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Interviews

Freddy Sánchez one of the musicians with the greatest trajectory and hierarchy in Venezuela

In 1994, he participated for the first time in a group called “Sentir Caribeño”, from Mariara, Carabobo State.

Greetings my salsa people, here again with you, wishing you the best. First of all, lots of health, prosperity and optimism from your friend professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez, who, through International Salsa Magazine and www.SalsaGoogle.com, presents you in this opportunity to: Freddy Sanchez bastion of this genre that we are so passionate about, for your delight Enjoy them.

“You must always remember that to be a good musician you have to maintain three fundamental elements, such as: discipline, responsibility and respect … Many do not understand that.”

These recommendations come from perhaps one of the musicians with the greatest trajectory and hierarchy in Venezuela, such as: Freddy Alí Sánchez Carvallo, born on November 9, with his musical beginnings at 15 years of age.

In 1994, he participated for the first time in a group called “Sentir Caribeño”, from Mariara, Carabobo state, playing bass; He continued his musical career with the “Mangüe” orchestra of Maracay, Aragua state and from there he went to the “Alteración” orchestra, then to the Sonostars de Mañito Junior, having the privilege of accompanying Yolandita Rivera and Luigi Texidor.

Freddy Sanchez bastion of this genre that we are so passionate about.
Freddy Sanchez one of the musicians with the greatest trajectory and hierarchy in Venezuela.

In 1999, he was called by the “Latin Dimension”, remaining in it for about 6 years.

At the same time, at the beginning of 2000, he participated in the orchestras of: Hildemaro, Erick Franchesky, Magia Caribeña, Puerto Rico es Salsa, Pasión Juvenil, Porfi Jiménez and Francisco Pacheco y la Pueblo de el.

Freddy, have you accompanied international artists?

Of course, Professor Carlos, thank God I have had the honor of playing for: Andy Montañez, Henry Fiol, Junior González, Domingo Quiñónez, José Alberto “El Canario”, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Wichy Camacho, Tony Vega, Willie González , Tito Gómez, Cano Estremera, Pedro Arroyo, Gabino Pampini, among others.

And I understand that you directed the career of Venezuelan musicians?

That’s right, my friend, I was the manager of Jimmy “El León” until 2005, when I joined the Oscar D’León orchestra “El Sonero del Mundo”, until 2013, visiting more than 32 countries.

And “Son Colón”?

Professor Carlos, in 2010, I founded “La Orquesta Son Colón”, with which I have accompanied figures such as: Joseph Amado, Rodrigo Mendoza, Hildemaro, Erick Franchesky, Paquito Barón, Néstor Rivero, Oscar Arriaga, Wílmer Lozano, Frederick El Coco, Wílmer Cano, Éukaris, Wiwi Buznego and Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”.

told us that the second production of the "Orquesta Son Colón" is well underway and that the promotional "El Monstruo de la Calle
“The Son Colón Orchestra”. Founded in 2010

It should be noted that Freddy Sánchez is currently the musical director of the “Orquesta de Porfi Jiménez” and also tells us that in 2019, he participated with the orchestras “Los Melódicos” and “Billos Caracas Boys Internacional” of Amable Frómeta.

–Master Freddy, honestly, let me congratulate you for this trajectory that you have.

Apart from being a bass player, do you stand out with other instruments?

In addition to being a performing bassist, both for the baby and the chest, I am also a trombonist, arranger, director and music producer.

In Colombia I directed “La Sonora Matancera Internacional Siglo XXI” and I had the great experience, being very young, of accompanying, when I was only 21 years old, the legend of the Venezuelan salsa, Orlando José Castillo “Watussi”.

Likewise, I formed the staff of “Albóndiga y la Pandilla de él, being the arranger of some of his songs together with David González and where Gustavo Gerardo and Rodrigo Mendoza vocalized.

-Freddy, from what you have told us, your career is quite broad, what can you add to us? Ok teacher, I’m remembering that I was also in the ranks of “Osuna Banda Show” and “La Bigband de San Agustín”.

Now, Freddy, where did you acquire your musical knowledge and of course your studies?

My friend, I practically studied alone. My uncle Elías Sánchez taught me the figures and I went that way, my story is very particular, my father showed me the bass notes and how it was played, since he is a guitarist, also my relatives, most of them are musicians and being next to of the braves of the time, I was learning and trying to get a sound out of the bass, but I never had a teacher, or anything ”.

