Artists

Sessions from La Loma brings together salsa fans from all over the world in Puerto Rico

On October 5, 2024, we witnessed the third edition of Sessions from La Loma, which is meeting for the second time at the Dorado Agrotourism Park. The annual activity has already become a massive concert, on par with the great salsa productions worldwide. With just five years of launching the concept and two concerts before what was an unforgettable Saturday, Nor-Bert achieved a balanced production between veteran and new artists. The following were brought together on the La Loma stage: Luva, Juan Vélez, Manolito Rodríguez, Jota Ruiz, Jorge Yadiel Santos, Carlos García, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Víctor Manuelle and José Alberto “El Canario”, at the invitation of Nor-Bert, who also gave way to Michelle Brava during her performance.

To enjoy the salsa party, hosted by the charismatic Norberto Vélez, whom the music scene calls Nor-Bert, fans came from Panama, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Spain, Canada and Switzerland, to name a few. It is a source of satisfaction and encouragement to see how salsa is still current, despite the changes that the music scene has undergone.

Within the framework of the changes, it is striking that the successful event has taken off with the forcefulness with which it has called us all without the direct support or visibility of the radio stations that program salsa within Puerto Rican territory. That, from the objective perspective of the salsa fan, gives more merit to the production team that Nor-Bert has surrounded himself with.

We take advantage and congratulate him, attesting to his desire to do without delegating what he feels is his responsibility. We note the international presence, stating that in this third edition the concert was filled to capacity with the rotation of the concept through YouTube and social networks. What would have sounded like madness years ago is a success story that feeds the salsa scene in a varied way without limiting itself to what could become routine.

The public that follows the salsa sound already trusts Nor-Bert and his musical management. Regarding his power to attract people, the leader and manager of La Loma tells us: “currently we have a responsibility and we are committed to continuing with this project. What began as a hobby is now an obligation that we carry out with great pride and with much love. We do it from the heart, because we receive the support of the people. We feel the affection of the people. That can be seen here, in each video that we upload and in each post.”

Nor-Bert is a multifaceted singer-songwriter. He grew and polished his musical talent in NG2. His discipline has allowed him to continue growing, when the general consensus is that the salsa scene is too difficult for singers. Nor-Bert proves that being a soloist can be difficult although possible. His success makes salsa look good. He is living proof that salsa lives on. He says: «I decided to make music. I decided to believe in myself and in my project. I decided to believe in my career. I don’t expect anyone to do anything for me. I decided that my success is in self-management. Today that faith has given me the possibility to grow, along with my team. In other words, the one who stays at home and complains that he is not working is because he is staying at home. I go out on the street, and with the boys we go to work. We go to look for something to do and that is what has given us results. Regardless of whether the radio sounds good to you or not, we continue making music. I looked for my own platform. That is what we did, that is how sessions from La Loma was born and here we are.»

«I continue making my music, I help the boys who are close to me so that they can also expose their talent, with the hope that this will be a springboard for many people to get to know us. The idea is that those who want to continue doing their individual projects,” he says as he says goodbye to continue moving the production. Certainly, as a collaborator of his peers and colleagues, a few months ago we saw how Nor-Bert supported Karla Mari when she was presenting her show inspired by the Queen of Guaracha, Mirta Silva, at the Teatro Tapia in San Juan.

Nor-Bert not only produces, promotes, promotes and interprets. He also makes sure that others sound at the same time that he also sounds. As you can see, he is a unique artist. We wish him good health and prosperity so that he can successfully carry out all the projects that are presented to him.

Also Read: Metamorphosis: from music to photojournalism, a reinvention without limits

The world’s sonero returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico

On October 26, 2024, the Sonero of the World, Óscar D’León, arrived at the Coca Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., began an hour late. However, attendees waited patiently until Óscar made his energetic entrance onto the colorful stage that was dressed in salsa for the occasion.

The world's greatest singer returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico — The world’s greatest singer returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico

For approximately two hours, the bassist was accompanied by his own orchestra, whose musicians traveled from Miami, Florida, USA. Between soneo and soneo, the Oscar of Salsa informed us that the inconvenience causing the delay had to do with a musician, who having stayed in Miami did not have the possibility of reaching Puerto Rican soil on time.

D´León, with more than half a century of musical career and a long list of hits, delighted the audience with the songs that have made him one of the favorite salsa singers of the Island of Enchantment. He started the evening with “Llorarás”, which ignited the passion of the audience gathered at the Coca Cola Music Hall, and who sang the hit at the top of their lungs alongside the bassist. This was followed by the songs “Bravo de verdad”, “Yo quisiera”, “Hechicera”, “Taboga” -from Dimensión Latina-, accompanied by his backing singer, Johnny Silva, “La murga”, “Detalles”, “La cadenita”, “Idilio” -also a duet with Johnny Silva- and “Mi bajo y yo”. During the interpretation of the latter he was accompanied by the instrument with which he achieved fame to recall his beginnings as a bassist, vocalist and dancer.

