By Max Salazar
July is a special time of the year for Steve Pouchie. It reminds him of Cal Tjader's birthday (July 16, 1925) and he tries to schedule his concert appearances on or near this date, so he can pay tribute to Tjader, a musician he reveres. Since 1984, when he launched his music career, vibraharpist/musical director Steve Pouchie's quintet has performed in schools, colleges, street fairs, restaurants, cocktail lounges, night clubs and outdoor concerts.
There isn't a Latin
Jazz aficionado in New York City who has not heard of him. Time after time, his performances have resulted in raucous standing ovations. Although he has original charts, the quintet cooks on tunes such as Philadelphia Mambo, Guachi Guara, A Night in Tunisia and Alonzo, all pleasant reminders of Cal Tjader and Tito Puente. Some of you may be thinking, "So what? If I want to bear these tunes, I'll listen to the Tjader and Puente versions."
Pouchie's versions are different. His ad-libbed mambos are exciting. Steve Pouchie's imagination creates thrilling music every Sunday on public access television during his half hour show, LATIN JAZZ, ALIVE 'N' KICKING.During the second week of July, 2001, The Latin Jazz Society Ensemble released Pouchie's CD Vibe Mania, featuring flutist Connie Grossman, tenor saxist Al Acosta and pianist Joe Torres. These three outstanding soloists are backed by bassist Cucho Martínez, trumpeter Guido González, conguero Willie Everich, timbalero Eddie Cruz, José Rivera on cowbell, and Pouchie on vibes. Vibe Mania is an outstanding album. Steve Pouchie was born to Puerto Rican parents on January 18, 1954, two months before Tjader recorded his first album, Mambo With Tjader, for Fantasy Records. Perhaps it is fate's decree that Pouchie was born to continue the Tjader-Puente legacy after their unfortunate departures.
