~by Dena Burroughs
JOSE ALBERTO "EL CANARIO" AT THE CONGA ROOM - December 18, 2008
He has the voice, the smile, and the dimples to get any girl’s attention. He whistles into an invisible flute with the skill of a canary. He dances like it is expected of him as a Dominican man. He improvises lyrics, directs the band, and allows his fans to jump on stage with him. He is a definite showman.
Wearing a dark grey suit accessorized by a striped tie and a pink scarf, Jose Alberto “El Canario” stepped on stage on Thursday night to a microphone not yet ready for him and which did not properly work during the first two songs. However, of the people at the Conga Room that night, “El Canario” seemed to be in the least hurry to leave. He enjoyed his time in the spotlight, extending his first set passed the time allotted and insisting on one more song before taking a break.
He was backed by the Conga Room All Star Orchestra, composed by some of the most popular musicians in Los Angeles and directed by Oscar Hernandez. As expected based in the quality of the performers, the music was good… even… in fact, a little too even. The sound of the horns did not make my blood rush as they normally do, and the sound of the piano did not force my fingers to play an invisible keyboard in envy. Also, “El Canario” asked several times that his mike be turned up and complained that his whistling was not getting enough amplification. Unfortunately for the sound man, I am of the opinion that, although it couldn’t be called bad, the sound could have been better.
“El Canario” was backed also by two voices, Peruvian singer Lalo Alfaro, and a man who definitely belongs in the front of the band instead of doing coros, Chino Espinoza.
Probably better for the dancers than for the venue, the size of the crowd was smaller this time than it had been the night of the Olga Tańon concert two weeks ago. Still, “El Canario” pulled in a good amount of people – enough to gather a loud bunch of folks right next to him by the stage and yet leave enough space in the back for the Energizer bunnies, tireless salseros.
The master of ceremonies was a familiar face to those who were once patrons of the old Conga Room on Wilshire. Tony “El Pana” spoke to the crowd wearing his trademark hat and his handsome smile, calling us all “familia,” and instantly gave the new venue a chummy, homey, feel.
Around 12.30 AM, a sweaty “Canario,” his shirt’s top button undone and his tie loosened, said good bye to a whiny crowd that did not want him to go, and hello to the new bunch building backstage hoping to take his picture.
"EL CANARIO" acting like a canary
