Eddy Zervigon
Rene Lopez interviews Eddy Zervigon
Photo: Orquesta Broaway (circa early 1960)
David Herscher – Bass
Ira Herscher – Piano
Roberto Torres- Vocals
Kelvin Zervigon - Guiro/Piano
Rudy Zervigon – Violin
Abram Breu – Violin
Eddy Zervigon – 5 Key Ebony Flute
Eddy Zervigon was 14 years old, he loved flutes. First it was a piccolo, later on he met Richard Eques, the famous flutist of La Orquesta Aragon and followed studies with Eduardo Eques (Richard’s father) He played with a local orchestra in his hometown, Guines, and later at the Havana’s Tropicana.
In April 1962, Eddy declines several jobs in music to leave Cuba, worked in “Ritmo de Estrellas” in Miami and on July 1962 he arrived in the Big Apple where he played in Johnny Pacheco‘s band until he decided to create his own Charanga band, which he became the sensation at the Palladium.
After their first recordings with Gema and Musicor, the fame of Orquesta Broadway flew internationally and they were appearing everywhere in the globe, from Africa to South America.
One of the features which distinguishes this orquestra from others, is the use of the brilliant French flute, made out of African ebony wood before 1840 and with excellent high pitch tones. At the present time, Zervigon is the greatest master of this special flute in popular music.
He has played all over Europe, Asia and other continents which respect the Cuban folkloric music and he has been able to keep his orchestra playing through more than 40 years in the ever-changing scenery which New York is.
As a miracle, the oldest Charanga orchestra in theU.S. directed by Eddy, continues astonishing listeners and making them jump into dance wherever they play.
His enthusiasm, discipline and love for music, invade all souls around when he plays this enchanting instrument with his magic virtuosity..
Mr. Zervigon es un gran maestro. Orquesta Broadway es la mejor charanga. Que Viva!
Eddy! You are the Greatest with that flute. You are Blessed. Thank you for your Music. I liked very much “el son” that you play. Great Musicians!