2018

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa”

North America / USA / New York

Melina Almodóvar

With an unwavering spirit, melodious voice, Caribbean cadence on her hips, friendly and cataloged by many as sexy, Melina Almodóvar has represented the Latin female son in the US. During her 20 years of artistic career, Melina Almodóvar has conquered audiences in the most imposing scenarios and has shared stages with the most recognized artists of the tropical genre

The nickname as many know she is “La Muñeca de la salsa” and which for a long period of time she sought to have because she had the same name that already identified another Salsa singer. Getting an ideal pseudonym to her was difficult, but not for a fan who, while delighting in her live presentation, cataloged her with this nickname with which they would later recognize her in the whole world.

“I wanted to give myself a nickname for Salsa … But I did not want to change my name … And then one day a gentleman says to me:” Hey, but you are a doll and look how you sing “, and then it was there that I stayed “La Muñeca de la Salsa”. It’s a name that stuck with me and it stayed there, so everyone knows who “La Muñeca de la Salsa” is and sometimes they do not know who Melina Almodóvar is, but I really like that name, I think it’s very beautiful”, she said.

At the age of 14, the interpreter born in San Juan de Puerto Rico lived an experience that marked her life since then. She moved with her mother to Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind her culture and family, which caused an emotional shock and made her take full refuge in the music.

Melina Almodóvar - Photo — Melina Almodóvar – Photo

“Salsa saved my life.” The Salsa is my way of life. It’s my way of breathing, of doing things “.

“We moved to a very white place to an extremely American place. The south of the US is a very different place from New York or Florida. There are not many Latin people and for me it was very hard … I started studying music at the High School. I got into all the choirs that I could and all the bands in the school where I could be”, told me Melina.

Melina Almodóvar - Photo 2 — Melina Almodóvar – Photo 2

This Puerto Rican composer not only prepared in salsa, also studied different musical styles: Blues, Jazz and Gospel. What made her race for only 3 years at the University of Memphis the career of Musical Execution. Studies that she decided to abandon for working at the same time as a receptionist and translator for the City Council and also to continue pursuing her dream of singing Salsa professionally. “I decided to quit my university studies because I was really doing what I wanted to do: that was to be a singer… I thought it was better to leave school and nothing has gone wrong, I have continued doing everything at that moment, but on a slightly larger scale and for me it was the right decision”, commented Amodóvar.

During the 90s, Melina and other music professionals created the first salsa orchestra in Memphis called “La Orquesta Caliente”. With this band toured places like Alanna, Kentucky and Alabama. They played at such iconic venues as Beale Street, one of the most famous music streets in all the US for almost 4 years, just as they did at Young Ave Deli, a place that filled to its maximum capacity just to hear them sing and play Salsa every Monday. In this regard, Melina told me: “That’s when I started singing Salsa. That’s when I fell in love with salsa and I wanted to continue being a professional Salsa singer.”

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert photo

In 2003, she began her musical career as an independent soloist with her first album Rumba’s Salsa Soul Delight, where she exhibited her creative freedom to compose, work with other people in the music industry and create her own identity in this tropical genre. So, her second álbum was La Muñeca De La Salsa Y Más (2008) and Pasión y Salsa Live in 2013.

In all her productions this Puerto Rican singer based in Miami, likes to sing to the love in a very positive way. Each song is a tropical proposal of Latin culture, passion, celebration, dance and happiness that invites the dancer to enjoy. “I like to talk positively about things that make me happy. I do not like to shoot men … Because it’s not what happened to me. “She added: “I have a bolero that’s called Mi Nueva Página de Amor, but it’s very positive.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Cover — Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Cover

”Although the Salsa is a genre dominated by men, Melina has shown to take firm steps and open field solidly in the music industry, she has sung alongside major figures such as: The Great Combo of Puerto Rico, Andy Montanez, Bobby Cruz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Marlo Rosa, Tito Puente Jr., el maestro Larry Harlow and Tromboranga.

