Interviews

Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez and his “WRITTEN SALSA”

By: Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez (Barquisimeto, Venezuela)

Hello there, regular Salsa Escrita readers, here is your ever friend, Professor Carlos Colmenárez MSc, greets you from Barquisimeto, the musical city of Venezuela. In this edition, we are introduing three vocalists and an orchestra with a great trajectory at a national and international level, who have done a great job on behalf of Latin music and we want to continue projecting them worldwide on these pages.

Among these names are: Jorge Luis Suárez, Cheo Valenzuela, Gustavo Gerardo and the orchestra “Negramenta”, si I certainly hope the written interaction between you and us is to your liking.

Jorge Luis Suárez, “Pride and Symbol of Afro-Caribbean Music”

In Venezuela, the musical talent is undoubtedly first line and proven quality on any stage nationally and worldwide. Specifically in the state of Lara and in the city of Barquisimeto, a great number of artists with category and hierarchy have emerged and been born, exalting our Latin rhythms. — Jorge Luis Suárez, “Pride and Symbol of Afro-Caribbean Music”

In Venezuela, musical talent is without a doubt top of the line and of proven quality nationally and globally. A great number of artists with seniority and status have emerged and born in Barquisimeto, Lara, exalting our Latin rhythms.

For this edition of “Salsa Escrita”, we are honored to have as a special guest the vocalist Jorge Luis Suarez, pride and symbol of Afro-Caribbean music and diverse genres, who has showed his class and professionalism for years.

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multi-faceted artist; he was born on August 7 in the city of Maracaibo, the son of parents from the city of Carora, where he spent the most of his childhood in the state of Lara, began to lean towards music, and was largely influenced by his father, who played the guitar and sang romantic music.

At the beginning of the 80’s, he moved to Barquisimeto to attend university and was discovered as a singer and bass, cuatro and guitar player. Welcome to “Salsa Escrita”, through International Salsa Magazine, Jorge Luis Suarez.

To start this pleasant, enjoyable and long-awaited meeting, we would like you tell us your experiences about your artistic career, which has been very successful nationally and globally to make everyone who knows you very proud.

Thank you Professor Carlos Colmenárez for inviting me to your widely read and recognized salsa column, unique at a national and international level and in which you project Venezuelan musicians.

Jorge Luis, with which groups did you start your journey of this wonderful art in which you have demonstrated versatility, perseverance, discipline and quality? Well, let me tell you that I started my musical activity professionally, being part of groups of regional standing like “Las Estrellas del Momento”, “Orquesta Alegría” and then “Venezuela en Gaitas”, “Sason Latino” and at the end of the 80’s and beginning of the 90’s, I joined the staff of the orchestra “La Banda Actual”, a salsa icon in the state of Lara.

By the way, Jorge, we remember your beginnings with “La Banda Actual” and it was an obligatory reference for private parties, night places and of course sharing stage with great artists and Latin and Caribbean music luminaries.

In which groups did you have the joy and the pleasure to sign with national and international stars? In fact, Professor, when I was part of La Banda Actual, we performed with Héctor Lavoe, Wilfrido Vargas, Las Chicas del Can, Porfi Jiménez, Guaco, Los Melódicos, Hermanos Carruyo, Billos Caracas Boys, Orquesta La Crítica and many more during their visits to Barquisimeto, having the Bolivarian Dome and the Trade Fait Complex as locations.

In fact, Jorge Luis, due to your outstanding vocal capacity, gave rise to the call of Luis Frómeta, Billo Frómeta’s son, to join the ranks of Billo’s Caracas Boys. With them I learned to have more artistic discipline and gain experience during 4 years, managing to record three musical productions and traveling through Latin America, the US and Europe; precisely in the Tenerife carnivals we achieved the Güines Record related to public attendance to a dancer, sharing the stage with Celia Cruz and Oscar D’León.

Jorge, tell us about your entry into the orchestra of the world’s leading sonero Oscar D’León. Professor Carlos, precisely as a result of that event in the Canary Islands, Oscar called me and told me that he needed a vocalist of my characteristics to accompany him in his shows and international tours and honestly, it was a difficult decision because with Billo’s Caracas Boys, I was well established along with other Barquisimeto artists: Ely Mendez and Wolfang Perdomo, integrating the line of vocalists for that time, it was all “guaros” (nickname received by the Barquisimeto people).

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist, born on August 7 in the city of Maracaibo, son of parents from the city of Carora, where he spent part of his childhood in that entity larense and began to lean towards music, having as main influence his father, who played the guitar and sang romantic music. — Jorge Luis Suárez, “Pride and Presidium of Afro-Caribbean Music”.

But I found Oscar’s offer interesting and finally I said yes. With the Word’s Leading Sonero, to whom I owe a lot, because thanks to him I established myself even more as a performer and especially in salsa, bearing in mind his recommendations to the letter and of course it was an unforgettable experience, since with his orchestra we traveled many countries and performed on stages such as: Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, House off Blue in Los Angeles, Orange Ball, jazz festivals in Europe, sharing with established artists.

Professor, while I worked with Oscar’s orchestra, I recorded my production “Una Tercera Persona”, in mid 1992, which spawned the hit single “Niegalo Todo”, obtaining the first places in the hit parade.

In that production, I was accompanied by renowned musicians, such as Luisito Quintero, Roberto Quintero, Robert Vilera, Raúl Agraz, Yorman León and the Nicaraguan Luis Enrique.

Jorge, how many years did you work with Oscar and why did you decide to leave his orchestra? I worked with Oscar for approximately four years and I decided to leave the group due to force majeure such as business and commercial commitments that I had and still maintain to this day in Barquisimeto.

For those who do not know, Jorge Luis is a multifaceted artist and has managed to enter in different musical genres as a vocalist, from salsa, bagpipes, tropical dance, guaracha, merengue, Venezuelan and boleros; becoming the musical arranger and producer of the trio Carora International at the end of 2014 in the last one.

At the same time, he produced and performed 19 Venezuelan music songs with arrangements by Jean Piero González, which will be released soon.

Jorge Luis, when you settled again in the musical capital of Venezuela, who did you record with? Professor, in Barquisimeto I have been invited to record with the following groups: Venezuela Somos Gaita, Nikitao, Amantes de la Gaita, Venezuela en Gaitas, Unión Gaitera, Rafa y sus Diamantes, Grupo Colorama, Con Klase, Orquesta Variación, Orquesta la Mayor, Orquesta la Gran Premiere, Venezuela Rumba, La Orquesta Raza Caribe, recording 8 songs with this last one in the production that is also about to be released.

Likewise, I was invited to record with the Son Colón Orchestra from Maracay and the Latin Grammy nominees, our Grupo Santoral from Barquisimeto, participating with them as a special guest in the show “El Amor se Canta” during Valentine’s Day, touring and starting in Juares Theater and other cities in the country, and private presentations.

Regarding current projects, what can you tell Salsa Escrita readers? Currently, my second solo production in the gender of salsa is about to be released with arrangements by Barquisimeto multi-instrumentalist Taylor Aranguren and myself.

We are releasing the album this June with the promotional track “No lo beses”, a song that was interpreted by Alejandro Fernández and by Mexican composer José Luis Roma. The production is called “Jorge Luis Suarez Covers”, which includes songs that have been hits around the world, such as: Cobarde cobarde, Escándalo, La bomba, Cuatro rosas, Darte un beso, El amor más grande del planeta, Bailando, No lo beses, among others.

In this production, I am accompanied by my nephew Taylor Aranguren and the musicians: Carlos Giménez, Rómulo Paiva, Jeison Marchán, Wílner Navas, Freddy Adrián, in the master and mixes: Latin Récods Digital.

Sound engineer: René Zerpa and in the general production: Jorge Luis Suárez. Jorge Luis, what are your social networks or digital platforms to interact with your followers? My contacts are, Instagram: @jorgeluissuarezoficial, Youtube: Jorge Luis Suárez Oficial, [email protected].

