As a kid & music nut,I heard Oscar Salas throughout my youth in S.Fla. As a grown man & musician,I had several opportunities to share stages with him.He played percussion and traps in my band for a while and even recorded a CD with us.Oscar had a manner in his approach to the tumbadoras that made him a TRUE Latin Jazz percussionist.He didnt simply bang over a jazz melody as if simply inserting salsa & timba concepts into it. No. Oscar knew when NOT to play,when to drive and when to whisper (same as is expected of a melodic instrument).His use of 4 & 5 drums allowed him to create a melodic essence (a concept probably learned from one of his mentors,the great Carlos Patato Valdes)and never, ever,thought anything less about tapping with his fingertips .(beautiful !).There are many young congueros (Giovanni wannabees)who would do themselves and the Music a favor by exploring this approach.Oscar had a few curveballs thrown at him by life & the constant struggles & disappointments of being a working musician (especially in DJ /Pop obsessed Miami). That sometimes gave him a somewhat jaded,Ive had enough of this shit demeanor,but in the time that I got to perform,tour,and even room with him (both as a fellow sideman & as the bandleader),Oscar was easygoing,fun,funny,and a gentleman in everyway.From what I have heard,he seemed to have found his place in his new home of Macedonia.Like many creative people,it is great to find a place where you feel respected & appreciated as an artist.Oscar collaborated throughout the years with his friends Jaco and Patato as well as Pat Metheny, George Porter Jr,David Byrne,and many more.Our condolences to his family and R.I.P./E.P.D.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:40:01 +0000
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