Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

After the 1970's salsa explosion and the later commercial success of "salsa romántica" (romantic salsa), many people thought that the talent behind the harder-sounding Salsa Dura movement belonged to an endangered species. Jimmy Bosch's July 12 performance at HotHouse kept the tradition alive, introducing a progressive new style that urges every salsero to hit the dance floor without a second thought.

It was HOT at HotHouse when Jimmy Bosch and his trombone took the stage. However, the heat did not disturb Chicago's most serious salsa fans. They all waited patiently to cut the rug with style. A few minutes after Willie Gómez's con Caché Orchestra finished their opening act, a familiar melody took over the room and bodies scrambled—-it was an immediate call to "mark territory" on the dance floor. Tommy Olivencia's classic "Planté bandera" was Jimmy Bosch's choice to introduce the true sound of Salsa Dura to the Chicago audience. And introduce it he did. His multi-faceted sound went from jazzy solos to the most traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms to a sonero (Rey Bayona) with glimmers of Hector Lavoe and Chamaco Ramírez, who kept the crowd going with his barrio style and witty improvisations.

Along with many hits from his second album Salsa Dura, which exemplifies his knowledge of the variety of rhythms that comprise the salsa genre, Bosch gave the audience a taste of his latest effort with "El Avión de la Salsa" and "Mi Cuerpo Tiembla". Both tunes were well received by the restlessly dancing couples.

An aggressive trombonist in the tradition of Barry Rogers and Willie Colón whose musical career started at the age of 13, bandleader Jimmy Bosch has shared the stage with Many Oquendo, Cachao, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barreto, the Machito Orchestra, Rubén Blades, Fania All-Stars, Oscar D’Leon, and Marc Anthony.

His much-anticipated concert at The Hothouse was indeed a salsa dura feast from beginning to end. Keep your eye out for Jimmy and his trombone to return to Chicago for another trip to dancer’s paradise.