Jorge Luis, finally, we want to congratulate you for your consistency in music and wish you continue to fresh triumphs, because you have quality and to spare. Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera”, will be at your disposal to support you in your present and future projects, at a good time… Thank you professor and personal friend, Carlos Colmenárez, for offering me your support in your salsa column, allowing me to reach your regular readers all over the world; once again a thousand thanks, blessings and long live Venezuela!.

Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”

At the age of 7 he moved with his family to the city of Caracas, settling in one of the most popular parishes: La Pastora. Welcome Cheo to Salsa Escrita, "La Columna Salsera" and the International Salsa Magazine. — Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”

We are pleased to have as a special guest in our salsa column one of the vocalists who has a unique, admirable and respected quality of interpretation, which has been highlighted in our country and abroad and took his flavor and swing with great professionalism and hierarchy. We are talking about Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”, born in Cantaura, Anzoátegui on January 24th.

At the age of 7, he moved with his family to the city of Caracas, specifically in one of the most popular parishes: La Pastora. Welcome Cheo to Salsa Escrita, “La Columna Salsera” and International Salsa Magazine. Thank you, my friend and professor Carlos Colmenárez, for giving me the opportunity to be present in this tribune of our Afro-Caribbean music, which serves us to make known our talents and musical projects and thus be able to interact with its ragular readers in Venezuela and around the world. Cheo, to begin with, we would like you to tell us how your beginnings in music were. Carlos, at the age of 14 I began my career as salsero and eventually I was called to join quite renowned orchestras.

Such as? I belonged to the Latin Dimension, then Oscar D’León called me nd I was at his side with his orchestra; later I joined “Nuestra Orquesta la Salsa Mayor”; later I was called by “La Sonora Antillana”; then I joined the following groups: Rumbero Menor, Venezuelan Master Orchestra, Orquesta los Latinos, among others. Nowadays I have my own salsa orchestra “Cheo Valenzuela y su Orquesta” and also my own bolero group, called “Cheo Valenzuela y su Ensamble”. It is amazing, Cheo, we really admire your work, which has been persevering and constantly on the up over the years with national and international projection. Yes, Carlos, let me tell you, apart from thanking you for inviting me to your salsa column, I was launched as a soloist some time ago and I currently have two musical productions, the first one entitled “Cheo Valenzuela y su Orquesta eres tù”.

I belonged to Dimensión Latina, then Oscar D'León called me and I was at his side with his orchestra; then I joined "Nuestra Orquesta la Salsa Mayor"; later he called me "La Sonora Antillana". — Cheo Valenzuela y su Orquesta

This CD is composed of traditional salsa, romantic salsa, bolero, son and ballads. Dear salsa lovers and consistent readers, let me tell you that Cheo, every time he gets on stage, shows off all his musical talent with total stage control, since he is a sonero backed by multiple experiences acquired in his presentations, both in Venezuela and in the different countries he has visited.

Cheo, what can you tell us about your current musical situation? Professor Carlos, at present I am presenting the new promotional theme to all music lovers, which is part of my second musical production called “Salsa buena”, a theme of my own with musical arrangements by Venezuelan pianist, trombonist and singer Mauricio Silva, which we hope will lead to your full satisfaction.

Of course, it will be a success, my friend Cheo, because your productions always carry an indisputable seal of quality. By the way, what are your digital platforms and contacts? You can get me as Cheo Valenzuela in all social networks, you can also do it by email: [email protected] and [email protected] and for bookings by phone +58 424 1044822 and +58 416 6388420.

At the end of the interview, let me say that it was an honor to have you in Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera” and wish you continue to succeed inside and outside our country, so that we all enjoy Cheo Valenzuela “El Sonero de la Dulzura”.

A thousand thanks, Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for your unconditional friendship and for giving me a space in your column through International Salsa Magazine, I also predict successes to bulk and that you continue to support us in order to make our productions and presentations known very soon in the name of the lord. Blessings to you Carlos and count upon the Cheo Valenzuela’s friendship “Con Dulzura” and a lot of salsa…!

Gustavo Gerardo

“Singer and composer from Venezuela to the world”.

Today’s character is the extraordinary vocalist Gustavo Adolfo Gerardo González, artistically known as Gustavo Gerardo: singer and composer. He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on September 12, 1972.

He began his career in July 1990, studied theory, solfege, and lyrical singing at the José Reyna School (CONAC). He has participated in different orchestras and accompanied more than 90 artists or orchestras of Venezuela, and almost 60 of other countries live and/or in record productions, on backing vocals or as a soloist.

His voice has transcended boundaries of his land, as he has sung on stages in Panama (Chiriqui and Panama City), Colombia (Cali, Bogota, Manizales, Medellin, Quibdó, Apartadó, Barranquilla, Supía, Istmina, Pereira, Necoclí, Marmato), France (Marseille and Dax), and Mexico (DF).

He has already recorded his first album, which will be entitled “Valió la Pena Esperar”, under the musical production of Víctor “Piolín” Gámez, of which 3 songs are already known, and at the same time he is working on what will be his second album, still without a name, produced musically by Irving Manuel, of which 2 releases have also been made: his first single as a soloist, “Volveré a nacer en ti”, to be released in October 2015, with lyrics and music by Sonsireth Perdomo and arrangements by Alexis Sánchez.

His second promo single “Manos Negras” was released in May 2016, a composition by Pedro Linares, and an arrangement by Víctor “Piolín” Gámez. In February 2017 he presented his third proposal, “Lo que me quedó”, a composition by Colombian singer-songwriter Santiago Cruz, with an arrangement by Irving Manuel; all accompanied by video clips made by Montmadfilm and Jam Producciones.

In October 2017, in Medellín, he released his fourth single, “Se me acabó el amor”, whose authors are Karen Loewy and Ricardo Prado, arrangements by Irving Manuel. February 2018 was the month chosen for several Youtube channels (Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador and Peru) to make public their fifth theme, “Me extrañarás”, again with arrangements by Irving Manuel, and authorshipof lyrics and music by Sonsireth Perdomo; both accompanied by audiovisuals in photo format made by Jam Producciones.

There is particular focus on featuring or collaborations in productions by other artists: “Cuando una madre se va”, (Los Andrade ft Gustavo Gerardo / May 2017); “Homenaje a Leo” (Luis Ángel Tovar y su Distrito Salsa ft Gustavo Gerardo / 2017); “Ángel o demonio” (Carlitos Flores ft Gustavo Gerardo / December 2017); “007 Mambo” (Orquesta Siguarajazz ft Gustavo Gerardo / September 2018).

Among the songs recorded as the leading voice in recordings by Venezuelan artists are: “Plazos traicioneros” (Reinaldo Torcatt y su Orq. “La Manzana”), “Mujer sensual” (Pedro Méndez y su Orquesta), “Vuelve” (Pedro Méndez y su Orquesta), “Sueño enamorado” (Pedro Méndez y su Orquesta), “Ahora Dios sabe” (Pedro Méndez y su Orquesta), “Ven tú” (Machado y su Orquesta 210), “Esa mujer” (Machado y su Orquesta 210), “Dudo” (Machado y su Orquesta 210), “Marijuana” (Carlitos Guzmán y su Orquesta), “La lluvia” (Carlitos Guzmán y su Orquesta), “Me falta todo” (Carlitos Guzmán y su Orquesta), “De jean y franela” (Carlitos Guzmán y su Orquesta), “Nunca dejé de amarte” (Frank Márquez y su Orquesta) “Dancing was dancing” (Sabadonga), “At Maria’s house” (Sabadonga), “Thirsty for rumba” (Sabadonga), “Paint your lips Maria” (The Constellation “Wladimir Lozano”), “Llanerísimas 1” Popurri (Los Eléctrikos del Vallenato), “Burial night” (Los Eléctrikos del Vallenato), “Nobody is eternal” (Los Eléctrikos del Vallenato), “The Testament” (Los Eléctrikos del Vallenato), “The Old Men are in charge” (Los Eléctrikos del Vallenato), “Your love is good for me” (Los Eléctrikos del Vallenato), “Back to the Amazon” (Kenny su Orquesta El Trovador de la Salsa / September 2018.

