 |
Home | |
About us | |
Events | |
Services | |
Reviews | |
Contact | |
Gallery |
|
|
ROBERTO PLA and his
Latin Jazz Ensenble Latin Vibe, 30th May 2004 As the cliche goes: you had to be there, really. The night started busy, thanks to the sterling efforts of the Vibe Bar's Sunday afternoon funk/soul dj, Simon 'Crash & Burn', to extend the Sunday afternoon party crowd's attention span from Afro American to Afro Latin beats. But by about 8.30, the roadblock had commenced: the place looked pretty full already, there was a queue of newcomers forming outside..PLUS... the courtyard bbq diners started to show interest, as well as (heh, heh) refugees from the full-on House gig across the road at 93 Feet East. By the time Robbie's lads hit the stage at about 9.15, total mayhem ruled (in as nice a possible way as mayhem can rule, it must be said), with the bar running short of beer, dancing on the tables and chairs as well as the floor (and the ceiling too if we'd let you!), and a general feel-goodness pervading the proceedings (remember that the following day was a bank holiday, so to hell with it..) If proof were still needed that Roberto's band is simply the best working latin swing band in Europe, then proof was abundantly available on this hot, steamy and ultra-responsive night. Bongosero Dave Patman, conguero Sattin and Robbie himself formed the 'policia del ritmo' on this occasion, leaving the floor clear for two great vocalists Claudia and Robin to hammer home the lyrical licks in a strictly Colombian party style, keyboardist Jose to vamp it a la Eddie Palmieri, and a cracking three-piece brass section to punctuate the arrangements with uncanny accuracy. Robbie should, we hope, be back with us on Notting Hill Carnival Sunday, in which case, just arrive early to have any hope of getting in. |
|||
