PALO!

PALO! was nominated for a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for their album PALO! Live. They perform their own style of Cuban music they call “Afro-Cuban Funk”. Just think “funky, jazzy salsa”. Or better yet, listen to some of their music. The group’s unique, danceable sound blends the allure of Cuban music with funky beats and jazzy improvisation.

PALO!
Background information
Origin	Miami, FL
Genres	Afro-Cuban Funk, world Cuban Music, Salsa, Jazz
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Rolling Pin Music
Members	Leslie Cartaya Raymer Olalde Dayron Gallardo Aldo Salvent Steve Roitstein
Past members	Ed Calle, Philbert Armenteros

The band is a featured act in clubs and live music venues, festivals, corporate events, and private events throughout the world. PALO! was named Miami New Times Best Band 2012 (Readers’ Choice) and Best Latin Band 2014.

The New York Post proclaims:

“Afro-Cuban Funk is Cuban music for the new generation. And the leader of the sound is the Miami based band PALO!”“

Band History

In 2003 producer/pianist Steve Roitstein (Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Oscar d’ Leon) invited his fellow musicians to join him in an improvised musical experiment combining Cuban music with funk beats.

PALO!’s catchy original songs feature the sultry vocals of Latin Grammy-nominated singer Leslie Cartaya. The scorching percussion and vocals of Raymer Olalde and Dayron Gallardo punctuate the performances with Cuban fire. Latin Jazz saxophonist Aldo Salvent brings an electrifying unpredictability to every song. Steve Roitstein fuses these elements with a foundation of edgy, unforgettable rhythms.

Some of the PALO! story was told in two award-winning PBS documentary films:

• Miami Boheme (Emmy, Telly and Aurora Award winner)
• Ivy League Rumba (Aurora Award winner, Emmy-nominated)