transitions are so tight that one could only be mesmerized by the arrangements, vocals and instrumentation.

Aragon's charanga sound is unique and has been imitated by many a group, both here and in Cuba. Their trademark flute and three to four violins creates melodic and rhythmic flow that delights the ear and captures the heart. Add beautiful harmonies, a talented pianist, bass player and percussionists and their pull is irresistible.

Traditionally, the group plays muisca bailable or dance music. Anytime dance music is played in a non-dance venue, those in the audience familiar with the music have to be content with tapping their feet. And, with some groups, the transition from dance to concert venue does not always go over well. Unsurprisingly, this was not the case with Orquesta Aragon. The cheers and wild applause after every tune proved again and again how powerful and heartfelt their music continues to be. This was evident as audience members could no longer refrain from moving their feet and bodies as they found corners and even up on stage to dance.

Armando Amezaga danced onto stage to the delight of all. His grace and subtle dance style was wonderful to watch. Equally delightful was timbalero/conguero Inocente Alvarez. During a solo, he removed his shoes and jumped up on a chair and used them to play the timbales. His playing was adept and innovating in the style of Cuban percussionist Jose Luis Quintana 'Changuito'. During a guaguanco, Alvarez danced across the stage with equal skill, grace and spontaneity of his playing. To the surprise and delight of all, he jumped from the stage to move up one of the isles and back down the other, dancing as he returned to stage.

Solos by violinist Lazaro Gonzalez were stunning. His precision and virtuosity overwhelmed all. Flautist Eduardo Rubio took dazzling solosalso as did pianist Orlando Perez.

As Aragon ended their concert and left the stage, the audience stood and yelled for more. True to form, they returned and invited the audience up on the stage to dance as they played. This was a fitting to end to a refreshing concert that included both traditional favorites and new renditions. Many hopes that they will return to the Bay Area soon.

Photo© 2001 by Peter Maiden

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