SARATOGA SPRINGS – Here’s what they would like you to know about Tiempo Libre:
Praised by the New York Times for its “dance music of sophistication and abandon,” the three-time Grammy AWARD® nominated Afro-Cuban music group Tiempo Libre is celebrated for its unparalleled performances of timba, a joyous mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son. Classically trained at Cuba’s premier conservatories, the musicians of Tiempo Libre led by founder, pianist and bandleader Jorge Gómez, have been equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs, festival stages and dance venues around the world. They have been featured on television shows including The Tonight Show, Live from Lincoln Center, and Dancing with the Stars as well as on Univision and Telemundo.
But here’s all you really need to know:
Yup. That would be a conga line. On the SPAC stage – Monday, August 28. The revolution continues. And those who were treated to experience such, were given a privilege indeed. What a blowout!
On this night at SPAC, the band highlighted music from their Grammy nominated release, Bach in Havana album, which connects the rhythm and sensibilities of Afro-Cuban music with the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach. Latin Jazz Network praised, “Bach in Havana is going to be held up as one that made an enormous creative leap just as Miles Davis’ did when he, Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley blew those choruses on Kind of Blue.”
But spicy renditions of “Oye Como Va” and “One Ton Tomato” – delivered in full-tilt, sincere fashion by Afro-Caribbean master practitioners -“The Ambassadors of Arriba!” if you will, makes the Bach go down, as Mary P. once said, in a most delightful way…
To me, this was the show of the year at SPAC. The audience participation alone insured that. Everything else is battling for second. You all said so, with those dancin’ feet of yours… excellent!
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Earlier in the day Tiempo Libre showed their Ambassadorial skills as they led a 45-minute interactive demonstration for approximately 270 children between the ages of 5 and 14 at the Glenville YMCA. The band introduced the students to various styles of Latin music, including Salsa, Cha Cha, and Cuban Jazz. Founder and musical director of the group, Jorge Gomez, got everyone on their feet to learn basic salsa steps and dance with the live music.
This is an item off my bucket list that I didn’t even know was on my list! But it’s on yours too, and if you get a chance to see Tiempo Libre, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Arthur Gonick
August 30, 2017
