Joe Bataan can wax poetic on being confronted with his own mortality, and the impact that God has had on his life and indelibly on his music as witnessed tonight in his soulful rendition of the Our Father. He seemed as if he was at the pulpit. Maybe it was the acoustics there tonight, but the arches of the BAM Café seemed to turn from vaulted steel structures to gothic cathedral ceilings. There is no mistaking that his music hearkens back to the good old days, dearly departed friends, and love lost. Corny, he confesses. However, the phrase family values comes to mind. No it's not due to the fact that his wife, and his best friend are in his fabulous band or that his daughters come to his shows. All that aside, when you go to a Roy Ayers show, a Joe Bataan concert, or Orquesta Broadway show you'll see what the people of Veracruz take for granted on any given day when entire families turn out to dance in the town square as the Danzón orchestras play. Observe what the faithful at a Sunday morning gospel service already know. Music is a catalyst for community, and a vehicle with which to pass on language, culture and values to future generations.
-----Onel Mulet Habana|Harlem™
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