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Artists

Renowned pianist and producer Sony Ovalles died

The news was released on Sunday 13

On Sunday, December 13, Latin music mourned the death of the great pianist and music producer Sony Ovalles, who was a key piece of the merengue and music in his native Dominican Republic. It was known that the cause of death was a heart attack, many industry figures spoke about it:

“Dominican Music is still mourning, the teacher, producer, arranger, pianist Sony Ovalles has just died of a heart attack! Responsible for many hits of Wilfrido Vargas, Jhonny Ventura, Sergio Vargas, Monchy Capricho, Rubby Perez among other great orchestras and Dominican artists! My condolences to his family and friends! Another great musician who becomes part of the Celestial Orchestra! Rest in peace Sony Ovalles’ soul!”, expressed Alejandro Henríquez through his Instagram account.

Ovalles has left a very huge position to fill, since his contribution to Latin music is very great. There are many outstanding artists who owe many of their successes to this genius, whose favorite instrument was the piano. But his talent went beyond the black and white keys, his gift for producing, composing, and arranging the songs with which so many artists and groups became known, could be considered magic. Heaven is now celebrating to the rhythm of the Dominican Sony Ovalles!

Sony Ovalles falleció
Sony Ovalles left a great legacy,

Learn more about the great musician Sony Ovalles

His real name was Rafael Ovalles Amaro, but it was through Sony Ovalles that the industry knew him. He was born in Salcedo, part of the Hermanas Mirabal province, in the always beautiful Dominican Republic, back in the 40s, being the proud son of Carlos Ovalles and Nidia Amaro. His initiation in music did not occur until he was 14, under the tutelage of the great musician Cuto Estévez, who managed to see a future with music for Sony.

He was the pianist of choice of Wlfrido Vargas, Félix del Rosario, Runny Pérez, and many more artists, despite not being in front of the stage, his presence was very powerful alongside the other musicians in the orchestra. Apart from collaborating with solo artists, Sony also lent its talents to great groups such as Joseíto Mateo’s, Los Hermanos Rosario, Las Chicas del Can, along with many more.

In addition to collaborating with great artists, he formed different groups, such as the salsa group El Complot that had Mike Peguero as its interpreter, as well as an orchestra with Vicente Pacheco as singer. Despite standing out in the merengue, he put his touch to several salsa compositions, recorded a complete album with the salsero Michel, highlighting the song Esa mujer.

Sony Ovalles álbum
One of his albums.

There were many hits where he collaborated but the following are some of the most important: Wilfrido Vargas’ Atrevida, 13 años and Bachata merengue; Sergio Vargas’ Noche, La tierra tembló and Por ella; Vicente Pacheco’s El atracador, The New York Band y Tus 20 años. But his repertoire was infinite, demonstrating once again the great talent that exists in the Dominican Republic, one of the Caribbean jewels.

 

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Carlos Santana was part of “Peace Through Music: A World Event for Social Justice”

Carlos Santana was the main Latin artist in this lineup

The world renowned Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana took part in the concert “Peace Through Music: A World Event for Social Justice”, to celebrate the 75 years of the United Nations. This event was transmitted virtually through the Playing For Change Facebook page, the purpose was to gather musicians around the world, who would send a message of peace and justice through their music.

Carlos performed the famous song “Oye como va”, which originally was performed by Tito Puente, but was immortalized in the 70s by the Jalisco-born guitarist. This performance was accompanied by the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii, and the excellent drums of Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman.

“Music is a mystical medicine that heals the listener from the infection of fear, the infection of separation, of thinking that you are not enough. Music rescues you from thinking like that”, were Santana’s words during the broadcast.

Carlos Santana in Peace Through Music
Carlos Santana in Peace Through Music

But Santana was not the only Latin artist to be present at this beautiful event, Tito Puente Jr. and Becky G, also performed their songs and gave their messages about this complicated year. Together with different artists from countries such as Colombia and Brazil who showed the sounds of their land.

Ringo Starr was the other major artist to say present

Ringo Starr, the well-known drummer of the iconic British group The Beatles, was the other artist who attracted the most attention at this event, interpreting a song with many artists around the world called The Weight, where again a call is made for love and peace, a message that Starr has always professed since his beginnings with the Beatles.

“I am honored to be here and to be part of this musical presentation celebrating the United Nations and 75 years of working for peace and justice around the world and I am sure that love was part of this in some way,” he commented during his participation.

