Remembering The Rhythm

Mambo Kings bring Latin lilt to Fort Smith Symphony

Richard DeLaney and the Mambo Kings will perform Saturday evening with the Fort Smith Symphony. The concert is titled “Hot Latin Nights.”
Richard DeLaney and the Mambo Kings will perform Saturday evening with the Fort Smith Symphony. The concert is titled “Hot Latin Nights.”

Richard DeLaney's voice bears almost no trace of his childhood in Lima, Peru.

But his hands remember the rhythms he heard growing up, and over the 47 years since he came to the U.S. as a college student, he's broadened and shared his musical knowledge in television, film, on stage and in the concert hall. On Saturday, he and his Mambo Kings will make music with the Fort Smith Symphony in a program titled "Hot Latin Nights."

FAQ

Hot Latin Nights

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith

COST — $17-$45

INFO — 452-7575

It is very different from playing in a club, DeLaney says.

"We've learned dynamics are the most important thing when playing with an orchestra," he says. "We control ourselves and are very careful to be their rhythm section.

"What's nice about playing with an orchestra is that it's not a club in the middle of some city with people yelling and glasses being clinked," he adds. "And we have learned so much about music just by playing with orchestra musicians. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but it's changed what we do."

The selections with the symphony include Bernstein's "Mambo" from "West Side Story" -- that one pops up a lot in a concert repertoire, DeLaney says -- and "Marinera," which is based on the music of Peru. DeLaney describes that music as "more Spanish" with an "Afro-Peruvian backbeat" in 3/4 time.

"The national music of Peru is a waltz," he says. "In 3/4 time."

DeLaney holds a master's degree from the Eastman School of Music, has been teaching at the Hochstein School Of Music since 1985, has directed the school's jazz ensemble program since 2001 and is currently coaching two student jazz ensembles. He chuckles when he says all three of his children are musical but only one plays professionally -- as a heavy metal bassist.

"He's very good," he says.

-- Becca Martin-Brown

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NAN What's Up on 10/21/2016

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