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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCANO, Eddie(b 6 June '27, LA, father Mexican, mother Mexican-American; d 30 Jan. '88, LA) Latin jazz pianist, leader, composer, arranger. Infl. by Noro Morales and Erroll Garner, he developed an inimitable rhythmic style, drive and ability to 'lift' a band. Often on a tune he'd switch styles from Latin (with Latin rhythm section) to straight jazz (accompanied by drum kit). Began classical piano studies at age five; played bass in junior high school and trombone in high school, where he became interested in jazz and decided to turn pro. He worked in nightclub bands playing both Latin and US dance music; joined US Army '45, assigned to various military bands and completed a course in six months at LA Conservatory of Music '46. After his discharge he worked and toured with various bands incl. Miguelito Vald‚s '47--9 based in NYC (recordings with Vald‚s on SMC '49 compiled on Mambo Dance Session '94 on Caribe); while in NYC, sat-in with bands of Tito Puente, Machito, Jos‚ Curbelo, and Noro Morales, who became a close friend; back in LA sessioned with Les Baxter (Le Sacre du Sauvage '52 on Capitol), Cal Tjader (Ritmo Caliente '55 and Demasiado Caliente c'60 on Fantasy, latter incl. big band arr. by Cano), Jack Costanzo (Mr Bongo on GNP and Latin Fever on Liberty), vibes player/singer/composer Tony Martinez (LP Dancing On The Sunset Strip on GNP), Buddy Collette (Jazz Heat -- Bongo Beat '61 on Eros), others. Sent home-made demo tape to Shorty Rogers at RCA Victor mid-'50s; Rogers organized Cano's signing to label; debut Cole Porter And Me '56 and follow-up Duke Ellington And Me '57 collected on Duke Ellington, Cole Porter And Me '93 in RCA Tropical Series (Rogers co-prod.); then Deep In A Drum '58 (reissued in RCA Tropical Series '93), prod. by Rogers, Time For Cha Cha Ch '58, compilation The Best Of Eddie Cano '62. Switched to GNP for Mucho Piano! c'60 (reissued as A Taste Of Cano). Signed with Reprise, but later complained of the artistic constraints imposed by the label. Reprise debut Eddie Cano At P.J.'s '61 incl. Grammy nom. US national hit single 'A Taste Of Honey'. (P.J.'s was a small after-hours club in West Hollywood, which opened May '61; his quintet formed '57 began a residency there July '61 and became hit with celebrities who flocked to see him.) Five more LPs on Reprise followed: Here Is The Fabulous Eddie Cano, Cano Plays Mancini, Danke Schoen (mainly a compilation), The Sound Of Music And The Sound Of Cano (live) and Broadway Right Now '62-- 5. To Atco for On Broadway with tenor saxist Nino Tempo, recorded October '65; then Dunhill (a subsidiary of ABC) for the exhilarating Brought Back Live From P.J.'s. His recording career waned; released Thirty Latin American Favorites on Pickwick; played on Tell An Amigo '86 on Sea Breeze by Rodriguez. Gigged with conguero Poncho S nchez in latter years; became first president of Hispanic Musicians Association (HMA.) '86--7 (HMA Salsa/Jazz Orchestra made notable album California Salsa '91 on Sea Breeze); died suddenly shortly after heart surgery. |