Tito Puente Jr. Brings Latin Jazz to Charlotte

by Alicia Benjamin

Charlotte Observer

Spoken-word artist Lemon called Tito Puente "the Don Corleone of Latin Jazz" when he paid tribute to the late musician in "Def Poetry Jam on Broadway."

Puente, who played a major role in popularizing Latin music, gave us sizzling mambo, flavorful Latin jazz and the hit "Oye Como Va," which helped make Carlos Santana a superstar.

Now his son, Tito Puente Jr., who will perform June 26 at Symphony Park with the Charlotte Symphony, has developed his own twist on mambo and Latin jazz rhythms, with a dash of salsa.