She has developed a successful musical career of 20 uninterrupted years that has led her to perform at the biggest annual festivals and daily events in the country. For nine years “La Muñeca de la Salsa” performed live shows in South Florida at Tapas y Tintos club located in Miami’s South Beach with el maestro Ricky Torres, where thousands of dancers from all over the world gathered every Tuesday to dance and enjoy her music.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Singing — Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Singing

In 2010, Melina and approximately more than 600 dancers broke the Guinness Record for the largest number of people dancing Salsa at the same time a song. The idea got with her former manager Frank Nieves. The theme was “Lista pa’ Impresionar” of her authorship and doesn’t rule in the near future to do it again. “We were there seeing how we could do something different for an event that he was doing here for the Broward County Patron Festivities and we said why we did not try to break the Guinness Record. Establish a Guinness Record of the greatest number of dancers dancing a song and then we did it and it was spectacular”, said Melina.

In 2016, she released to the national and international market the salsa version single “Estoy aquí” of the popular Pop singer Shakira, whose arrangement was made by Seferino Cavan. The video of “Estoy Aquí” was shot on the famous beaches of Miami Beach and already has almost 1 million views.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Photo — Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Photo

Likewise, and in mid of 2017, Almodóvar recorded with Tito Puente Jr. a new version in Salsa Mambo of the song “Mi Socio” created by Tito Puente and Cuban singer La Lupe popularized in 1965. In the same way, she did with the singer and composer Bobby Cruz the song “La Chica del Bling”.

Currently, Melina does live performances every Friday to 6pm at Best Time Wine Shop located on 8th Street at 64th and 8th, a wine warehouse with a large dance floor. “Ándale! Pon a Sonar el Güiro” is her most recent single, it was released since last December and you can find it on all digital platforms. During this month of January, Melina will continue playing her music through the territory of Florida with the event Los Patrones de la Salsa and on April 7 she will produce along with her friend Kristina Moinelo the biggest salsa festival in Miami, the Hollywood Salsa Fest, in which she will also participate as a main star with great figures of salsa music.

la muneca de la salsa - flyers — la muneca de la salsa – flyers

Melina Almodóvar believes that the Salsa will never die because it is in the Latin idiosyncrasy and at some point this AfroCaribbean genre will return to be that people like most. She also commented that she does not rule out the possibility in the future to do a fusion with the new urban musical trends of the moment.

“For me to represent Latin music in the US is a very big honor because I love tropical music more than anything. It’s my life, it’s my way of breathing like all the SALSEROS … For me, it’s the whole world to be able to continue my long-standing career, to go ahead and bring good Salsa for the whole World.” Melina Almodóvar

The Salsa is the NUMBER ONE music genre that is danced around the world. I believe that we are keeping this genre alive with what we are doing every day. “Melina Almodóvar

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa”

To more information about La Muñeca de la Salsa, please visit www.melinaalmodovar.com or like her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/MelinaSalsa

Sitara Son Cuban – Latin Band

North America / USA / Angeles

Sitara Son - Integrants — Sitara Son – Integrants

Master percussionist and singer, Maestro Lázaro Galarraga is a native of Havana, Cuba, now living in Los Angeles. He was a founding member of the premier Cuban music troupe, Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba (1961-62, 1977-82) A world-renowned teacher, performing artist, choreographer and writer of Afro-Cuban music, culture and folklore, he has recorded, performed and taught across the U.S. and worldwide. He is also regarded as one of the great ‘Akpons’ or lead singers in the Afro-Cuban religious traditions and a master of the bata drums.

Guitarist/Vocalist, Jon-Oliver Knight is an accomplished classical guitarist who has toured extensively throughout the US, Central America, Mexico and Europe. He has played countless wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions and epitomizes the flexibility required to be a wedding guitarist. Jon-O is also in demand for his Vocals and plays sitar (Indian) and cuatro (Puerto Rican) in the band as well.

Bobby Wilmore’s is an incredibly well seasoned percussionist. From drum set to congas, bongos, or anything that Bobby can find that will make a noise, he is sure to captivate with his precision and creativity behind the drum. Bobby is one of the busiest percussionists in California with his unique “good vibes” personality and his astounding rhythmic ability and passion.

Pianist extraordinaire, Matt Amper is not only one of the most sought after Latin pianists on the west coast, but is also an accomplished Jazz and Classical pianist. Matt’s musicality is preceded by his need to dive deeper and deeper into exploring and perfecting his craft which many would say has already reached perfection!

Josiel Perez has performed and toured all over the world with some of the best bands out there. He currently plays Trumpet with SitaraSon among other La based bands. A wizard with his countless percussion instruments, Josiel brings that same skill and creativity to the Latin side.

Together these accomplished musicians form a Band that will astound and captivate you, leaving you wanting more.

