Ever since making their Foundry616 debut for the thrilling Jazz Freestyle Sessions launched last year at the club, Malo Malo have been a hit with audiences.

Tonight they present a special tribute to the infamous Latin singer, Cheo. Jose "Cheo" Feliciano (1935-2014) was one of the most recognizable and imitated voices in Latin music. He tragically died in a car accident in april this year. Feliciano sang with the long-running Fania All Stars in the heyday of New York’s thriving salsa scene in the 1970′s. Early on he sang with the great Tito Rodriguez. He also worked extensively with Joe Cuba and Eddie Palmieri.

“His music embodied the rhythm of Puerto Ricans living in New York City and his lyrics helped tell our collective story”.

Lead Vocals - Luis Lugo
Piano, MD - Danny G Felix
Bass - Salvatore Santoro
Timbales - Jose Antonio Marquez Muzzio
Congas - Jose "Pepe" Marquez
Trombone 1 - Mike Raper
Trombone 2 - Ben Benn Chapman

Sydney-based pianist and producer Danny G Felix formed the eight-piece salsa band Malo Malo in 2013, wanting to bring to Australia the classic live New York (nuyorican) sound—musically complex but with raw energy and great for dancing. Inspiration for the band came from Danny’s visits to Colombia, USA and Cuba, including playing in New York with greats such as Jimmy Bosch, Ray de la Paz and Pete Nater. Danny had already attracted attention on the world salsa scene based on tracks from his Danny G Felix Project album (Elegwa 2011). 

In Sydney, he recruited lead percussionist Dominic Kirk, recently returned from a year in Cuba where he placed second in the prestigious Fiesta del Tambor. Dominic brings to Malo Malo his prodigious talent, fire and a deep understanding of the music. Hailing from Peru, vocalist Richard Valdez is also essential to Malo Malo. Richie is known for his engaging and energetic stage presence as well as an authentic salsa singing style reminiscent of the great Fania singers. Bassist and 2IC Sal “Salsatore”Santoro is one of the most experienced and respected latin musicians in Sydney. The two trombones are also an irreplaceable feature of this music, and Mike Raper and Benn Chapman play brilliantly as a section—complimenting and bouncing off each other.

Danny, Dom and Mike had played together previously in Son Veneno. All members of Malo Malo are professionals of many years experience, with great energy, musicality and a real love for salsa.

In the brief time since it started, Malo Malo has become a favourite among dancers, with the band now playing a monthly gig at Foundry616, with a repertoire that includes a number of their own original songs as well as classics, all based on the 1970’s nuyorican sound.

This exciting new 8-piece orchestra will seduce you onto the dance floor with classic live salsa from 1970's Bronx via Cuba and Puerto Rico, so bring your dancing shoes and enjoy the magic of this stunning band as they take you on a divine musical journey!