The Review - CLASSICAL & JAZZ Published: 23 July 2009
‘Elephant’ man’s Cuban influence
PREVIEW: EDDIE PALMIERI
Jazz Café
Eddie Palmieri, the long-time Salsa and Latin Jazz pianist and orchestra leader, is bringing his Afro-Caribbean Jazz All Stars to the Jazz Café in Camden Town this weekend.
His professional career as a pianist began in the 1950s with a variety of Latin American bands in the US before he formed his first band, La Perfecta, featuring a trombone section instead of trumpets. It was known as “the band with the crazy roaring elephants” because of its configuration of two trombones, flute, percussion, brass and a vocalist. It produced an infectious sound that has been the hallmark of his subsequent groups.
Out of many influences, he cites Cuban music as his most important.
“In Cuba, there has been a development and crystalisation of rhythmical patterns that excited people for years,” he says.
“Cuban music provides the fundamental from which I never move. Whatever has to be built must be built from there. It’s cross-cultural effect that makes magnificent music.”
• Eddi Palmieri Afro-Caribbean Jazz All Stars
Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, NW1 • 0844 847 2514
7pm, £20
Check Prices, Availability & Book Online
Receive Online Discounts and Instant Confirmation