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2021

Johnny Pacheco, presents “Orquesta Primera Clase” from Maracay-Venezuela

The title of this album speaks for itself; the hand of the transcendental Dominican musician is introduced in this album.

El Zorro de Plata Pacheco appears as executive producer of the album, although we do not discard that he also participated in part of the musical production, due to the way the orchestra was structured and the style in which the arrangements were given; it is something that we can hardly notice when listening to the album, it is evident the great similarity to “Pacheco y su Tumbao”; four excellent trumpets with sonorous arrangements.

Johnny Pacheco, presents "Orquesta Primera Clase" of Maracay-Venezuela
Johnny Pacheco, presents “Orquesta Primera Clase” of Maracay-Venezuela

The predominance of Teo Hernandez (R.I.P)’s vocal style and register in the nasal coros, fits perfectly with the “Tumbao Añejo” that we have always been accustomed to from maestro Johnny Pacheco (R.I.P).

Although the album was backed by the Fania label and is loaded with a cheerful and swinging flavor, we think that it went somewhat unnoticed by the music-loving public.

The reasons could be several, we must remember that in those times in the 80’s the merengue rhythm was beginning to penetrate with a lot of strength.

Johnny Pacheco, presenta la Orquesta Primera Clase
Johnny Pacheco, presenta la Orquesta Primera Clase

Although we could also add the little interest that the public of the capital (Caracas) had for the groups of the regions or interior of the country, and although it seems ironic to say it.
Another possible reason could be linked to the inclusion of only unpublished songs (it is well known that in those times, they supported copies more than creativity); these are only conjectures of this server, however, they do not escape the reality of that time.

Teo Hernández (R.I.P)
Teo Hernández (R.I.P)

As for the musical themes, we have already pointed out that all of them are original and very well compensated with their arrangement; In particular there are two songs that I like very much, one of them is “Negro Nací”, written and sung by Orlando Sanoja, is a very happy song dedicated to our black race of the danceable in his music, “Si negro nací nací nací, blanco no puedo ser”, The other song of my predilection is “El Sabio”, composition and lyrics by Jorge Compres and vocalized by Teo Hernández, with great diction, good phrasing and those tasty choruses that accompany him.

Orlando Sanoja
Orlando Sanoja

It is worth mentioning that the excellent La Orquesta Primera Clase is still in force with a musical staff of the new generation maintaining its original sound with its lead vocalist Orlando Sanoja.

It is another good Venezuelan album that you should have in your personal CD library.
Johnny Pacheco presents “La Orquesta Primera Clase” (1982) Fania LPS-66506

SIDE A

1.- NEGRO NACÍ (Orlado Sanoja) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/ Arrangements: Nicomedes López
2.- ME SIENTO MUY FELIZ (Al mMaro Ríos) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/Arrangements: Bolívar Javier
EL ANIMAL (Jorge Compres) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
4.- TODO TIENE SU FINAL (Bolívar Javier) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Bolívar Javier
5.- LLEVAME CONTIGO (Almaro Ríos) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Bolívar Javier

SIDE B

1.- EL SABIO (Jorge Compres) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
2.- A MARACAY (Orlando Sanoja) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
3.- EXTRANJERA (Phorto Jacquez) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
4.- VIVA MI GUAGUANCO (Jorge Compres) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Gilberto Riera
AY QUE HUMANIDAD (Orlando Sanoja) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/Arrangements: Jorge Compres

Personnel:

Pastor Rodríguez (1st Trumpet)
Henry Kamba (2nd Trumpet)
Gustavo Nieves (3rd Trumpet)
William Fermín (4th Trumpet)
Armin Kail (Piano)
Carlos Fagúndez (Bass)
Harold Josef (Congas)
Edgar Aponte (Timbal)
Félix Benítez (Bongo)
Teo Hernández/Orlando Sanoja (Singers)
Bolívar Javier/ Nicomedes López/ Jorge Compres/ Gilberto Riera (Arrangements)
Teo Hernández/Orlando Sanoja/Edgar Aponte (Chorus)
Johnny Pacheco (Executive Producer)
Carlos Guerrero (Recording Technician)
Luis Arismendi (General Recording Supervision)
Recorded at Fidelis Studios
Alejandro Pérez (Art and Design)

How Jacira Castro and Salsa Power changed the Latin music scene

How did Salsa Power start?

