‘Pilgrimage 2001’ Is Drumming Up a Tribute

Dizzy Gillespie reportedly once described Francisco Aguabella as “the Coltrane of the conga drum.” And the influence of the legendary Cuban percussionist, now in his 70s, upon hand drummers of the last few decades has been comparable--if not nearly as well recognized--to Coltrane’s impact upon generations of saxophonists.

In performance, Aguabella’s powers are immediately apparent. Hovering above his drums, his hands lithe and sinewy, he is a commanding presence, both visually and musically. Capable of virtuosic feats, he instead offers more compelling musical fare--mesmerizing rhythmic sounds that seem to reach from Cuba into the heart of Africa.

But Aguabella, who will be honored with a tribute Saturday night during “Jazz Pilgrimage 2001” at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, has also been a busy participant in recording studios and on concert stages, as well. In the last few decades he has recorded and/or performed with, among numerous others, Frank Sinatra, Tito Puente, Hugh Masekela, Weather Report, Cal Tjader, Nancy Wilson, Carlos Santana and, of course, Gillespie.

The musical director of the tribute, Jose Rizo--KLON-FM disc jockey, Latin jazz expert and leader of the Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars (who also will perform on the program)--is effusive in his praise for the veteran artist.

“When I discussed doing the show with producer Oscar Arslanian,” he explained, “he told me that they always try to pinpoint a master musician--one who has made an incredible contribution to the music--for the Jazz Pilgrimage series. When he asked me who would fit that in the Latin jazz vein, I thought, with no question at all, Francisco Aguabella.

“He’s the master drummer. He’s so knowledgeable on so many rhythms, on rhythms that have even been forgotten in Cuba. He was the first one to bring bata drums to jazz,” Rizo said, referring to the traditional two-headed Cuban drum. “He taught Mongo Santamaria all those rhythms he played. But most people take him for granted, they overlook his importance to the music. Francisco may not have the fanfare of, say, [Cuban bassist] Cachao, but he’s a great legendary musician, who just happens to live right here in Los Angeles.”

Aguabella has actually been in the U.S. since 1957, when he came to this country at the invitation of dancer Katherine Dunham. As anyone who has seen his frequent appearances with his Latin Jazz Ensemble knows, Aguabella is still an extraordinarily vital artist, his drumming filled with multi-layers of complex rhythms.

“But, you know, he’s not temperamental,” added Rizo. “He’s one of the old-school professionals. You should have seen him at the rehearsals. He’s over 70 years old, but he picks up his own drums, two at a time. At the rehearsals, he was usually the first one there. And, as all the young cats were arriving late, he would be sitting there, ready to go to work, smiling at them.”

Aguabella will perform at the Ford with his percussive band, Oriza, with singers and dancers.

“That’s a real special band,” said Rizo, “because he plays authentic Afro-Cuban rhythms with three bata drums--no congas--all batas.”

Rizo adds that, despite the percussionist’s obvious versatility, the choice for Aguabella’s performance at the “Jazz Pilgrimage 2001” event was to showcase the depth of his traditional roots.

“When we decided to do the tribute, I thought, in addition to the Latin jazz, let’s do what Francisco’s a master of--authentic Cuban drumming. Because, you know, for many of the Cuban musicians who still admire him, he’s like a high priest of percussion. They’ll even tell stories about the effect that his drumming can have on the elements--the wind and the rain. They say he can unleash some real forces.

“In fact, he mentioned that one of the rhythms he’s going to perform should only be played three times in a year. He said he abused that rule once when he was younger, played it too much, and some bad things happened. And who can dispute him?”

Rizo’s own highly praised Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars will perform on the bill with a lineup that fully justifies the group’s name. The list of prominent musicians in the 18-piece band include--in addition to Aguabella--Poncho Sanchez, Justo Almario, Alex Acuna, Danilo Lozano and Sal Cracchiolo.

But the All-Stars will have their work cut out for them, performing after Aguabella, who may be assisted by an unannounced addition to their set.

“Right now we’re trying to work it out that the great Los Munequitos de Matanza, who are visiting here from Cuba [and performing at the Conga Room tonight], might come in and play some numbers with Aguabella,” said Rizo. “They’re so eager to perform with him, they’re such followers, that they said they would perform for free, so long as they could play with a master. The Ford has some limits on the length of the show, but we’re trying to persuade the producers to give us the extra time to add that special dimension. So keep your fingers crossed.”

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Jazz Pilgrimage 2001, with Francisco Aguabella and the Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East. Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets, $25. (323) 461-3673.