Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band

There could be no better finish to this year's Mosaic Music Festival at the Esplanade concert hall, with Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band flushing the house with "vitality, rhythm and pure joy". Thanks to JK, or rather, a common friend Rena, I was the fortunate "beneficiary" of a last minute pullout. Despite my unfamiliarity with this 9-time Grammy winner, I was quick to jump in the free offer to fill that seat knowing I was in for some good Latin Jazz.

"Real dance music – that’s the kind Eddie Palmieri plays. His myriad interpretations of Latin jazz music are bona fide Cuban rhythm and unadulterated energy, delivered with eloquence and fantastic musicianship, and designed to get the dancers within us out on the floor.

The Harlem-born, nine-time Grammy®-winner has long been admired by the world as one of the foremost Latin pianists of the last half-century. His musical career spans over 50 years as musician and bandleader of salsa and Latin jazz orchestras, composer, arranger and all-round music-maker with an impressive discography of over 32 titles.

Dedicated to keeping the tradition of Latin jazz thriving, but also renowned for combining Latin rhythms with jazz piano and instrumental solos, Eddie has continued to roll on with stylistic innovations over the years, creating classic Tico albums, mixing salsa with R&B, pop, rock, Spanish vocals and jazz improvisation, and jumping from dancehall to free jazz. His Latin sound and vast talent have taken him through Europe, Japan and Latin America, showcasing his assemblage of seasoned musicians and a kaleidoscope of musical styles as spirited as his own personality."

While Palmieri helmed at his piano and keyboard, his band members each took turns to showcase their talents and prove why this 6-piece band is a mesh of individuality and dynamism, that, when launching into their signature percussive attack, keeps the house grooving non-stop. Take for instance American jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison, and longtime trumpeter Brian Lynch, who both fronted the stage with their impressive dexterity and breath.

One of the crowd's favourite also includes master percussionist Little Johnny Rivero, who was upbeat (literally speaking) anytime he took to his congos, while Jose Claussel held the rhythms on terrific timbales. Last but not the least, the 6th member and bassist basking in the shadows of the spotlights was Luques Curtis, who humbly but surely provided the support to gel the set together.

Together with Harrison and Lynch, Palmieri managed not once, but twice, in getting the audience to join in the music by clapping their hands in sync with the rhythm, while Rivero and Claussel continued to belt out the best in their timbales and congos respectively. There was even a light-hearted moment in Rivero's solo set when he went beyond hitting the congos and continued the beat with several taps on this shiny head!

By the end of the 100minutes, the crowd made no reservations on the standing ovation, and it was obvious the band enjoyed their time on stage and the appreciation rendered. For a taste of what you have missed out until next year (if they do return), click here to understand why this infectious music drew nothing but a resounding applause.