another blog entry, another fallen hero.

it’s so, so sad, really -- least of all because i really should find some other occasion to post new entries aside from just when my greatest heroes pass -- which, mind you, seems to happen more and more frequently the more i dwell on this earth.

but this one... this one, believe it or not (based on past hyperbole) is really quite shattering.

fifteen years ago, i didn’t even know who Israel "Cachao" Lopez was.

then, in 1993 or so, a film by Andy Garcia -- an actor for whom i had no particular feelings --was released, "Cachao: ’Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos’". i started reading these reviews that there had been a tribute concert for a cuban bassist, who reportedly had originated the Mambo, along with his brother. the distribution was so extremely limited (it’s STILL not available on DVD), i had to wait a while for it to be released on VHS.

when it was, there was no turning back -- from the early frames, when it was revealed that even the great Pastorius had declared that Cachao was the greatest bassist of all time, i knew that i had met the maker -- Cachao was to become, for me, not only that, but one of my musical heroes PERIOD. he embodied everything i had really ever aspired to be as a musician, and then exceeded it -- with, i might add, a casual grace that made me feel like a complete imposter. in a good way, that is -- if that makes any sense.

i could go on -- and ON, and ON -- but i can say nothing here that his classic "Descarga" albums can’t say more eloquently than any words, in any language, will ever express. i feel foolish, even now, wishing that you, Israel, should rest in peace -- "peace" isn’t really the emotion that your music ever sought to express. rest in rhythm? rest in soul? i don’t know. only the real "Boss" -- the real "Cachao" -- could probably find the right sentiment here.

"Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos." and there never will be, either.

-w