Ringo Starr in Peace Through Music
Ringo Starr in Peace Through Music

In addition to him, artists such as Annie Lennox and Jack Johnson were also present. The first performed “Here comes the rain again”, a song that was immortalized by the British duo Eurythmics in the 80s. While Johnson commented: “Music has the ability to unite us”, a message that the entire event demonstrated despite being separated by kilometers, technology allows us to enjoy the talent of these renowned artists, who in one way or another only want to bring people together.

The event was organized by the Playing For Change and Blackbird Presents foundations, seeking to give a message of unity and strength in these difficult times for all. In fact, between each presentation you could see messages from many corners of the world, about the fight against covid-19 and its repercussions. Apart from that, the event also had slogans against racism, and of course the power of music in the world.

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ISM : Pirisalsa Orchestra

Pirisalsa Orchestra in Venezuela

Music is the result of the creation of a rhythm that tries to convey a message that the artists give to their audience and depending on the voice, the lyrics, the instruments and above all the desire to convey that feeling, they make people want to listen to it and dance to it. The Orchestras became known for being dynamic groups, creators of rhythms and entertainers of the parties; something that cannot be replaced by a DJ or digital music, since recorded music and live music are two different things.

In the state of Falcón, Venezuela is the Piritu Group, who make up the Pirisalsa Orchestra, they are a group of talented young people who, despite their short ages, know how to transmit the flavor of Salsa to their audience. They arose and were educated in schools and through the selection of the most outstanding children in music, they gave birth little by little to the orchestra, being a pleasant and rhythmic sound to the public to date, not to mention that it is a group with many followers full of dreams and musical desires. They mention that “since our first presentation on October 19, 2011 to date we have not stopped working …”.

Pirisalsa Orchestra members
Pirisalsa Orchestra “contact us”

Currently his manager is Frank Molina, he says “that as a manager whenever he discovers a rough diamond project what he wants is to make it shine to achieve and achieve the dreams of each member and he turns it into a single dream, because the Pirisalsa orchestra is a family … the goal is to get our work to be recognized both nationally and internationally, I have been working for some time, spreading this project both on radio, television and social networks, we also have the support of many artists who believe in this draft. These young people are admirable because at their young ages they decided on this genre that is Salsa ”.

The Pirisalsa Orchestra plays SALSA, with a soft style in its message and its melody, despite the fact that the rhythm is very moving, thanks to the percussion instruments, showing us and maintaining in its music its Latin, Afro-descendant, Caribbean roots.

They have had the opportunity to participate in several important events in Venezuela, such as the PDVSA Salsa Festival held in La Estancia, Caracas in two editions, where they managed to share with great bastions of this genre throughout Venezuela, especially in Caracas, there were also a Festival in Maracay, Aragua and recently at the Whatuyusei Festival in Punto Fijo, Falcón, where they shared with artists such as Omar Enrique, La Melodía Perfecta, Gustavo Eli, Los Bois Servando and Florentino, among others.

However, their goal and desire is to take their music throughout Venezuela and abroad so that the whole world listens to them, appreciates their talent and can be projected as an orchestra, since being on the stage in a presentation they sing full of feeling of love but that if with great elegance, with a fresh, tender language, full of emotion and kindness, but always transmitting his deep love for his homeland Venezuela, being the members of the orchestra mostly young people and children from the town of Piritu, Falcón.

Pirisalsa Orchestra - event
Pirisalsa Orchestra in concert

The Pirisalsa Orchestra and its Manager Frank Colina gave a message to all the new talents, which says “if you have a musical dream, don’t let difficulties stop your path, believe in your virtues, try to be yourself, don’t copy Nobody, be original, offer your own proposal and believe deeply in it, do not stop no matter how harsh the circumstances, fight tirelessly until you break the barriers and achieve your goals. He who perseveres reaches ”.

For more information:

  • Facebook: @frank.colina
  • Instagram: @managerpirisalsa
  • Twitter: @pirisalsamanage
  • Phone: +(58) 4168076199 / +(58) 4168044073

 

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

Latin America / Puerto Rico

Harry Fraticelli. 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 (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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Angel Bonne He was part of Juan Formell’s Los Van Van Orchestra, and collaborated with the impressive Irakere band of maestro Chucho Valdés

Latin America /Dominican Republic

Angel Bonne 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.

 

By: Diana Marie

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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.