The world's sonero dances again with the bass — The world’s sonero dances again with the bass

The historic concert with the bass was followed by ‘Irimó’, ‘Sigue tu camino’, ‘La piragua’, ‘Que buen baila usted’, ‘En mi Viejo San Juan’, ‘La Mazucamba’, ‘El frutero’, ‘El manicero’, ‘Esa mujer’, ‘Juanita Morell’ and ‘Matasiguaraya’.

As usual, the concert was characterized by the energy of El León de la Salsa and the affection he receives every time he visits Borinquen. Rosalis Torres’ production team took care of every detail, making sure that everything flowed with the same impeccability as always. Once again, the salsa audience was pleased and waiting for the next concert.

Oscar D' Leon The Return — Oscar D’ Leon The Return

Also Read: Willie Rosario, El Rey del ritmo by journalist and music researcher Robert Téllez M.

Gabriela Anders studied classical guitar privately, and music and piano at a conservatory in Buenos Aires

Gabriela Anders was born to music amidst the grace, paradox and tradition of Argentina.

Gabriela studied classical guitar privately, and music and piano at a Conservatory in Buenos Aires.

Adding to the musical medley was her father’s influence (a noted jazz saxophonist and arranger) which became even stronger than her classical studies. After finishing high school, Gabriela decided to move to New York.

There she studied orchestration for brass and strings in a class conducted by Don Sebesky and composition at Hunter College. Gabriela started to write her own material. Her studio and club work took off leading to a record deal with major label Warner Brothers Jazz.

Gabriela Anders’ debut album on Warner Bros. Records, (1999) “Wanting” is brimming with vocal subtlety; although smooth, it is anything but simple. It features arrangements and production by Paul Brown, George Duke, Allain Mallet and Anders herself.

The album elicited much praise for Anders’ vision and impassioned vocal style.

Recording with Questlove and Christian Mc Bride

Her unique marriage of Brazilian, Latin and Jazz led to Vogue and People Magazine describing Anders and her music as “exotic and bold”, “wonderfully soulful”, and “one of the most distinctive new voices to hit the music scene in years”.

Her second record for Warner Bros Records was a European release entitled “Gabriela” which featured an array of world-class sidemen, including Christian McBride, Amir “Questlove” Thompson and Kirk Whalum. Again, she contributed ten of the album’s twelve tracks.

Her next CD “Last Tango in Rio” was released in 2005 by major label EMI. “Last Tango in Rio” is a collection of songs closely associated with Billie holiday that have been uniquely transformed by Gabriela’s interpretation and orchestration.

Hailed by critics (Los Angeles Times, Billboard magazine and People magazine)) as highly -original and creative presentation of standards, “Last Tango in Rio” represents a fresh and effervescent take on a classic song book that has previously defied reinvention.

In October of 2009, JVC Japan released her CD “Bossa Beleza“. “Bossa Beleza” blends her own immediately recognizable sound with that of her first musical love, classic Bossa Nova.

Singing with Rihanna for the NYC Bone Marrow foundation

Gabriela Anders‘ 2015 album, “Cool Again”, beautifully displays the significant gifts as singer, vocal orchestrator, songwriter and bandleader she has steadily developed through her previous releases. The mix of original and cover songs on “Cool Again” finds Gabriela at her best.

The soulful funk of the original title track is a classic example. Its message of empowerment can be considered a core theme in Gabriela’s lyrics and a source of her resonating appeal as a performer, entertainer and artist.

2020 CD ‘The Ring‘: While facing the fear and uncertainty of the virus in New York City, Gabriela recorded a piano/voices collection of songs at her home studio, creating intimate portraits of inner struggle and redemption against the bizarre backdrop of the pandemic.

The project’s three pianists – Jim Ridl, Jean-Michel Pilc and Jon Cowherd – are radically different stylists from different corners of the world, here each offering their unique sensibilities to Gabriela’s voice and music.

2021 CD release Gabriela Anders’ ‘Los Dukes’! Los Dukes is a new 9 piece band arranged and directed by Gabriela Anders, featuring songs from the Duke Ellington’s catalog done in wildly distinctive Latin American styles. A Latina’s tribute to the music of Duke Ellington.

Los Dukes, pays loving tribute to the elegant GENIUS of Duke Ellington and includes some of the best Latin Jazz players on the New York scene.

Hailed by critics (Los Angeles Times, Billboard magazine and People magazine) as ‘highly original and creative artist’, a ‘multi-talented artist who is destined to leave her mark on the jazz world’ and the ‘most promising jazz influenced artists today’.

