by Raymond » Wed May 11, 2005 7:01 pm
Well, let me get with the "wave" and let you guys know what I've done during the last week.
Been working all week in my firm doing tax returns, I am a tax consultant, trying to deal with a tax deadline here in Puerto Rico that is in May 16. (Working average 12 to 14 hours everyday during the last two weeks). Last Thursday had a rehearsal with a christian salsa band I am helping and it was messy while we were putting together a new arrangement...not all musicians there and problems with the way the percussionists were supposed to do...No music sheets for percussion. Had to go over the brass and piano sheets to see what we were supposed to do...Was there with a good friend of mine that was visiting me here in Puerto Rico that was the one who put me back in music while we were in the Air Force....We laughed a lot of the way the rehearsal was taking place....The last time we did the "new song," he took the timbales, I am the timbal player in the group, and I took the bongos....we gave it another punch! (This group is not that great, although they amazed me in live presentations when they bring other people, but I am here not for the money but for the enthusiasm of the musicans).
On Sunday, went to the traditional rumba in my hometown of Gurabo that takes place in the last day of the "fiestas de pueblo" (town festivities).....Brought my timbales and bongos....had to deal with the ego of the most famous conguero in town, who believes he is the greatest thing on earth but he is not, people wanting to play...waiting for a bass player to arrive...saw this great kid named Diego Rivera give an oustanding conga solo....Lots of improvisation...it was fun as always despite the "bad moments" dealing with "egos."
On Monday, went to channel 6 to record a tv program, Prodigio Claudio, the famous PR cuatro player, was going to accompany Charlie Aponte and Jerry Rivas of El Gran Combo and Sammy Marrero of Raphy Leavitt's La Selecta. They were supposed to sing PR tipico music, they improvised "decimas" which they did and typical guarachas...It was fun and I think historic.....Don't know when the program "Asi Canta Puerto Rico" is going to air but it airs on Tuesdays and Saturdays....Prodigio felt very good with the program which we did "ad lib" right on the spot just with a rehearsal and recording....Great!
Upcoming.....another rehearsal on Thursday with the christian salsa group and a whole day of recording on Sunday with Prodigio Claudio and his upcoming album. (Already have two songs recording...doing 6 on Sunday).
I'll keep you posted..
Saludos!