LONG JOHN OLIVA

Photo by PJ Oliva 2003

On June 24, 2004, the music community and the world lost a master percussionist and visionary on the path to greatness. Soon after, the Long Beach Jazz Search Competition named Long John Oliva “Latin Jazz Artist of the Year” and the AC (Afro-Cuban) Project “Latin Jazz Artists of the Year” (2003, 2004).

JUAN SANCHEZ OLIVA also known as Juan “Penalty” (occasionally spelled “Penalti”) and “Long John,” was born and raised in Old Havana’s Belen Barrio. At three, his father, the renowned rumbero and founder of the rumba ensemble Yoruba Andabo, Pancho Quinto, started “Juanito” on the drums. In his teens, Oliva studied with legendary percussionists Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito” and Tata Guines, among others. Also, he idolized and was strongly influenced by Chucho Valdes and Irakere, and drummer Jorge Alfonso “El Nino.”

Another powerful influence was the Yoruba tradition. Oliva was a “son” of Chango and Yemaya. Also, his “godfather” in the Yoruba tradition, Orlando “Puntilla” Rios blessed Oliva’s hands to play “Toques de Santos” (rhythms for the Orishas).

Oliva graduated from the Conservatorio de la Habana Amadeo Roldan, where he was exposed to the music of Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie. Oliva’s passion for jazz was so great, he dubbed himself the “Jazz Rumbero.”

ARRIVAL IN THE U.S. 

Oliva arrived in the U.S. in 1980 with compatriots such as Orlando “Puntilla” Rios, Daniel Ponce, and Ignacio Berroa, among others. His past biographies fail to mention that Oliva was passionate about baseball and would have pursued a career as a professional athlete were it not for the sport’s discriminatory practices.

OLIVA AS A SIDEMAN

The same year Oliva relocated to New York and was a member of Orlando “Puntilla” Rios’s “Nueva Generacion.” Next, Oliva ventured to Puerto Rico and performed with the progressive ensemble, Batacumbele (Oliva name does not appear on any of the ensemble’s recordings). Also, he played lead percussion on Zaperoko’s classic recording, “Cosas de Locos” (Montuno Records).

Shortly after, Oliva moved to Los Angeles and found work with the renowned Puerto Rican percussionist, Willie Bobo and his Pan-American band. “When Willie saw me play for the first time, he moved Michito Sanchez to the bongos,” said Oliva to Luis Tamargo in a 1988 interview. “From that point forward, I was the lead percussionist. Willie noticed that I have access to the Yoruba tradition and allowed me to explore that part of my personality. He also gave me the name ‘Long John’ (for his ability to play tasty, lengthy solos).

After Willie died (1983) Oliva participated in projects with Rudy Regalado, Bobby Matos, Eric Bobo and Strunz, and Farah, who he toured and performed with for seven years. Also, Oliva was the musical director and lead percussionist for the groups Okanise and Nueva Okanise.I

OLIVA AS A LEADER

In 1999, Oliva met Peggy Jo at a Muñequitos de Matanzas concert at the Wiltern Theater in West Hollywood. In 2000, they wed and made a vow to pursue a dream. In 2001, Oliva and Peggy Jo founded Lucumi Productions and the AC (Afro-Cuban) Project was conceived.

In 2002, Lucumi Productions released Long John Oliva and the AC Project’s “Lucumi” under the auspices of Orisha Records. Lucumi featured master folklorist, vocalist, percussionist, Orlando “Puntilla” Rios, Oliva’s former teache and life-long mentor  Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito,” pianist, composer, arranger Omar Sosa, bassist Rahsaan Fredericks, trumpeter Julio Jr. Melendez, trumpeter, and flugelhorn player Bill Ortiz and percussionist, timbal player and vocalist Jesus Diaz.

The repertoire ran the gamut, from “Cubanized” American standards to traditional rumba, songo, elements of the Yoruba tradition, and jazz improvisation. Shortly after Lucumi was released, Nelson Rodriguez of Latin Beat magazine declared it “One of the top 100 Latin Jazz Recordings of All Time.” Listen to: Zarabanda Culle.

In 2003, Oliva and AC Timba Jazz released the acclaimed “Buscando La Ortografia,” whose title represents Oliva’s continual search for the right musical path. Dedicated to Chucho Valdes, Jorge Alfonso “El Nino,” and the prolific Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernández, the music was timba-based, progressive and danceable.