Gabriela Anders – Último Tango En Rio (2004)

Temas:

Te Subes A Mi Cabeza
Abracadabra
El Amor Llegó Para Quedarse
Dios Bendiga Al Niño
Abrázame
Buenos Aires Mix, El
Cuerpo y Soul
All Your Love
Meant To Be
‘Til The End of Time

Músicos:

Gabriela Anders (Voz, teclados)

Romero Lubambo (Guitarra)

John Benitez (Bajo)

Wayne Krantz (Guitarra)

Portinho (Batería, percusión)

Gabriel Rivano (Bandoneón)

H. Martignon (Teclados)

Tito Castro (Bandoneón)

Donald Edwards (Batería)

Jorge Anders (Saxo)

Jorge Alfano (Flauta, flauta andina, charango)

Información realizada (22 de abril de 2009)

Also Read: Samuel Quinto Feitosa is a Brazilian virtuoso jazz and classical pianist

Gustavo Collazos

Latinoamerica / Colombia / Cali

Gustavo Collazos tells us. Its history and its Salsa Caleña

Did you know that in the beautiful city of Cali, Colombia, the rhythm that prevailed both musically and commercially and culturally of all the Latin rhythms that came to the country was Salsa? A musical style from the Caribbean, which over time achieved an evolution, giving rise to Salsa Caleña, a new and different style of composing and dancing Salsa that is characterized by being a very fun, cheerful, fast dance by the dancers who dance it. they dance.

Well this time we have the opportunity to meet Gustavo A. Collazos, founder and director of the Academia Fiebre Latina, who tells us his story as a dancer and lover of Salsa Caleña:

Gustavo Collazos, has been a lover of Salsa since he was 8 years old, from his 14 years he dedicated himself to teaching salsa dance to the children of the sector since it was something that he was passionate about.

With the passage of time, he formed the “Latin Fever” Academy in Colombia, thanks to the support of his brother and partners, including “Carlos Ceballo” director of “Salsa Pura”, a company dedicated to teaching foreigners in Cali, ” Francy Barahona” based in Paris, pioneer of Salsa Caleña in Europe, “Eduardo Alban” with Anfitriones, who trains new talents to give continuity to the process.

With the aim of creating a brand that would be different in the musical world, they began to merge acrobatics, rhythms and techniques from other dance disciplines of all genres but based on Salsa Caleña, placing them in a competitive and show format creating an unstoppable fever.

Photo of Gustavo Collazos - Salsa Caleña — Photo of Gustavo Collazos – Salsa Caleña

Currently the Fiebre Latina Academy has not had a headquarters for 3 years, so Gustavo dedicated himself to expanding Salsa in the USA as artistic director of “Cali Salsa Miami”; He is known and considered by his students and/or followers to be a teacher, due to his career and contribution to salsa. For now, he has toured Colombia, Switzerland, Miami and India (currently living there) expanding his culture as a dancer, workshop facilitator and choreographer. , letting people know how spectacular is.. Salsa

Photo of a choreography in Salsa Caleña in Fiebre Latina

Now I start a project in “Casa Latin”, where they bring the experience of living Latin dance, especially Salsa Caleña, the festivity and joy in India, making them the pioneers in Asia and under the support of their brand and experience to position their culture there.

He had the opportunity to be a finalist in the Reality Colombia has talent version of “Got Talent” where he contributed the knowledge of recognizing salsa as a significant element in high-performance shows.

To learn with the “Casa Latin” Academy, it is not necessary to have experience, that is, you can start from scratch according to your dance goal, participating in the classes. Gustavo mentions that “Dancing is not just exercise, dancing frees you, leads you to set goals, to achieve them, to enjoy the melody of music, to meet cultures, people and make new friends”…

“dancing is a profession like any other, we are dreamers who leave everything they have learned in their life in a person, and it remains eternally in their being, we not only teach to dance we give emotions, moments, life. Once you start dancing you can’t stop. It is you, your partner, the music and the world put into a melody”.

Gustavo Collazos - Salsa Caleña — Gustavo Collazos – Salsa Caleña

For more information:

WebSite:

Fiebre Latina: https://www.fiebrelatinacolombia.com/
Casa Latín: http://casalatin.com/

Facebook:

Gustavo A. Collazos: https://www.facebook.com/fiebrelatinacol
Fiebre Latina: https://www.facebook.com/fiebrelatinacolombia/?timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=100000181341290
Casa Latín: https://www.facebook.com/CasaLatin/

Instagram:

Fiebre Latina:
Casa Latín: https://www.instagram.com/casalatin/

Twitter:

Fiebre Latina: https://twitter.com/fiebrelatinacol?lang=es
Casa Latín: https://twitter.com/casalatin

YouTube:

Fiebre Latina: https://www.youtube.com/fiebrelatina
Casa Latín: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIUEsU50MX8TT_EsXS6Inw

Teléfono:

Casa Latín: +91 87929 23775 / +91 73491 52846

Javier Plaza – Biography

Europe / Alemania / Munich

Javier Plaza was born on October 4, 1952 in the Target Shooting sector of the populous neighborhood of Sarría, in Caracas – Venezuela.

