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  • Spanish

Augusto Felibertt

Harry Fraticelli Virtuoso on guitar, requinto and bass Music for All Occasions

October 2020

Its birthplace was the city of Yauco, Puerto Rico

Its birthplace was the city of Yauco, Puerto Rico on July 6th.  He is so proud of it that he proclaims it in every place he visits.

His older brothers distinguished themselves by playing stringed instruments.  They would play threesome tunes to lull Harry to sleep during his childhood.

That’s how Harry’s love and inclination to the peculiar strings of the guitar grew.

He demonstrated his ability to play stringed instruments correctly at the age of 12, his brother tutored him in traditional Serenades.

He played the “Maracas” and was the First Voice of the Trio in those performances.

Harry along with his brother Julio Erving and Jose Luis (Cheli) Padilla moved to San Juan in 1962. They formed the Trio Los Altairos.

How many artists of that time debuted in the Tribuna del Arte Program of Don Rafael Quiñones Vidal.  They won First Prize and Harry was recognized with a professional musician.

Thus he expanded his musical art. He learned to write musical arrangements, play bass and various string instruments. He stood out as the first voice in the trios. He cultivated and perfected his style with self-discipline.

He joined the pop ballad group Aidita Viles and Los Del Río with Máximo Torres in 1964.  They presented their musical show at the Caribe Hilton Hotel for several years.  They also performed in all the towns of Puerto Rico.

The maestro, Máximo Torres offered him the great opportunity to record as a soloist in 1969. Maximo created the band “Los Barbarians” and with them Harry recorded his first album with the title “El Mamito”. The song “El Mamito” included in that album was the one that made him famous and internationally recognized as a performer in the Salsa genre.

He then recorded the bolero “Te Pido Perdón” with great success. The song “Temeridad” became one of the public’s favorites very soon. Harry Fraticelli and Los Barbarians participated in recordings and performances with distinguished figures of Puerto Rican entertainment such as: Héctor Lavoe, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Willie Colón, José Miguel Agrelot and Tito Rodríguez, among others.

Harry was the moderator of two radio programs in Yauco.  He interviewed great figures of Puerto Rican entertainment such as the illustrious composer Don Pedro Flores, comedians José Miguel Agrelot and Adalberto Rodríguez “Machuchal”, among others.

The phrase “in recognition of being a Yaucano who through music has raised the name of the people who saw him born” have left in Harry a pleasant and unforgettable memory.  The protocol acts were in February 2004.

Harry Fraticelli Virtuoso on guitar, requinto and bass Music for All Occasions
The Virtuous Harry Fraticelli

He has participated in multitudinous artistic spectacles next to recognized figures of our show business: Cristian Castro, Chucho Avellanet, Danny Rivera, Ednita Nazario, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Julio Ángel, Lucecita Benítez, Manny Manuel, Máximo Torres y Los Murcianos, Papo Valle and his Trío Borinquen, Pijúan and Los Baby Boomer Boys, Tato Díaz and his Drim Tim Trío, Tavín Pumarejo, Trío Los de San Juan, among others.

He has displayed his musical talent in prestigious hotels such as the Caribe Hilton, Condado Plaza, Courtyard Marriott, Embassy Suites, Four Points By Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, La Concha, Marriott, Radisson, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton Convention Center, Travelodge, etc.

He participates as a professional singer in the group Los Baby Boomer Boys.  He participated in the two recordings of the CDs: “Bohemia Bailable” 2010 and “Solo Pa’ Los Jóvenes de Corazón” 2014.

The outstanding salsa musician Joe Quijano invited him to join as a singer in 2011 for the musical production with unreleased songs by Tite Curet Alonso. He performed as a soloist the song “Te Amé”, in the salsa genre on the CD, “Lo Inédito de Tite Curet Alonso 50 Años Después”, in duet with Paquito Guzmán on “Nube Negra” and participated in the chorus.

He has performed as a soloist in fifteen (15) musical productions during his professional career, but has participated in countless recordings as a Guitarist, Requintist, First, Second and Third Voice.

As a trios music lover he offered his time for several years in the position of Secretary of the “Puerto Rico Trios Music Foundation”.

