Currently Richie is leading an eleven piece salsa band called Orquesta Universal featuring twice Grammy nominated Cuban born singer David Oquendo that has performed at the Central Park Conservatory, Saint Joseph’s College in LI, and for Teatro Si at the Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick NJ. He is also featured in a six piece Cuban Band which performs at such venues as the NY Botanical Gardens for Fiesta de Flores.
Descarga.com says about Richie's latest release, "New York Salsa": Wow -- from the opening track "Fuego A La Jicotea" (a huge hit for Marvin Santiago) you'll know right away that this swinging salsa-mambo-jazz release is something special. Assembled by trumpeter Richie Vitale and tresero Carlos Konig (also Richie's "on 2" mambo teacher), this selection of compositions — ranging from the aforementioned classic "Fuego..." to the Senen Suarez composition "La Sopa En Botella" to Marcelino Guerra's "Ahora Sí, Oye Mi Rumba" to Thelonius Monks "Evidence" — boasts a thoughtful sophistication and respect for music of very high standards.
David Oquendo (singer for Raíces Habaneras, Africando) does a great job here, and gives the band that New York soul we used to hear when there was a flourishing club scene — this band is reminiscent of the best groups that played the 2-a.m. set downtown. That's when they let loose and played the music *they* liked. Totally infectious dance material with deep grooves. And totally Highly recommended, too.
Influences:
Donald Byrd, Hank Mobley, Mom & Dad, F. Hubbard, Blue Mitchell, Dizzy, Art Farmer, Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros, friend and teacher Woody Shaw, Clifford Jordan, K. D. (that's Kenny Dorham, not k.d. lang, tho I'm down wid dat!), Brownie and the rest of the cats!
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