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Isaac Delgado
“The King of Cuban Cool”
The New York Times
Back by popular demand, Cuban superstar Delgado returns for two nights at S.F.’s legendary Bimbo’s nightclub. Famed for “innovation, improvisation, high musicianship and hard Afro-Cuban funk” (The New York Times), Delgado has been a luminary since he took over as lead vocalist for the blazing timba combo Ng La Banda. in 2006 he defected by walking north across the U.S./Mexican border with his wife and two daughters. He’s taken the American salsa scene by storm, selling out two shows at last fall’s Festival. Don’t miss the dance party of the year!

Hailed as the Latin answer to Frank Sinatra, Issac Delgado is the most renowned Cuban singer of his generation. Both a tireless innovator and an impeccable stylist, Delgado has transformed modern Cuban dance music while respecting its storied traditions.

In his native Cuba, Delgado is a massive star, famed for his smooth delivery and innovative approach to music. Born into a musical family (his mother was a singer for Celia Cruz, among others), Delgado began his own career in a band with a fellow Cuban, pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Stints in Pacho Alonso’s Orquestra and the Galaxia Group were followed by a career-defining role as the lead singer for NG La Banda. Delgado helped define a new genre of music, timba, a street-inspired mix of latin jazz, funk, hip hop, and son rhythms. The aggressive, new sound stormed through Cuba.

His first release in the U.S., 2007’s En Ultima Plana, earned Delgado global acclaim, including three Grammy nominations, and the hit single “La Mujer Que Mas Te Duele”.

Of his latest release,Delgado says: “In sonority, this recording is still Cuban salsa, with Cuban color, but with a sound closer to—and for—the US Latino, in New York, L.A., and Puerto Rico.” Produced again by multiple Grammywinner Sergio George (Tito Puente, Marc Anthony, Jerry Riverar) and another giant from Puerto Rican salsa sound, Jose Lugo, (Gilberto Santa Rosa’s long-time musical director and producer), the albums confirms his stature as “the future of tropical music (Los Angeles Times).

Close program notes

Issac Delgado Personnel: Issac Ramirez Delgado (vocals), Issac Lopez Delgado (piano), Livan Mesa (piano), Dennys Savon (congas), Robert Vilera (timbales), Daniel Berroa (bongos and cowbell), Yorgis Goiricelaya (bass), Nestor Zabala (trombone, musical director), Leon Perez (trombone), Hernan Mulet (trumpet), Dante Vargas (trumpet), Luis Beltran (saxophone), Marcos Domenech (vocals), Victor Romero (vocals)