He participated in the program “Así Canta Puerto Rico”, with the prestigious producer Luis Vigoreaux, Son, transmitted by Channel 6 and in the United States by WAPA AMERICA.  She was the First Guitar and Second Voice of the beloved artist Tavín Pumarejo during the last 20 years of Tavín’s artistic career.  They played typical Puerto Rican music and boleros.

Harry was the Music Director on the musical project “El Gran Sentimiento de Fufi Santori” (Fufi Santori’s Greatest Feeling) which contains eleven (11) songs by Puerto Rican sports star, José “Fufi” Santori (RIP).  The CD was released in May 2011.

The phrase "in recognition of being a Yaucano who through music has raised the name of the people who saw him born" have left in Harry a pleasant and unforgettable memory. The protocol acts were in February 2004
Harry Fraticelli has made fifteen (15) musical productions as a soloist during his professional career

Harry was awarded by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture with the Trio Musician of the Year Award in its 18th edition.  The events took place at the Paseo de las Artes in Caguas in February 2013.

He produced his CD Harry Fraticelli y sus Amigos on 11/2013. He performs traditional tunes as a soloist, with his Trio and shared honors with the incomparable Tavín Pumarejo who agreed to come out of his self-retreat to participate.  Harry and Tavín formed the “Dúo Poca-Jontas” which was very popular with their fans in Puerto Rico and the United States.

The Casa Museo de la Música Amaury Veray in Yauco included Harry in the Galería de Músicos Yaucanos on 10/2014.  He is listed alongside such famous compueblanos in the art of music as Amaury Veray, Kike Lucca and Johnny Albino among others.

The song Son Pa’ Barrio Obrero and other of his hits continue to be heard in Colombia. The successful presentation of 3/2014 in Cali, Colombia revived in Harry the desire to return to his roots in “Salsa”.

That was why he decided to record a single with the starring participation of the talented Jerry Rivas on the Tres. The single includes the bolero rhythmic Flor Pálida and Puras Mentiras in the Salsa genre.

Harry Fraticelli was chosen among more than 500 international singers for the Maximum Image Award 2014-2015 in the category Voice International Impact of Venezuela in July 2015.  He competed with prestigious singers such as Franco De Vita, Chayanne, Myriam Hernandez, Valeria Lynch, Ricardo Arjona, Samuel Hernandez, among others.  He obtained an honorable second place with the highest vote obtained by a Puerto Rican until 2015.

Harry conducted for 2 years the program “Harry Fraticelli De Todo un Poco” in www.emisorasollatina.com (Emisora Sol Latina de Buenos Aires) through the “Web” since 2015. His audience was over half a million people on the Internet.

It participated in the 60th Cali Fair in December 2017 on a spectacular stage.  There he presented his concert in front of an audience of more than 10,000 people.  Harry felt great emotion when he noticed the large audience and began to sing the song “Soñando con Puerto Rico”.  He was accompanied by the BoleOro Orchestra conducted by Carlos Cordoba from Cali, Colombia.

Harry conducted for 2 years the program "Harry Fraticelli De Todo un Poco" at www.emisorasollatina.com
Harry Fraticellis is the Music Director of Harry Fraticelli and his

He is the Musical Director of Harry Fraticelli and his Trio which he maintains simultaneously with his other artistic projects. They perform in hotels and in private activities.

He offers musical and cultural shows with varied options:

– Harry Fraticelli “One Band Man”

– Harry Fraticelli in Bohemia

– Harry Fraticelli to Duo

– Harry Fraticelli and his Trio

– Harry Fraticelli and his Combo

– Harry Fraticelli and his Conjunto de Música Típica

– Harry Fraticelli and The New Barbarians

He produces and hosts his weekly program Harry Fraticelli y sus Amigos on Radio WIPR Maxima 940 AM with interviews to personalities of our show, anecdotes and live songs with a large local and international audience since 2/2018.

Harry Fraticelli returns to the stage with his new CD that includes Salsa Gorda, Son Montuno and Boleros with the title Harry Fraticelli y Los Nuevos Barbarians.

He has the participation of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivas and Tony Rivas’ choirs and a select group of excellent musicians.  He hopes to complete the production in 2020.

(The recording has been stopped due to the Covid Pandemic)

He returned to producing and conducting the Harry Fraticelli Show De Todo Un Poco y Más… on Thursdays at 8:00 P. M. Sol Latina Broadcast (www.emisorasollatina.com.ar) on 6/2020.

