Tonight I had an incredibly rich musical experience. I attended a Master Class with percussionist Poncho Sanchez, whose ensemble will perform in-concert tomorrow evening in Anchorage to open the Anchorage Concert Association 2006-2007 season.
This was probably the best $10.00 I've ever spent in my life! We were treated to 1½ hours of music, instruction and encouragement by Poncho and his 8-piece Latin Jazz Ensemble. Afterward, I shook Poncho's hand, welcomed him and his bandmates to Alaska, had my photo taken with him, and had my Pandeiro signed by him.
What a gifted musician, marvelous teacher and gracious man is Poncho Sanchez! I thought of SinginSumo several times tonight.
Here are some photos from tonight's Master Class.
The Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Ensemble
Poncho's rhythm section workin' it out
Poncho groovin'
The Master at work
Peppercorn & Poncho
Poncho's signature on my pandeiro
At the end of the class, I was privileged (along with other drummers) to play along with The Pancho Sanchez Latin Jazz Ensemble on an upbeat Mambo for about 8-10 minutes.
Pretty heady stuff, folks.