Tito Rodriguez Centennial (2023)
Tito Rodriguez Jr celebrates his father in his centennial year
Pablo ‘Tito’ Rodriguez was born on 4 January 1923 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. The internationally renowned vocalist, percussionist, bandleader, composer and record producer was equally talented as an up-tempo sonero and romantic singer. During his career, Tito recorded over 50 albums with RCA, Tico, United Artists Records, Musicor and his own label, TR Records. His orchestra alternated with Puente, Machito and other bands at the Palladium when the rhythms of Mambo, Cha-cha-cha and Merengue were at their peak. While with UA, he established himself as a ballad singer with the classic interpretation of Involvidable, which sold millions of copies. In the late ’60s he hosted an immensely popular variety show in Puerto Rico. Tito’s last performance was sold out at Madison Square Garden.
His son, Tito Rodriguez Jr, is one of the leading Timbales artists in Tropical Music today. Tito’s signature sound is inspired by traditional big bands of the past with a contemporary twist. Prodigiously gifted as an arranger, composer, producer and bandleader, Tito found his Latin music voice through the Timbales.
Transición, Tito’s latest album, is a visual and auditory tribute to the diverse philosophies of his father and Japanese mother, Takeko, who passed down their passion and love of Latin music to him.
His recordings, in the classic tradition of his father, are stamped with Tito’s personal signature. Tito’s sophisticated way with lyrics; melody and Latin rhythm have become a worldwide sensation for dancers as well as listeners. In sustaining this musical legacy, his parents remain a source of inspiration.
Performances around the globe have delighted audiences at The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, The Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Tempo Latino, Jazz at Vienne, Burgenhausen Jazz Festival, El Dia National de la Salsa, Concord Jazz Festival, The Barbican Centre, Pori Jazz Festival and Ravinia Jazz Festival to critical reviews.
The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra
Performing the music of Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito
In the 1950’s America fell in love with the Mambo – and the best place to hear this electrifying music was the Palladium Ballroom in New York City. Sold-out crowds came to see the now legendary musical battles that took place between the giants of the genre; Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente, otherwise known as the ‘Big 3’. The Palladium was the heart of Mambo & Latin music until it closed in 1966.
This spectacular era of American music history is recreated by The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra, led by Machito Jr and Tito Rodriguez Jr. performing the music of all three masters: Tito Puente, Machito and Tito Rodriguez. Each take their turn as bandleader, performing their fathers’ original arrangements and also continuing their tradition of good-natured musical competition, making for an unmissable live show.
The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra have appeared at festivals and performing arts centres all across the country and released a live album ‘Live At The Blue Note’, in 2008.