Arturo Sandoval: Great opener for the VPAC!!
by HeyBarbara on 9/12/11Valley Performing Arts Center - NorthridgeRating: 4 out of 5Listening to Arturo Sandoval live is a rare treat. In addition to his dramatic personal story, he brought an amazing depth of talent to the Northridge stage. This concert was billed s a tribute to his hero, mentor and friend, Dizzy Gillespie. Sandoval's opening number on trumpet began with his quartet, and ended with his surprising skillful and playful vocalization. Sandoval radiated energy and joy, while he and his band played with soul and and heat - unforgettable! Sandoval played the trumpet, the piano, the drums, and brought along his friend, Andy Garcia, to play congas. The only weak spot in the evening's performance (and the reason I gave this concert only 4 stars) was the pitchy female vocalist after the intermission. I felt as though she was not only not adding to the performance, but stealing time that I could have spent listening to Sandoval and his band. The encore performance of "Night in Tunisia" was hot!
