Caliente

Jul 23, 2025

KUVO produced Caliente! Latin Jazz with Eddie Palmieri in 2006. The programs, recorded in Denver and New York and aired nationally including Puerto Rico during Hispanic Heritage Month. Covering over 160 markets, and additional markets in 2007. Inspired by NPR's programs "Piano Jazz with Marian McParland" and "Billy Taylor's Jazz from Kennedy Center," each of the four programs features nine-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri, his rhythm section, a jazz soloist and a special guest.

KUVO Program Director/Ritmo Latino Executive Producer Carlos Lando along with Lando’s production team which included veteran National Public Radio producer Alfredo Cruz of Southern California, KUVO engineers Mike Pappas and Justin Peacock, New York sound engineer Duke Markos, KUVO music director and historical consultant Arturo Gómez. Tina Cartagena serves as marketing and website director and Ritmo Latino project manager Lou McElroy.

Fun Fact: The New York recordings at Manhattan Beach Studios, is the same studio where Marian McPartland recorded her show.

A Glimpse of Each Show

"The Melodic Eddie"

Special Guest: saxophonist David Sánchez

Highlights: Many years ago, Eddie discovered a precocious tenor saxophonist in Puerto Rico. That player, David Sánchez, became part of the Palmieri orchestra at a young age. Now they come back together as fellow bandleaders and Grammy Award winners. David shows an appreciation for Mr. Palmieri’s melodic side, expressed by his desire to play Adoracion.” Show highlights include a moving duo version of the Palmieri standard “Puerto Rico” and a driving full-band workout on the Chano Pozo/DizzyGillespie classic Latin Jazz composition “Tin Tin Deo.”

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; David Sánchez, tenor saxophone Giovanni Hidalgo, congas; Jose Clausell, timbales; Joe Santiago, bass; Brian Lynch, trumpet on EP Blues

All compositions by Eddie Palmieri, except for Tin Tin Deo, written by Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo and Gil Fuller.

Recorded at The KUVO Performance Studio-Denver, April 2, 2006.

"The Original Rhythms"

Special Guest: on congas Giovanni Hidalgo & trumpeter Brian Lynch

Highlights: Both of these guests, Palmieri orchestra stalwarts over the years, are Latin jazz recording artists and bandleaders in their own right. Both bring these perspectives to the conversations with Eddie. The multi-talented Lynch speaks of his immersion into Afro-Caribbean Jazz while playing with Eddie’s band for the past 15 years. The two duo on the melodic “Doña Tere.”Giovanni, widely considered to be the most formidable and musical conga master of his generation, thinks of his drum as a piano. In his more than 50-year career as a musician, Eddie Palmieri has often spoken of using the piano as a percussion instrument. The sparks fly as the two perform a duo version of “Gio’s Blues,” then roar into an ensemble take on “Picadillo.”

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; Brian Lynch, trumpet; Giovanni Hidalgo, congas; Joe Santiago, bass; Jose Clausell, timbales, percussion; José Madera, bongo, percussion.

All compositions by Eddie Palmieri except for Picadillo, written by Tito Puente.

Recorded at The KUVO Performance Studio-Denver, April 3, 2006

"Caribbean Unity"

Special Guest: pianist Monty Alexander

Highlights: While the two pianists originate from opposite sides of the Caribbean, a dedication to rhythm and the feeling of jazz unites them. In this first-ever meeting between the two artists, their mutually sympathetic vibrations combine for some stunning music. The striking Palmieri composition “La Gitana (The Gypsy)” provides a unique forum for the exchange of musical ideas and performance. Other highlights include the always-delightful Thelonious Monk composition “In Walked Bud” and some entertaining, informative conversation between Monty and Eddie.

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; Monty Alexander, piano; Craig Handy, alto & soprano saxophone; Robby Ameen, drums; Ed Cherry, guitar; Joe Santiago, bass; Little Johnny Rivero, congas;

All compositions by Eddie Palmieri except for: “Listen Here!” by Eddie Harris; “In Walked Bud” by Thelonious Monk; “Jamento” by Monty Alexander.

Recorded at Manhattan Beach Studios, New York, June 20. 2006

"El Sonido Nuevo Revisited"

Special Guest: vibraphonist Joe Locke & trombonist Conrad Herwig

Highlights: Forty years ago, the jazz world was rocked by the LP “El Sonido Nuevo,” a collaboration between the late vibraphonist Cal Tjader and Eddie Palmieri, with Eddie’s “La Perfecta” orchestra, also known at the time as the “Band of Roaring Elephants,” featuring the unique trombone styling of the late Barry Rogers. Now Eddie and his guests re-visit the landmark 1966 album. “Guarija en Azul” features a rousing solo by Joe Locke on marimbas. The full force of the trombone section led by Conrad Herwig is especially evident on “El Sonido Nuevo.”

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; Joe Locke, vibraphone, marimba; Conrad Herwig, trombone; José Santiago, bass; Jose Clausell, timbales; Little Johnny Rivero, congas; Joe Fiedler, trombone; David Miller, trombone.