El Cerrito Studio

North America / San Francisco / California

The Cuban sound, mixing and mastering engineer, winner and multiple times nominated for the Latin Grammy Award, Oscar Autie together with his wife, producer and composer, Kenya Autie gave life to the most ambitious project of their lives, they established in the area of San Francisco bay, CA, one of the best and most recognized recording studio, mixing, mastering and production, El Cerrito Studio.

A recording studio equipped with the most advanced technology and equipment, three rooms of recording and a control room completely isolated acoustically treated to achieve a quality work for all styles and musical genres.

Oscar Autie was born in La Habana, Cuba. Since 6 years old he played the acoustic guitar and his formal musical training began at 9 years old through private classes.

Oscar studied musical composition, arrangements and production at the National School of Arts of Cuba (ENA) where he graduated with a Degree in Guitar Interpretation. He also trained in drums and piano, and holds a degree in Electronics and Acoustics in a Technical School in La Habana.

When he was 20 years old and while living in Cuba, Oscar worked as a Recording Engineer at EGREM (main recording studio and music distributor in the capital at that time). He was also the Sound Engineer during the Tour of prestigious Cuban bands, such as: Isaac Delgado, Síntesis and Arte Vivo, and at the National Theater of Havana. He provided sound engineering for live shows by world-renowned artists such as: Oscar De Leon, Astor Piazzolla, Sierra Maestra and Silvio Rodriguez, among many others. In addition to all this, this wonderful musician recorded many albums during his stay in this AfroCaribbean country.

This voting member, engineer from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy) and the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy Latino), a voting member of the P & E (Wing of Producers and Engineers), and member of the Audio Engineering Society moved to the US in 1992 in search of more advancement opportunities. Once installed in California, the talented Oscar Autie has been working on live performances, recording the mixes and mastering albums of a large number of industry musicians such as the nominees and winners of the Latin Grammy: Yalil Guerra, Mister G, Yosvany Terry, Diego El Cigala, Paco De Lucia, Fito Paez, and Mayito Rivera (Van Van) among other personalities of the artistic guild.

Integrants El Cerrito Studio - Photo — Integrants El Cerrito Studio – Photo

Also, he has been Technical Director and Sound Engineer for the prestigious Flamenco Festival of Bay Area since its inception in 2005. Oscar is currently recording and producing other albums for other artists.

In the other hand, the Cuban producer, Kenya Auntie studied guitar at the Conservatorio of Guanabacoa in La Habana and she was the first woman to play the guitar in a rock band on the island, being an inspiration figure for other women with the same musical interest. Kenya has participated in the production of projects such as: Arise Above Abuse, Clave:

Chamber Music, Vol. VI, Stand Before The Systems and Presidential Suite. Currently, this composer and co-owner of El Cerrito Studio continues to contribute her skills in projects with upcoming releases.

El Cerrito Studio operates under the label of El Cerrito Productions, a record company of licenses, promotions and publications. They make reservations to Artists from all over the world and from all styles of music.

They perform recording, mixing, mastering, production, composition, arrangement, transcripts, and promotion.

This studio represents the experience, creativity and professionalism that have made it stand out as one of the best recording studios in the San Francisco area. Prominent companies such as: Leap Frog, The Warner Brothers, Beyond Translations and Playsongs have made their recordings there. In addition, Deepak Chopra recorded and mixed his most recent album and book “Home” in this studio.

“I have been working as an engineer since my first 20 years. Engineering is a passion for me. I love music and being an engineer allows me to be part of many interesting and meaningful musical projects …” Oscar Auntie.

To more information, please visit http://www.elcerritostudio.com/ or like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elcerritorecords/

Letty Sandoval The Golden Diva of Salsa in New York.

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Letty Sandoval, a Venezuelan singer who has lived in New Jersey for more than 20 years, currently performs at private events in The Big Apple performing her repertoire, and her two recent promotional singles ¨Only You¨ a Musical Production and Arrangement by the Trumpeter. Cuban Agustín Someillan García and as a special guest the Venezuelan Pianist Juan Pulía Liendo Hernández and with them the outstanding Percussionist Luis Mangual from New York in the Bongo, his second single ¨Pesar¨ a Composition of the Arranger, Pianist and Guitarist the Dominican Rafael ¨Bullumba¨ Landestoy Duluc, and again Juan Pulia Liendo Hernández in Production, Direction and Arrangement.

