It's funny who has it in them to become a leader. I discussed this once with one of Henriquez's JALC colleagues. There are plenty of fine soloists and section players in that band, or any band, who aren't particularly tempted to create their own situations. Carlos is different. His own compositions for mid sized ensembles are intriguing, and he's a congenial host and convenor. And a serious conduit for this whole other tradition within the JALCO. Wynton is wise to give him lots of latitude.
Even Tito Puente said that salsa was something you eat. For him it was mambo and its cousins.
It's funny who has it in them to become a leader. I discussed this once with one of Henriquez's JALC colleagues. There are plenty of fine soloists and section players in that band, or any band, who aren't particularly tempted to create their own situations. Carlos is different. His own compositions for mid sized ensembles are intriguing, and he's a congenial host and convenor. And a serious conduit for this whole other tradition within the JALCO. Wynton is wise to give him lots of latitude.