Venezuelan artists or orchestras that has been accompanied by Gustavo Gerardo live and/or in record productions, on background vocals or as a soloist:

His first album, "Valió la Pena Esperar", is already recorded, under the musical production of Víctor "Piolín" Gámez, of which 3 songs are already known, and in parallel he is working on what will be his second album, still unnamed, musically produced by Irving Manuel, of which 2 releases have also been made: his first single as a soloist, "Volveré a nacer en ti", was released in October 2015, with lyrics and music by Sonsireth Perdomo and arrangements by Alexis Sánchez. Her second promotional single, "Manos negras" was released in May 2016, a composition by Pedro Linares, and arrangement by Víctor "Piolín" Gámez. In February 2017 he presented his third proposal, "Lo que me quedó", composed by Colombian singer-songwriter Santiago Cruz, with arrangement by Irving Manuel; all accompanied by video clips made by Montmadfilm and Jam Producciones. — Gustavo Gerardo Singer and composer from Venezuela to the World

Marianella (La Rubia de la Salsa), 2. Salvador Pino, 3. Naty y su Orquesta, 4. Wladimir Lozano, 5. Hildemaro, 6. Erick Franchesky, 7. La Salsa Mayor, 8. Paquito Barón, 9. Mariana (La Sonera de Venezuela), 10. Los Generales de la Salsa, 11. La Dimensión de Siempre, 12. La Constelación, 13. Magia Caribeña, 14. La Orquesta de Franklyn y Alonso, 15. Cheo Valenzuela, 16. El Pavo Frank Hernández, 17. Canelita Medina, 18. Trina medina, 19. Rodrigo Mendoza, 20. Cesar Monges (Albóndiga y su Pandilla), 21. Roxana, 22. Wilmer Cobos, 23. Jimmy (El León), 24. Mundito y su Orquesta Celestial, 25. Edgard Rodríguez (El Abuelo), 26. Orquesta Caché, 27. Pasión Juvenil, 28. Wilmer Lozano, 29. Wiwi Buznego, 30. Orquesta Filarmónica Nacional, 31. Argenis Carruyo, 32. Julio Moreno, 33. Pedro Santana, 34. Reinaldo Torcat (Orquesta la Manzana), 35. Pedro Méndez y su Orquesta, 36. Tommy Mata, 37. Descarga Criolla de Pibo Márquez, 38, Orquesta Los Satélites, 39. Wilman Cano, 40. Bazil Alexander, 41. Oscar D´León, 42. José Madera Niño (3er Mundo), 43. Machado y su Orquesta 210, 44. Orquesta La Negramenta, 45. Carlitos Guzmán y su Orquesta, 46. Frank Márquez (El Ingeniero del Timbal), 47. Los Soneros de La Calle, 48. Orquesta Calle Luna, 49. Lisandro Torres y su Orquesta, 50. Luis Conny, 51. Adrián Marchán, 52. Roberto Antonio, 53. Mireya, 54. Marco Toro y su Ensamble, 55. Orquesta Selecto, 56. Orquesta Puerto Rico es Salsa, 57. Charanga Cien Fuegos, 58. Orquesta Tierra en Trance, 59. Swing Band, 60. Orquesta Camagüey, 61. Tito Gamero y su Orquesta, 62. María José Estrella y su Grupo, 63. Milenio Banda Show, 64. Orquesta Entre Panas, 65. Orquesta La Trayectoria, 66. Orquesta Los Latinos, 67.?Mayito Rivera, 68. Louis Cuellar, 69. Wito Rodríguez, 70. Jairo Andrade y Charlie Andrade (Los Andrade), 71. Siguarajazz Orquesta, 72. Alejo Beltrán, 73. Mauro Mosquera, 74. Sammy Marrero y su Orquesta El Trovador de la Salsa, 75. Mario Kaona y su Orquesta, 76. Diego Velasco (D´Velasco), among others.

Currently, he records songs for his solo record productions, teaches vocal technique classes in Medellin, Colombia: vocal coach and recordings vocals or leading voice for other artists.

He participated in the symphonic Latin concert of radio station Latin Stéreo Medellín, in which he interpreted the work Hommy of master Larry Harlow and the always cheerful theme by Raphy Leavitt, accompanied by the Symphonic Orchestra of the University of Antioquia. Finally, Gustavo Gerardo reiterated the invitation to the Gala Night this Saturday, November 2 at the Santo Juan Nueva Era club in Medellin.

For bookings, please contact him at +57 323 5116736 with his legal representative Sonsireth Perdomo. From “Salsa Escrita” the salsa column and from this servant Carlos Colmenárez, we wish all success to this extraordinary Venezuelan vocalist.

Negramenta Orchestra

One of the Venezuelan salsa bands with greater international projection "La Negramenta", an orchestra formed in 1998 by Pedrito Linares and Willians Castillo, with the idea of highlighting all the contribution that Barlovento has given to salsa. In 2008 they recorded their first production "Cosas de negros". "La Negramenta" has its origin in the "Orquesta Magistral", founded by Pedro "Saba" Linares. The name of the group "Negramenta", is given to highlight the gentilicio, ideals and feelings of its people. — Negramenta from Barlovento and its black guy stuff

Negramenta from Barlovento and its black guy stuff.

It is the turn of one of the most onternationally recognized Venezuelan salsa bands “La Negramenta”, an orchestra formed in 1998 by Pedrito Linares and Willians Castillo, with the idea of highlighting all the contribution given by Barlovento to salsa. They managed to record in 2008 their first production “Cosas de negros”. “La Negramenta” has its origin in the “Orquesta Magistral”, founded by Pedro “Saba” Linares. The name of the group “Negramenta”, is given to highlight the kindness, ideals and feelings of its people.

They have recorded the following productions: “Cosas de negros volume 2”, “Otra cosa”, “Pa’los cuatro vientos” and “Libre”. The list of their successes includes: Aquí no se rinde nadie, Música negra, No me caso, La ley y Pedrito el lento; by the way, these last two songs reached the top ten brands in the Latin environment of New York, Miami, Peru and Colombia.

The staff of “La Negramenta” is made up of: Wiwi Buznego, Anthoni Ramos and Noel Alexánder Machado (vocalists), Heyzer Cabrera (bongo and chorister), Renzo Hernández (tombales), Mauricio Landaeta (timbales), Willie Melo (piano), Franklin Rodríguez and Joel Brito (trombones), Luis Allen and Ignacio Blanco (trumpets), Wílmer Maestri (sax), Willians Castillo (bass and musical direction), Pedro Linares (composer and general director), Celedonio Martínez (production and animation).

La Negramenta’s contacts for booking are: +58 414 2988874 and +58 426 5132334

Orquesta Negramenta Los Buenos — Negramenta Los Buenos Orchestra

Inicio

Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez

Mauricio Silva with ¡fury!

Composer, arranger, producer, pianist, trombonist, vocalist and conductor he participated in the recording of more than 200 productions.

It is a great honor and the pleasant satisfaction of having one of the most prolific, successful and recognized Venezuelan musicians who works as a composer, arranger, producer, pianist, trombonist, vocalist and conductor as a special guest; who is also recognized by all salsa fans at home and internationally.

We refer to Mauricio Silva, who has a musical lineage inherited from his grandfather Manuel Silva Linares and his father Miguel Angel Silva; the latter stood out as the jazz bassist for Gerry Weil, Billo’s Caracas Boys, Los Melódicos and Orquesta de Porfi Jiménez, among others; his uncle Rafael Silva was considered one of the best and most experienced trombonists in Venezuela.

Composer, arranger, producer, pianist, trombonist, vocalist and conductor He participated in the recording of more than 200 productions — Mauricio Silva with ¡fury!

Some of his brothers are also musicians and include: Josué Miguel Silva (now deceased) and Daniel Silva, an outstanding bassist and singer in diverse orchestras nationally and internationally. His son Briant Silva and his nephew Harold Silva are part of the new generation.

