The Buena Vista Orchestra Return to the Miami Beach Bandshell

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This past Sunday I was back at the Miami Beach Bandshell to catch the Buena Vista Orchestra (a “New Power Generation” of the original Buena Vista Social Club ensemble). This marked the second time witnessing the self-proclaimed “world’s foremost Cuban music repertory ensemble” at the historic Bandshell and after this weekend’s show (and last year’s), who would possibly argue with that?

Buena Vista Orchestra

The Buena Vista Orchestra features a revolving lineup of musicians from groups like the AfroCuban All Stars, the bands of Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, Cachao Lopez, Chucho Valdés, Willie Colon & more. The “crème de la crème”, if you will, of present-day Cuban musicians. Last year’s show was led by 73 year old trombonist Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos, who played on the World Circuit recordings of the original Buena Vista Social Club. That version of the band tore the proverbial roof off the place (or the shell, in this case) and raised the bar pretty high.

Rolando Morejón Reyes

Barbara Zamora

Julio Cesar Delet

But this year’s ensemble, led by Cuban violinist Rolando Morejón Reyes, just might have been a few notches better. Led by vocalists Barbara Zamora (from legendary Cuban female orchestra Anacaona) and Julio Cesar Delet (from Miami’s own Cuban salsa outfit PALO!) and backed by all-star musicians Miguel “Miguelo” Valdes on congas (whose father was one of the top percussionists of the esteemed Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba), celebrated trombone player Yosmel Garceran, percussionist Pepe Epsinosa and acclaimed Turkish concert flutist Yağmur Soydemir (who channeled the spirit of José Fajardo himself!).

Miguel “Miguelo” Valdes

Pepe Epsinosa

Yağmur Soydemir

Let’s just say they made Miami about 17 degrees hotter than it already was. A great show that left not one person in the audience disappointed. And like last year’s show, this year’s show was also presented by New York-based live music venue Le Poisson Rouge and New York-based events company Murmrr. And when your little brother runs Le Poisson Rouge (who also was in attendance as well as LPR owner and “bro”, David Handler), a media pass ain’t too hard to get. And the good folks at the Bandshell have always been great at granting me a media pass to shows I attend.