¨Sandovaleando¨

Letty Sandoval - Photo — Letty Sandoval – Photo

Tromboranga, the Latin soul in Europe.

Europe

A band formed in Spain to share rhythm, music and soul around the world. As a part of the new generation of independent Latin orchestras around the world, Tromboranga is the pure essence of “Salsa Dura”. Tromboranga´s spicy ingredients are the trombones sound, solid and strong percussion, and they recover the essence of “soneos” (voice improvisation among the chorus). With influences from the salsa music from the 60s and 70s, maintaining a raw, strong and a very danceable sound.

Their original songs like “Humildad”, “Palo pa la campana”, “Ah Caraj”, “Mi China Colombiana”, talks about stories that can describe the life of any of us, and they have become number one in Latin radios and dance floors worldwide.

Tromboranga is made up of musicians from the Caribbean and Europe, all residents of Barcelona, Spain.

Its members are:

Joaquín Arteaga, Band leader, Timbal and composer from Venezuela, known for his long career as a percussionist and also as band leader of the orchestra “Bloque 53”.

Diego Coppinger, traditional “Sonero”, with an extensive carrer that includes “Tropicana” in Cuba, gives color and Cuban flavor, with great force and experience in his amazing soneos.

Freddy Ramos, young singer from Venezuela, also arranger with a wide impresive musical career.

Rafael “Madagascar” Arciniegas adds Colombian flavor with his piano and arrangements.

Lorenzo “El diablo” Barriendos, Venezuelan musician on bass, with tastefull tumbaos, known for his interventions with orchestras such as Trabuco Venezolano, Mango group Guaco among others.

The strong and colorful trombone section, which offers a distinctive mark on the band: Vladimir Peña (Venezuela), Josep Blanes (Spain) and Albert Costa (Catalunya), all supported by the taste and the conga afinque Oriol Martinez and the spicy bongo of Climent Campa.

Their first EP “Agua que va caer” hits the market in November 2011 in anticipation for the first official cd “Salsa Dura” (April 2012), considered by Latin music lovers, DJs, dancers and specialize salsa bloggers among the 10 best CDs of 2012. Also recorded a CD together with Bloque 53 “Tumba Puchunga” where the song “Me alborotas” and also “Tumba Puchunga” reached number one in many Latin radios listings.

In April 2013 the new cd “Al mal tiempo buena salsa”, take them to do their first world tour in Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Tunisia, Germany and Colombia.

In November 2013 they release a L.P. Vinyl Special Limited Edition (only 300 copies) called “Solo para coleccionistas Vol. 1”. They are invited to do 4 concerts at one of the biggest salsa festivals in the world “La Feria de Cali” and Pereira, Colombia. The 4 concerts were filled in its entirety. Since then the followers and fans of the band call themselves “Salseros Tromborangueros”.

In 2014 visit Mexico on a tour of four dates, all concerts were sold out and the public had the opportunity to hear some songs from the 4th Album called “Salsa pa’ rato”, with 10 new original tracks.

From “Salsa pa´rato” album the track “Palo pa la campana” is already a hit among salsa dancers, been between top 10 salsa dancing songs of 2014. Also “Sentimiento Caleño”, a song dedicated to the city of Cali. Songs with social messages like “Esclavo de tu apariencia”, “No tengo pa pagar” and “Como la marea” also known for their catchy tune.

2015 arrives with new album “Golpe con Melodía” , with 8 new hard and raw salsa tunes, and great swing for dancers, with songs like “Golpe con Melodía”, son montuno “Carretera” and a cover of “La mafia”. And a extensive tour in Colombia, Ecuador and in USA for the first time in cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and many more.

In 2016 the songs “Ah Caraj, aquí que pasó”, “Cambumbo”, “El rey sin corona”, “No me vuelvo a enamorar”and “Mi China Colombiana” from new album “Sangre Sudor y Salsa” are already on every salsa Dj set. Also they release amazing new videos from this songs. In 2016 they have long tour from Japan to Russia, from USA to United Kingdom and all Europe.

Other songs like “Agua que va caer”, “Humildad”, “Te provoca”, “Adios que te vaya bien”, “Mama Calunga”, “amigo el raton”, “Boogaloo Marilu”, “Rompe colchon” are danced currently on the dance floor of salsotecas, dance schools, salsa parties and salsa festivals worldwide.