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Bravo’s documentary, The Palladium –
Where Mambo Was King, which aired on June 30, 2002, featured many photographs
by LP's Founder Martin Cohen, and was co-produced
by LP player, percussionist, and Grammy nominee, Bobby
Sanabria. Produced and directed by veteran documentary filmmaker, Kevin
Kauffman, the production traces the history of Latin music from its Afro-Cuban
roots to New York’s famous Palladium Ballroom.
Narrated by Edward James Olmos, the documentary uses black and white photographs,
many of which were taken by Martin Cohen, and vintage
film footage of the musicians, orchestras, and the Palladium Ballroom itself,
to stunningly evoke the excitement and spirit of the time. Bobby
Sanabria, along with other performers and musicians who were either influenced
by or lived through the era when the Palladium Ballroom and Mambo were at their
height of popularity, passionately lends his voice to the narrative bringing
the magic of the music to life.
It is fitting that Martin’s photographs are part of the documentary
as it is his passion for Latin music that has compelled him, since the 1960’s,
to record its brightest stars, and to teach himself how to build the instruments
that helped keep it alive. It is also fitting that Bobby Sanabria tells the
stories of his childhood, and shares his wealth of knowledge about Latin Music
with the audience, as he is one of its greatest players, educators, and enthusiasts
today.
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