M o v e G r o o v e F l o w

A few weekends ago I was fortunate enough to see Poncho Sanchez live at a tiny jazz club in Los Angeles called La Ve Lee.  If you’re not sure who Poncho Sanchez is I’ll bet you’ve heard his music, especially if you’ve come to any of my classes (check out the Salsa section in the music list for album recommendations).  Poncho is a Grammy award winning Latin jazz artist, Salsa singer, Band leader and Conguero (conga player).  And like me was raised in Los Angeles!  Viva los angelinos! 

We arrived at the club early to have dinner before the first set.  I knew that once the music started I wouldn't be able to eat, so  I ordered a salad and a scotch on the rocks and settled into my seat which was just a stones throw away, second row front and center.  Poncho was accompanied by an amazing horn section; trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and also a piano, bass and timbales player and another percussionist who played the hell out of a cow bell!  Of course we stayed for the second set (which is almost always better) and later enjoyed guest performances by a flutist and swing singer.  Between songs Poncho was genuine and warm and spoke to the audience in a light hearted grandfatherly tone.   But there was nothing grandfatherly about his conga playing, his mastery and precision over the congas is unparalleled, and all of his band members showed impeccable talent as proven in all of their solos. 

Because this club is small I didn’t dare obstruct anyone’s view until Poncho invited everyone to get up and dance.  He didn’t have to ask me twice, I was up and in the aisles dancing my little heart out.  After all, it was the least I could do to give back the energy so generously given and to honor these fabulous musicians.  

Thanks for the dances guys!  I had a really great time at Leku Ona.  It was my first time there and there were a lot of familiar faces which always makes it even better.  I was glad that the space was not so large, I believe that salsa should be danced in close proximity with other dancer.  Too much space in between creates, well…too much space!  There is such a thing called floor craft, and that is being able to maneuver around the dance floor smoothly and avoiding objects along the way (just something we don't always have the opportunity to think about when we learn in such a large room).  Anyway, thanks for being such an attentive and hungry class.  It’s been my pleasure to share this journey of learning with all of you.

Stay tuned for information on the next session…I will send notification!  Happy Springs!