Although he remains isolated by COVID’s Pandemic regulations, as soon as conditions allowed he organized a Bohemia for Paquito Guzman during his convalescence.  Together with Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivas made the great bolero player Paquito Guzmán vibrate with emotion.  (https://youtu.be/OnBN851O9DQ )

That day, Paquito Guzmán asked for another bohemian to be brought to him, but with the songs of his idol Cheíto González.  He did the same and was pleased with the San Juan Trio (Luis Díaz, Tony Bermúdez and Harry Fraticelli).  That day he enjoyed the improvement in his health and they managed to get Paquito Guzmán to join the trio on several occasions.  (https://youtu.be/wXDgmdVWMI8 )

Harry has mastered the performance of ALL tropical genres, has the virtue of integrating with other singers and musicians without rehearsal. He is distinguished in the musical environment as a virtuoso in the Guitar, in the Requinto and in the Bass.  In addition, he plays the Maracas perfectly.

Harry is multifaceted, a stanchion, has a high level of performance and is very professional.  His artistic talents, his human quality in combination with his musical knowledge have earned him respect and high esteem locally and internationally.

He is also an exemplary citizen with an excellent reputation. He has kept his professional and personal life free of scandals or negative remarks.

Harry Fraticelli is grateful for the appreciation, support for his artistic career and positive feedback he receives through social networks and in his activities.

Harry Fraticelli returns to the stage with his new CD that includes Salsa Gorda, Son Montuno and Boleros with the title Harry Fraticelli y Los Nuevos Barbarians.
It has the participation of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivas and Tony Rivas’ choirs and a select group of excellent musicians. He hopes to complete the production in 2020

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Iris Morales – 787-810-6259

Email: [email protected]

 

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Ángel Bonne He was part of Juan Formell’s Los Van Van Orchestra, and collaborated with the impressive Irakere band of maestro Chucho Valdés

October 2020

By: Diana Marie

Born in Santiago in 1961

Angel Bonne began his musical studies at an early age, developing his skills on the clarinet.

The artist confesses that genetically his father, Enrique Bonne, “has a lot to do with his musical taste”; he grew up watching him play the piano, and the drums played in the patio of his house, where musical meetings were held with greats such as Pacho Alonso and Omara Portuondo among others.

Born in Santiago in 1961, Angel Bonne began his musical studies at an early age, developing his skills on the clarinet
Angel Bonne
He was part of Juan Formell’s Los Van Van Orchestra

After graduating from the National School of Art, he worked as a saxophonist in groups such as: Galaxia, Santiago Feliú, Beatriz Márquez (where he also acted as director), Granma (Santiago de Cuba) and Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music (Santiago de Cuba).

He also participated as a saxophonist, in albums of renowned singer-songwriters such as Amaury Pérez Vidal and Evelyn García Márquez.

He also collaborated with other groups such as the Grupo Síntesis and the Irakere by maestro Chucho Valdés.

His interpretative quality and musical talent led him to form part of one of the most important orchestras of Cuban music, Juan Formell’s Orchestra, Los Van Van, where, in addition to playing the saxophone, he performed as an arranger and singer.

During this period, he interpreted everlasting successes in the history of Cuban popular dance music, as is the case of the song Azúcar, still very much in demand despite having been recorded for more than 25 years.

After graduating from the National School of Art, he worked as a saxophonist in groups
Angel Bonne He also participated as a saxophonist, in albums of renowned singer-songwriters such as Amaury Pérez Vidal and Evelyn García Márquez

His passage by this musical group, is qualified by the own Angel Bonne, like one of the most important moments of his artistic career, in fact has continued collaborating with this transcendental orchestra in the record productions due to the mark left by its vocal timbre in the chorus.

At the age of 33, he decided to make his career as a soloist without abandoning his role as an instrumentalist and his qualities as a composer, and he formed several groups.

His versatility allows him to venture into several musical genres, among which jazz, Nueva Trova and popular music stand out.
Angel Bonne He also shows his skills as a composer, arranger, performer, conductor and record producer.

Since then, he has starred in several record productions: “Pa’ decir lo que yo siento”, “Circunstancias”, “Esta es mi música”, “Por favor escuchame” and “Bonne and Bonne Co. He has also made three albums in which his facet as a singer-songwriter is evident; these are these are: “De otra manera”, “Buscándome”, and “El guardián”. He has participated in more than 60 albums recorded with well-known Cuban figures.

