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Nano Cabrera Presents “Échate Pa’ Cá

North America / Puerto Rico

Renowned Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Nano Cabrera presents his theme for this holiday season titled “Échate Pa ‘Acá”. This song has mergers with urban music. It was written by Marinés Colón and can be downloaded for free via the Nano channel on the Sound Cloud digital platform.

“I present this song with a lot of humility and I hope you enjoy it, we did it with the purpose of downloading it and enjoy it at your parties.” Christmas is the best time of the year! It’s when forget the problems because the Christmas represents parrandas, joy and sharing in family, “said Nano.

The contagious joy to which we are accustomed, is demonstrated in the musical arrangement of the song “Échate Pa ‘Acá” that was created by the own Nano and counted on the co-production of Durand tla Elite.

Nano Cabrera - Echate Pa aca — Nano Cabrera – Echate Pa aca

Cabrera, responsible for successes such as: “Que le den, que le den” and “Este Pueblo tiene sabor”, is a graduate of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and dominates the execution of guitar, bass, piano, cuatro and percussion. In addition, it has participated in 65 record productions.

“The Christmas theme can be downloaded for free through the Sound Cloud digital platform”

Nano Cabrera

Date of Birth: March 1, 1952

Place of Birth: Puerto Rico

Nano Cabrera Biography

Nano Cabrera was born in the context of a musical family. In his childhood years he began to manifest his talent with the guitar and already in his adolescence he founded his first Latin rock group, “Dios, Madre y Patria”. In that stage of rocker that occurred in the years when the movement of the new wave reigned, Nano composed, arranged and played bass. Already in the late 60’s the young musician coincided with the arrival of the duo Nelly and Tony, with whom he worked for several years as arranger, bassist, composer and vocalist.

Graduated from the Conservatory of Music in the 70’s Nano was a founding member of the new group, Haciendo Punto en Otro Son. With this group, distinguished as one of the pillars of the new Puerto Rican trova, Nano remained for two years, thus polishing his knowledge as arranger and composer. In addition to playing the bass, Nano added to the group a singular falsetto that became the characteristic sound of Haciendo Punto.

Nano Cabrera - Nuevo Viejo — Nano Cabrera – Nuevo Viejo

After his work with the group, Cabrera began a career as a soloist popularizing the theme “Que le den, que le den” with which he won an exclusive contract with

Wapa Televisión (today Televicentro). At this stage comes his famous “Este pueblo tiene sabor” that brought so much popularity by becoming the jingle of a well-known soft drink.

In his career, Nano has recorded more than a dozen albums as a soloist, in which he has popularized songs such as “María Isabel” and “Ramito de azucenas”.

Part of his artistic career includes performances in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, the United States and Spain.

Since always his shows have been characterized by creating a fresh, original and full of positive energy. Today, along with twelve other musicians and some dancers, Nano Cabrera has managed to create a fusion of sounds and visual elements that allow spectators to make an imaginary journey through different musical genres.

Main Discography

A ella le gusta – 2000
Amiga de la luna – 1995
Con buena nota – 1997 (junto a Ismael Miranda)
Tropimusical – 1990
Caribe soy – 1986

Nano Cabrera - Exitos y algo mas — Nano Cabrera – Exitos y algo mas

Heyzer Cabrera, brilliant and virtuoso Venezuelan percussionist

International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com and its correspondent, Professor Carlos Colmenarez from Barquisimeto, Venezuela have the privilege to present one of the most important bastions of our Latin music in the Caribbean.

In this opportunity we honor in our salsa column, the Venezuelan percussionist Heyzer Cabrera, born in the city of Caracas, on May 3, who already has more than 30 years of musical career, because at the age of 7 years old he was part of the Venezuelan Children’s Choir, directed by Professor Raul Cabrera, his uncle.

At the age of 15 he began his interest in percussion, with the help of his great friend and also percussionist Juan Pablo Barrios and at 17 he began his career as a professional musician with the “Orquesta Canela” in 1994 and since then he has been part of many groups of the salsa genre, such as: “El Combo de Venezuela”, “La Negramenta” and accompanying international artists such as Andy Montañez, Van Lester and Pedro Arroyo.

