LEGENDARY PERCUSSIONIST PAYS TRIBUTE TO TITO PUENTE

Legendary percussionist GIOVANNI HIDALGO presents “TRIBUTE TO THE KING,” with a record, concert, and world tour dedicated to the music of TITO PUENTE.

In 1996, when Hidalgo was part of Puente’s Golden Latin Jazz All-Stars, he approached Puente about a tribute, and El Rey gave him his blessing.

In a recent interview Hidalgo recalled how he developed a friendship with Puente when he met him at ten. Later, he had the the opportunity and honor of working with Puente on documentaries, concerts, and record productions.

In 2015 he recorded three compositions, which he kept under lock and key until executive producer Yamil Joglar encouraged him to continue the project. At that point, Hidalgo contacted musicians who worked with Puente, such as Cita Rodríguez, Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez, and Joe Madera, among others.

Tribute to the King’s repertoire includes “4 Beat Cha Cha”, “Cuyi,” “Mambo Zooka,” “Traigo el Coco Seco,” “Aguanile,” “Caonao,” “Rezo a Yemayá,” among others.

Hidalgo recently announced he will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tito Puente on April 22 at 8:30 pm at the Tito Puente Amphitheater in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after which he will tour the United States and internationally.

Born in the New York neighborhood of Harlem to Puerto Rican parents who immigrated to the United States, “Tito” Puente grew up during the “Jazz Age,” listening to the Big Jazz Band, boleros, and watching musicals on television.

His first success was achieved with “Abaniquito,” which he recorded in 1949. Later, from 1951 to 1955, he recorded the albums “Cuban Carnival,” “Puente goes jazz,” “Night beat,” and “Dancemania.”

Puente and his music have appeared in the films, The Mambo Kings and Fernando Trueba’s Calle 54. Also, he guest-starred on television shows such as Sesame Street and The Simpsons two-part episode “Who Shot Mr. Burns?”

In addition to recording more than 100 albums and composing more than 200 compositions, Puente was a highly revered musician and legend in Latin and jazz circles. Puente died on May 31, 2000, at 77.

Tribute to the King is the first of three volumes dedicated to Tito Puente. Volume 1 is available on all digital platforms.

GIOVANNI HIDALGO WEBSITE