Positively Latino

When flutist-trumpeter Cruz Gonzalez and drummer Sal Rodriguez started Paragon in December 1996, Gonzalez knew he wanted a different kind of Latin jazz band.

“A charanga band uses violin and flute in the front line,” says Gonzalez, a native of East L.A. who lives in Studio City. “So I took the charanga sound and replaced the violin with another flute and came up with a new approach. Plus, I also play harmonica into the Latin genre, and nobody has really done that.”

Gonzalez, who has taken over the helm of Paragon, leads the unique band on Friday at Chadney’s in Burbank. With him will be a fine cast, including Rodriguez, who plays with the rock band, War; Joey Rotondi, a sought-after Latin-oriented keyboardist; bassist Carlos del Puerto; percussionist Perico Hernandez; guitarist Issac Avila; and noted reed man John Bolivar.

Listening to a tape of the band made at the Baked Potato in North Hollywood, you hear the originality Gonzalez is talking about. On the vibrant salsa number, “El Sen~or,” he and Bolivar play the theme together on flutes, creating a light, buoyant sound over the throbbing rhythm. Then, after a long Bolivar flute solo, the two players trade phrases, Bolivar on piccolo, Gonzalez on flute. The result is persuasive and distinctive.

Also out of the ordinary is “How Things Can Be So Beautiful,” a medium-tempo cha-cha that spotlights a breathy and engaging flute solo by Gonzalez. He said he fell in love with the instrument at 16. “I was captivated by the sound, and when I heard Art Webb at a show at the Palladium and went backstage and saw him practicing, I knew that’s what I really wanted to do,” said Gonzalez, a devout Christian who plays each Sunday in the band at the Living Hope Community Church in San Fernando.

Paragon also plays jazz classics, such as Horace Silver’s “Song for My Father” and Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower,” though in a Latin style. The band plays numbers the leader describes as having a “high-energy Latin groove” and some that are strictly Afro-Cuban. And since he doesn’t want to leave anyone out, Gonzalez said, the band plays some tunes with an acid-jazz flavor and some gospel. “But Latin is where my heart is; that’s what my life is.”

Gonzalez said he likes flute more than trumpet, which he also regularly plays in the band. “Flute is more expressive, more gratifying,” he said. “But trumpet has its own exciting thing as well. Playing both has allowed me to be complete.”

When not involved in musical activities, Gonzalez can be found at the True Roots Cultural Gallery in San Fernando. Owned by his son, Anthony, the establishment is a combination art gallery, bookstore, library and clothing store. “It’s a place where people can come and get information about the history of Chicanos,” he said. “It’s about positive Latin influences.” Cruz Gonzalez appears with Paragon on Friday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Chadney’s, 3000 W. Olive St., Burbank. No cover, one-drink minimum per show. (818) 843-5333.

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More Latin: Poncho Sanchez, the conga drummer/bandleader whom Gonzalez credits with opening the door to Latin bands in Los Angeles, leads his invigorating band on Saturday, 9:30 and 11:30 p.m., at La Ve Lee, 12514 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City; $10, two-drink minimum; (818) 980-8158. At the same room, catch Richie Garcia’s Latin jazz band Sunday, 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. $5.