Palmieri Ends La Perfecta II

By I Feb. 24, 2005

From Feb. 22–27 at the Blue Note in New York, fans of jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri will be able to catch the last shows with his famed Latin jazz group La Perfecta II. After leading the band for 44 years, the pianist says this will be his last engagement with La Perfecta II. Palmieri will continue to perform around the world with his jazz and Latin-influenced music. Set times are 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 at tables and $20 at the bar.

The Harlem-born, seven-time Grammy winning Palmieri has been lauded as one of the foremost Latin pianists of the last half-century. In fact, this year marks his 50th anniversary in the music business. His ability to fuse the rhythms of his Hispanic heritage with straight-ahead jazz influences made him an immediate hit at the Palladium Ballroom in the ‘50s and ‘60s. He continued to offer up innovative music over the years, creating classic Tico albums and later mixing salsa with r&b, pop, rock, Spanish vocals and jazz improvisation.

Joining Palmieri in La Perfecta II are: Herman Olivera (vocals); Jose Clausell (timbales); Joe Santiago (bass); John Rodriguez (bongos); Little Johnny Rivero (congas); Nelson Gonzalez (tres/coro); Karen Joseph (flute); Doug Beavers (trombone); and William Alvarez (trombone).

For more details on the show, go to bluenotejazz.com.