Trumpeter Humberto Ramírez and his band proved in their concert at Mendelssohn Theater this past Sunday night that the most talented musicians are often hidden treasures.
The energetic Puerto Rican ensemble eased the audience into the show with "Nilda" and "Portrait of a Stranger," two numbers that got toes wiggling, thanks to extraordinary percussionist Paoli Mejillas and the strong bass of the slightly hyper Ramón Vásquez.
After a brief hiatus, saxophonist Rubén Ríos returned to the stage to blow the roof off with "Pacífico."
The cool professionalism of Ríos and Ramírez as front men didn't detract from the sheer joyful energy that exuded from the stage. These guys live to play, a fact that was unmistakably reflected in the exuberant faces of Mejillas and pi
 |
| Courtesy of Tropijazz Humberto Ramírez and his band had toes-wiggling at the Mendelssohn Theater Sunday night. |
After "Pacífico," things cooled down with "Catalina," a soft, sensual jazz piece that showcased the exceptional talent of Ramírez. "Para Chiqui," followed, kicking the tempo up a notch with mambo rhythms.
This piece featured the only solo by drummer Héctor Matos. Although not featured often on his own throughout the set, Matos' talent provided an important foundation for the set.
In the next song, "Soñando con Puerto Rico" ("Dreaming of Puerto Rico"), Matos worked his drumsticks like paintbrushes on canvas, as a man absorbed in his craft.
Ramírez dedicated "Soñando con Puerto Rico" to the many Puerto Ricans who attended the show. He told the audience he wanted to bring them a piece of the island with the song.
Percussionist Mejillas kicked off the final song "Barandilla" with a phenomenal and inspired bongo solo, and Ramírez invited the audience to indulge in what had tempted them all night: to dance.
Within minutes, a few brave souls were christening the pristine carpet in the aisles with exuberant footwork. By the end of the number, over half the audience had joined in, continuing through the inevitable 10-minute encore that left everyone breathless.
Sunday's show was Ramírez's first concert in Ann Arbor, but it won't be the last, according to Ríos, who said they'd return if the University "brings us back."
Katarina Berdy, organizer of the concert, remarked that she hoped they'd be back again next year, in an even bigger venue with a larger audience. Hopefully, with a manager as enthusiastic as Miguel Quiñones, and the overwhelming support of the Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs group, it will become a reality.
Humberto Ramírez has five albums - "Treasures," "Canciones de Amor," "Portrait of a Stranger," "Aspects" and "Jazz Project" - available on the Tropijazz label.
09-22-98
| Previous Article | Next Article |
should be sent to: daily.letters@umich.edu | should be sent to: online.daily@umich.edu |