Freddy told us that at 17 years of age he had already made his first musical arrangement and by asking Mañito Junior, he learned what harmony was; with the musician Pastor Rodríguez (Q.E.P.D.), regarding the reading of sheet music and with the teacher Gilberto Riera, also deceased, he explained to her how he should maintain the swing when there were percussion solos.

Oh and another musician, known as “Lopecito”, recommended that it is necessary to listen to music, because everything is not reading, but you had to read. Regarding the future projects of today’s guest in “Salsa Escrita”, through International Salsa Magazine, he told us that the second production of the “Orquesta Son Colón” is well advanced and the promotional “El Monstruo de la Calle ”, ”, Is already playing on radio stations and additionally on this album, national artists will be recording as special guests.

Likewise, “La Orquesta Son Colón” will be accompanying vocalist Joseph Amado again in 2020, in his second symphonic concert at the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, in the middle of the year.

"I would like to say to musicians who are starting out in these times, never forget where you came from and what you were, and keep humility first and foremost.
Willie Colon “El Malo del Bronx y Freddy Sánchez

Finally, we asked Freddy Sánchez for some recommendations, as well as those made at the beginning of this review, for the new generations and he literally told us: “I would like to tell the musicians who are starting in these times, never forget where they came from and what that they were, and keep humility above all else, always thanking the opportunities given and do not forget that music is not a competition, because there is always someone who can be beyond you today and here tomorrow ”.

Finally, we would also like to add the following: “music must be learned daily, as it is an infinite world much adored and which is part of our lives.”

Humility and perseverance will make us great in every way. Congratulations Freddy Sánchez and we hope you continue to achieve success, inside and outside our country with your master’s degree.

Facebook: Freddy Sánchez 

By: Carlos Colmenárez Correspondent in Venezuela

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OMAR LEDEZMA JR.

From The Venezuelan Melody To The Caribbean Rhythm

Omar Ledezma Jr. with percussion plate
“I define myself as a Venezuelan.” Omar Ledezma Jr.

Portentous percussionist and surprising Venezuelan singer. Musician trained at the prestigious Berklee University in Boston (US). Winner of a Grammy Award. His lifestyle is characterized by national and international performances, collaborations, compositions, and tours. Familiar, fearless, personable, and cheerful. This is how Omar Ledezma Jr. presents us his life.

He was born in the mountainous valley of Caracas (Venezuela) west of the city in the La Candelaria parish in the summer of 1972 at the height of the Salsa. From seven years old he briefly began his musical studies on the Piano at the prominent Yamaha school.

At the age of thirteen, he returned to music again, but this time playing percussion instruments in a “war band” at Claret school, one of the most recognized educational institutions in the Venezuelan capital.

At 16 years old he already formed his first Merengue and Salsa group together with his first musical friends.

At this dizzying pace, Omar began to take an interest in the Gaitas (traditional holiday music from this Latin American country) and began his foray into this genre. In 1991 he obtained his first prize, third place in the Pupitres y Gaitas contest on behalf of the Claret school. “When I started to grow up I was interested in drums. I awoke an interest in the Gaitas festivals… In fact, the Venezuelan rhythm has marked my life as a musician”. Omar commented.

At the age of 17, this percussion player began his university studies in Law at the Faculty of Law of the Santa María University in the middle of a troubled city and in search of knowledge about how society worked. Omar Jr. adds: “Already in the first year of Law I knew that in Venezuela we had a great root in Roman Rights and modern laws, but those laws were not applied. And that worried me“.

At the same time, Omar continued his music studies but this time with his related instrument, the percussion. To achieve mastery, he obtained classes with the Venezuelan teachers Rubén García with whom he is currently collaborating on some projects in Uruguay. He also got instruction from the musical director from the popular area of ​​San Agustín in Sarria (Caracas), Jorge Orta “CroCro” who currently resides in the United States and the founder of the Orquesta CroCro y su Tumbaka.

Years later, and with experience acquired in presentations, and groups, Omar Jr. met his first mentor, Aquiles Baez, a famous Venezuelan artist, guitar virtuoso. Together with Aquiles, he made his first international tour of the United States. “With Aquiles, I had the pleasure of playing Venezuelan music. We play with many artists in the United States… Thanks to him I developed percussion (Non-autochthonous element) in Venezuelan music”. Ledezma Jr. commented.