Mauricio Silva was born in Caracas on December 30th and became interested in training very well in his profession from a very young age which is why he studied with great Venezuelan and foreign musicians.

He has participated in the recording of more than 200 productions. Some of them with: Sexteto Juventud, La Crítica de Oscar D’León, Wladimir y su Constelación, Dimensión Latina, Los Satélites, La Salsa Mayor, Arabella y su banda, Los Melódicos, Billo’s Caracas Boys, Silva y Guerra, Mauricio Silva y su orquesta, Oscar D’León, Cheo Valenzuela, Caribbean Magic, Porfi Jiménez, Salserín, Erick Franchesky, Guaco, El Trabuco Venezolano, Wílmer Lozano, Legacy of Venezuelan Salsa, Legacy of World Salsa, among others. His compositions include Se Necesita rumbero (recorded by Oscar D’León), Te haré feliz, Debe ser el amor and Canto al Madera.

To start this interesting interview, we want to welcome to Mauricio to “Salsa Escrita” the salsa column in which we support musical talent and promote the event of our Latin music nationally and globally through International Salsa Magazine www.salsagoogle.com.

Thank you very much Professor Carlos, the truth is that I am very happy to appera as a guest in your widely-read column and I want to send my greetings to your readers and followers, I am very happy to share with you.

Master Mauricio for us it is a pleasure to interact through this prestige means of communication, let me tell you that we consider you a great idol of our Afro-Caribbean music and want to know how you started liking music. Carlos, music means everything to me, it is my formula of life and I am in it as long as I can remember. Through many studies and divine support for everything I have done and although I am not the most successful in the world, I feel very satisfied with it.

Well Mauricio, by the way, by the time you were in the orchestra “La Crítica”, were you influenced by any musician?

Yes, when I was in La Crítica, I was very much influenced by Oscar D’León as the main factor, when I saw him playing and singing with that incredible swing, that definitely left its mark and listening to artists of the time such as Andy Montañez, El Gran Combo, Ismael Rivera, Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz and note that life allowed me to work with all of them;

because I worked with Hector, Celia, Oscar and many others from Puerto Rico, Cuba and my training was routed to tropical music by accompanying Daniel Santos, Celio Gonzalez, Alberto Beltran and the commitment was greater to know that they came from the Sonora Matancera and that is how my taste for music was cultivated.

And to start this interesting interview, we want to welcome you Mauricio to "Salsa Escrita" the salsa column, where we project the musical talent and make known the events of our Latin music nationally and globally through International Salsa Magazine www.salsagoogle.com. — Mauricio Silva has participated in the recording of more than 200 productions

When was the idea of singing born, Mauricio? Really, the idea of singing was not one of my goals, it dit not crossed my mind to be a singer, and moreover, being in front of an orchestra got me so nervous, since being behind made feel like a duck to water, conducting, playing, but not facing the public. I did not consider myself a singer, I simply have a normal ear to have a guide to melodies of the songs, the fact that I started singing was with “Salsa, Silva y Guerra”.

Manuel Guerra had asked me for some musical arrangements for one of his projects, which was going to be recorded in Puerto Rico with arrangers from there such as Ray Santos and Máximo Torres.

Manuel Guerra had asked me for some musical arrangements for a project of his, which was going to be recorded in Puerto Rico with arrangers from there, with Ray Santos and Máximo Torres. — “Salsa, Silva y Guerra”

I made arrangements to two of my compositions for him: “Qué linda es la vida”, “Se va el amor”, and well, it was recorded on the island of Puerto Rico, that was spectacular, but the “Black Friday” occurred and costs doubled, so Manuel had to finish the production in Venezuela and then he asked me to help him finish it, we set up the trombone, chorus and I took him to ride the voice, but Manuel had tone problems with the songs, he did not get the tones in the right way, I recorded all the guides to the songs, I learned them and I recorded them for him.

Well, we have been trying to get him to record for 3 months, but he could never record that and the sound guy said that I was doing well without being a singer and he wasn’t.

And yet, at the end, I ended up recording that album, which was called “Salsa, Silva y Guerra”, because I got involved with Manuel Guerra and the label Rodven decided to call it that, and there the singer Mauricio Silva was born without wanting to. I never intended to be a singer, so when it is for you, it is like you do not even take off and so begins my career as a vocalist. Mauricio, we understand that you participated in more than two hundred productions and that shows that you are a very active musician in the music industry due to your professionalism.

Manuel Guerra had asked me for some musical arrangements for one of his projects, which was going to be recorded in Puerto Rico with arrangers from there such as Ray Santos and Máximo Torres.

He did not get the tones in the right way, I recorded all the guides to the songs, I learned them and I recorded them for him. Well, we have been trying to get him to record for 3 months, but he could never record that and the sound guy said that I was doing well without being a singer and he wasn’t.

Tell us: look, I had about 200 albums I had them computed, but I don’t know, I lost count.

For example, these days I met again with a musician from Barranquilla, we had already worked together in 1987 during a musical tour of the United States, me as a pianist in an orchestra and him as a timbalero, who is very famous in his city and I made an arrangement for him at that time and he brought back to that work and told me it was on Youtube.

So my participation has been as an arranger, musician, pianist, trombonist, choirboy, apart from the records I have served as a singer or as a guest.

I remember that I worked with “El Trabuco Venezolano”, artists from Panama, Puerto Rico, Colombia, naturally Venezuela, the United States, and Cuba.

I have done many things, both with salsa, boleros, bagpipes and much more, what happens is that I am more known in the salsa style, Venezuelan music, jazz, Bosanova, merengue, the Billo’s music, Los Melodicos, actively participating with them and salsa I have done work with Choco Orta from Puerto Rico, El Canario, Oscar D’León, Arabella, with the song’s arrangement I made of “Callejón” by Tite Curet Alonso; the truth is that I’m not complaining. Mauricio, by the way, an almost obligatory question, what have you made in such confinement by the pandemic there in Miami and how has Covid-19 affected you?

Tell us: well, the year 2020 was very difficult for all of us and the main thing that can never stop is the food and medicines supply; but entertainment and recreation is paralyzed and has timidly begun to move a little bit, but they have even stopped it again because the pandemic is still going on and here vaccination began here but the first to receive them will be the doctors, the nurses, elderly people, children and the general public, which, hopefully, will be the solution by 2021 and so artists will return to the stage.

I was affected by the coronavirus, it really hit me, solitary confinement for 15 days with many symptoms, but it detected with the exam, I did all medical treatment, I went through a lot of depression, but thank goodness I woke up much better one Sunsay and I said, am I cured? (laughter) then I had another test and it was negative, but it is an experience that has killed colleagues, friends and family; here in Florida, more than 2000 people are infected daily and 3000 people die every day in the whole country, but we remain optimistic with respect to work out airy.

Mauricio, do you have any upcoming project? Yes, there are always projects, I am producing new artists that will be know later on, but the global legacy of salsa is the most recent thing I put on the market, it is a tribute to salsa, so that the new generations can get to know that salsa that falled us in love in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

This is on all digital platforms and there is also the legacy of Venezuelan salsa. Likewise, the album “Billo’s Legendarios” in which I got the chance to be the arranger and in charge of the musical part of that production with the participation of: Carlos Vives, Oscar D’León, Charlie Aponte, Wilfrido Vargas, Sergio Vargas, Alex Bueno, Eddie Herrera, Don Fulano and Mily Quesada; in addition, the Venezuelan singer Karina and the vocalists of Billo’s Caracas Boys are special guests.

I am also working with the new from “Adolescentes” in its new phase from the hand of El Negro Mendoza.

I am doing the “Legendary Billo’s No. 2” and in talks with Gilberto Santa Rosa, Tito Nieves, Silvestre Dangon, Carlos Vives, who wants to sing the theme “La Casa de Fernando”, and also I am helping many colleagues because the world of the record has changed a lot, there are no longer record companies that support, so stay tuned to 2021 because very good productions are coming.