Latin culture, specifically the musical part, has had a large group of unconditional allies who have promoted it worldwide through their work and platforms, being Chilean-American Jacira Castro one of the best known. Jacira is a salsa casino-style salsa teacher and web designer who had the dream of spreading the typical rhythms of our countries, but she did not figure out how until she came up with a revolutionary idea: Salsa Power. 

Salsa Power was born in 1999 as part of an initiative created by Castro and graphic designer Julian Mejia, who practically became her partner until the moment when the page stopped working. From that year on that the dance instructor began to generate contacts and develop human networks with people inside and outside the world of music, especially from the salsa genre. A particularity of this system devised by Jacira was that it was fed by the information received from people from anyqhere in the world about everything related to concerts, festivals, press conferences, autograph signings and much more.

Jacira Castro - Salsa Power
Dance instructor and web designer Jacira Castro – Salsa Power

How did this project work?

Thanks to the technology that was advancing little by little in all this time, there were many more contact ways and social media came along to facilitate these activities. The website grew to such an extent that it came to have more than 300 correspondents in over 60 countries, many of whom did not even have professions or occupations related to music, but wanted to strive to make the initiative successful and Latin artists and orchestras have a dependable space to promote their work.

Contrary to what many readers may have thought, everyone involved in this project never received a single cent or publicity in return for all the work being done. In fact, it was Jacira herself who had to pay for all the expenses related to Salsa Power such as plane tickets, travel, lodging, food, wardrobe, among other things. Not to mention the website maintenance and other hosting costs for the domain to work properly.

Fortunately, all that effort and money were worth it because Salsa Power rose to become the largest salsa website on the internet and a true reference for any independent media planning to do anything remotely like that. Much of the fruits harvested by this beautiful project can still be found on the internet and consist of articles, interviews, event coverage, videos and many other things.

The name Salsa Power was so respected that you could not talk about the Latin salsa scene in the United States without mentioning it, especially in South Florida, a place where competition for the first places was at its higuest. This competition was not only between artists and musical groups, but also between media, associations and academies, triggering some inconvenience and regrettable situations like the one experienced by Jacira and Julián a few years ago.

Jacira paid for all the expenses related to Salsa Power
Jacira paid for all the expenses related to Salsa Power

Controversies

Jacira has had run-ins with some important personalities of the Latin music community in Florida because of her political positions, which went against the current of a large number of Latin artists and dancers at that time, especially those who are part of the Cuban exile. Her attitudes towards the political situation in Cuba have been highly controversial, mainly those related to the U.S. economic embargo on the Caribbean country and the limitations on free cultural exchange between both nations. Both Castro and other leaders of the entertainment industry were opposed to the decades-old blockade, which has been maintained until today.

This caused the dance teacher to make some enemies in the Miami music scene, which led to the hacking of Salsa Power with the caption ”This is a communist website” in big red letters along with a message whose author calls Jacira ”communist” and ”pro-Fidel Castro”. Obviously, she got worried and immediately called Julian to bring down the page.

As they began to diagnose the issue and its possible causes, they concluded that those responsible were part of an association composed of a dozen dance schools in Miami and its sorroundings called Salsa United. Around the same time, this organization had just created its own website, which published content very similar to that of Salsa Power, so much so that its principal spokesperson Jolexy Hurtado and Jacira came to have some arguments and run-ins due to how much alike the interviews were in both websites. The conflict reached at such a level that Jacira states that Hurtado told her she was messing with the wrong guy.

Undoubtedly, this whole situation was a big headache for the web designer, but has never let any of this daunt her or make her feel inadequate. On the contrary, she has grown before adversities and has faced them with the gallantry that has always characterized her, since she knows what her work is worth in terms of quality and globality.

However, there comes a point when the effort and time invested are not enough, so it is time to be realistic and assume that everything has its end, as the great Héctor Lavoe would say.

