A LIFE OF SALSA

The champion of the Nuyorican sound Eddie Palmieri has passed away, leaving behind an immeasurable influence on Latin music around the globe

- ■ JOHN CLEWLEY

Last week, a giant of Latin jazz, pianist, bandleader and composer Eddie Palmieri passed away at the age of 88. Not only was he a revered figure in Latin music, he was also one of the USA's great 20th century musical innovators, a genius who changed the trajectory of Latin music and developed the Nuyorican sound of salsa.

Born to Puerto Rican parents in New York in 1936, his family settled in the South Bronx. His brother Charlie was also a pianist. Although he took piano lessons, he originally played the bongos; the story goes that he was jealous of his cool brother, who left the house to play in a tuxedo, while he had to carry his bongos in newspaper, so he ditched the bongos and concentrated on the piano.

That drum connection is always evident when he played. I saw him in perform in Tokyo where he played the piano like a percussionist, creating a compelling groove-laden heavy sound.