Mauricio, tell us, which singers have you accompanied in your successful career? Well, I had the honor of learning and playing with Alberto Beltrán, Celio González, Daniel Santos, those three singers from “Sonora Matancera”, we accompanied them with “La Crítica”, but even then, I accompanied Ruddy Márquez, José Luis Rodríguez, Oscar D’León, Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, Justo Betancourt, Ismael Miranda, Eddie Santiago, Vity Ruiz, Maelo Ruiz, Tito Rojas (QEPD), Pedro Arroyo, Luisito Carrión, Rafu Warner, most of those artists from the 80s and 90s, and many more with whom I had the opportunity to be formed, musically speaking.

Mauricio, to finish, we have a friend in common, Nelson García “Nelsonero” in Barquisimeto, how was your work with him? Speaking of Nelson, is to talk about a great musician, a great person, from the first time I knew him, we were connected, we made a record with very few resources, but there was a magic of a talented boy who looked for a musician that is me and he put himself in his hands, and let them take him, although the songs are mostly from him or almost all the songs were from Nelson and I made those arrangements looking for a style with trombones and baritone sax, resulting in an album with a lot of heart, and from then on.

Many doors have been opened to Nelson for his way of being and he has traveled to many places in the world, and I really love him very much, I ask you to support him because he is one of those real talents, he is not made up, he is not manufactured, he is natural, that is Nelson de Jesus “Nelsonero”.

Dear Salsa fans, regular Salsa Escrita readers, we are very grateful to Mauricio Silva for the interaction we have had, give us a final message: Thank you Professor Carlos, of course, very grateful for allowing me to share in your widely read salsa column in which you promote and support the talent from my country and the rest of Latin America; I hope we can meet up again soon; I have a little bit of Barquisimeto, because I have an aunt who lives in the urbanization El Obelisco, I have cousins, godparents, Rafael Ure and a very big big greeting to all of them.

I love that city a lot, the “Musical City of Venezuela”, I have numerous friends there and I participated in orchestras such as: Nino y si Orquesta, La Banda Actual, they are all friends and we share a lot, so I send my greetings to all of them, thank you for this opportunity Professor Carlos Colmenárez “The Friend of the Salseros” and I hope to see you soon, we love you with fury!

after the rehearsal with the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Gustavo Dudamel and Oscar D'Leon - Mauricio Silva — Mauricio Silva after the rehearsal with the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Gustavo Dudamel and Oscar D’Leon

See you next time and keep dancing salsa!

Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez and his “WRITTEN SALSA”

By: Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez (Venezuela)

Greetings, dear and consistent readers of Salsa Escrita, from this server, your longtime friend, Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez. It is a great satisfaction for me to be able to reach all of you through International Salsa Magazine, to whom I am very grateful for your trust and thus be able to make known the Venezuelan salsa talent and also from other countries, where Afro-Latin music continues and will continue to be projected and promoted with much professionalism in its prestigious pages.

In this issue of Salsa Escrita, we bring you four exponents of Afro-Caribbean music, born in Venezuela, who exalt the genre with great class and success, earning the respect and admiration of all its followers. So, ladies and gentlemen, we present to you in special reviews Hildemaro “El Sonero del Amor”, Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”, Édgar “Dolor” Quijada and Héctor “Malecón”. We hope you enjoy the written interaction between you and International Salsa Magazine.

Hildemaro “The Sonero of Love”

On this occasion we will mention a vocalist who has stood out for his excellent interpretive quality and professionalism during his long and successful career, both in Venezuela and abroad; we refer to José Hildemaro Hugas Amarista, better known as Hildemaro “El Sonero del Amor”.

The Venezuelan singer-songwriter, born in Caripito, Monagas state, on November 10, 1957, told us that his musical interests came from a very young age, participating in festivals in his home state and musical groups in that locality, until he was presented with the opportunity to go to Caracas in 1976 and join the orchestra “Los Satélites”; Then in 1979 he joined the “Orquesta Ideal”; later he worked with the “Súper Combo los Tropicales”, “Noche Caliente” and the “Orquesta de Porfi Jiménez”; and finally in 1985 he joined Renato Capriles’ orchestra “Los Melódicos”, which gave him the greatest and best experience.

The following year,” Hildemaro continued, “he decided to definitely make his way as a salsa performer, recording his first LP under the TH label, thanks to his music producer, José “El Flaco” Bermúdez, and since then he has remained in his project of a fruitful singing career.

In 1988 he recorded his album “Amanecí contigo”, propelling it into the international market, hitting his songs with great acceptance, both in Venezuela and abroad, showing his face in the country as a salsa performer before the world.

Peru was his first point of attack, as well as the United States, and with that goal he was always renewing his repertoire.

In 1989 he recorded the production “Sin Tabú”, winning a gold record and triumphing on stages in Panama, Mexico, Colombia and New York; In 1990 he recorded the acetate “Romántico y sensual”, with which he demonstrated once again that he has one of the best voices in Latin American and Caribbean salsa, qualities that were also captured in his 4th album entitled “Lo mejor de mi” in 1991, later in 1993 he released his 5th LP “Al natural”, two years later the long play “Lo que siento” in 1995 and in 1996 the album “La mejor salsa con Hildemaro”.

In 2002 and 2003, he burst again into the radio stations nationally and internationally with 2 singles: “Corazón loco” and “El celular”, with which he once again demonstrated his great vocal capacity.

Among his best known hits are: The first time, Hola, Amanecí contigo, Desde el fondo de mi corazón, Negra, Agua caliente, Sin tabú, Al natural, Apago la luz, Como nadie, Cabalgaremos, Lucero and many more.

At the present time it comes from succeeding in Peru, Colombia, Spain, Italy and Sweden. In Venezuela she works with her own orchestra “Caripito all Stars”.

Finally she told us “El Sonero del Amor” that she registered her foundation “Hildemaro Hugas”, a non-profit organization to help children, elderly and people who deserve it.

By 2020, with God’s favor, he returns to the United States, where he is acclaimed by romantic dancers, just like in Peru, his second homeland. Hildemaro’s social networks are: Instagram @sonerodelamor, Facebook: José Hildemaro Hugas, phone: +58 412 2934606 and +58 416 0580079 for bookings.

Edgar “Dolor” Quijada

Édgar José Quijada, from January 23, Caracas. The man of "Pain", a name given to him by his brothers — Edgar “Dolor” Quijada

Sonero from A to Z, it’s that simple. Not everyone can be graded that way and not everyone has the privilege of being so. It is a title that must be achieved “on the go”, working very hard day and night. The “Masters” in sounding were Benny Moré and Ismael Rivera, to name the most significant.

In this regard, we must mention other vocalists of the stature of Cheo Feliciano, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Chamaco Ramirez and others of renown who took the baton; in the courtyard, Oscar D’Leon, Orlando Watussi, Mariana Guevara, Marcial Isturiz, Charlie Guzman, Ronald Gomez, among others, each with his own style and particularity. The one we will talk about today, has already occupied that place for years, I am referring to Edgar José Quijada, from January 23rd, Caracas. The man of “Pain”, an appellation given to him by his brothers.

In all his life he has not stopped singing and that comes from his mother. The trajectory of Édgar “Dolor” Quijada, born on March 21, 1954, dates from more than 40 years ago, since he began with the Yacambú Orchestra and later he was called to accompany national and international singers and to integrate orchestras such as: Década, Federico y su Combo, Los Incorregibles, Repicao, Soledad Bravo, Naty y su Orquesta, Guajeo, Cheo Feliciano, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, Adalberto Santiago, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Rivera, Larry Harlow, Héctor Lavoe and Justo Betancourt.

Since the founding of Cheo Navarro’s Orquesta Bailatino 23 years ago, he has been one of its performers along with Rónald Gómez and Francisco Rojas. His hits include: Mi vecina, Tengo la piel cansada de la tarde, A donde está Margot, Loco en la vía and many more. He is also the vocalist of El Guajeo de Alfredo Naranjo, Orquesta Tributo, Los 12 Apóstoles; as well as his solo performances in shows at the national and international level.