Jacira and Larry
Jacira Castro with producer, composer, and pianist Larry Harlow

Farewell to Salsa Power and Jacira’s current life

After 22 years of operation of the Salsa Power project, many of the correspondents who provided information for the page got married, had children, studied, moved and pursued other professional opportunities that did not allow them to continue their work. For the same reason, Jacira had no choice but to terminate the project that was her life for more than two decades and publish a farewell message thanking all her readers for their support over the years and assuring that she will continue to travel and enjoy salsa and dance.

In spite of abandoning her duties as administrator of Salsa Power, the great impact of the Chilean-American’s work on those who have come to know her and collaborate with her cannot be denied. On her LinkedIn profile, there plenty of favorable reviews about her professionalism and commitment in every activity she makes.

From International Salsa Magazine, we wish her the greatest success in every project she undertakes and that she enjoys all the stages that are to come.

Read also. Pacifica Radio, history, shows and controversy

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala is a native of Humacao, Puerto Rico.

His beginnings in music date back to his fifteenth year, performing as a trumpet player and director of the student group “Combo Estudiantil”.

At the age of sixteen, he began as a professional trumpet player in the Orquesta Panamericana, Willie Rosario, and Willie Rodriguez.

In the early 70’s the bassist and first director Jesús “Chuy” Castro founded the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra. Chuy was studying medicine and decided to dissolve the orchestra.

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala, is a native of Humacoa, Puerto Rico.
Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights of the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

This new stage and for six consecutive years the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra accompanied all the Fania Records artists that visited the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, among these famous stars were: Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, Vitìn Avilés, Santitos Colon, Ismael Miranda, Héctor Lavoe, Paquito Guzmán and others.

By 1983 Luisito incorporated to his orchestra the quoted singer Tito Rojas “El Gallo salsero” as lead vocalist, from that moment the history changed. Puerto Rican Power became one of the most powerful orchestras in the salsa scene.

At the end of the 80’s, it became the stellar orchestra when it joined the cast of the record label Musical Productions (MP).

It was so successful that later the company decided to launch Tito Rojas as a soloist.

His time with Musical Productions and the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra spanned 9 years where he recorded great and important productions such as: Puerto Rican Power, Con más Poder, Con todo el Poder, El Da más Poder, and Poderoso pero Diferente.

Tracks such as “Noche de Bodas”, “Quiéreme tal como Soy”, “Juguete de Nadie”, “A Donde Irás”, “Emergencia de Amor”, and “Quiero Volver Contigo” have taken him around the world with his music.

The release of the album Con todo el Poder, in 1992, had a monumental impact on the public, the song “A dónde Iras?” led them to obtain local and international awards such as La Campana de Oro, El Combo de Oro, El Buho de Oro, Diplo’s, Paolis, Tu Música and nominated to the prestigious Billboard Awards.

In 1999 he became part of the record label J&N Records.

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!
In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights to the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

He continues with his overwhelming success with the productions: Men in Salsa, Wild Wild Salsa, Salsa Another Day and Éxitos Más, spreading with intensity the songs “Tu Cariñito”, “Me Tiene Loco”, “Doctor”, “Si Pero Na”, “Pena de Amor”, “Cuando me faltas Tú”, “Mi Mujer es un Policía” among others.

Another important production for the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra was “Salsa of the Caribbean”. a conglomerate of rhythm and flavor that got everyone dancing.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala takes another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording “Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…¡30 años de Power! A compilation of his most acclaimed live hits available in DVD and CD formats, this tour of famous songs includes 13 tracks including: “Quiéreme Tal Como Soy”, “Noche de Bodas”, “¿A dónde Iras?”, “Tu Cariñito” and Juguete de Nadie”.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala took another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording "Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power...¡30 años de Power!
“Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…30 years of Power!

His next musical work under the Latin Word Records label entitled A Otro Nivel! with the musical direction of maestro Julio “Gunda” Merced with his hit “Tengo Miedo” in the voice of the legendary Jose Feliciano.

The production shined with the participation of the outstanding voices of Fania’s Niño Bonito Ismael Miranda, Javi Marrero, Kittin Santiago, and Luisito Ayala Jr.

For 2014 and Luisito Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power returns with a masterpiece of modern Puerto Rican salsa entitled “Somos el Poder” is a mix of romantic and danceable material that sets a standard in the tropical genre.

