Willie Colon Revives Spirit of His Legendary Partner

Legendary Puerto Rican singer Hector Lavoe has been dead for almost a decade, but you couldn’t help but feel his spirit Saturday at the House of Blues when his best friend and musical partner Willie Colon offered an emotionally charged sampling of the music that made them both famous.

In the early ‘70s, Colon and Lavoe created the most sophisticated and lasting brand of what today is recognized as “salsa,” the sensuous, addictive mix of Cuban dance tradition and American big-band spice.

During his two-hour set, Colon--equally renowned as a singer, record producer and trombonist--only turned to his music from the Lavoe period for a few inspired numbers, including a blistering introductory medley that ranged from “Barrunto” to “Calle Luna, Calle Sol.”

Interestingly, there was no drop-off in impact when Colon and his large band moved into material from the musician’s post-Lavoe years.

After Lavoe’s death and a brief stint producing Ruben Blades’ landmark early albums, Colon embarked on a daring solo career, emphasizing his singing and songwriting.

Subtle, thoughtful and a touch melancholy, these more personal songs--such as the socially conscious “El Gran Varon” (The Great Man) and the lovely “Idilio”--are far more than just great dance fare. They not only move your feet, but touch your heart. And the crowd at the House of Blues seemed moved on both levels.

Colon added to the magic of the evening with his own charisma, especially on those moments when he paused during a vocal and gazed at the audience with his trademark, mischievous grin. He would then suddenly grab the trombone and join the band’s brass section in a frenzied series of solos that played off one another in majestic fashion.

Just when the show seemed to be nearing its climax about 1:30 a.m., things came to an end, leaving the crowd disappointed when the band didn’t return for an encore. Before leaving the stage, Colon said he’d be back for more if the audience wanted it. But the house lights came on before the crowd had a chance to react. Whether it was a curfew or simply the musicians’ choice for no encore, the audience was clearly disappointed. But it was the only sour moment in an otherwise brilliant display of Latin rhythms.