At the age of 15 he began his interest in percussion, hand in hand with his great friend and percussionist Juan Pablo Barrios and at 17 he began his career as a professional musician with the "Orquesta Canela" in 1994 and since then he has been part of many groups of the salsa genre, such as: "El Combo de Venezuela", "La Negramenta" and accompanying international artists such as Andy Montañez, Van Lester and Pedro Arroyo. — Heyzer Cabrera, brilliant and virtuoso Venezuelan percussionist

In 2013, he began his project to make a recording studio, which is called “A Tempo Récords” and in parallel he studied sound engineering at the academy (Audio Place), under the guidance of Jesus Sanchez and Jean Sanchez. In his career as a sound technician he has participated as a producer of several orchestras and in 2019, he gets his first recognition by being nominated in the production “Con Todo” by Coco y su “Sabor Matancero”, for Record of the Year, Salsa Genre, at the Pepsi Music Awards in Caracas.

Heyzer, at the international level you have had presentations? Indeed Professor Carlos, in 2018 I had the pleasure of being in Cali, Colombia, with the orchestra “La Negramenta”, in La Topa Tolondra and the reaction of the public was of great emotion, chanting all the songs of the orchestra; later in 2019, I returned to Cali, but with the orchestra “Noche Caliente” and soon we will return to the neogranadino country.

And with Juan Pablo Barrios, you were part of his wonderful jazz-salsa band? Hey, yes, I was part of that wonderful orchestra for 8 years.

Heyzer, with which of the percussion instruments do you feel better for its execution? My friend Carlos, with all the irons equally, that is: timbales, congas and bongos.

Also, Heyzer Cabrera has just become part of the musical project “Ritmo Caliente”, the group formed by the musicians: Cheo Navarro, Alfredo Naranjo, Jhoán Muñoz, José Soto, Miguel Urbina, Rodrigo Mendoza on vocals and of course, Heyzer on percussion and also the first personal single entitled “Mi social”, was recorded in Cabrera’s studios.

For those who wish to contact and hire the excellent percussionist Heyzer Cabrera, you can do so at 0412-9782696, through Instagram: heyzer_drums, atemporecords. Facebook: Heyzer Cabrera and A Tempo Récords.

with all irons equally, i.e.: timbales, congas and bongos. — Heyzer Cabrera has just become part of the musical project “Ritmo Caliente”.

From Salsa Escrita, International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com and all its staff, we wish the greatest success to this bastion of Venezuelan percussion.

Facebook: Heyzer Cabrera, brilliant and virtuoso Venezuelan percussionist

Everything prior to the 20th century is in the History of Salsa, since what happened in the Caribbean is common to mankind.

As in the rest of the world, salsa in Venezuela entered in the 60s from the new sounds created in New York, and driven by musicians like Federico Betancourt (Federico y su combo latino), or radio programs like La hora de la salsa, although rumba and Cuban son were already rooted since the 40s and 50s.

Article of Interest: Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr.

See you next time and let’s keep on salsaing!

By: Professor Carlos Colmenarez from Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Andy Durán: The Architect of Mambo and Latin Jazz

If there is one name that embodies technical elegance and rhythmic passion in the contemporary Caribbean, it is Andy Durán.

A musician, arranger, composer, and conductor, Durán has spent over four decades serving as the guardian of the big band sound. He keeps the flame of legends like Tito Puente and Pérez Prado alive, but with a distinctive signature that fuses academic precision with popular soul.

Andy Durán El Arquitecto del Mambo y el Latín Jazz

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 2, 1949, as Nelson Valor Ramos, this extraordinary artist is today an essential figure in music production and direction.

The Musician: Master of the Arrangement

Andy Durán is more than just a conductor; he is a scholar of musical structure. His academic background has allowed him to master the art of the arrangement the ability to transform a simple melody into a complex masterpiece where twenty musicians move as a single, unstoppable force.

The Big Band Sound: He is one of the few directors who has kept the large orchestra format relevant in Venezuela. His ensemble, Andy Durán’s Latin Jazz Big Band, is an institution renowned for its rhythmic precision and powerful brass section.
Stylistic Versatility: While Mambo is his backbone, his repertoire flows seamlessly through Jazz, Salsa, Mambo-Jazz, and traditional Venezuelan music.
Cult Discography: Albums such as Tropicalia, Mambo 2000, and his acclaimed tribute to Tito Puente, Fidelidad, are essential pieces for any collector of the genre.

