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Pete Escovedo at Yoshi's--Have Mercy
My friend Brenda Payton writes a column for the Oakland Tribune and she occasionally refers to having an “Oakland Moment.” I had an Oakland Moment tonight when Pete Escovedo opened his three-day stint at Yoshi’s with the 8 PM set that should have called out the Oakland Fire Department. People come to Yoshi’s from all over the area but tonight there was a decidedly Oakland flavor in the audience. All I can say is, the set smoked. Lemme say it again: The set smoked. Pete is from Oakland, living in LA now, and when he walked out, all he said was “I’m back” and the crowd went nuts. That lit the fuse and it never cooled down after that
Pete Escovedo played a fiery set accompanied by sons Juan on congas and Peter Michael on the drum kit. The complete band line up was:
Pete Escovedo - Leader, Timbales
Juan Escovedo – Congas
Peter Michael Escovedo - Drums
Joe Rotundi - Piano
Mark Van Wageningen - bass
Wayne Wallace - trombone
Dave Gregoric - trombone
Mario Gonzales - trumpet
Ramon Flores - trumpet
Justo Almario - Saxophones
The new faces in the band for me were Gregoric, Gonzales, Flores, Almario and Rotundi. Rotundi sizzled on piano and the brass section nearly melted down their instruments. Flores was the first trumpet and he blew hard, crisp and sweet. Young Gonzales had one really short solo that singed my eyebrows. Wallace should be called Dr. Salsa because he plays with such intensity and conviction. He has played in Pete’s band for many years and has written and arranged many songs for the band.
The band played selections from Pete’s new live CD and a medley of three tunes including one he wrote with the great Tito Puente. Pete led the band in his famous schtick that never gets old where they slow down and just when you think they are finished with the song, they play another note, then another. Ultimately, each band member slooooowly leans back in unison as they crash into one final blast of joy.
The intense exchanges between Pete and his two sons were some of the hottest highlights of the set. They have played together for so long they have flawless communication. They went back and forth, Pete talking to the congas, then the drums. Each talking back to him. They smiled at each other. Juan and Peter trying to outdo one another in typical Escovedo sibling rivalry.
And these are musicians who have fun with each other and the audience. There was a little banter about family goings on. Sheila couldn’t be there because she is in Toronto playing with some British guy named Ringo Starr. Peter Michael is referred to as Mr. Television by his dad. Pete celebrates his 68th birthday on Sunday. Mrs. Escovedo was introduced to a big round of applause, especially for an Oakland homegirl.
Pete is genuinely loved here in Oakland and the synergy between the audience and the band is very special. I shouted and clapped so much it was like being at a Raiders game. Pete got folks up to dance on his final number. He came back and played an encore to a nearly hysterical display of devotion.
There are still tickets available for the 10 PM set on Saturday and the 8 PM set on Sunday. This is a truly exceptional band. Wear your flame retardant undies and have a great time.
Last edited by RainyDay; July-12th-2003 at 08:24 PM.
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