In 1995 and with a law degree, he decided to dedicate himself to music professionally. He works hand in hand with consolidated national artists such as Daniel Somaroo, Carlos Puchi, Gerardo Rosales, just as his popularity begins and therefore his foray into studio album recordings.

Five years later, one of the most important phone calls arrived and the one that would turn his life upside down. Omar receives the call from Andy Vargas, the singer of the famous Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana. Vargas invited him to participate in his first residency at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas (Nevada), doing a show every half hour starting at six in the afternoon in the renowned bar of those facilities. This residency gave him many satisfactions and multiple experiences during his four years there.

Between these touches in Las Vegas, his second chance arises on the phone again, this time by the hand of the Venezuelan artist Jackeline Rago. Both worked for a season in a school program with the San Francisco Symphony.

All these experiences led him to be part of one of the most prominent local orchestras on the international rise of the San Francisco City (USA), the Pacific Mambo Orchestra for a decade.

In addition, Omar offers weekly personalized percussion training classes and works with various local organizations such as the San Francisco Ballet and the Community Music Center.

This cheerful and outstanding percussionist will soon surprise us with unpublished material in the dance genre. It will be two singles making his debut in the art world as a singer-songwriter, and you can enjoy it on his YouTube channel that he reactivated in December 2020.

OMAR LEDEZMA JR. & PACIFIC MAMBO ORCHESTRA

Omar Ledezma Jr. dancing with Sheila E.
Omar dancing with Sheila E. at the live concert at Stern Grove (San Francisco) in 2017

In 2011, the Grammy Award winner, Omar Ledezma Jr., is part of the most ambitious project of his life, the Pacific Mambo Orchestra (PMO), after moving to the fourth most populous city in the state of California (USA) and most receptive with Latino musicians, San Francisco.

It has been ten uninterrupted years in which Omar has gone from playing the conga to being the singer of the orchestra and is currently developing as the official timpanist of PMO, once that Karl Perazzo (Carlos Santana´s timpanist) left the big band. “Eventually he told me that is yours… I appreciate that opportunity because the Grammy has already come; many satisfactions and a lot of work have come as well”. Omar explained to us.

As time passed, they achieved a characteristic sound. And with it begin the recording of their self-titled album. Ledezma details us: “The band began to become popular on Monday nights, and we began to charge the entrance fee of 5, 10, 20, 30 dollars. Then we started on Saturdays with a lot of receptivity”.

In 2013 they won their first Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album and embarked on their first national tour for 30 days accompanying Latin artists Marlon Rosado and Tito Puente Jr. They toured the stages of Indiana, Arizona, and Oregon ending in California. The first international tour was held in Mexico and the second at the Montreux Festival in Switzerland.

After the Grammy and his tour, the second Pacific Mambo Orchestra album was on its way but this time recorded live at Stern Grove (San Francisco) in 2017. Here, Omar had outstanding participation with the queen of percussion, Sheila E. During the song Ran kan kan Omar Jr. & Sheila E.  made a kettledrum war. He adds: “It was nice playing with her, watching her perform, and playing her music”.

This international orchestra made up of 20 musicians began rehearsals for the rhythm section on May 1 after a year and a half of not seeing each other. Before the end of 2021, they will make streaming where they will play original music such as PMO Intro, Muévete con Prisa, and Mr. B’s Mambo, among many others.

THE MUSIC RUNS THROUGH YOUR VEINS

Omar Ledezma Jr. Sitting
Omar and Cro Cro worked together in the band of José Alberto “El Canario” in performances in the United States before the pandemic.

His lineage confirms his musical streak. The Big Bands were always his great curiosity, and Glenn Miller’s orchestra his greatest ambition.

His father and his grandfather are musicians. His grandfather Rafael Isidro Ledezma “El Negro” was a renowned Orchestra conductor of the El Tigre city in Venezuela.

As an only child, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather. He developed himself professionally in music.

In 1995 he belonged for a few months to the Venezuelan super band Guaco in the Salsa project directed by Gustavo Aguado at La Cantina located in Las Mercedes in the Venezuelan capital. “I learned as much as I learned at Berklee”. Omar commented.