That said the album highlights the common threads of salsa with a lot of swing and a Big Band sound, the first single titled “Dímelo Tu” in the youthful voice of Joshua Marcell, has become an anthem in Puerto Rico.

Marcell and the other singers Norberto “Gazu” Millón and Luisito Ayala Jr. come in with a new outfit and a new style for the group.

Another highlight of this album is the stellar posthumous tribute to Luisito’s son Braulio Ayala with Tony Vega, Tito Rojas, Ismael Miranda, Pedro Brull, Tito Nieves, and other salsa stars.

Once again Ayala presents us with a production of great variety and commercial appeal… ¡Somos el Poder!

For 2019 Ayala and the Puerto Rican Power bring us their most recent production titled 40 años de Poder.

Para el año 2019 Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power nos traen su producción titulada 40 años de Poder.
Para el año 2019 Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power nos traen su producción titulada 40 años de Poder.

Contact:

Mambiche Records

Luisito Ayala Tel: 787-649-4440

Email: [email protected] / Wed: www.puertoricanpower.com

Article of Interest: Celso Clemente Torres is considered one of the best-sounding bongos in the world.

The Argentina Tango Salón Festival 2022 returns in January.

In Argentina, Buenos Aires will have a very interesting and attractive start to the year (2022) with the Argentina Tango Salón Festival, an event that takes place every year and is highly anticipated by tango dancers both nationally and internationally, organized by Roberto Zuccarino and Magdalena Valdez which will take place both in “La Viruta” located in Armenia 1366 Palermo, as well as in “La Milonguita” located in Armenia 1353 Palermo, where the professional dancers to teach us will be in these predetermined places in the schedule that we will present soon.

Argentina Tango Salon Festival 2022 Flyer
Argentina Tango Salón Festival 2022 with dancers Christian Marquez and Virginia Gomez

The Argentina Tango Salón Festival 2022 will be held from January 13 to 17, where the following tango dancers and / or instructors will be participating:

  • Christian Marquez and Virginia Gomez
  • Juan Malizia and Manuela Rossi
  • Roberto Zuccarino and Virginia Pandolfi
  • Dante Sanchez e Ines Muzzopappa
  • Carlitos Espinoza and Agustina Piaggio
  • Fernando Carrasco and Jimena Hoeffner
  • Daniel Nacucchio and Cristina Sosa
  • Sebastian Jimenez and Magdalena Valdez
  • Facundo Piñero and Vanesa Villalba
  • Javier Rodriguez and Moira Castellano

The cost of the classes is presented as follows:

  • 1 Class: $25000
  • 3 Classes: $6000
  • 6 Classes: $11.000
  • 9 Classes: $16.000
  • 12 Classes: $20.000
  • 15 Classes: $25.000
The previous Argentina Tango Salón Festival
The Tango Dancers who participated in the Argentina Tango Salón Festival 2020 (live)

During these 5 days of instruction and tango, we were presented with the schedule of activities will be distributed as follows:

  • On Thursday (13): Starting at 1:00 p.m. they will be giving classes with Carlos Espinoza and Agustina Piaggio at (“La Viruta” located in Armenia 1366 Palerm) and Juan Malizia and Manuela Rossi will also be at (“La Milonguita” located in Armenia 1353 Palermo), both until 17:15 hrs.
  • On Friday (14): Starting at 1:00 p.m. they will be giving classes with Roberto Zuccarino and Virginia Pandolfi in (“La Viruta” located in Armenia 1366 Palerm) and they will be in Fernando Carrasco and Jimena Hoeffner in (“La Milonguita” located in Armenia 1353 Palermo), both until 17:15 hrs.
  • On Saturday (15): Starting at 1:00 p.m. they will be giving classes with Facundo Piñero and Vanesa Villalba in (“La Viruta” located in Armenia 1366 Palerm) and they will be with Javier Rodriguez and Moira Castellano in (“La Milonguita” located in Armenia 1353 Palermo), both until 17:15 hrs.
  • On Sunday (16): Starting at 1:00 p.m. they will be giving classes with Sebastian Jimenez and Magdalena Valdez in (“La Viruta” located in Armenia 1366 Palerm) together with Daniel Nacucchio and Cristina Sosa in (“La Milonguita” located in Armenia 1353 Palermo), both until 5:15 p.m.
  • On Monday (17): Starting at 1:00 p.m. they will be giving classes with Christian Marquez and Virginia Gomez in (“La Viruta” located in Armenia 1366 Palerm) together with Dante Sanchez and Ines Muzzopappa in (“La Milonguita” located in Armenia 1353 Palermo), both until 5:15 p.m.
Argentina Tango Salón Festival 2022
Schedule of activities for the Argentina Tango Salón Festival 2022