He made the original music and soundtrack of the Cuban soap opera EN FIN EL MAR, from which hits like ESE soy yo, Sueños en la inmensidad and Cada uno por su lado were released.

His versatility allows him to venture into several musical genres, among which jazz, Nueva Trova and popular music stand out.

From Bonne’s discography, you will always remember songs like: ¨Usted will return to passer¨, ¨No I know why he wants me to mi¨, ¨Pura vestment¨, ¨Ya I went from the 20¨, Amigos, which was also nominated in the category of best video of the year at the PREMIOS LUCAS, (an important Cuban audiovisual competition) to others, which also showcase his skills as a composer, arranger, performer, bandleader and record producer.

 

 

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Mark Weinstein Flutist, composer and arranger

October 2020

With his heart in jazz, Weinstein contributed greatly to the development of the salsa trombone by playing and arranging

Flutist, composer and arranger, Mark Weinstein began his study of music at age six with piano lessons from the neighborhood teacher in Fort Green Projects in Brooklyn where he was raised.

Between then and age 14 when he started to play trombone in Erasmus Hall High School, he tried clarinet and drums. Playing his first professional gig on trombone at 15, he added string bass, a common double in NYC at that time.

Mark learned to play Latin bass from Salsa bandleader Larry Harlow. He experimented playing trombone with Harlow’s band and three years later, along with Barry Rogers, formed Eddie Palmieri’s first trombone section, changing the sound of salsa forever.

With his heart in jazz, Weinstein was a major contributor to the development of the salsa trombone playing and arranging. He extended jazz attitudes and techniques in his playing with salsa bands.

His arrangements broadened the harmonic base of salsa while introducing folkloric elements for authenticity and depth.

Flutist, composer and arranger, Mark Weinstein began his study of music at age six with piano lessons from the neighborhood teacher in Fort Green Projects in Brooklyn
Mark Weinstein Flutist, composer and arranger

The only horn in a Latin jazz quintet led by Larry Harlow in the jam session band at the Schenks Paramount Hotel in the Catskills

The only horn in a Latin jazz quintet led by Larry Harlow at the jam session band at Schenks Paramount Hotel in the Catskills, soloist and arranger with Charlie Palmieri in the first trumpet and trombone salsa band in NYC, arranger and featured soloist along with the great Cuban trumpet player Alfredo Chocolate Armenteros in Orchestra Harlow, and with the Panamanian giant Victer Paz in the La Playa Sextet, and with the Alegre All Stars, Mark’s playing and arranging was a major influence on Salsa trombone and brass writing in the 60s and 70s.

Mark continued to record with Eddie Palmieri, with Cal Tjader and with Tito Puente. He toured with Herbie Mann for years, played with Maynard Ferguson, and the big bands of Joe Henderson, Clark Terry, Jones and Lewis, Lionel Hampton, Duke Pearson and Kenny Dorham. In 1967 he wrote and recorded the Afro-Cuban jazz album, Cuban Roots for the legendary salsa producer Al Santiago.

It revolutionized Latin jazz; combining authentic folkloric drum ensembles with harmonically complex extended jazz solos and arrangements. Chick Corea was on piano and the rhythm section included the finest and most knowledgeable Latin drummers: Julito Collazo, Tommy Lopez Sr. and Papaito (timbalero with La Sonora Matancera).

El único cuerno en un quinteto de jazz latino liderado por Larry Harlow en la banda de jam session del Hotel Schenks Paramount en los Catskills, solista y arreglista con Charlie Palmieri en la primera banda de salsa de trompeta y trombón en NYC, arreglista y solista junto con el gran trompetista cubano Alfredo Chocolate Armenteros en Orchestra Harlow, y con el gigante panameño Victer Paz en el Sexteto de la Playa, y con los Alegre All Stars, el hecho de que Mark tocara y arreglara fue una gran influencia en la escritura del trombón de salsa y los metales en los años 60 y 70.