The Person: The Educator and Music Lover

Behind the baton, Durán is known for his humility and profound work ethic; he is frequently described as a “gentleman of music.”

Nacido en Caracas, Venezuela, el 2 de enero de 1949, bajo el nombre de Nelson Valor Ramos

Relentless Researcher: Beyond performance, he is a historian of rhythm. His concerts often turn into masterclasses where he explains the origins of the pieces, always honoring the original composers.
Generational Bridge: He has served as a mentor for young Venezuelan musicians, integrating new talent into his ranks and proving that classic Caribbean genres have no expiration date.
Cultural Resilience: In an era dominated by commercial trends, Durán remains faithful to acoustic quality and the complexity of Latin Jazz, earning the respect of international critics.
Si existe un nombre que personifica la elegancia técnica y la pasión por el ritmo en el Caribe contemporáneo, ese es Andy Durán

Career and Legacy

Andy Durán is one of the greatest exponents of Salsa and Latin Jazz in Venezuela. With 16 albums to his credit, he holds the most extensive discography of any Venezuelan jazz artist. Additionally, he is recognized as the country’s premier music copyist.

His beginnings date back to his youth with the group Nelson y su Sexteto. In 1978, he founded the Orquesta Palladium. Shortly after, he adopted the stage name “Andy Durán” to avoid confusion with other artists of the era and because it was easy to remember and write.

Since 1982, he has been fully dedicated to professional music, working alongside giants such as Aldemaro Romero, Eduardo Cabrera, the Billo’s Caracas Boys, Los Melódicos, and Soledad Bravo. In 1985, he released his first LP, Mambo Salsa. Among his most notable works are:

Tropicalia Caraqueña
Canelita y Andy Durán: Tribute to Celia Cruz
Tito & Tito (A tribute to Tito Puente and Tito Rodríguez)
Salsa Dura y Descarga: A Tribute to Fania
Fiesta con Billo

Reflections by Andy Durán: Is Singing Easy?

The Requirements: Flawless pitch, breath control, phrasing, and diction; in addition, a strong memory for melodies, lyrics, and orchestral arrangements.

It is highly recommended to know how to dance according to the genre being performed (e.g., Salsa). It is also beneficial to have basic acting skills to handle dramatic themes when necessary.

Reading is mandatory to develop a rich vocabulary for improvisation or public speaking; it also prevents embarrassing spelling errors in written lyrics. Keeping the vocal cords healthy and trained is a vital matter. Music theory and sight-singing are the ideal, essential, and unavoidable tools.

Finally, a singer must define their style and repertoire with great care. One must invest in professional orchestral arrangements and have an arranger-director or advisor—this is an investment, just like stage attire.

Remember, my fellow singers: a director’s worst nightmare is a singer who is out of tune, off-beat, and forgetful.

Best regards to all vocalists and singers.

Maestro Andy Durán: Director, Arranger, and Composer

P.S. Vocalists must meet two more requirements: keep your nerves in check and sing from the heart.

Also Read: Víctor Cuica “The Eternal Breath of Latin Jazz and Venezuelan Identity“

Leader of K’ndela Salsa Band Eric Cabanilla and all his entertainment company has to offer

We are very pleased to be able to talk to the leader of K’ndela Salsa Band, a salsa group which has been gaining ground in New Jersey despite the great competition it faces.

Eric Cabanilla is a talented musician who, in addition to founding a successful band, has also managed to build an entertainment company with a solid team that has put its talents at the service of large audiences eager to enjoy a quality show. The artist has told us some of the most important details of his career, and we bring them here for all of you.

Eric Cabanilla posing for the amera — Leader of K’ndela Salsa Band Eric Cabanilla posing for the camera at an event

How Eric started to like music

Eric started his story saying that he and his siblings listened to the music their mother played as she cleaned the house and her children helped her with household duties. Back then, there were many romantic artists and groups such as Los Iracundos and La Sonora Matancera. These melodies helped him understand his love for salsa today.

One important thing to mention is that there were no musicians in his family to teach him about the professional part of this craft, so it can be said that he was the first to make this his way of life till today. His first impulse in this regard was to start writing poems at school, and he even won some poetry contests, which awoke in him the taste for putting words together to create pleasant sounds for others.

