"Edgardo has developed -over 36 years of live SALSA entertainment experience around the world- the great ability to "read the crowd" moving flawlessly from a Guaracha, to a Cha-Cha-Chá, slowing down with a Bolero, spicing things up a bit with a Cumbia or the current Bachata, and bringing the audience to a frenzy with a faster Mambo, or a Merengue."   

–Jesse “Chuy” Varela (KCSM Jazz Station Program Director)

Latin Beat Magazine

 

 

“Edgardo & Candela” is a Salsa Band based in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 36 years, making us one of the most established Salsa Orchestras in California.

The instrumentation is piano, bass, trombone, sax, flute, guitar, conga drums, bongo drums, timbales and vocalists. Smaller versions of the band are available upon request, while always maintaining the musical integrity of the genre.
Better known as simply “Candela,” their trade mark is their high energy level performance, featuring great vocals, a tight rhythm section and the powerful sound of the horns. The band features the crop of professional musicians in the Bay Area, which makes for an incredible musical experience every time they play!

During the evening, Edgardo will personally assure that everyone is entertained while he mixes singing tunes by Oscar De León, Marc Anthony, Eddie Palmieri, Rubén Blades, Tito Puente, Guaco, Pete "Conde" Rodriguez, Celia Cruz and Ray Barretto among others, but the real treat here is Edgardo's original music, presenting him as a mature composer and poetic lyricist.

 "I am very proud of having shared the stage with this great musicians over three decades now -says band leader Edgardo Cambón - we know each other musically so well, they are indeed my Salsa family! Music for me- he continues- is all about making people want to dance, have a good time and maybe, even make us all think a little in the process." 

 



 
The current impressive Band Members list, is a statement of the level of talent, musicianship and professionalism that has set the Band on higher grounds, establishing a 30 years pattern of quality and consistency, demonstrated on their 4 recordings to date (SEE CDs PAGE.)
 


"EDGARDO & CANDELA" FEATURES:

Edgardo Cambon - Congas, Lead Vocals, Composer and Band Leader

Pedro Pastrana - Cuatro / Guitar and Vocals

Jeff Cressman - Trombone

Omar Ledezma - Bongó or Timbales and Vocals

Marco Diaz - Piano and Vocals

Miguel Martinez - Flute and Vocals

 Saúl Sierra - Bass and Vocals

Emilio Davalos - Bongó or Timbales and Vocals

Charlie Gurke Saxophone and Percussions

SPECIAL GUESTS” HAVE INCLUDED:

Karl Perazzo - Timbales
Julio De La Cruz - Piano or Bass

Edgar Pantoja - Piano

Jamie Dubberly - Trombone

Obrayan Calderón - Trombone

Dayron Calderón - Trombone

Doug Beavers - Trombone

Abel Figueroa - Trombone
Calixto Oviedo - Timbales

Camilo Landau - Tres /Guitar

David Belove - Bass

Danilo Paiz - Bongó and Vocals

Julio Areas - Timbales and Vocals

 

"Congratulations 'Edgardo & Candela,' winners of the 'GrIndie Award' given by Radio Indy, one of the largest Internet radio stations and music digital distribution companies. The 'GrIndie Award' is given in recognition of quality and excellence in overall CD production, based on audience response."   

–Radio Indy

Tatuajes del Alma" is another gem in the crown and legacy Edgardo has forged in the San Fransisco Bay Area and clearly demonstrates the love and experience that shaped it.”    

–John Santos  (Band Leader, Percussionist, Composer, Educator)

 

“ Watching ‘Candela’ play, two words immediately come to mind: Conguero and Sonero (singer-improviser). Edgardo leads his Salsa Band from the Conga drums... while singing lead vocals! Now... that’s a show by itself!"  

–Rebeca Mauleón Santana (SF JAZZ)

 

“With their NEW acclaimed production 'Celebrando 20 Años,' Edgardo’s cast of young and veteran lions always deliver!”   

–Jesse “Chuy” Varela (KCSM Jazz Station Program Director, Latin Beat Magazine)