Adelante! is a 9 piece band that combines Latin rhythms from around the Caribbean with Jazz influences. The band features the dynamic Cuban sonero (lead singer) David Oquendo out front and the arrangements of saxophonist Mike Kaplan. Adelante’s material takes into account both tipico (traditional) & modern Latin music forms and infuses its arrangements with the creativity and improvisation of Jazz.
Adelante! has a 3 man horn section, which includes the leader Mike Kaplan on tenor saxophone, Rob Henke on trumpet and Ben Williams on trombone. In addition to Latin bands, this horn section has played together in diverse musical situations ranging from big bands to rhythm and blues. The powerful groove in the band is supplied by Nicki Denner on piano, Jennifer Vincent on bass, and the percussion/drums section of Willie Martinez, Ricky Salas & Manuel Alejandro Carro. The band sings coros (background vocals) to urge on David. The percussionists are also fine vocalists in their own rite, and each of them get their own lead vocal features with the band.
Latin music aficionados will find familiar classic songs (such as “Mama Guela” and “Bilongo”) updated for the 21stcentury among the band’s repertoire. Jazz nuts will recognize material by Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and others given a fresh new recipe with hot Caribbean and African spices. Adelante!’s musical book also features original compositions (both instrumental and vocal) by the members of the band.