Posted on June 24, 2004
Tribute to
Juan "Long John" Oliva
a.k.a. "Penalty"
El Rumbero del Jazz
by Tomas Peña

I will never forget the first time I heard Long John's music over the airwaves. The tune was Zarabanda Culle, a contemporary Cuban son played "New York style." It was hip, edgy, soulful and quite unlike anything I had heard before.

Shortly afterward, I succeeded in contacting Oliva (via the internet). Little did I realize then that our conversations would lead to a long-distance friendship between myself, Oliva and his lovely wife (and manager), Peggy Jo.

Our conversations generally focused on his music. According to Oliva, his style was based on Cuban folkloric music and contemporary Jazz. However, it was his ingenious use of genres, timing, space and clave that set him apart. Oliva lived by the theory that "Music is more than Clave" and he was on a mission to prove it. Prophetically, Oliva stated that his music was created now (present day) but was intended for, "a generation two millenniums for now."

In keeping with Oliva's prophecy, I am convinced that his body of work will stand the test of time. Moreover, his work with the AC Jazz Project (Lucumi - 2002) and the AC Timba Jazz Project (Buscando La Ortographia - 2003) are destined to become classic recordings in the Afro-Cuban and jazz genres. Indeed, I envision a new generation of up and coming musicians grooving to the sounds of Oliva's music for years to come.

At the end of the day we are left with Oliva's legacy, his body of work. His most recent recording (Buleya) consists of material he recorded in 1996. In addition, there are his recordings as a sideman with: Zaperoko, Chick Corea, Strunz and Farah, Kenny Loggins, Willie Bobo's band, Jackson Browne, Arturo Sandoval and Batacumbele.

At this writing Long John Oliva's "Ten Fé" has yet to be released.
As we look back on Oliva's career it is important to remember that Oliva was a multi-talented artist. Aside from his percussive talents he was a bandleader, producer, arranger, vocalist, innovator and visionary. For Long John Oliva music was more important than food, drink, love or money. Music was his life.

Unbeknownst to Oliva and Peggy Jo, I always considered myself to be an unofficial member of the Lucumi Productions team! My heartfelt condolences to Peggy Jo and all the members of the immediate family.

Rumbero del Jazz -Descansa en Paz!
Tu Amigo - Tomas Peña
Co-Editor
Latin Jazz Network