5 years ago - by then a firm defender of the often missing rights of Cuban people and a dedicated admirer of Cuban music - I was stuck in the Amsterdam airport for a couple of hours en route to NYC.
I am a conversationalist of some note and starting chatting with the modestly sized man in a NY Yankees baseball cap.
He soon introduced himself as Orlando Rios, and I said "Puntilla Rios!, the legend."
He said, "the drummer yes, the legend maybe not."
The legendary Afro Cuban Drummer passed away a couple of months ago - I just learned of this - I suspect from a disease he shared with my late brother. Perhaps they are together sharing dialysis in heaven now.
Here's a tribute article on Puntilla and I'v posted a video of him.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=25809.
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