Edgardo and Candela - Celebrando 20 Anos - Review

Brother Edgardo Gambon has a new project out, and it is a very solid addition to the west coast salsa scene.







It features some great talent, including a ripping horn section led by serious heavy trombonist Martin (Marty) Wehner along with Abel Figueroa and Jeff Cressman... a serious Palmeiri like triple trombone back end.



Marty used to play for a band called MingusAmungus, or some spelling thereabouts.. It was a seriously juicy project, featuring Hilton Ruiz, Babatunde Lea (my first conga teacher), and Ernie Watts. I think Ernie, other than Michael Brecker and Stan Getz, was the fattest saxophonists ive ever laid eyes on.

a bit about Marty:

Martin D. Wehner
Trombone and Arranger
Martin has been playing professionally since age 12. He attended the Berkeley College of Music, and has lived and performed in Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia and the US.
He’s worked with Dizzie Gillespie, Joe Henderson, Carlos Santana, Boz Scaggs, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Dr. John, Carla Thomas, Clarence Clemons, The Mingus Epitaph Orchestra, Benny Carter, Xavier Cugat, Pete Escovedo, Sheila E., Queen Ida, Otis Clay, Phil Woods and Kenny Wheeler among others.
In addition to Candela, he is a member of several groups including Candela (Salsa), Kotoja (Afro-Beat), Johnny Necturne Band (R&B), and The Ruby Salvihi Big Band. Martin also leads his own big band and a hip hop funk group, Funkbone.

The groove is cemented by one of the finest Bass players in the latin tradition, David Belove. David has the fattest chops, and a huge resume'.

years ago, picked up a copy of 'cuban bass', a book for Bass players. David was a previous owner and had signed the book. Even back then, he was a name I was familiar with from my Jazz past. A bit about Dave:

David Belove, bass, has worked and/or recorded with Max
Roach, Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Larry
Coryell, Eddie Henderson, Eddie Harris, Pat Metheny, The
Hieroglyphics Ensemble, Patato, Changuito, Ignacio Berroa,
Armando Perraza, Danilo Perez, The Machete Ensemble,
Edgardo Cambon y Nueva Candela, Claudia Gomez, Tito
Puente, Viva Brasil, Pete Escovedo, Orquestra Batachanga,
Francisco Aguabella, Claudia Vilella, Oscar Castro Neves, The
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Madeline Eastman, Mark
Murphy, and Ray Obiedo.

Yea, thats not a bad list, no? ;)

Back to the review... Bob Karty on piano does a nice job turning the montunos, and listening to this lp, its not hard to imagine a house packed full of exquisitely dressed dancers spinning their dresses straight... forgetting about time, while feeling every 16th.

The cd is true to the Salsa form, with the addition of some South American influences from this native Uruguayan.

From Rumba to Tango, there are influences from folkloric traditions woven into the tight, modern arrangements by Edgardo, floutist and super heavy John Calloway, Sandy and Jeff Cressman, Wayne Wallace, THE Rebeca Mauleon Santana, as well as Marco Diaz.

Edgardo must be proud. Its a fun project packed with Sr. Gambon's positive vibe. This one is sure to have you bopping down the freeway with a smile on your face.

This band regularly plays in the bay area, and is available for booking. I have to say... these guys are true professionals, and are the perfect band to hire for weddings etc. Its a sure bet with Candela.

Contact info: has become one of the most renowned Salsa bands in California.
For more information call 510/336-7051 or e-mail Edgardo Cambón at edgardo@slip.net.