Manny Oquendo’s Influence: Libre Members Working As Bandleaders

When an influential figure leaves the world, there’s a gap in the musical landscape and a break in the historical timeline. That musician exerted an influence for a reason - there was a specific sound, technique, artistic approach, or a certain knowledge base that made the musician important. They held something different that no one else can exactly replicate; that’s what made them so influential. Unfortunately, once they leave our world, they take their special traits with them. So that empty space simply sits in the middle of the musical world, waiting for someone to occupy it. In many cases, younger musicians take the opportunity to work with these influential artists, soaking in their history and artistic vision. Hopefully they leave the experience with a thorough understanding of their mentor’s major contributions to the art form and a defined sense of how they can continue that tradition. Once that empty space exists, they are the only ones that can authentically fill it. Other musicians certainly can’t replace an influential figure, but they can respectfully continue the tradition. The only other option is letting the influence, tradition, and musical vision fade away as a historical footnote.

Manny Oquendo’s passing last week certainly left a major gap in the world of New York Latin music, taking with him a rich performance style that resonated with his singular voice. Oquendo’s timbale sound and approach was completely identifiable; from his aggressive driving cascara accompaniment to his explosive improvisatory voice, each performance just screamed Oquendo. As a bandleader, his repertoire choices and arrangement ideas led his group on an exciting ride through New York salsa, authentic Cuban popular forms, folklore from Cuba and Puerto Rico, jazz, and more. He saw the connections between these world and found ways to walk between them with style and ease. Fortunately he touched many musicians throughout his years as a sideman and bandleader, exerting his influence and sharing his knowledge with several generations of artists. Many musicians in Libre stayed with the group for years, always appreciating the rich gift that Oquendo provided. Now that Oquendo has passed, these musicians hold the responsibility of keeping his vision alive while holding onto their own musical personalities. It’s a heavy responsibility, but after years with the master, these musicians are up to the task.

I’ve collected a few videos of Libre members working as bandleaders and soloists outside the group. All of these guys enjoyed careers as leaders for a good chunk of their time with Libre, gladly balancing work between their two worlds. The influence of their time in Libre shows in different ways - some of them follow that Oquendo sound and some of them simply present a different style with the same commanding authority that Oquendo delivered. In either case, they are carrying on the tradition of excellence and filling a void so that we can remember Oquendo and take his influence into the future.

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Jimmy Bosch - “Descargeando”