Manny Oquendo's Libre performed recently at SOB's in New York City.

Manny Oquendo has been playing percussion for over fifty years; in the 1940's, he played with such prominent musicians as Juan "El Boy" Torres and Chano Pozo, and in 1950 he played bongos with Tito Puente's Orchestra. Manny has also worked with Tito Rodriguez's orchestra, and with Pupi Campo, Miguelito Valdes, Johnny Pacheco and Larry Harlow.

Manny began playing with Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta, in 1962. When it disbanded, he founded and fellow Perfecta bassist, Andy Gonzalez, founded Libre. Their concept for the new group was to combine jazz, Afro-Cuban, and alternative influences with their Latin roots; the result was a unique sound that has captured audiences for over twenty-five years.

Check out backstage and concert photos and listen to some sound samples from Libre's recent performance.

Manny Oquendo's Libre Sound Samples:

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