Mark continuó grabando con Eddie Palmieri, con Cal Tjader y con Tito Puente. Hizo giras con Herbie Mann durante años, tocó con Maynard Ferguson y con las grandes bandas de Joe Henderson, Clark Terry, Jones y Lewis, Lionel Hampton, Duke Pearson y Kenny Dorham. En 1967 escribió y grabó el álbum de jazz afrocubano Cuban Roots para el legendario productor de salsa Al Santiago.

Revolucionó el jazz latino, combinando auténticos conjuntos de tambores folclóricos con solos y arreglos de jazz extendido armónicamente complejos.

Chick Corea tocaba el piano y la sección rítmica incluía a los mejores y más conocedores bateristas latinos: Julito Collazo, Tommy López Sr. y Papaito (timbalero de la Sonora Matancera).

A principios de los 70 Mark se tomó un tiempo libre de la música para obtener un doctorado en filosofía con una especialización en lógica matemática.

Se convirtió en un profesor universitario y sigue siéndolo hasta el día de hoy. Cuando regresó a la escena musical en 1978 tocando la flauta, escribió produjo y grabó las Suites de los Orishas con la cantante Olympia Alfara, el gran pianista de jazz colombiano Eddy Martínez y los percusionistas Steve Berrios, Julito Collazo, Papaito y Papiro junto con un coro afrocubano. Inédito hasta hace poco, la música de las Suites de los Orishas se convirtió en el tema del Sunday Salsa Show de Roger Dawson en WRVR.

Mark volvió al jazz con una venganza, trabajando en conciertos y grabando más de una docena de CDs desde 1997.

Seasoning, su primer CD de flauta experimentó con diferentes escenarios para la flauta, incluyendo un cuarteto con el vibrafonista Bryan Carrott y Cecil Brooks III en la batería y un trío de flauta y dos guitarras con Vic Juris y Rob Reich.

En 1998, Mark grabó Jazz World Trios con el maestro guitarrista brasileño Romero Lubambo y el premiado percusionista Cyro Baptista.

Su exploración de temas brasileños con guitarra clásica y percusión contrastaba con un trío de freebop con Santi Debriano en el bajo y Cindy Blackman en la batería.

Jean Paul Bourelly y Milton Cardone completaron el conjunto con música basada en temas de santería.

El lanzamiento de Three Deuces en 2000, emparejó a Mark con los guitarristas Vic Juris, Ed Cherry y Paul Meyers.

Mark continued to record with Eddie Palmieri, Cal Tjader and Tito Puente
With his heart in jazz, Weinstein contributed greatly to the development of the salsa trombone by playing and arranging.

Because of limited distribution and more demand that albums available, Mark rerecorded the material from the original Cuban Roots with new arrangements and the help of such giants of Cuban music as pianist Omar Sosa, percussionists Francisco Aquabella, Lazaro Galarraga, John Santos, Jose De Leon, and Nengue Hernandez. It was co-produced with his nephew, trombonist, violinist and arranger Dan Weinstein for Michael McFadin and CuBop Records.

In 2002 Mark had the incredible opportunity to go to Kiev, Ukraine, where his father was born, to record the music of the Ukrainian composer Alexey Kharchenko. Milling Time, the record that they made, stretched his playing in a number of directions, from modern classical music to smooth jazz to Ukrainian folk music.

He continued his exploration of his roots with a jazz album of Jewish music with Mike Richmond on bass, Brad Shepik on guitar and Jamey Haddad on drums and percussion.

He then turned to Brazil and the music of Hermeto Pascoal’s Calendario do Som, entitled Tudo de Bom with guitarist and vocalist Richard Boukas, Nilson Matta on bass, Paulo Braga on drums and Vanderlei Pereira on percussion.

In 2005 he began his ongoing association with Jazzheads record recording another version of Cuban Roots called Algo Más, with Jean Paul Bourelly playing electric guitar, Santi Debriano on bass, Thelonious Monk award winning percussionist and vocalist Pedrito Martinez,  as well as Nani Santiago, Gene Golden and Skip Burney on congas and batá drums.

His next release on Jazzheads was O Nosso Amor with Brazilian jazz masters Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta and Paulo Braga along with percussionists Guilherme Franco and Jorge Silva.

In the early 1970s Mark took time off from music to pursue a doctorate in philosophy with a specialization in mathematical logic.
Mark Weinstein He became a university professor and continues to be one to this day

This was followed by Con Alma, a Latin Jazz album featuring Mark Levine on piano, Santi Debriano on bass, Pedrito Martinez playing conga and drummer Mauricio Hererra.

