More Information About All-Star Jazz at Catalina Jazz Club with Barbara Morrison and Bobby Matos

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9/3 at 8:30pm -- Bobby Matos Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble Percussionist Bobby Matos is one of the most highly respected drummers in the entire Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz genre. Born in the Bronx, New York City, on July 24, 1941, Matos came from a musical family, but was more interested initially in dancing than playing an instrument. Matos didn't begin to take drumming seriously until his late teens, while also learning how to play conga in the basements of churches in Harlem, as he looked up to such artists as Tito Puente for inspiration. It was around this time that Matos joined his first band, Los Congueros, comprised solely of conga, flute, and bass. By the late '60s, Matos had graduated to bandleader (just as the salsa movement began to gain full steam), resulting in one of his best-known songs, "My Latin Soul," produced by Joe Cain, a respected figure in Latin jazz. But instead of continuing on as bandleader, Matos decided to focus strictly on his percussion, as he worked as a sideman for the next two decades. By the '80s, Matos had relocated to California and began to record new material. In the '90s, he issued albums on a regular basis: 1993's Collage Afro Cuban Jazz, 1995's Chango Dance, 1996's Footprints, 1997's My Latin Soul, 1998's Sessions (a compilation of some sessions Matos played on over a 14-year period), 1999's Live at M.O.C.A., and 2001's Mambo Jazz, the latter of which was a collaboration with fellow jazz drummer John Santos. 9/5 at 8:25pm -- Barbara Morrison Birthday Bash The dazzling Barbara Morrison has been featured on more than 20 recordings. She has dazzled fans of a wide array of genres from traditional jazz and blues to gospel and pop. Her melodic voice, with its two-and-a-half octave range, is known worldwide, as are her rich, unique, soulful and highly spirited interpretations of both familiar jazz and blues classics and original contemporary tunes. Equally as striking is Ms. Morrision's ability to belt out down-home, soul-stirring blues.