In 2004, Oliva released “Cuba Rico,” whose title represents the “two sides of Oliva’s heart” (Cuba and Puerto Rico). The same year Oliva altered the title to “Buleya” (after his mother) and the tracks. Why Oliva made the changes are unclear. The theory is, Oliva was entering a new phase in his life and career. Regrettably, he died the same year.

UNTIMELY DEATH

After Oliva’s death, the AC Project performed at the KCET 24th Annual Christmas Celebration, performed at a high-profile fundraiser at MOCA with host Paula Abdul, showcased the IAJE Conference in New York City (after receiving the Best Latin Jazz Award), and received a standing ovation at the Long Beach Jazz and Playboy Jazz Festival (Pasadena Rose Bowl) and various festivals, including the Jazz Aspen Snowmass and the Utah Arts Festival, among others.

Also, in 2013, under the direction and vision of trumpeter Josiel Perez, the AC Project released “Conga Buena,” which was well received and produced several hits, including Tamaya Tumbao and El Dano Esta Hecho.

In a career that spanned over two decades Oliva recorded and toured with Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Andy Garcia, Strunz and Farah, Jackson Brown, Anthony Jackson, Dave Weckl, Kenny Loggins, Frank Emilio Flynn, Hilario Duran, Omar Sosa, Changuito, Dave Samuels, Wilie Bobo, Bobby Matos, Jane Bunnet and the Spirits of Havana, the Cuban Piano Masters, Dafnis Prieto, Batacumbele, Zaperoko and eclectic bands such as Orishas, Okanise and Mango Bang among others. Also, Oliva inspired and influenced artists outside the Afro-Cuban and jazz genres. 

A NEW BEGINNING

Twenty years after his death, Oliva’s recordings as a leader are forgotten classics. Thanks to the efforts of producer and graphic artist Peggy Jo Oliva, a “Lucumi 20th Anniversary Collector’s Box Set” is in the works. Set to be released in 2023 (date to be announced), “Lucumi” will expose Long John Oliva’s music to a new generation of listeners and hopefully, lead to a renewed interest and appreciation of Oliva’s body of work.

In this writer’s view, and in the opinion of Oliva’s peers, enthusiasts and listeners who who were on the scene when Oliva’s music ruled the airwaves, his name deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Pancho Quinto, Tata Guines, Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito,” Mongo Santamaria, Francisco Aguabella, Willie Bobo, Tito Puente, Candido Camero, Carlos “Patato” Valdes, Anga, Jerry Gonzalez, Ray Barretto and other legendary percussion masters.

Brace yourself the long awaited release of Long John Oliva’s seminal recordings as a leader, beginning with “Lucumi” in 2023 (date to be announced).

DISCOGRAPHY AS A LEADER
  • Lucumi (Orishas Records, 2002)
  • Buscando La Ortografia (Orishas Records, 2003)
  • Cuba Rico/ Buleya (Orishas Records, 2005)
DISCOGRAPHY AS A SIDEMAN
  • Zaperoko – Cosas de Locos (Montuno Records, 1983)
  • Strunz & Farah – Primal Magic (Mesa, 1990)
  • Arturo Sandoval – Flight to Freedom(GRP, 1991)
  • Strunz & Farah – Americas (Mesa, 1992)
  • Dave Samuels – Del Sol (GRP, 1993)
  • Yeska – Skaafrocubanjazz (1998, Aztlan)
  • Dos Cubanos – Las Palmas Colectivas (Run Recordings 2002 Compilation)
SOURCES
  • Buscando La Ortografia – Liner Notes
  • Cantrell, David – Research
  • Cuba Rico – Liner Notes
  • Lucumi – Liner Notes
  • Miller, Ivor – Research
  • Oliva, Peggy Jo – Producer, Graphic Art, Photography
  • Rosada, Paula – Para Long John Oliva, Musica Es Tambien Saber Vivir (La Opinion, 1990)
  • Tamargo, Luis – La Nueva Vision Percussive de Long John Oliva (La Opinion, 1988)
PHOTOS
  • All Photos, Graphics Courtesy of Peggy Jo Oliva
  • Featured Photo: Long John Oliva
  • Top Left – Long John in Havana, Cuba at six.
  • Left to Right: Pancho Quinto, Long John, bassist Roberto Occhipinti, David Cantrell, Jimmy Branly and pianist Hilario Duran.
  • Long John Oliva at the Baked Potato.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
  • The Long John Oliva Project is a Work-In-Progress 

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