VICTOR ALVAREZ:Cuban born award-winning mandolinist and guitarist, Victor has traveled the world with his salsa orchestra The LA Express. He has recorded under the labels of AAPA and North to South. Victor sings and plays mandolin as a Cuban laud and also plays guitar with Savor. (1)

 

 

Main Members:

 

DIEGO MAESTAS: Originally from New Mexico but having lived in other parts of the United States, Diego has dedicated his life to music. Mainly a player of the traditional drum set, Diego also delved into learning Latin percussion as well. Having spent many years perfecting his skills and knowledge of the basic Son Bolero and Batáconga patterns, he also shines on timbales. Diego was a “drop-in” of Habana State U’ he actually droped in now and then.( 5)

 

MARCO TOPO: This Italian born bass player is a graduate of Habana State U’. His many years of study and his many years of experience playing in a variety of jazz and blues bands have forged his solid musical personality. Upon meeting Victor and learning more about Cuban music, Marco has made it his new musical mission to master Cuban rhythm on the bass. (6)

 

RENE NAVARO: Hailing from Habana, Cuba, Rene is a well seasoned musician who performed in the Cuban capital for most of his life. Also composing music, he has an extensive knowledge of the many styles and rhythms of Cuban music. Now living in Albuquerque, he joins us on percussion for our quartet/quintet shows. Also known as a great dancer. Agua! (16)

 

 

RAMON CALDERON: Ramon is from Guantanamo, Cuba and brings to the group the energy and rhythms of the West of Cuba. With a true and authentic feel for the Nengon and Changui, Ramon’s unique voice and his gift for creating improvised verses makes the soneos original and oftentimes entertaining. With a tremendous sense of the true Cuban beat he adds a dimension to Savor that is sure to make you move, as one of our fans once said “…my feet move by themselves!” After being away for almost one year, Ramoncito is with us again and going strong. Welcome back mi hermanito. Yo te quiero! (17)

 

 

 

 

Members that join us for acoustic and special gigs:

J. J. OVIEDO: J.J. has studied many styles of music including jazz, blues, reggae, salsa and Afro-Cuban. He has a true talent for performing Cuban rhythms which is shown in his outward solid style. He sings tenor, plays bongos, congas and hand percussion with the trio and quartet.(3)

 

 

ALEX SALAZAR: A New Mexico native, Alex was one of the original members of SAVOR when it first began. His vast knowledge and appreciation for traditional Mexican, Latin American and New Mexican music comes from his numerous years as a musician which started in his early youth. Aside from the regular Spanish guitar, he also plays requinto guitar with the group for many of the boleros that the group plays. Accompanying us on the acoustic gigs mostly, we are proud to have him as one of the foundations of the band. (4)

 

NANETTE ALVAREZ: Savor is fortunate to have Nanette as the bassist. Her many years of touring and performing show in the foundation which she lays down for the group. Having performed on both electric and acoustic bass, she now prefers the natural sound of her upright bass “Lola”. (2)

 

 

(Photos 1 and 2 Luis Sanchez-Saturno, photo 17 by Sara Stathas, photo 3 by Amadeus Leitner, photos 4,5,6, 16 by J.J. Oviedo)

 

 

” Omi Tutu, Ana Tutu, Tutu Ile, Tutu Laroye’

Capiosile Chango