Ruben Blades and his incredible band

[Neer]

In the late '80s I was in a band that rehearsed in a cushy NYC studio for a few months (paid, too). In one of the nearby rooms was the nucleus of Ruben Blades' band Son Del Solar--the rhythm section. I got a chance to hear them practice at least a dozen times and they were phenomenal. I had already seen them live once before and one or two records, but hearing them really cutting loose was inspiring and humbling. They actually made me feel a little shame for the crap I was playing, if I'm being honest. I'd have rather have grabbed a salsa bell and played with them (something which I would become quite good at later on).

Ruben is a real poet and a great human being.

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Here is a clip with Jerry Garcia joining Ruben, although I don't think this is Son Del Solar:
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[WahmBoomAh]

I remember "seis de solar" were they 2 different things ?
anyway .... arturo ortiz, steve sandberg , robbie ameen are a few friends who went through that band ,,,,, Ruben always was searching and experimenting .
and as you say...a great artist and person ...thanks

[Neer]

Seis del Solar and Son del Solar were basically the same band. Oscar Hernandez is a fantastic pianist/arranger. He gives the music a distinct NY edge.

[tapeworm]

¿Y a dónde van todos los desaparecidos?

Ruben is great!

[Neer]

One more for Ruben, a real renaissance man:

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[mds]

Yeah, he's awesome.

[CharAznable]

Sometime around 1993, I went to a friend's 15th birthday party. In Latin America, these parties are rather important affairs. Her parents got this classical guitar/violin duo to play during the cocktails. A bunch of us just stood there watching them, they were amazing.

Fast forward to 1999, and they're winning the Grammy Award for best Latin album with Ruben Blades:

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