7 thoughts on “Palladium Ballroom New York”

  1. Excellent video!

    If I remember correctly (from reading it, not actually living it, of course), Don Azpiazu’s Orchestra traveled to NYC in the 30’s. But those were primarily traditional mambo-styled afro-cuban jazz, which was large orchestras with straight-laced bandleaders and no improvisation. The modern, or Cubop, style of Afro-Cuban jazz mentioned in the video which would be sprinkled in the show evolved in the early 40’s, so certainly ’43 could be an accurate date.

    Then again, what do I know?!

  2. Fantastic clip Z. You’ll be happy to know that I am almost finished with my essay on Afro-Cuban jazz after more than year of farting around with it. I should be done by Spring.

    One comment in the clip — “More blacks than whites” — got to me, though. I always stress to those in our community who are, shall we say, less than tolerant, that we owe our music to black slaves who emigrated to Santiago de Cuba in the seventeenth century from St. Domingue, and the native-born composers who took their rhythms and created the wonderful, innovative, vibrant and unique pastiche that is Cuban music. Something we should never forget.

  3. El Pitbull, that comment really bothered me as well, in fact I almost passed on this because of it.
    I can’t wait for your Afro-Cuban Jazz essay; I don’t want to pressure you or anything but Spring is March 21 right?

  4. Well… technically Spring is March 21 through June 22. Somewhere in there, I predict, it’ll be done. It’s a little longer than my Gottschalk piece but not by much.

  5. Wow! That definitely is a great video clip and it was quite informative. I myself wasn’t turned off by the “More Blacks Than Whites” comment as it was just a musician telling us how business was run in those days in NYC. We’ve definitely come a long way… (but still have work to do!)

  6. I was surprised by the “more blacks then whites” comment until I remembered the time period. Yeah, it sucks, but it’s the way things were. I honestly love the clip. It was a great way to start my morning. 🙂

  7. Hi there!!

    It seems that the video is no longer available.

    I’m really interested to get it or at least some images of the exterior of Palladium Ballroom NYC, during the 40’s or 50’s.

    Can anybody help me?

    Thanks

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