Finally, Edgar “Dolor” Quijada told us that he is currently based in Bogota, Colombia, with new musical projects. Social networks: Instagram @edgardolor; Facebook: Édgar Quijada, telephone for bookings: +57 301 6593904.

Hector “Malecon”

Héctor Luis Montes González, artistically known as “Héctor Malecón”, born on April 3, 1988 — Hector “Malecon”
of Barquisimeto

In Barquisimeto, a city known as the “Musical Capital of Venezuela”, there are musicians and vocalists of extraordinary quality, and on this occasion we will mention the singer, sonero and composer, Héctor Luis Montes González, known artistically as “Héctor Malecón”, born on April 3, 1988 and since his childhood he has lived in the El Malecón neighborhood of our twilight city; His musical beginnings were inspired by the composition of songs and by the mythical-religious influence, they motivated him to write and to interpret his first single titled “A la Reina”, in honor to María Lionza.

In April 2012, he decided to gather a group of young musicians from his neighborhood and formed a salsa group, calling it “Orquesta Malecón”, thus beginning his successful career with musical director César Salas and arranger Rubén Levy.

Some songs from their first recording production and authorship are A la Reina, Acepto mi error, Flor de mayo, Qué es lo que te pasa, Mejor plato, Castillo de arena y el Despojo; which you can enjoy on Youtube.

Likewise, he has shared the stage with the Lebrón Brothers, the Dimensión Latina, Bailatino, Orquesta La Salsa Mayor, Grupo Mango, Porfi Baloa y sus Adolescentes, Mariana La Sonera, Édgar “Dolor” Quijada, Hildemaro, Rónald Gómez, among others.

In 2016, he obtains the 1st place in the contest “Dile no a la Payola” of the PDVSA La Estancia Salsa Festival in Caracas and is later applauded by the Caracas salsa sovereign in the Diego Ibarra Square and El Poliedro.

Currently, Héctor Luis, becomes known with his project “Héctor Malecón” and from his own inspiration is promoted with his song “Quieres volver”, through @hectormalecon.

Finally, he declares that he was temporarily based in the city of El Callao, Peru, demonstrating his talent and affinity as lead vocalist of the orchestra “Son D’ Kalibre”, performing group songs and great salsa hits, under the direction of Rubén Medina and integrated by Venezuelan and Peruvian musicians.

At present, already in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, he has planned to structure his new orchestra, with new themes of his own inspiration, to put all salsa lovers to dance. His social networks are: Instagram @hectormalecon; Facebook: Héctor Malecón, for bookings by phone +58 412 7720290.

Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”

One of the most emblematic characters of Venezuelan salsa is Janett Guevara García, known artistically as Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”; she was born in Caracas and currently lives in La Guaira. Since she was a child she showed her taste for music; activity that has been her eternal passion and has led her to make 12 record productions.

Mariana started with Naty Martínez’s Orchestra and has been supported by the Fania Stars, José Alberto “El Canario”, the Gran Combo of Puerto Rico and her great friend Oscar D’León, who has advised and helped her so that, throughout her career, the responsibility of being the sonera of Venezuela falls on her.

Mariana has had the opportunity to alternate with groups of the stature of the Orquesta de La Luz, Grupo Niche, Guayacán, El Canario, Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and la Sonora Ponceña. Among her songs are: Frases hechas and Eres más fuerte que yo.

It is worth mentioning that, among the numerous recognitions received, he was awarded directly from Miami and presented in Caracas by Richard Roman and Nohemy Chavez, the “Salsa Superior” prize, which among those who have it, are Luigi Texidor, Roberto Roena, La Dimensión Latina and Rubén Blades, among other salsa figures. The sonera is worthy of this plaque thanks to God and her public who have supported her during her 30 year artistic career.

The “Sonera” is part of the orchestra “Rumberos del Callejón”, “Los 12 Apóstoles” and also has its own group. Incidentally, she was honored in the city of Barquisimeto in 2018 with the unveiling of a mural in her honor on Oscar D’Leon Boulevard.

She will soon be making musical tours throughout the country and abroad. Among his latest works, he recorded the song “Mulata guerrera”, by Puerto Rican composer Eduardo Zayas, included in the production “Entre Titanes”, which featured the participation of figures such as Marcial Istúriz, Rodrigo Mendoza, Édgar “Dolor” Quijada, Efrén Avellaneda, Noel Machado, Choco Orta, Yomar Méndez “Caballo”, Leo Pacheco Jr.

For hiring Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”, you can do it by: +58 414 2921521 y +58 416 0580079. Her social networks are: Instagram @sonsonera1, Facebook: Mariana La Soner

Meet Gerardo Osvaldo Russo

Meet Gerardo Osvaldo Russo, director of the Salsa y Sentimiento Academy and organizer of the San Clemente Salsa Congress

Gerardo Osvaldo Russo was born on July 3, 1984, lives in a small town called San Clemente Del Tuyú, Argentina; He mentions his tastes for salsa and Latin rhythms and tells us that in 2005 he began to dance and listen to salsa and from that moment his taste and passion began, then he went on to dance other Caribbean rhythms. As of 2009 I have been teaching Caribbean Rhythms in the “SAOCO” studio, which is one of the best places to train in your country, for that I had to travel every week since it is 300 kilometers away from where I lived. I made an important decision which was to dedicate myself completely to teaching and then in the future to be able to create new projects that I already had in mind.

He mentions that the city where he lives had no way of training, since there were few resources and he could not do everything he had in mind, and his motivation was to grow personally as a teacher and dancer and thus be able to put all the knowledge he was acquiring. to the people who went to his classes.

For the year 2008 he began to teach at the beginning as a hobby for a year and a half until he made the decision to work 100% in his profession; Therefore, today it has its own Dance Academy called “Academia Salsa y Sentimiento” which was inaugurated in 2012 where he is currently coordinator and teacher; He has also been in charge of organizing the “San Clemente Salsa Congress” for about 3 years and for his institution he holds Salsa, Bachata and other Caribbean rhythms every year, these include seminars and trainings with teachers of high quality and experience.

San Clemente Salsa Congress 2020 Online with John Moon

The reason that allowed the inauguration of the “Academia Salsa y Sentimiento” was basically that there was a need in the people not only of their city, but also of the neighboring cities of Puerto de la Costa, which is the region to which San Clemente del Tuyú and thus had the opportunity to learn to dance, express himself, find a place of liberation and belonging and also be able to meet people and socialize; For this reason, it is known for being the first dance academy registered in the entire region, feeling very proud of its work team and of itself. In a few words, they mention that their goal has always been for people to identify with the activities they do, find a place where they can learn and have fun, as well as recharge. Students entering this academy may do so without any experience or knowledge of the rhythm they wish to practice. For this year 2020 they will inaugurate their official website to have more information and not only information through their Facebook account.

In the academy you start from scratch but people who already have knowledge can also come because we have several levels. We work with people from 3 years onwards.

The biggest goal to be achieved was to create an International Salsa Congress where they proposed to bring their students to compete; and in 2016 they were able to do it with the reggaeton group with professor “Maximiliano Laplaca” reaching the finals of one of the most important competitions in Argentina and South America called “Argentine Aerobic and Dance Tournament” (TAAD).

For this year, together with other companies in the city, they are working to provide benefits to their students and not only have the possibility of learning and having fun, but they can also access discounts and benefits in stores in San Clemente. There is also a project for a few years from now, and that is to be able to train teachers to leave our Academy.

At the end he gives us a message for both students and future learners

“My message is as a teacher but fundamentally as a human being is that they do not stop going in search of their dreams, as long as they work hard with responsibility, passion and respect for things can be achieved. To also tell anyone who wants to come to the Salsa y Sentimiento Academy, they will find a place not only where they can learn to dance and train, but also a human group of contention, a place where they can freely express and bring out everything they carry inside. Adults and children who are united by the passion for dancing. Teachers who love what they do and want to pass it on to new generations. Always open to the possibility of listening to anyone who has new ideas to build a better Academy Salsa y Sentimiento every year ”

Members Salsa y Sentimiento Academy — Members of the Salsa y Sentimiento Academy

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Choco Orta The Queen of Flavor

Choco Orta: “The Queen of Flavor and the Diva of Puerto Rico”

Virgen Milagros Orta Rodríguez is the first name of “La Reina Del Sabor”: Choco Orta, as this Puerto Rican actress, percussionist and singer-songwriter is internationally known. She was born in Santurce, a traditional neighborhood in San Juan, the capital city of La Isla Del Encanto.

