Eddie Palmieri and David Sanborn "Azucar" (In Memoriam: Eddie Palmieri)

 

Rest In Peace, Eddie Palmieri.  

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Eddie Palmieri was one of the most influential figures in Latin jazz and salsa, a pianist, composer, and bandleader whose career was defined by fearless innovation and deep cultural roots. Emerging in the 1960s with ensembles like La Perfecta, Palmieri broke the mold of traditional Latin dance bands by incorporating trombone-heavy horn sections, jazz harmonies, and complex Afro-Caribbean rhythms. His work blurred genre boundaries, drawing from jazz improvisation, Puerto Rican and Cuban traditions, funk, and even classical influences. This willingness to experiment did not just refresh Latin music—it redefined it, paving the way for future generations to think beyond rigid categories while still honoring the music’s ancestry. Palmieri’s importance also lay in the energy and integrity he brought to performance. His playing was a storm of rhythmic drive, harmonic daring, and emotional intensity, and his bands were always showcases for top-tier musicianship. Whether reimagining standards, composing politically charged works, or leading extended improvisations, he treated music as a sacred space where joy, struggle, history, and community converged. Over decades, Palmieri remained a standard-bearer for artistic authenticity—proving that the deepest grooves were carved not just with technical skill, but with heart, conviction, and an unshakable respect for the culture that birthed the music.