It is the end of an era; the world is in mourning as we have lost another iconic figure in Latin Jazz. The great Eddie Palmieri passed away last Wednesday, August 6 in his home in New Jersey at the age of 88.
As I reflect on his illustrious career and look across platforms to review his accomplishments, I am taken by the radiant smile and the joy that every photograph and video capture exudes! Eddie Palmieri was synonymous with JOY. I see comments across the internet proclaiming that it was quite something to see him approach the piano and that his fingers seemed to vibrate with anticipation, to see him play with wild abandon was something to behold! Most definitely his music celebrates not only the exhilaration of the music itself but the excitement of collaborating with his distinguished peers.
Eddie Palmieri lovingly referred to as “El Maestro,” active for nearly 70 years from 1955 until his death , was a pivotal and influential figure in Latin jazz and salsa, collaborating with numerous artists across genres. Notable collaborators included vibraphonist Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, trumpeter Brian Lynch, trombonist Conrad Herwig, vocalists Ismael Quintana and Cheo Feliciano, trombonist Barry Rogers, singer La India, saxophonist Phil Woods, vocalist Lila Downs, pianist McCoy Tyner, bandleader Tito Rodríguez, percussionist Manny Oquendo, conguero Giovanni Hidalgo, and his brother Charlie Palmieri. These partnerships, spanning albums like El Sonido Nuevo, Masterpiece, and Simpático, showcased Palmieri’s innovative fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz, cementing his legacy as a musical pioneer.
In honour of his stellar career, here are my top 10 personal favourite tracks (in no particular order because it’s impossible to decide) for you to explore the genius of the indelible contribution to Latin Jazz!
1. Azúcar
A nine-minute extravaganza featuring his band La Perfecta recorded in 1965 on the solo album Azúcar pa’ Ti, was a groundbreaking recording that established the template for what would later be acknowledged as the New York salsa sound. I challenge you to try to keep still while playing this one! Take off you shoes and embrace this fabulous track! Features Ismael Quintana on vocals, Barry Rogers on Trombone, Goerge Castro on flute and Manny Oquendo on bongos and timbales.
2. Justicia
From the classic album of the same name released in 1969. Six minutes of powerful bliss featuring again the melodic and powerful vocals of Ismael Quintana in a song whose lyrics call out the injustice of discrimination and demand equality for the Puerto Rican and Black people.
3. Ay que Rico
This one is from the album Champagne released in 1968. I play this one a LOT! It’s a Boogaloo and I love Boogaloo which was the predecessor to Salsa, a fusion of Latin music with Rhythm and Blues, it was dance music that originated in New York City by Puerto Rican and African American musicians jamming and blending their sound. Into the mix went Cuban son montuno, guaguancó, guajira, guaracha, mambo, and American R&B and soul. Styles like doo wop also contributed to the genre. I love that Eddie created his own brand of Boogaloo!
4. Helado de Chocolate
From the Album Superimposition – A great groove and very tasteful melodic piano work highlights this track, very smooth and hypnotic vibe, perfect for a Saturday afternoon!
5. Café
Recorded in 1964 and featuring Ismael Quintana on vocals, a son montuno paying tribute to the rich flavour of Coffee perfectly expressed in this recording, and I love the horn arrangements perfectly punctuating Eddied piano work!
6. Pa’Huele
Again from the 1970 album Superimposition. A fantastic track that explodes with joy and celebration of the human spirit! Notable here are the stellar vocals of Ismael Quintana and again the extraordinary horns!
7. El Dia Que Me Quiera
From the White self-titled album, starts off as a slow and romantic tango and takes off from there. What a masterpiece in my opinion, the piece just gets more electric with every bar. This features Cheo Feliciano on vocals, Eddie’s angular playing at the 4:00 minute mark is standout!
8. Vamonos P’al Monte
From the album of the same name released in 1971, a song expressing his love of the Caribbean countryside and his preference of that to the city. His brother Charlie Palmieri adds some tasty organ to this one!
9. Samba Do Sueño
From the album Bamboléate released in 1967. Eddie and Cal Tjader on a fabulous samba composed by Cal Tjader and featuring the fabulous work of trombonists Julian Priester and Mark Weinstein. His foray into Brazilian music!
10. La Verdad
Let’s finish the list with “La Verdad – The Truth,” which is a powerful statement musically and lyrically, and features the dynamic vocal work of Tony Vega and fabulous horn arrangements. From the 1987 album of the same name; this is a masterpiece of Latin music.
Eddie Palmieri will be mourned and missed but thankfully he left us with a beautiful legacy that will be enjoyed by multitudes for generations to come!
Vaya con Dios! Eddie Palmieri!