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Al Escobar (1915-2015) was a Colombian pianist and bandleader who gained prominence in California during the late 1950s. He was introduced to the New York Latin music scene by Tito Puente in the late 1940s, where he performed with Puente's band alongside Vicentico Valdés before returning to Colombia for a couple of years. In Colombia, he established a reputation by organizing an 11-man orchestra for country clubs and radio shows. In 1952, Al returned to New York and spent a year with Pupi Campo’s band. His next role was as musical director for Eartha Kitt, with whom he toured the nation's upscale club circuit. In 1956, he relocated to Los Angeles, working with bands led by Tito Rivera, Tony Martinez, and Luis Arcaraz, and eventually joined bongo-conga drummer Jack Costanzo at the Seville in Hollywood. This experience prepared him to lead his own ensemble. The Village Club invited Al to organize his own orchestra, Conjunto Escobar, which enjoyed great success, performing for 18 weeks and later returning to the Seville for a total of 23 weeks. His band garnered praise from columnist Walter Winchell, who referred to the show as “Escobar’s Afro-Cuban Rhythmagic,” the title of his first album released in 1957. Al Escobar's music was characterized by a captivating blend of Latin American and American elements, appealing to North American audiences

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