If you want more details about the event, buy your tickets or send a personalized message, you can contact them and obtain more information through:

  • WebSite:
  • Facebook: @Argentina-Tango-Salon-Festival

Say Goodbye To 2021 To Latin Rhythm In Austria

Get ready to enjoy yourself in the company of the Latino Mio dance school in Salzburg on the last night of the year

Couple dancing Salsa at the Latino Mío event in Salzburg, Austria
Start the countdown to the New Year at La Noche Latina 2021

Say goodbye to New Year’s Eve to the Latin rhythm in the country of Mozart together with the Latino Mio cultural and dance association, and create an unforgettable memory in Salzburg, the fourth most populated city in Austria.

Latino Mio is a dance school that teaches courses and workshops on Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha & Tango, and they also organize many dance events throughout the year.

This academy brings you the most anticipated event of 2021, La Noche Latina, on Friday, December 31st at the cozy Italian restaurant with traditional Naples cuisine, Ristorante Pizzeria Jamme Ja.

The doors will open from seven at night with DJ Jhonny mixing the biggest hits of Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and Urban Music.

Easily forget your daily life with this lilting music and let yourself be seduced by the Latin American temperament.

Venue: Saalachstraße 74, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

And the next year it will be much better! The Latino Mio dance school is already in the preparations for the Latino Festival 2022 in the district of St. Veit im Pongau, Salzburg.

This event will feature live Salsa bands, samba shows, capoeira, traditional Latin American dances, workshops, animation, and much more in a family atmosphere.

The instructors will be led by Jhonny, founder of the cultural and dance association “Latino Mío” with 15 years of experience in the instruction of Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba. Also, will be Dany “El Tango”, who is characterized by being a passionate teacher. Dany will help you develop your style with improvisation and spontaneity from the beginning.

They are joined by Claudia and Oscar. The first is an excellent dancer who will warmly and cheerfully teach you the dance steps, just as she will give you helpful advice on getting suitable footwear. While Oscar, will educate you and help you tune your ear to keep the rhythm of the movement.

It is worth noting that Oscar is a graduate of the Esnaola Music Conservatory of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and sings in various orchestras touring concerts in Europe and Argentina.

Date: Saturday, August 20th, 2022

Hour: 7:00 PM

Academy Address: Gstättengasse 16 5020 Salzburg, Austria

  • You Can Also Read: Walk This Route Of Latin Events In Switzerland Before 2022

These Data May Interest You At This Moment Of The Year:

View of the Mirabell Palace with the background of the cathedral and the Fortress in Salzburg, Austria
Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, Austria
  • Salzburg is one of the most beautiful and charming cities in Central Europe. Its Historic Center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, which attracted a greater number of international tourists a year.
  • One of the most visited places in this Austrian city is the Mirabell Palace. This magnificent seat was built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. Its wonderful view of the cathedral and the imperious castle together with the perfectly manicured rose gardens makes it an extremely photogenic place. Access to the Mirabell Palace is free but a large part of its spaces are closed to the general public.
  • In Salzburg, you will also come across the “Mozart Birthplace” museum located on one of the main avenues. Here you will find the piano with which Mozart made his compositions, scores, and other personal belongings. The cost of entry does not exceed 10 euros.
  • And the place that most attracts visitors to Austria daily is the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It is located on a small hill in the heart of Salzburg. It was built in 1077 and has only received modifications dating back to 1500. The curious thing about this castle is that it never was taken by its enemies, and today it is one of the most preserved fortresses in Europe.
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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.