Tito Puente was, and will continue to be, a huge influence on myself and on all of modern Latin music, and on Latin jazz in particular. I am deeply saddened by his passing.

We had met several times over the years, most recently almost one year ago today in Austin at a jazz festival with Eddie Palmieri and Roy Hargrove. Tito's band was textbook Latin jazz perfection, as usual. And although he was larger than life on stage, in person he was always very down to earth, friendly, approachable, and personable.

I am posting a reprint of the article I wrote for "Houston's Other" last year previewing what turned out to be Tito's last show in Houston.

You can find it here: Tito Article

In the article, several Houston Latin and jazz music notables give their take on Tito Puente, the legend.

After certain songs in his performances, Tito would often yell out, "Did you feel it?" We felt it, Tito, and we'll miss it a lot.