Cecilia Zabala, has been called a rising star on the international music scene. She has played Linda a few times over the past couple of years and it seems to me that her debut is already pretty brilliant.
Zabala actively participates in the musical life of Buenos Aires, performing regularly with many of Argentina’s best musicians. The same is increasingly true of his trips to Europe and the United States. His music fully integrates a mastery of classical guitar technique with the folk music of his native Argentina, in addition to the traditions related to the Nueva Cancion music culture that spread throughout Latin America during the turmoil of the 60s and 70s, and more widely eclectic musical trends from Brazil which have made themselves known under the aegis of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB).
In 2019, Cecilia Zabala received one of the oldest and most prestigious prizes awarded by the Culture Secretariat of the Argentine government, previously awarded to many of Argentina’s most legendary writers and artists, in recognition of the artistic excellence, and carrying with it, a one-time monetary award and lifetime allowance at the age of 60. It’s a decade or two away for Cecilia, but this gig was in 2019. Here’s Cecilia Zabala Live at the Linda.
Okay, if you’ve been to a live music event in the Capital District, I guarantee you’ve been following Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra, an absolute Capital Region favorite for many years. Formed in October 1980 in Amsterdam, this 12-piece orchestra is conducted by Bronx-born bassist Alex Torres. They have been to hundreds of festivals, performing arts centers and events each year to perform their original blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as salsa, merengue, cha-cha, bomba, plena and le Latin jazz.
Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra performed for President Bill at the New York State Democratic Convention, as well as the inauguration of Governor Pataki and Spitzer. They shared the stage and the poster with such important artists as Tito Puente, Tito Puente Jr., Eddie Palmieri, Andy Montañez, Los Hermanos Moreno, Arturo Sandoval, Branford Marsalis, The Count Basie and Woody Herman Orchestras and all the others. .
The group is also enrolled in the New York State Arts-In-Education program. This program brings the orchestra into schools to showcase cultural diversity and explain the music, instruments and rhythms associated with their music.
This concert comes from the cellar and was recorded in 2010. This is Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra Live at the Linda.
Thank you again for listening to “Live At The Linda” tonight, recorded live at WAMC’s Linda: Performing Arts Studio. Join us next week for our January 2020 Biscuits N ‘Gravy and Alexis P. Sutter March 2017 broadcast.
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