Next a straight-ahead album, Straight No Chaser, with guitarist Dave Stryker, bassist Ron Howard and Victor Lewis on drums. A return to Brazilian music, Lua e Sol, saw Romero Lubambo and Nilson Mata joined by award winning percussionist Cyro Baptista

Mark took time out from Jazzheads to record an album for Otá records in Berlin with Grammy nominated pianist Omar Sosa playing vibes, marimbas and piano along with Ali Keita on balafon, Mathais Ogbukoa and Aho Luc Nicaise on African percussion, bassist Stanislou Michalou and Marque Gilmore on drums. Back to Jazzheads, Mark recorded Timbasa with the percussion team of Pedrito Martinez and Mauricio Hererra, joined by Roman Diaz with the young giants Axel Laugart on piano and bassist Panagiotis Andreou. This was followed by Jazz Brasil with NEH Jazzmaster Kenny Barron on piano along with Nilson Matta and drummer Marcello Pellitteri.

His most recent album, El Cumbanchero was recorded with a string ensemble and arranged by Cuban piano virtuoso Aruán Ortiz, along with Yunior Terry on bass and percussionists Mauricio Herrera and Yusnier Bustamante.

Next up is an album of tangos with GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominee, bassist Pablo Aslan, and featuring Latin GRAMMY winner Raul Jaurena playing the bandoneon, pianist Abel Rongatoni and guitarist Francisco Navarro. And many more surprises to come.

Mark took time from Jazzheads to record an album for Otá records in Berlin with Grammy-nominated pianist Omar Sosa
Back at Jazzheads, Mark recorded Timbasa with the percussion team of Pedrito Martinez and Mauricio Hererra, along with Roman Diaz with young giants Axel Laugart on piano and bassist Panagiotis Andreou

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Jimmie Morales a conguero for the history of Afro-Caribbean music

October 2020

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents.

He spent his early childhood listening to American popular music on the radio, and it wasn’t until 1967, when his family moved to Puerto Rico, that he became fascinated with Caribbean music, especially the salsa genre.

Jimmie’s first foray into music was with the guitar, but his father gave him a bell and, later, a conga drum that would become his main artistic fascination.

He learned of his interest by listening to Cuban, Puerto Rican and New York salsa records; also to congueros such as Milton Cardona, Eddie Montalvo, Patato Valdés, Cándido Camero, Mongo Santamaría, Johnny Rodríguez and his favorite: the late Ray Barretto.

In a very short time, he found himself making inroads with local bands, and sharing his talent with the renowned singer Tito Allen.

Jimmie Morales' memoirs Mr. Slap
Jimmie Morales Mr. Slap

Jimmie Morales and his experience with Willie Rosario

In 1978, Jimmie joined the popular rhythmic band of maestro Willie Rosario, and for eight years obtained what he considers his best formal training in the music industry.

Concurrently, he began an impressive career as a top-level studio musician, achieving outstanding participation in performances by the most important artists of the salsa genre, including Marc Anthony, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Roberto Roena, Oscar D’León, Lalo Rodríguez, Eddie Santiago and Frankie Ruiz, with whom he collaborated on each and every one of his solo recordings.

The sound of this great percussionist, his impeccable rhythm and his solid accompaniment defined him and have placed him convincingly as one of the most influential congueros of the last 30 years.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and salsa connoisseurs worldwide
Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera

Trajectory with Gilberto Santa Rosa

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario’s band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years.

Since then he has traveled throughout the Americas, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist. Jimmie Morales has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others.

He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company. As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican and Latin American people. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario's band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years.
Jimmie Morales is currently promoting his conga line sponsored by the Remo Company

Since then, he has traveled throughout the American continent, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist.

Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others. He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and of salsa connoisseurs worldwide. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

A conguero for history Jimmie Morales’ memoirs

“Mr. Slap”       

Bella Martínez (Author)

That originality of Willie Rosario must have influenced Jimmie's impeccable style.
Jimmie paid for the luck that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

When all the congueros were imitating the king of the hard hands, Ray Barreto, Jimmie manages without intending to be the one chosen by the master Willie Rosario to accompany with the conga the tuning that Rosario had already established.

That Willie Rosario originality must have influenced Jimmie’s impeccable style.