It was his great friend and musician Mike Pérez who encouraged him to put these compositions to songs, so he took those poems and rhymes he had created and added music to them. He worked alongside Mike for about seven years singing backup for the Orquesta Swing Combo until his sudden passing, which led to the dissolution of the group. Fortunately, the musicians were not left unprotected and could get a job in a new orchestra with new sound.

During this time, he had the opportunity to learn a lot about how the music biz works, as his responsibilities included institutionalizing the orchestra and formalizing its schedule through emails, business cards, written contracts, and that sort of thing.

Angel Peguero, Eric Cabanilla, and Stephany Moore — Dancer Angel Peguero, Eric Cabanilla, and dancer Stephany Moore

Thanks to all this acquired knowledge, once Swing Combo broke up, Eric already had an accurate idea of what to do when creating his own orchestra and how to manage it, so he jumped into action from there.

K’ndela Salsa Band

After all the experience he had gained, Eric finally decided to build something of his own, as he felt ready to take on such a challenge.

One of the first people he counted on was maestro Jimmy Bosch, “El Trombón Criollo,” who has a 50-year career and his own orchestra, Salsa Masters. He is always traveling the world with his orchestra, but whenever he is required to play with Eric and K’ndela Salsa Band, he makes an appearance without hesitation. He describes Bosch as a very professional man, to the point that he is the first to arrive and the last to leave at any rehearsal.

Together with Eric and Bosch, K’ndela also leverages the talent of other great musicians like bassist Edgar “Danny” Rosado, pianist Ray “El Loco” Cabrera, Xabi “El Chamo” Estrada, Eric Pizza, Brian ‘Tibiri’ Pozo, Jimmy “El Nene” Feliciano, and Daniel “El Gato” Arboleda.

This orchestra project was his first professional goal, but once he made it, he did not want to be confined to that. He also wanted to offer a complete package that offers more comprehensive entertainment than just playing and singing. That is when he took advantage of their closeness to a dance school where he sometimes performed to be in touch with dancers who wanted to join their shows.

Eric and the rest of the band — From left to right Ray “El Loco” Cabrera, Danny Rosado, Eric Cabanilla, Xavi “El Chamo” Estrada, Erik Piza, Brian “Tibiri” Pozo, Jimmy “El Nene” Feliciano, Daniel “El Gato” Arboleda and Jimmy “El Trombón Criollo” Bosch

Additionally, he hired a relative who worked as a mariachi, who in turn introduced him to other artists who did the same thing so he could hire them. Over time, he also included DJs who would liven up all kinds of events with their diverse mixes.

Something Eric wanted to clear up is that all these professionals are permanent workers in his company. He has a very good relationship with many dance schools in New Jersey, to which he offers his packages, and there is always a very generous group of its dancers that accepts the proposal. Whenever Eric is involved in a festival or private event, he never has any problem finding talent in the field of dance to accompany him thanks to his reliability, professionalism, and great respect for the work of others.

Read also: The Cajón throughout history

Alberto Crespo and Carlos Santos Release Their Latest Single “Narci” with Grupo Bacheo to the Latin Market

On November 7, 2025, the vibrant Latin music scene celebrates a stellar collaboration that promises to ignite dance floors.

The acclaimed Venezuelan pianist, arranger, and music producer Alberto Crespo joins legendary Puerto Rican sonero Carlos Santos and the talented Grupo Bacheo to present their latest musical track titled “Narci.”

Alberto Crespo and Carlos Santos release their latest song, titled Narci, to the Latin market with Grupo Bacheo

This original composition by Ali Delgado and José Granados, featuring arrangements by Alberto Crespo himself, fuses a modern sound with the unmistakable rhythm of salsa, guaranteeing a musical experience that will delight dancers.

Alberto Crespo: A Piano Master with an International Career.

From his beginnings at the “José Ángel Lamas” Music Conservatory in Caracas, Alberto Crespo demonstrated exceptional passion and talent. His deep immersion in harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, and improvisation has established him as a versatile and well-rounded musician.