Choco is the only female daughter in a home formed by the brothers Tomás Jr., Jaime, Gilberto (her twin) and Ismael; fruits of the union of don Tomás Orta Abad and doña Andrea Rodríguez Rivera. By the way, the brothers are mostly percussionists, among amateurs and professionals.

The father, Don Tomás, is an excellent guitarist and Mrs. Andrea, the mother, has a privileged voice. We could say, then, that Choco Orta’s talents are “purebred”.

In Santurce, specifically in the area known as El Chícharo, Choco’s childhood, adolescence, and youth are present.

The blackness of this neighborhood cradled and nursed her, imprinting on her a deep imprint that she knew how to capitalize on and externalize in her artistic development.

Choco still remembers and celebrates the improvised musical meetings in her neighborhood with neighbors and friends, in which to the rhythm of percussion instruments they recreated the famous rumbas that blacks and blacks of the Caribbean turned into one of the most recognized standards of their culture.

This activity led her to become interested in her musical training, which she did in a self-taught manner first and then alongside renowned musicians from the patio such as Giovanni “Mañenguito” Hidalgo, Anthony Carrillo, and Angel “Cachete” Maldonado.

Recognized teachers of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico offered him knowledge of Theory and Solfeggio, and great cultivators (men and women) of classical and popular dance also contributed to mold the artist that we know today.

In the academic field Choco Orta, she is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree after graduating with honors (Cum Laude) from the Theater Education Program of the Rio Piedras campus of this prestigious University.

Choco’s academic formation, oriented to the teaching of Theater in schools, was not capitalized as such; however, it allowed her to venture into the stage by staging diverse plays in Puerto Rico such as “La Verdadera Historia De Pedro Navaja”, “El Bombón De Elena”, etc.; she even mounted her own show: “Choco, Mambo Y Algo Más” (at the end of the ’80s), through which she musically recreated the golden ages of the ’40s and ’50s.

We finish the current appearance of this brilliant artistic career of Choco Orta with the celebration of its 30 years in music — She was born in Santurce, a traditional neighborhood in San Juan, the capital city of La Isla Del Encanto

Television programs such as “La Tiendita De La Esquina” (comedy) and “Latino” (musical program), also record Choco’s talent. As if that weren’t enough, the seventh art: the cinema, also knew about the talent of this complete artist. “Bala Perdida”, “Dios Los Cria” and “Assassins 1995” are proof of Choco Orta’s talent and versatility.

Her entrance to the recording rooms is produced by the hand of the famous trombonist and conductor Julio “Gunda” Merced, who on one occasion enjoyed an improvised presentation of Choco with the Giants of the South.

That night, Gunda Merced made the approach to Choco, and some months later the musical production AND SOMETHING MORE! (Gunda Merced Y Su Salsa Fever) included the songs “Huracán” in Choco Orta’s voice and “El Baile Del Buey Cansao” (Choco Orta in duet with Raquel Velázquez). The year was 1987.

The first years of the 90’s present us with a multifaceted Choco Orta: always in music and accompanied by diverse formations: trios, quartets, etc.; also doing jingles and commercials for radio and television, but also internationalizing her work with various participations in the Club Hammou (southeast of France known as French Riviera or Costa Azul) and as it corresponds in an artist avid of knowledge: nourishing herself with the people and their culture.

By 1997 -always under the guidance of Julio “Gunda” Merced- with the support of the record label Musical Productions (MP) of the late but always remembered Tony Moreno, Choco Orta published his debut album. It was titled SENTIMIENTO Y SABOR (Feeling and Flavor) and presented us with 10 very well achieved cuts that quickly placed themselves at the top of the Latin music charts (Basta, Y Qué De MI, Yo Perdí El Corazón, El Hombre Que Yo Amo, etc.).

By the way, this production was presented at the MIDEM Convention for Latin America, which is why Choco Orta recorded an official video clip of the song “El Hombre Que Yo Amo”. MIDEM is the chapter for music professionals of Reed MIDEM: a professional market organizer founded back in 1963.

SENTIMIENTO Y SABOR was also featured in PULSE Magazine! (USA) and Choco would later be invested as Ambassador of Puerto Rican Culture in Tampa, Florida. He also obtained the Farándula Award (Puerto Rico) as best salsa singer and made an extensive and acclaimed tour in the Dominican Republic, performing in various Dominican stages including television sets.

She is remembered -also- until today, her ovation and applause with La Universidad De La Salsa, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, for the 16th edition of the National Salsa Day (1999) in the Juan Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón.

In 2001, Choco Orta received an invitation from Banco Popular de Puerto Rico to be part of their famous annual production entitled RAÍCES. Here Choco performs two songs with the accompaniment of two important musical institutions from the patio, the Orchestra of Maestro Lito Peña (Para Los Boricuas Ausentes) and the Orchestra of Maestro William Cepeda (Melitón Tombé).

That same year, it was part of the production of the Borinquen quartet player José Antonio Rivera Colón, better known as “Tony Mapeyé”, with the title VIEQUES, TIERRA PARA LA PAZ. Here he prints his vocal record in the songs Ni Bala Inerte Ni Viva and Plegaria Por Vieques.

Then to round off a great year, the release of his second production is made official: this one would be titled LA REINA DEL SABOR and from that record label, we continue enjoying the quality and flavor of songs like La Nueva Reina Del Sabor, Que Pague, Se Acabó Y Punto, etc. In this production, the tribute paid to “El Rey Del Timbal” stands out: Ernesto “Tito” Puente, who was the one who nicknamed Choco as “La Nueva Reina Del Sabor” (The New Queen of Flavor), a theme that is also Choco’s incursion into composing.

The repercussion of the song was such that Choco Orta briefly established himself in New York where he performed in renowned venues such as the Copacabana, to offer successful presentations, accompanied by orchestras such as that of the famous Dominican pianist and arranger Ricky González.

At this time of year, we also highlight her journey through various cities of the Major Island: Cuba, where she was loudly applauded during her participation in the Fifteenth International Festival of Golden Boleros and distinguished as the Favorite Daughter of Christ, a community near Santiago (Cuba).

The years between 2001 and 2009, allowed Choco to record in three recognized collaborations:

– HIJOS DE LA SALSA GORDA: published in 2004 under the concept of La Mundial De La Salsa with the direction of the pianist and arranger Willie Sotelo. Here Choco Orta performs the song “Me Saludas A La Tuya”.

– Cuando Hay Amor” is another of Choco’s well-achieved songs that includes his profuse record of collaborations. This number is part of the production EL CORTE PERFECTO (2004) with the Orquesta Sueño Del Caribe.

– In 2006, Mr. Afinque Willie Rosario publishes his production LA BANDA QUE DELEITA in which he invites Choco to bring to life with his voice the song “Lo Que Más Yo Quiero”, a song -by the way- that is a must in Choco’s personal presentations.

We arrive to the year 2009, musically speaking, and Choco Orta of the hand of “El Caballero De La Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa, as well as of Charlie Donato (both in the executive production and choirs) and Rei Peña (in the musical direction), publishes its third discographical plate. This one is entitled AHORA MISMO, a production of nine successful songs among which “Ahora Mismo”, “Por Accidente”, “Marido Majadero”, etc. stand out. We highlight in this production the duet with Moncho Rivera -his guest on the album- to evoke and pay tribute to the remembered union between Celia Cruz & Ismael Rivera for the song “Cúcala”.

