by Tom Bauer

photos ©Tom Bauer - used by permission

Last Sunday it was carnival time in Munich. Hotel Bayerischer Hof had its Fiesta Latina. The tradition is that a Cuban band plays live. Last year it was Bamboleo, this year Maraca y Otra Vision.

I have not heard from them for some time, so I did not know whether to look forward to it or not. We travel 200km one way every year. But after the first notes it was clear. The Cuban flautist, composer and director of the group, Orlando Valle "Maraca" is definitely a spectacle to see live, as he directs his highly talented 10-member group.

Orlando "Maraca" Valle - photo ©Tom Bauer

It was full power all the time, only two songs in a traditional style. They played two sets. The only sad thing was that Orlando only played flute in a few songs, no flute during the whole second set! I was able to talk to them during the break. They are very kind. Orlando told me that he is finishing a more latin jazz CD now and will shortly afterwards record a new contemporary music (Salsa Timba...) CD. It's already finished in his head.

I do not know the musicans and the songs very well, so I can not give you a setlist or names. But their manager, a nice French girl, promised to send me a list by mail. We had a really good and hot night in first row. Listen to their last CD “Soy yo”! I highly recommend that you visit their concerts.

To see all of Tom's photos click here .