Al Escobar

Al Escobar (1915-2015) was the boy from Barranquilla, Colombia, who made it in California in late Fifties as pianist and bandleader. Tito Puente introduced Escobar in the late 40's to the New York Latin music scene, where he worked in Puente's band with Vicentico Valdés before returning home for a couple of years. There, he organised an 11-man orchestra to work in country clubs and radio shows, and established an impressive reputation throughout Colombia. When in 1952 Al returned to New York, he spent a year with Pupi Campo’s ebullient band. His next engagement was somewhat more exotic, as he became musical director for the sinuous Eartha Kitt. In that capacity, he toured with her along the nation’s plush club circuit. In 1956 Al moved to Los Angeles, where he worked with the bands of Tito Rivera, Tony Martinez and Luis Arcaraz, and finally he joined bongo-conga drummer Jack Costanzo at the Seville in Hollywood. This was to be the last step in his long apprenticeship. He was ready to go on his own as a master in his field. The Village Club asked him to organise his own orchestra, Conjunto Escobar. Al packed them in for 18 weeks, and the Seville invited him back for a few weeks for a total of 23. The band was the object of Walter Winchell’s enthusiasm. The famous columnist described the show as “Escobar’s Afro-Cuban Rhythmagic,” the name that later was given in 1957 to his first album. Certainly, it was the wonderful mixture of Latin American and American elements that made Escobar’s music so pleasing to North Americans. Son of Gabriel Escobar Casas