In 2011, Choco delighted us with a new production entitled CHOCO SWING. This work was considered among the 20 Best Productions of 2011 by the National Foundation for Popular Culture. On this plate we find again Rei Peña as a musical producer, Choco’s pen stands out represented by the excellent theme Homenaje A Las Soneras, a tribute made a song with which Choco highlights the presence of women in the musical world; additionally, you can enjoy compositions of Gino Meléndez and Raúl Marrero, among others; having magnificent arrangements of musicians of the height of Ricky Zayas, Guillermo Calderón, Ernesto “Tito” Rivera, Carlos Torres, etc.

The next seven years (2011 – 2018) have been prolific in collaborations and here is a synthesis of these:

– Ralphy Santi y Su Conjunto (2012): The Puerto Rican musician (Ponce) invites Choco Orta to be part of his extensive discography. The musical production is entitled HOMAGE TO THE DANCER and there he performs the song “Sin Clave Y Bongó No Hay Son”.

– Orquesta Guayacan (2013): The popular Colombian group celebrated at that time its 25 years of institutional musical trajectory, for which they publish the production 25 YEARS, 25 SUCCESSES, 25 ARTISTS, in which Choco is responsible for the theme “Como Una Hoguera”.

– Kambalache Negro (2014): Group led by Peruvian percussionist Robert “El Chino” Bolaños, an “old” acquaintance of Choco as he integrated and is part of Choco’s musical staff for his presentations at the Iron Babel: New York. In this production titled POR FINAL EN LA CALLE, Choco performs the song “Añoranzas”.

– La Orquesta Del Solar (2017): Orchestra whose musical epicenter is the Spanish capital: Madrid and is composed of musicians of various nationalities (Peruvian, Colombian, Venezuelan, Spanish, etc.) and led by Ecuadorian Julio Mena. In this production entitled BACK TO MY ROOTS, several of the singers that the group usually accompanies when they perform in Spain are invited. Choco Orta is the voice of the song “No Insistas Más”.

– Medley Soledad Bravo” song that will be part of the production LEGACY OF WORLD SALSA of the outstanding Venezuelan musician and arranger Mauricio Silva. In this medley, Choco Orta participates with Marianella (Venezuela) and Mélida Trujillo (Panama). Choco interprets the song “Son Desangrado” by Silvio Rodríguez and his colleagues the song “Déjala Bailar” by Chico Buarque.

– Noel Quintana & The Latin Crew (2018): Recent musical work by percussionist Noel Quintana who has invited a series of renowned singers to this production. Choco Orta gives life to Pedro Jesús’ composition “Qué Viva La Salsa”, a tribute this time to the dancer, an important element of this artistic binomial: dance-music. The production is entitled NOEL QUINTANA & THE LATN CREW VOL. 1.

– Abran Paso Orchestra: The Abran Paso Orchestra is getting ready to launch its new musical production soon. For this musical work, Choco has been invited to interpret a theme of the French musician and composer Paul Mauriat that, for the Latin environment, decades ago La Lupe adapted and interpreted (in Spanish) for our enjoyment. Its title: “Si Vuelves Tu”.

We should also refer to some singles that were recorded by Choco Orta, as is the case here:

– Chico Is The Man (2010): Adaptation of the song that José Feliciano (Chico And The Man) popularized, aimed at celebrating the arrival of the young Mexican soccer player Javier Hernández Balcázar known as “Chicharito” to England when he was hired by the English soccer team Manchester United.

– Killing Me Softly (2013): Crossover of the theme “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, based on Lori Lieberman’s poem “Killing Me Softly With His Blues”. Lori was his first performer but became notorious in the early ’70s with Roberta Flack. Choco gives this song a characteristic feeling when performed in its original language.

– Bomba Lamento Para Oscar López Rivera (2015): Interpreted to the rhythm of bomba, this song by Choco Orta demanded the immediate release of the now free Oscar López Rivera: a Puerto Rican politician who defended the independence of the island and who served 35 years in prison in the United States.

– Tofu Sin Lechón (2016): This song is based on the lifestyle of its composer and performer who has had a vegan lifestyle for approximately 30 years.

We round up and finish the present semblance of this brilliant artistic career of Choco Orta with the celebration of her 30 years in music. An event also marked by the publication of the musical production entitled CHOCO ORTA: 30 AÑOS REPARTIENDO SABOR.

At the beginning of 2017, he published the song “Te Perdí La Fe” by the notable Elizabethan composer (Puerto Rico) Johnny Ortiz, with which he began the recordings of his fifth personal musical work. He then recorded in Colombia an inspiration of the late poet Petronio Álvarez, “Mi Buenaventura”.

It continues with a theme of the also disappeared composer Palenque, that made very popular Ismael Rivera with Cortijo y Su Combo: “Severa”, here Choco Orta correctly “improvises” vindicating in first person Severa as a black woman and although humble, beautiful and intellectual.

It was March of that year when Puerto Rico received waves of media and fans of the salsa movement and their representatives, who from different parts of the planet attended the “National Salsa Day” organized by the Z-93 radio company.

The festivities begin in the days before the central (usually the third Sunday of the month) and for the past year, Choco Orta took advantage of the occasion and captivated the attendance of the dance of its 30th Anniversary in The Latin Roots, a local located in El Viejo San Juan.

The presence in Puerto Rico of José Alberto “El Canario”, one of the guests of the National Day, made possible the recording in the studios of Maestro Ángel “Cucco” Peña of the song “Sé Que Tú”, an event to which a good part of the international press had access.

Lino Iglesias, Choco’s friend and ad honorem advisor, composed the song “Choco Orta: 30 Años De Sentimiento Y Sabor”, a musical portrait of The Queen of Flavor is recorded before her trip to Cuba with the purpose of recording the songs “Canta Choco Canta” by the Cuban singer-songwriter living in Puerto Rico Juan José “Juanchi” Hernández and the bolero “Miénteme” (“Chamaco” Domínguez) under the arrangements of the Cuban guitarist and composer Reinaldo “Rey” Montesinos Muñoz and a pleiad of musicians from La Isla Mayor.

He includes in this production a theme of his own authorship and that he interprets together with Ismael “Maelo” Ruiz; by the way, a theme of the daily life and of necessary listening and analysis. Finally, he closes his production with the invitation of his musical brother, the great Herman Olivera, with whom he performs the song “Otro Amor”.

The production, although it should have been published at the end of last year, only saw the light in March of this year due to the circumstances that were lived after the passage of the hurricanes Irma and Maria (of this last one especially), that paralyzed all type of activity in Puerto Rico.

Weeks prior to this natural phenomenon, Choco Orta performed under the concept of The Last Fania Legends, which brought together in a much-applauded concert the still existing and former members of the Fania Machinery with a group of renowned guest musicians and singers, a concert of approximately four hours made the Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum in Bayamón vibrate. For this show, Choco Orta paid a well-deserved tribute to Queen Rumba Celia Cruz, through three of her popular songs: Kimbara, Yerbero Moderno, and Bemba Colorá, whose performance brought the respectable audience to its feet.

To round out the faena, cutting “tail and ear”, Choco Orta joined the legendary duo Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, interpreting with them in a majestic way the theme “Cuando Me Digas Si”.

We return then to the launch of their recent production, the same one that is of great acceptance in Puerto Rico; Colombia, Peru, New York, and other countries and cities that pride themselves in being salsa musicians. He has been positioning himself with several of the themes that integrate this production, especially “Choco Orta: 30 Años De Sentimiento Y Sabor”, “Te Perdí La Fe” and “Otro Amor”.

It is also necessary to highlight the facet of Choco Orta as a woman who fights for the interests of her country and for a greater presence of women in the music industry; this through panels and talks in academic spaces and by sponsoring and promoting attendance at vegetarian and vegan restaurants, as well as diverse businesses.

We celebrate the trajectory of this great representative of Puerto Rican culture and her musical trail, which has been captured in acclaimed productions of her own and prestigious collaborations. The maturity is notorious and the feeling and flavor has also aged. Congratulations because we need and will have Choco for a while, we are sure of that.

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