Happy Friday “Drivers” fam and welcome to this week’s show! Tonight’s show will be somewhat of a double header as we dive into a sampling from Ottawa’s Atlantis Jazz Ensemble’s latest album while also celebrating the life of the legendary salsero, trombonist, composer, singer and producer Willie Colón with a sampling from some of the musical gifts he left us. First, today is release day for the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble’s third album Mystic Suite and I’ve been itching to share the magic and spread the word with a little listen to another exceptional world class offering from Pierre Chretien’s musical vision. The album will be available on vinyl after today at the Record Centre and the release party is happening at Minotaure tomorrow where you can purchase and catch the album live in person. You can also grab it in all formats on the Bandcamp site at your leisure available as I speak. I also highly recommend checking out both of the previous albums if you’re so inclined, you won’t be dissapointed. Link: https://atlantisjazzensemble.bandcamp.com/album/mystic-suite The remainder of the program will be dedicated to Willie Colón’s legacy with a sampling from my limited collection of the music he gifted us. From the web: “William Anthony Colón Román, known as Willie Colón, was a prominent Puerto Rican salsa musician, born on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx, New York. He only just left us last Saturday, on February 21, after 75 spins around the sun. Colón was not only a talented trombonist but also a singer, composer, producer, and social activist. Colón began his music career at a young age, initially playing the trumpet before switching to the trombone. He became a key figure in the salsa music scene, particularly associated with Fania Records and known for collaborations with such greats as Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe and also as part of the legendary Fania All-Stars. Colón's music blended various styles, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and traditional Latin rhythms. Beyond music, Colón was a civil rights and community activist. He served on various boards, including the Latino Commission on AIDS, and was involved in political campaigns. His contributions to music and society earned him recognition, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2004. Colón's influence on salsa music and his commitment to social issues have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of musicians and activists.” I’ve provided a few links in the interactive page for any who would like to take a deeper dive. A little heads up that next Friday, March 6 Friday Drive will be taken over as Junior Smith will be doing a special Reggae In The Fields broadcast from Ollie's that will celebrate women in reggae and will include a panel session and performance featuring Black DJs.  The event, which ties in with International Women's Day, is part of the Reggae In The Fields 50th anniversary festivities taking place this year. Congratulations, Junior, on this amazing milestone! Let’s get things rolling with some excerpts from The Atlantis Jazz Ensemble latest album starting with Persephone from Mystic Suite! Happy listening, thank you all for taking the time and hope you enjoy this week’s offering. Keep it locked! Willie Colón: All Music: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/willie-colón-mn0000686577#biography Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Colón Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/willie-colon-dead-salsa-1236184449/ Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/29812-Willie-Colón YouTube: Willie Colon - Count On Us TV https://youtu.be/STrdBr0fjFo?si=-bFt_z0FdiPIboqS Celia Cruz y Wllie Colon - Full 1980 Concert Capitol Theatre https://youtu.be/tAB2Depg5kk?si=MKkXGUt6EW6whAzs Super Salsa – Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Rueben Blades, Willy Colon, Yomo Toro https://youtu.be/59q3mL3VEGY?si=RUXLsPUsz0YAu_XG FESTIVALL DE LA SALSA 2023 https://youtu.be/_KacNEfS--Y?si=1bWW6mnJCbd1wkWS PLASTICO - Willie Colon & Ruben Blades Live Capitol Theatre 1978 https://youtu.be/aqlbLPLdTwQ?si=jk11TnxqsfJY355b Aguanile (En Vivo) - Héctor Lavoe y Willie Colon https://youtu.be/cAGcewzbkJo?si=x_90iX8qQJR0EbU8 WILLIE COLÓN "IDILIO EN VIVO" FEAT CUCCO PEÑA (TITI AMADEO) https://youtu.be/pXPVxwaXtV0?si=rMUTR68cI5Ji_sYl