Artists

Gerardo Rivas and solo single

“A derretir el hielo” is Gerardo Rivas’ first single

Puerto Rican Gerardo Rivas delights his followers with the launch of his first solo song. “A derretir el hielo” is a salsa, composed by Juan José Hernández and Victor Sanabria López, with musical production by Marcos Sánchez. A few weeks after its premiere, the video clip has almost thirty thousand views on YouTube. The work leads to mysticism and contains a refreshing proposal. The direction was the work of Giova González and was filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Vamos a juntar los cuerpos bella, vamos a subir al cielo, vamos a prender la vela bella, vamos a derretir el hielo” the chorus quotes.

Gerardo is starting a new adventure

After more than a decade belonging to the group NG2, Puerto Rican salsa duo Rivas decided to try it on their own.

“With great humility I present my first solo work. All my life I have been involved in music and daring to do a solo project feels very good “, declared Rivas

The singer is the son of Jerry Rivas, who belongs to “El Gran Combo”. From a very young age he has been immersed in the musical world. He was the vocalist of the group “Gerardito y los rockolos”. In addition, it has around twenty-five years of experience.

Rivas has always been a believer in salsa, bets on it and defends it in each presentation. A faithful representative of the genre!

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

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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Peace Through Music

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.

Carlos Santana in Peace Through Music — Carlos with his wife Cindy Blackman.

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“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.

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 in Peace Through Music

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.

Ringo Starr in Peace Through Music — Ringo Starr with his drums.

“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.

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.

“GOD LOVE UFO” is the new from Homero Gallardo

We present you Homero Gallardo’s new single

“GOD LOVE UFO” is what the great Ecuadorian guitarist and music producer, Homero Gallardo brings us to close the year with style. This single is produced by PC Records and distributed by Sony Music Entertainment.

The president of PC Records Hamilton Caucayo has expressed that Gallardo is The New Santana 2020. Because they consider the single as a masterpiece, and the best that Homero has done, since he was in charge of the lyrics, the music, arrangement, and production. This way the guitarist puts his touch and guitar on the current music, focusing on his projects.

“Immensely grateful to God and the entire team involved in the project! Without you it would not have been possible. I love you all very much”, Homero posted on his Instagram profile.

Homero Gallardo GOD LOVE UFO — Homero Gallardo is now presenting “GOD LOVE UFO”

MAFFIO is the multi-award winning artist and producer that Homero currently works with, to whom he entrusts all his projects, and both know how to work as a team to present the best of their talents. But he is not the only artist with whom Gallardo has worked, this great guitarist who comes from Ecuador, has managed to collaborate in many ways with artists such as: Maluma, Kymani Marley (Bob Marley’s son), Luis Miguel, Zion & Lennox, Yandel, Jencarlos Canela, NACHO, Nicky Jam, Manuel Turizo and many others. Not to mention that he has shared the stage with Marc Anthony, Puff Daddy and Jason Derulo.

A little about Homero’s trajectory

Homero Gallardo was born in Ecuador specifically in Guayaquil, from the age of 9 he showed love for music focusing on the classical genre, but three years later he was found performing professionally at festivals and activities in his hometown. His recognition as an artist was immediate, winning several contests at his school.

At just 16 years old, he managed to perform with renowned artists such as the Colombian Fonseca and the Venezuelan Jeremías. Then he decided to move to Miami in the United States to continue his studies in music, obtaining a scholarship with the Jazz Ensemble, that way Homero was in contact with Miami music scene which made him surround himself with Latin artists, and appearing with them in television, among those artists we can name: Thalia, Luis Fonsi, Chino & Nacho, and others.

In 2014, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy as a guitarist. Not only has he collaborated with many artists on stage, but he has done so much more behind the scenes as a producer and composer, as evidenced by his participation in the production and recordings for artists such as Periko and Jessi León.

With “GOD LOVE UFO” Gallardo wants to remain firm in the music scene, managing to conquer more audience simply by playing the chords of a guitar, that manages to make more than one fall in love, that is why he won the title of the New Santana.

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Kalimete releases his Christmas version of “Ella Ya Me Olvidó”

Kalimete presents “Ella Ya Me Olvidó” for Christmas

The Dominican Singer Ramfis Reyes, better known is the show business as Kalimete, started December releasing a new version of one of his most popular hits, with a Christmas rhythm he presents “Ella Me Olvidó”.

The song was produced by the record label that represents him, Sueños Records.

“I like to enter the record studio and let my muse flow, always looking for people to enjoy and have a good time”, Kalimete said.

The original release has broken records in Dominican Republic and the USA, reaching the Billboard top 10.

The artist celebrated Thanksgiving, posting the song on his Instagram profile, with its cover picture and alluding the celebration. Since a couple of months ago his name has resonated again, after singing with his fellow Dominican, Omega.

Know more about the Dominican singer

Kalimete Ella ya me Olvidó — Kalimete presents “Ella ya me olvidó”

Kalimete was born in Dominican Republic and since very young he featured a striking energy. Who knew him were sure that he would aim for greatness. His sympathy took him to assist tourists from around the world; Kalimete collaborated picking up tennis balls in a five stars hotel. From here is where his interest for the sport that he practiced several years came from. His first steps in the artistic world were thanks to the sport brand Nike, where he signed an exclusive contract as camping instructor. ”Entrégate” was his first single, with his brother Gary they gave life to his career’s hit.

The pandemic has been a great opportunity to refresh his lyrics and melodies, and produce more. Within these months, he used that time wisely because he wanted to come back with quality material. He said that his economics and personal plans haven’t stopped despite the worldwide crisis, “We keep evolving”. His schedule remains the same, only that is more of a digital approach, he said that before this situation had already planned to be projected through this way. To him this is the future market, for that reason we can expect continuing to hear about him, and enjoying his new releases through the digital platforms.

“We took advantage in the middle of the pandemic with the digital channels, and for that we decided to make an organized release and aggressively attack”, said the Dominican.

At the beginning of the year “Suéltala” together with Fulanito was also a great success. It has more than thirty thousand views on YouTube.

“I feel grateful with the audience, the media, the radio stations, the DJs, because everybody has contributed to this piece. To us has been a surprise, a pleasure that a cover of this category from the 70s could have penetrated at this time, within an urban era”, said the artist about the acceptance of “Sueltala”.

Kalimete is widely known for the merengue genre, with a 20 year career. He has traveled to different countries and his music has reached unimaginable places. He has been nominated Univision network’s Premios Lo Nuestro, and there is so much more waiting for him. The best of luck for him!

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