Agúzate TV Episode 8: Papo Santiago at Summer Dance
- 00:02:29
- YouTube
Agúzate TV Episode 8: Papo Santiago at Summer Dance
Papo Santiago started his musical journey in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the birthplace of some of the most celebrated musicians in Latin music history, including: Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Hector Lavoe, and Papo Lucca. Santiago pursued a degree in music at Universidad Interamericana, San German, Puerto Rico. Before completing his studies, he was recruited to play baritone sax with "La Terrifica" by its bandleader Joe Rodriguez. "La Terrifica" spun off from "La Sonora Poncena" in the early 70's and paved the way for Santiago's incursion into the world of salsa. The band's international acclaim took Santiago to the demanding salsa public of Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and New York among others. After forging his musical reputation, he became a sought after musician, sharing the stage with upper brass of Afro-Caribbean music, including "Fania All-Stars", "La Sonora Poncena", "Ismael Miranda", "Marvin Santiago", Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Carlos "Cano" Estremera, Henry Fiol. Lalo Rodriguez, Eddie Santiago, and Nino Segarra. Along the way, Papo Santiago has demonstrated an uncanny ability to take on new challenges, and become a bona fide bandleader. After mastering the saxophone and all its variants, he honed the craft of flute playing with Banda Municipal de Ponce 1985. Santiago moved to the city of Chicago in the late 1980's where he found himself having to carve a niche in the city's music circles. It didn't take long for his talents to be recognized by the top tier of local musicians, including Orquesta Yambu, Ases del Merengue, Joe Rendon and friends, La Tira and Cuatrisimo. Cuban flutist Jose Fajardo dubbed him "the child prodigy" after discovering his skills on the instrument while touring the Windy City. Santiago went on to join the experimental jazz ensemble Kalinda. The group's first recording "Kalinda Kaliente" was named in 1997 by the Chicago Tribune as one of the year's ten best in the Jazz category.
YouTube | August 26, 2008
