A bite from the apple—New York

Latin Beat Magazine, Oct, 2003 by Vicki Sola

CELIA CRUZ. On the afternoon of July 22nd, 2003, thousands lined midtown Manhattan's streets, gazing through raindrops and tears, as two regal white horses slowly pulled an elegant carriage from the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home (located on Madison and 81st) to St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Visible through the coach's crystalline windows was a casket, blanketed by a Cuban flag, and nestled in white and purple flowers.

It was the day that New Yorkers and people from all over the world bid a lingering, loving and disbelieving farewell to Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa.

Once inside St. Patrick's, Cruz's husband of 42 years, Pedro Knight, was joined by relatives, friends and luminaries, including members of the late Tito Puente's family, plus Rubén Blades, Patti La Belle, Victor Manuelle, Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. During the Catholic mass, Cruz's passionate, exuberant approach to life was celebrated. Partí La Belle performed Ave María, and Victor Manuelle offered an emotionally charged tribute, singing La Vida es un Carnival.

Outside, throngs listened to the mass over loudspeakers and watched under their umbrellas, as a motorcade, headed by the hearse bearing Cruz, left for the Bronx's Woodlawn Cemetery.

Cruz, who passed away on July 16 at her Fort Lee, New Jersey home, was laid to rest in the same cemetery where music icons Miles Davis and Duke Ellington lie. The late afternoon's heavy downpour reminded me of the day in June, 2000 when the skies burst open and cried inconsolably as Cruz's dear friend and colleague, Tito Puente was buried.

It seems inconceivable that Cruz's dynamic, inimitable brilliance could be stilled. Cruz's life was extraordinary; a largess all but impossible to capture, characterize of fully comprehend.

"Celia Cruz was a consummate professional," recalled Ray Barretto. "I was always amazed--she was, after all, the Diva of Latin music. When we rehearsed for Fania recordings of performances, she was always one of the fellows, she never put on any airs. She made it easy for everybody to work with a common goal, to make the best music possible."

Felo Barrio remembered recording with Cruz, Barreto, and Adalberto Santiago: "This lady was so humble, so sweet, that I was overwhelmed by the way she conducted herself. To me, Celia is not the Queen of Salsa, she is the Queen of the World, because she earned it. She is what I call a class act; 150,000 people demonstrated their love for her in Miami alone. Celia will be with us forever. ¡Azúcar!"

Armando Fajardo, son of late legend José Fajardo, characterized Cruz as being "the star on the Cuban flag." Cruz was among the first to be inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1997. "She represented our music and culture all around the world with class and dignity," said ILMHF president Joe Hernández. "She was the leading exponent of the salsa movement. As a performer, Celia Cruz is most associated with and responsible for the changing role of women in the world of salsa. History will note that she was as much Cuban as she was Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, or any of the other 19 Latin American countries, loved by millions of adoring fans from all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds."

ANDREA BRACHFELD. On July 16, flutist/bandleader Andrea Brachfeld began her CD release party by dedicating the evening to Celia Cruz. Patrons packed La Maganette to hear Brachfeld's son-rooted charanga play tracks from its latest Latin Cool release, Back With Sweet Passion. The dance floor swelled for two entire sets that became the talk of the town. Performing with Brachfeld were Julio Salgado, Nelson González, Bob Quaranta, Willie Martínez (a percussionist who can sing a mean bolero), Ali Bello, Sam Bardfeld, Andy Elau and Samuel Torres. Demetrios Kastaris, Yasek Manzano and Chico Alvarez were among those who jammed along with her band.

Brachfeld stated: "Those who shared the evening with me hopefully felt the energy of the music. It was a bittersweet evening as I had learned of Celia Cruz's death only hours before we began to play. I was shocked and saddened by her passing. When I was able to think clearly again, I realized that she, of all people, would have wanted the music to go on. People who support live music area special type of people, as the art of symbiotic energy between the music and dancers and listeners is what keeps the music alive."

AROUND TOWN. On July 22nd, at the Copacabana, Tiffany Wright's "Salsa Select Tuesdays" honored Cruz, José Fajardo and Tito Puente. It was historic--the first time in 20 years that Fajardo y sus Estrellas played there. Joining Armando Fajardo were guest artists Tito Puente, Jr., Dave Santiago, Jr. and Ryan Maldonado.

Look out for my upcoming 8th Annual WFDU-FM Benefit to be held at La Maganette on November 9th. Bands donating their talent include The WFDU FM All Star Orchestra (led by Demetrios Kastaris), Gilberto "Pulpo" Colón Jr.'s Ensalada de Pulpo, Grupo Caribe, Grupo Imagen, and Dave Santiago & Latin Affair. I will be celebrating 20 years on the air with "¡Qué Viva La Música!"