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| Big 3 Orch. Machito Jr. Tito Rodriguez Jr. & Tito Puente Jr. |
FEATURING:
Machito Jr. - Timbales
Tito Rodriguez Jr. - Timbales
Tito Puente Jr. - Timbales
TRUMPETS:
Larry Moses, Hector Colon, John Carlson, Raul Agraz
SAXOPHONES:
Mario Rivera, Charles Lagond, Bobby Porcelli, Mark Friedman
TROMBONE:
Lew KahnMarshall Gilkes
VOCALS:
Luis AyalaSammy Gonzalez
Marcus Persiani - Piano
Jerry Madera - Bass
Eddie Montalvo - Congas
Louis Bauzo - Bongos
Jose Madera - Timbales |
In the 1950fs America fell in love with the MAMBO and gThe Home of Mamboh was the PALLADIUM BALLROOM at 53rd Street & Broadway. Re-named The Palladium from Alma Dance Studio on 1946, six local bands were booked with MACHITO the headliner. This continued playing to huge audiences of all colors and creeds until 1948 when TITO PUENTE appeared as a bandleader for the first time. Later, singer TITO RODRIGUEZ and his band became a major crowd-puller and competed with Machito & Puente as the star act; thus THE BIG 3. The Palladium was the heart of Mambo & Latin music until it closed in 1966.
The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra is the brain-child of Machito Jr., Mario Grillo. He approached the Puente & Rodriguez families to represent the music of the Palladium era. Margaret Puente and Tito Rodriguez Jr. were delighted to offer their original charts for use, along with the Machito scores. They formed the 23 piece Orchestra using the members of the Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito bands. The musical director, Joe Madera wrote augmented charts for the bigger group. The orchestra premiered at the Verizon Festival at Columbia University Quadrangle, NY in August 2001. The New York Sunday Times critic proclaimed the Big 3 Palladium Orchestra as "Americas first Latin Repertory Orchestra." - Praise indeed.
TITO PUENTE
Born in Spanish Harlem in 1923, Tito began a professional career at the age of 13, playing with local Latin & Society bands before moving on to the, then big names. From f42 to f45 he was in the US Navy and was honourably discharged with a Presidential Commendation for Bravery in nine sea battles. By 1948 he had completed his formal music education at Julliard School of Music in Manhattan and formed his first band, The Piccadilly Boys. The band led to the Tito Puente Ensemble etc and after many US hits he wrote & recorded Oye Como Va that is still the number one Latin anthem, which Carlos Santana made internationally famous in the 70fs. Tito Puente collected many Doctorate Degrees and commendations and was depicted on a US Postal Stamp in f96 as well as receiving a gStarh on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Up to his death in 2000 at age 77, Tito continued to record, (120 + Albums) with numerous Grammy awards & nominations and appear elivef around the world.
MACHITO
The Machito orchestra was founded in New York in 1939 by Frank Grillo (Machit) & Mario Bauza. Both of Cuban origin they began a partnership that would last until the 70fs, when Grillofs son Mario replaced Bauza a s musical director. Surviving fashion changes and fads, the band continues to work on all the continents of the world playing concerts, dances & clubs, retaining their Afro-Cuban roots whilst portraying present day Latin nuances. Machito attained may Grammy nominations and in 1982 was proclaimed winner of eThe Best Latin Recordingf. Machito & The Afro Cubans performed with all the major jazz & Latin star names, recording with many, and, to this day, are still touring Europe and South America as well as performing regularly in New York and the other US States.
TITO RODRIGUEZ
Born in Puerto Rico in 1923, but raised in eSpanish Harlemf New York, Titofs first US recording was made in f36. After singing with Cuban bands, Cuarteto caney etc, he eventually joined the famed Xavier Cugat orchestra. During this time, Tito spent much of his spare time studying music with the aim of forming his own band. This resulted in him winning the Gran Trofeo Annual two years running. His orchestra alternated with Puente, Machito and the other bands from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Venezuela & the Dominican Republic at The Palladium when the rhythms of Mambo, Cha-cha-cha & Merengue were at their peak. He changed his style to Bolero and recorded his classic interpretation of Involvidable, which became a hit. This led to many other hits with The Leroy Holmes Orchestra. In the 60fs he began record production for popular Latin artist before returning to Puerto Rico. Here he hosted his own TV Show as well as being the star attraction at all the local hotels. Tito Rodriguez died of leukaemia in 1973.
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