Always a proponent of the Latino/Cuban contribution to jazz and music, SFJAZZ ushered in great additions to their spring series. Opening in March with a long, needed salsa dance party, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Eddie Palmireri and La Perfecta II and La India played to a very full house at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

Oscar Hernandez and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra opened with tight arrangements as they played tunes from their Grammy-nominated CD, 'Un dia en el Barrio'. With favorites like ' Barrio Latino' and 'Mama Guela', vocalists Ray de la Paz and Frankie Vazqez, the arrangements of Hernandez had the band burning up the hall, enough to be called back for an encore.

Maestro Eddie Palmieri took the stage with La Perfecta II. His trademark smile, greetings to grandson Ignacio and solid playing were greeted by cheers from all.

With lead vocals by Herman Olivera, Bryan Lynch on trumpet, Jose Clausell on timbales, Chris Washburne on trombone and others, the band was solid, with rocking solos. Palmieri still delivers, lucky for us all.

India entered for her set with a good back-up band. Miked too loudly, her already shrill voice was a bit deafening. But her graciousness, including her backing of a few enthusiastic fans who experienced unnecessary handling by security, made up for any vocal pains. Bravo!

April brought Cuban sonero Ibrahim Ferrer and his orchestra to an almost full house at the Masonic Auditorium. The 14-piece band entered the stage to a grand applause. With a solo by trumpet great, Guajiro Mirobal, Cachaito Lopez on bass, young Roberto Fonesco on piano, and an all-star brass and percussion section, the band launched into a wonderful jazz tune.

The addition of two coristos, Lazaro Villa and Idania added bright harmony to the soulful voice of Ibrahim Ferrer. He entered on to the stage to cheers from an adoring audience. As he danced smoothly in place, the audience clapped even more.

Solos taken by Javier Zalba, Aguaje Ramos, Guarijo Mirobal and Roberto Fonesco were stunning. Ibrahim's lilting voice was both soulful and captivating as the spry 'young' sonero sang and danced to many of the tunes. The audience was both appreciative and attentive, clapping and demanding more as the concert ended. Even after the encore, no one wanted to leave. A gracious and captivating performer, Ferrer continues to win the hearts of all those who hear him.

On the Cuban jazz spectrum, an incredible double bill was held at the Masonic Auditorium with Cuban piano master Chucho Valdez and his quartet and guest Joe Levano on saxophone and Cuban jazz maestro Gonzalo Rubacalba and his trio.

Gonzalo opened the concert with a stunning solo, which flowed into a bolero, accompanied by Ignacio Berroa on drums. A talented pianist, Gonzalo' s playing is introspective with a lot of space. He leans and hovers over the keys with intensity as he summons up the lyricism and feelings from within. You are left holding your breath in disbelief as each piece ends. The set was all too short but greatly enjoyed by all.

Maestro Jesus Chucho Valdéz took the stage next with his quartet. More musical poetry as the broad style of this Cuban piano master filled the hall. His quartet, Lazaro Rivero Alarcon on bass, Yaroldy Abreu Robles on congas and Ramses manuel Rodriquez Bazalt on traps, play with Valdéz as if they are all an extension of the same body.