By age seventeen, he was already touring with renowned orchestras, sharing the stage with icons such as Naty y Su Orquesta, Celia Cruz, Bobby Capó, Carmen Delia Depini, Carlos Cano Estremera, Andy Montañés, Ismael Miranda, Pete Conde Rodríguez, and José Mangual Jr., among many others.

Alberto Crespo A Piano Master with an International Career

With over three decades of experience in salsa and Latin Jazz, Crespo has consolidated his reputation as a highly prestigious producer, arranger, and pianist. His impressive list of collaborations includes national and international artists such as Maikel Stuart, Frankie Morales (former singer for Tito Puente), Orquesta Bailatino, Grupo Mango, Herman Olivera, Rumberos de Callejón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Naty y Su Orquesta. His versatility has led him to be part of the most prominent musical groups in Venezuela.

Carlos Santos: A Classy Sonero with a Legendary Trajectory.

Born on March 13, 1946, in Cataño, Puerto Rico, Carlos Santos is a true sonero whose career took off with Joey Pastrana’s band. His powerful voice and unmistakable salsa flair led him to perform and record with emblematic salsa orchestras, including “Kako y su Trabuco,” “Los Kimbos,” “Conjunto Candela,” and Roberto Roena’s “El Apollo Sound,” in addition to special performances with Ray Barreto and El Conjunto Libre.

Santos has left classics for posterity such as “Chacaboom,” “Las cosas de la vida” and “Amor verdadero” with Joey Pastrana, as well as “Flores para tu altar” and “Me imagino” with Conjunto Candela. His voice also enriched productions by Eddie Palmieri and Los Kimbos with tracks like “Caridad” and “Todo el mundo.” During his time with El Apollo Sound, he garnered hits such as “El Progreso” and “Háblame ahora.”

Carlos Santos Un Sonero con Clase y una Trayectoria Legendaria

Carlos Santos currently resides in Florida, United States, and continues to delight audiences with his international and local performances.

The union of these two pillars of salsa, under the production of Chongo Producción (from New York) and Juancho Producción (in Cali), promises to be a memorable event for Latin music.

Ali Delgado (Caracas) y Juancho Producción (Cali)

Note: “45 RPM is for sale in Cali by Juancho Producción, and will be presented with great fanfare on December 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Meeting of Music Lovers and Collectors (Encuentro de Melómanos y Coleccionistas) of the Cali Fair, Colombia. 2025.”

Production Credits

General Production

Production: Alberto Crespo & Chongo Productions LLC

Musical Team

Composer: Ali Delgado / José Granados
Vocalist: Carlos Santos
Arrangements: Alberto Crespo

Musicians

Timbal: Carlitos Padrón
Tumbadoras (Congas): Manuel “Manny” Márquez
Bongó / Bell: Carlitos Padrón
Trumpets: Jorge Maestre “Pitufo”
Baritone Saxophone: José Antonio Fariñas
Bass: José Soto “Mortadelo”
Percussion: Carlitos Padrón, Carlos Crespo
Chorus / Background Vocals: Heyzer Cabrera & José Soto “Mortadelo”

Recording and Post-Production

Recording Studios:
- Chongo Estudios (New York)
- A Tempo Estudios (Caracas)
- París Recording Estudios (USA)
Mixing: Heyzer Cabrera / Alberto Crespo
Mastering: Heyzer Cabrera

Important Note by Alberto Crespo:

I was working on the arrangement for the song NARCI, and when I reached the chorus, I wanted to find a beautiful melody with a different harmony, like a chorus of angels singing from heaven. I was pacing around my workspace and the areas near my house, searching for ideas.

My wife, Adriangela, was listening to what I was developing to achieve a final connection, and all of a sudden, she sang that beautiful melody to me. I immediately copied it and added the chords, and honestly, it was something magical, very spiritual… “Ya no estás más a mi lado, cómo te extraño, mi amor, cómo te extraño…” (You are no longer by my side, how I miss you, my love, how I miss you…) That final unison of the chorus is very subtle and sentimental.

Video

Video: Chongo Productions LLC

Carlitos Padron Director de Chongo Producción (desde New York)

Listen to “Narci” on YouTube:

Alberto Crespo y Bacheo

[email protected]

+58 4142521642

Also Read: The Conjunto Bailatino “La Resistencia Salsera” again “Antes los ojos del Mundo” and here, “No hay quinto malo”