Poncho Sanchez. Photo: Peter Fitzpatrick/ AL DÍA News

Poncho Sanchez: The conguero with 'picante' will play Philly this weekend

In genres of music, there is Elvis Presley for rock-n-roll, Marc Anthony for salsa, and for Latin jazz there is Poncho Sanchez.

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In genres of music, there is Elvis Presley for rock-n-roll, Marc Anthony for salsa, and for Latin jazz there is Poncho Sanchez. With music spanning over four decades, the two-time Grammy winner has been the driving force for the worldwide popularity of Latin jazz music. Before his visit to the Merriam Theatre in Philadelphia this weekend, AL DÍA had the pleasure to talk with “El Conguero”.

Can you take us back to the humble beginnings of your career?

“I was born in Laredo, Texas and I’m the youngest of 11 kids. I have six sisters and four brothers. We moved to Los Angeles, Calif. when I was 4 years old and when we got to the big city, my older brothers and sisters started listening to the radio and found a station that was playing what was called in those days “Musica Cubana” or “Musica Tropical” Nowadays they call it Salsa. That word wasn’t even used in those days. I just got home about an hour and a half ago from Lionel “Chico” Sesmas’ funeral. Chico Sesma was the first Latino disk Jockey in California to play Salsa music. This guy used to come on the radio in the late 50’s and 60’s for only an hour or two a week. He was 92 years old. Later in life I was able to meet him and he was very proud of me mentioning him in interviews because he was the first guy I heard playing Afro-Cuban Music. That’s how I got introduced to Latin Jazz.”

You were introduced to Latin Jazz legend Cal Tjader in an interesting way:

“Cal Tjader was a medic in the navy during WWII. Some guy seen me play at a local club in Los Angeles. This guy named Ernie walked in the club and said you sound great. I said thanks but thought nothing of it. He then said I’m a personal friend of Cal Tjader and I thought what? Ernie was in the navy with Cal Tjader. Two weeks later Cal Tjader was playing in Los Angeles and I walked into the downstairs club. Ernie was at the front door talking to Cal Tjader and I almost died. Ernie introduced me to Cal and he said you really play good congas. Do you want to sit in with the band? I said, Sit In? I said, when? He said, tonight. I watched half of the set and then he called me up and I played four songs with him. He hired me two weeks later. After some time I told Cal, Hey Cal, is Ernie a really good friend of yours? He said, you know Poncho, I don’t really know him that well. It’s just that we were just on the same ship together.”

What advice can you give any young artists up and coming in Latin Jazz?

“First I tell any young upcoming conga drummers or band leaders that it’s not easy. If you have the heart, time, and the strength to do it then it will work. People think that you just have to play really good to be a great musician. You have to play your instrument very well, but that’s only part of it. You have to be a leader. You have to organize getting a good record contract, people who read and write music. There’s a lot to take into account in order to be successful.

What is your opinion on Donald Trump’s comments on Mexicans?
“I’m not much of a politician, I’m a musician. I think he is a little rash and outrageous, but he is bringing up issues that have brought problems to the United States. His ideas are radical and crazy, but nobody would be talking about it if he would not have brought it up. I feel that everyone is welcome, but let’s do it the right way. My parents were both born in Mexico. They met in Laredo, Texas and married young. As soon as they made a family in the United States, my parents wanted to become American citizens. My mother and father went to classes to become an American citizen. They were very proud to become Americans. You have people these days that don’t want to become citizens. It’s not the same as when my mother and father got here. Something needs to be done but I don’t know what that is.”

When you come to the Merriam theatre this Sunday, what should the fans expect to hear?

“We are going to do a little mixture of everything from authentic Salsa music, Latin Jazz, and a little bit of Latin Soul. We also got some new music from our upcoming tribute album to John Coltrane. We will be in the studio starting in January. We are doing some of the John Coltrane music Poncho Sanchez style live for everyone. Arturo Sandoval and I played in Philadelphia about several years ago. I really enjoy it there. I know Arturo Sandoval very well and it’s always an honor and pleasure to play opposite of him. We’re really looking forward to come to Philly and play. It’s a family affair. Bring the whole family. We got something for everybody. When we get there, we’re going to jump, shout, and shimmy!”

For a complete discography list, concert schedule, or to purchase any of Sanchez’ music, go to www.ponchosanchez.com. Tickets are still available for the show. For information, call the Kimmel Center at (215) 893-1999 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

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Poncho Sanchez: The conguero with 'picante' will play Philly this weekend

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