Dominican Republic

This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Manny Albam was taught how to arrange jazz for a big band while working with Georgie Auld's Orchestra. Georgie's arranger at the time was Budd Johnson who took Manny under his wing. Manny developed into one of the most noted arrangers and composers of jazz music particularly during the 1950s. Leonard Bernstein and Stan Kenton personally sought out Manny for projects as did Count Basie and Thad Jones. Image courtesy of the Downbeat archives and RCA.

Omar Quezada is a singer and songwriter from the Dominican Republic whose music is defined by its Latin essence and rhythms. His solo career began in 2016 with the release of his first single, "Sé que me extranas" (I know you miss me). He has performed on all types of stages, from intimate acoustic encounters in private venues, to large public festivals and national television shows. Some of his best performances include his Hard Rock Café Santo Domingo concert, the Malecón SD concert hosted by the local town hall, his presentations in Cabarete and Samaná, as well as his tour thro