Felix Contreras

Omar Sosa & Paolo Fresu: Tiny Desk Concert

Felix Contreras — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:25:00 +0000

You don't really listen to an Omar Sosa concert so much as experience it. The Cuban-born pianist's overall demeanor exudes a sense of calm and deep reflection, while a spiritual connection to music and his ancestors comes through in his piano playing.

You can hear Sosa draw on more than 100 years of Cuban piano in the recognizable rhythms of his country's music.

Tito Puente: 90 Years Of Getting People To Dance

Felix Contreras — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:55:00 +0000

The percussionist and bandleader Tito Puente would have celebrated his 90th birthday this weekend on April 20. And the recently released box set Quatro: The Definitive Collection is a great place to start celebrating the once and forever King of Latin Music. It captures the driving sound of big band mambo and cha-cha-cha that launched people onto dance floors for decades.

When he died in 2000 at age 73, the New York City native had more than 100 recordings to his name.

Cooking Tamales For The Beatles: Guest DJ Sandra Cisneros

Felix Contreras — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:02:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE73giFnLBs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FOUqQt3Kg0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd5nQW8M3nU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ7uXX9K7Sk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ApaYLUmTs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXZRaTrOmgg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8YzhTggIow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUHlDNmkads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXzeEfH6PTk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTPec8z5vdY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXbbWM1bKlE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBxHfVvsNbs

Jesse & Joy, Juanes Win Big At Latin Grammys

Felix Contreras — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 19:52:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2hM9CLAMu4

Renaud Garcia-Fons: Tiny Desk Concert

Felix Contreras — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Double bassist Renaud Garcia-Fons was destined to create music that spans genres and borders: He was born in France to a family with roots in the Catalonia region of Spain, and he's fluent in French, Spanish and English. Classical, jazz and flamenco represent equal parts of his musical DNA, and his technique reflects the delicate arco stylings of concert halls, the deep groove of jazz and the raw vitality of flamenco.

This appearance behind Bob Boilen's desk captures more than just Garcia-Fons' masterful technique.

Latin Music That Breaks Barriers And Pushes Boundaries

Felix Contreras — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:26:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axAgWrf5WJY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1MAJnjIapE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7EWTJxlAcc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15M8-mT_5C4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvTkk_gLzEg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlKOXxZ3_MU

Mariachi El Bronx: Tiny Desk Concert

Felix Contreras — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:03:00 +0000

Being a mariachi is a specialized gig. You might be able to fool people who don't know the music by wearing those tight pants and little jackets and playing with lots of vibrato. But hardcore mariachi fans will call you out in a minute if you try to fake it.

Mariachi El Bronx never has to worry about being called out. Though the group's members started out and still perform as the L.A. punk band The Bronx, they've managed to reinvent themselves with exceptional authenticity.