[JPL] Latest on Patato

[Arturo]

Hoping everyone had a good day of giving thanks. I just returned today from
9 days in So Cal where I had my dinner with my future inheritors. While in
So Califas i was able to attend a tremendous show at the "new" Catalina's.
My first visit to the new locale, larger, more upscale, better sound but in
an unusual corner of a building on Sunset Blvd just east of Highland. I saw
pianist Oscar Hernández-a new angeleno play with Eddie Resto on bass, Walter
Rodríguez-drums, Luis Conte on congas and Justo Almario on tenor-flute and
clarinet. They played one exciting extended set on Thanksgiving Eve, Justo
has matured into a gifted player and was brilliant on clarinet during a
danzón jazz piece written by Oscar. Eddie anchored the quintet in his usuall
formidable manner and Luis is a gifted and versatile hand percussionist.
Walter continues his dad's legacy on drums, very satisfying performance.

Carlos "Patato" Valdés was released from the Cleveland hospital where he was
for over a week, his wife Julia flew in from Puerto Rico and took him to
their New York City apartment where 3 days later Patato had another
respiratory siezure and is currently back in the hospital in NY, not sure
which one, but apparently is not doing well and is in intensive care. I will
try to obtain more information and pass it along.

Arturo Gómez