Let’s not forget that when all timbaleros were imitating maestro Tito Puente, that irreverent coameño – maestro of maestros Willie Rosario knew how to be original.

Jimmie repaid the fate that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

And that stroke of luck in the leather didn’t manage to erase the humility of his being.

I invite you to read what I have managed to compile about Jimmie Morales, whom, with your authorization, I show in this work that pretends to be a summary of the life and work of this incredible musician.

Here you will also see that in spite of his perennial shy smile, his hands of stone do not give a break nor allow tropical music to ignore his monumental influence.

Jimmie, the human being who communicates through the leather of his conga, presents us with the musical strength he continues to share with the world. I am deeply grateful for the introspection and candor of his testimony.

I recognize that I am fortunate that Jimmie has agreed to give me part of his voice and to perpetuate this story. I insist that it was a sin not to share this legacy before, but now it was Mister Slap who beat the drum.

 

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Villariny Salsa Project from Puerto Rico

Committed to continuing the legacy of the greats in Salsa

Villariny Salsa Project made its debut on July 25th, 2009, at an international event held in Puerto Rico called “Puerto Rico Salsa Congress” where it was presented twice in the same year, as a prelude to Roberto Rohena and later, to the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Villariny Salsa Project
Committed to continuing the legacy of the greats in Salsa

In the summer of 2010, Oscar Villariny (founder of the group) after working as a professional musician with salsa artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivera, Puerto Rican Power, Viti Ruiz, Rey Ruiz, Anthony Cruz, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Luigi Texidor, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, David Pabon, Johnny Rivera among others; began recording the first musical production which was entitled “En tu tiempo”.

Before making the “relayase” of the musical production, Villariny Salsa Project recorded the Christmas song “Trulla Caliente” to the rhythm of full, being a total success occupying the first positions in the radio lists.

In 2011, the first musical production of the band comes out with 8 songs, which has the hits “Que bien me va”, “Estoy Enamorao”, “Bendita la luz (salsa version)”, “A punto de Caramelo” and “Amigo es un peso en el bolsillo”.

This musical production was in charge of Mr. Tommy Villariny (arranger, musical producer, and trumpet player) who is Oscar Villariny’s father.

Within this production, he had the vocal coaching of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Tony Rivas, Jerry Rivas (singer of the Gran Combo).

Villariny Salsa Project debuted on July 25th 2009 at an international event held in Puerto Rico called "Puerto Rico Salsa Congress".
Music Producer: Tommy Villariny & Oscar Villariny

At the time, it had a great acceptance from salseros and managed to be present in massive concerts such as Luisito Carrión (Roberto Clemente Coliseum), José Alberto El Canario (Tito Puente Theater), and the 2012 National Salsa Day. In 2014, VSP presented its second musical production entitled “De tu mano”.

This production has 10 songs and includes guest artists such as: Manny Trinidad (four Puerto Rican), Prodigio Claudio (four Puerto Rican), Camilo Azuquita, Luisito Carrión, José Alberto “El Canario (We were born in Salsa) and Medina Carrión.

The songs “De tu mano”, “Color Esperanza”, “Nacimos en salsa “and “Con computadora no feat NG2”, occupied the first positions in the radio waves.

In the year 2019, Villariny Salsa Project released a new music single entitled “Homenaje”, in honor of his father’s career and some of his successes by bringing together the same singers who originally recorded them such as Andy Montañez, Eddie Santiago, Rey Ruiz, and Viti Ruiz. “Many artists in the salsa genre have been hand in hand with my father Tommy Villariny to create what are successes today,” said Oscar Villariny.

Villariny Salsa Project released a new musical single entitled "Homenaje", in honor of his father's
Tribute to his father’s career

Our vision at Villariny Salsa Project is to make way for the New Generation and offer new opportunities, which is why Oscar Villariny (Founder of Villariny Salsa Project) is recording his first album with talented young people from the patio, produced by veteran musician Tommy Villariny.

Recently Villariny Salsa Project launched “Agua” available on all digital platforms.

Villariny Salsa Project presenta "Agua" feat. Mari Picorelli
Villariny Salsa Project presenta “Agua” feat. Mari Picorelli

The Villariny Salsa Project orchestra is a group with a lot of projection and refreshing for the industry.

 

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.