In 1957 the urbanization 23 de Enero was inaugurated and the Plaza Castillo family is one of the many founding families of this beautiful project of the government of Marcos Pérez Jiménez. Javier’s Plaza childhood and adolescence take place in this environment.

The parking lot of block 5 of the Monte Piedad area on January 23, was the space where Javier Plaza began to discover his skills as a percussionist, because it was the place chosen by the neighborhood boys to take out the drums, unload and share. Among some of these future stars we can mention Bitervo Plaza, José “Cheo” Navarro and Alfredo “Cutuflá” Franchesqui.

Starting in the mid-70s, he began his professional career in Latin music, forming part of groups such as Rumbón 10, Sexteto Juventud, Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte y su Orquesta, Culebra being the one who gave him the opportunity to be one of the orchestra singers.

This work opens the doors for him in the record market, with the help of producer Víctor Mendoza, he participates in recordings of different groups such as José Rosario y sus Soneros, Federico y Su Combo and El Clan de Victor.

At the beginning of the 80s, the Orquesta Café was formed, Javier is one of its vocalists along with Joe Ruiz and Carlos Espósito, managing to record one of the most important albums of his career and one of the most significant for the inhabitants of January 23, Due to the fact that most of its musicians are parishioners, the rehearsals were held in Monte Piedad and the economic resources for the recording of the album arose in the neighborhood, thanks to a great collaborator and music lover, Mr. Andrés “Culebra” Vasquéz.

In this group musicians participated, who at the time were not as recognized as today, among others Jose “Tucky” Torres, César “Chino” Pérez, Carlos “Kutimba” Espósito, Bitervo Plaza, Gerardo Rosales, Jorge “Venado” Ponce and the late Joe Ruiz.

By the mid-1980s, Javier began to knock on doors in the old continent and Alfredo Cutuflá, who lives in Paris, invited him to participate in Combo Ventú, a group established in Paris with most of its Venezuelan members.

There he began a successful career in Europe participating in different groups and collaborating in recordings and presentations of other artists. Thanks to the presentations of Combo Ventú, the director of the Conexión Latina Orchestra, based in Munich-Germany, contacted him to be part of their ranks, he has remained with this orchestra for 18 years, currently being the oldest musician of the grouping.

Since he (Javier Plaza) was hired by the Connection, he has lived in the city of Cologne-Germany, a place where a large group of Venezuelans live, many of them dedicated to culture.

He (Javier Plaza) reinforced his musical studies of vocal technique, theory and music theory at the Köln Mülheim and studied the German language at the IBM Institute.

He has participated in groups such as Kimbiza, La Charanga Nueva de Alfredo Cutuflá, the Colombian pianist Francisco Zumaqué, Salsamanía, Cesar “Chino” Pérez and Gerardo Rosales, without abandoning his responsibility within the Latin Connection vocalists.

With La Conexión, he has had the opportunity to accompany international stars of Latin music, such as Perico Ortiz, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago and Azuquita, among others. Javier comments that Nicky Marrero worked with La Conexión for five years.

Since 1992, Javier Plaza has been managing his personal project, the Son-Risa Orchestra. With her he has made two productions entitled “Libre Soy” and “Mi Música”, with most of the songs of his own authorship.

In 2006 he came to Venezuela with a project under his arm, lyrics, musical arrangements and a proposal, in search of private or government financial support.

The name of the project “El Reencuentro”, with which he planned to bring six talented Venezuelan musicians based in Europe to meet again with musicians who make life in our country and thus make a recording where this experience would be reflected, these musicians were Alfredo ” Cutuflá” Franchesqui, Orlando “Watussi” Castillo, Carlos “Kutimba” Espósito, Orlando Poleo, Yma América and José Ávila…

but the money was not enough to purchase the tickets. Therefore, El Proyecto Reencuentro was recorded with the musicians residing in our country, resulting in a product of excellent quality, among others, Nelson “Melo” Douglas, Alberto Crespo, Leonel Sanchez, Charles Peñalver, Alberto Naranjo, Tucky Torres, Rafael González, Carlos Julio “El Oso” Ramírez, Marcial Istúriz and José Ramoncini.

During the recording of this album, his mother passed away (02-04-2006), Rosario Castillo, popularly known in the neighborhood as Rosarito, to whom he dedicated this album and one of its songs was written especially for her.

The chorus of one of the themes of the new Son-Risa production says: “Let’s get the drums out again, let Caribe not die”.

As the boys did in the parking lot of Block 5 of Monte Piedad, we know that Javier Plaza and his Son-Risa Orchestra will have the support of all Venezuelan music lovers.