In the latest installment of DJ Sessions, we listen back to the music of Puerto Rican salsa singer Cheo Feliciano and Cuban percussionist Armando Peraza. Both artists passed away earlier this month.
Tom Schnabel, who hosts KCRW’s “Rhythm Planet” blog and podcast, and was also the station’s music director from 1979 to 1990, tells Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson that Feliciano’s voice stood out even when he played with massive brass bands.
Of Peraza, who was a hand drummer, Schnabel says, “in this age of drum samples and drum machines, when you have a hand drummer who’s great at playing bongos and congas, you get something that speeds up and slows down. It’s kind of like your heart when you’re walking.”
Songs In This Segment
- Cheo Feliciano, “Anacaona”
- Joe Cuba Sextet, “El Pito” featuring Cheo Feliciano
- Cesta All Stars, “No Hace Falta Papel” featuring Cheo Feliciano
- George Shearing, “Mambo Inn” with Armando Peraza on percussion
- Cal Tjader, “Ritmo Africano” with Armando Peraza on percussion
- Cal Tjader, “Ritmo Caliente” with Armando Peraza on percussion
Guest
- Tom Schnabel, host of “Rhythm Planet” on KCRW. He tweets @Tom_Schnabel.
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