The loss of some artistic figures simply leaves a hole in the music world that cannot be filled. The musical world will continue without them – that’s a fact that can’t be denied. Mentors train young musicians who eventually grown into new artists who continue a musical tradition. Eventually, these younger musicians become the mentors to a new generation of artists. The musical world is one big unstoppable cycle that will continue to evolve as long as there are people to create. The art form may continue to exist, but when some artists pass away, it simply will not be the same. The depth of their impact goes beyond just the simple act of performing; it changes the way that musicians and audience members think about the music. They might deliver extraordinary technique, uncanny musicianship, or a brutally honest look at the tradition. Whatever their contribution, one thing stands clear with these musicians – no one created music the same way before them and no one will play like them later. There are followers and imitators, but in this case, they simply can’t be duplicated. Their memory is stronger than any attempt to match them; their legacy just can’t be replaced.

Percussionist Francisco Aguabella brought a superb musicianship and vast knowledge of Cuban music into his experience as a band leader and sideman. Born on October 11, 1925 in the Mantanzas area of Cuba, Aguabella adopted his role as a percussionist early, learning the bata rhythms of Santeria. Just past 20, Aguabella moved to Havana and worked consistently in the city’s active nightclub scene. Dancer Katherine Dunham encountered Aguabella in Havana and hired him to play with her dance troupe. The percussionist traveled around the world with Dunham, landing in the United States for a part in the movie “Mambo.” His musical strengths served him well as Aguabella found a long term steady gig with jazz vocalist Peggy Lee as well work in the Latin music scene. Aguabella’s prodigious skills were well received; during the fifties, Aguabella recorded with Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria. The sixties and seventies included work with a number of important acts, including Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Palmieri, Joe Henderson, and more. The in-demand percussionist even spent time recording with a late incarnation of The Doors, playing on their album Other Voices. During this time, Aguabella also found a home on the West Coast, becoming an important mentor for young musicians. He joined local Latin Rock groups like Santana and Malo while maintaining ties to West Coast jazz musicians like Bobby Hutcherson and Pete Escovedo. Aguabella moved south and set his roots in Los Angeles, leading a Latin Jazz ensemble and performing as a bata drummer in the community. Along the way, Aguabella recorded several albums on the Cubop label, including Agua de Cuba, H2O, Cubacan, and more. UCLA recognized the importance of Aguabella’s vast command over the bata drums, hiring him as a professor of Afro-Cuban music. Filmmaker Les Blank captured Aguabella in the documentary Sworn To The Drum, with another documentary entitled Aguabella soon to follow. When Aguabella left the world on May 7, 2010, countless people from across the jazz, Afro-Cuban, and pop music worlds felt the loss with profound impact.

Aguabella lived a long life filled with an amazing musical contribution to the world which deserves a long reflection and analysis. As a start, we’re dedicating today’s Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix to Aguabella’s memory and music. The first video finds Aguabella leading his band at Steamer’s nightclub, where he held a regular gig in the last years of his life. The second clip places Aguabella with the Los Angeles supergroup Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars, delivering some intensive rumba. The last piece is a live recording with Aguabella’s Latin Jazz group recorded in San Francisco. There’s some great playing from one of the music’s legends – enjoy!

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Francisco Aguabella Latin Jazz Ensemble Performing At Steamer’s

Francisco Aguabella With The Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars

Francisco Aguabella’s Latin Jazz Ensemble Performing In San Francisco

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Want to hear more from Francisco Aguabella? Check out these albums:

Agua de Cuba

Cubacan

Ochimini

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Do you have a video to contribute to satisfy our weekly Latin Jazz video fix? If so, send it in – it’s time to feed our addiction. I’m looking for live performances, from any context. I’ll most likely be posting one video per week, but if you’ve got another idea, let’s talk. So come on Latin Jazz videographers, musicians, and fans – let’s share some of our memorable videos! Get my contact info HERE.

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Latin Jazz Standards: 10 Versions Of Tin Tin Deo
10 Latin Jazz Perspectives On Miles Davis
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Brian Andres And The Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Graciela (1915 – 2010)

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