Among so many things learned, the main and undoubtedly important were: being a music lover, having discipline, developing creativity, and cultivating friendship.

The last tour in Venezuela that Ledezma carried out with the Gonzalo Grau quintet (with whom he obtained his first Grammy nomination) was 20 years ago at the Teresa Carreño Theater as the opening act for Pablo Milanés.

 If I had children I would like them to follow their steps along with mine.” Omar Ledezma Jr.

YOUR WAY TO BERKLEE

 Omar Ledezma Jr. playing percussion
Omar first led a music trio and then established a Salsa band in a venue very close to the school.

During a trip to Boston, Ledezma visited Berklee University for the first time in the summer of 1998. Through brochures, he learned that he had the necessary conditions to apply for a scholarship at this important school, and immediately did so without distraction. “Many said you couldn’t and I’m the one who thinks you don’t lose anything by trying”. Omar said.

He got going and sent in a demo to schedule an audition. That presentation was a success and he was accepted right away as one of the graduates of this prestigious institution. It took him a year to move to Boston and began his studies in the fall of 1999. The first years were emotionally hard due to the death of his second mother.

But he knew how to recover and move on. He worked very hard for six years to finish paying for school in 2002.

He obtained a Diploma in Performance. During the five years of study, he learned the four harmonies, arrangements, and composition. Also, in percussion, he developed skills in drums, Latin percussion, and vibraphone.

I still feel like my career is just beginning.” Omar Ledezma Jr.

SalsaGoogle.com is International Salsa Magazine

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Katherinne Motta better known as DJ Katha Motta, salsa vinyl collector.

With her good musical taste, her great energy, exuberant beauty and sympathy, she has been infecting the hearts of salseros in Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia with her good taste in music.

On this occasion, the pages of International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com are graced by our very special guest, the beautiful Katherinne Motta better known as DJ Katha Motta, collector of salsa vinyls, who has been infecting us with her good musical taste, her great energy, exuberant beauty and sympathy to the salsa hearts in Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia.

Born on December 1st in Bogota – Colombia and based in Miami, Florida in the United States, she has been doing an admirable job with her professionalism, talent, original style, versatility, sympathy, connection with the music lovers, dancers and followers; being some of the reasons to be with you today in the only salsa magazine in the world.

Welcome DJ Katha Motta to our edition of the month, for us, it is a satisfaction to talk with you…

Thank you very much Carlos, for your invitation and taking me into account for this interview so I can share and publicize my work as a DJ through International Salsa Magazine and wwwsalsagoogle.com, with all those beautiful and rumbera people, who are your faithful followers and readers around the world.

has been infecting salsa hearts in Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia with her good musical taste, great energy, exuberant beauty and sympathy.
Katherinne Motta better known as DJ Katha Motta

Very well Katha, tell us how were your beginnings in this professional DJ career?

Friend Carlos Colmenárez, well let me tell you that I started on August 26, 2017, in the city of Asheville North Carolina as a professional DJ and I have been participating since then in 5 states of the country, also in Peru in events and concerts of music lovers and collectors, but lately I have been developing my work in Atlanta GA, city that has given me affection to this day.

Excellent, by the way Katha, before continuing with the musical part; tell us if you have any hobbies or do you dedicate yourself to other things?

Yes, Carlos I am passionate about martial arts, photography, the natural environment, sharing with family, obviously dancing and somehow I have learned to value art and life…!

I fell in love with salsa after being locked in the genres of rock, ballads and some heavy metal.
At the age of 18, I only frequented salsa places because it brought me joy.

Your taste for salsa begins since when Katha?

My love for salsa began at the age of 16 when I started to enjoy family parties and I realized that the salsa genre called my attention more than the others. At the age of 18 I only frequented salsa places because it generated joy, feeling and flavor.

Does that give us to understand that you fell in love with salsa?

Yes, yes my friend Carlos, I fell in love with salsa after being locked in the genres of rock, ballads and some heavy metal, although, I still carry these genres in my heart I stayed with salsa because it is a genre that you can enjoy with a glass of wine, dancing, it is too versatile which for me makes the perfect combination. I think I am a proof that it is possible to be a passionate salsa dancer at an adult age.

And weren’t you influenced by your parents or friends to have that taste for salsa?

I remember that since I was a little girl I have been very curious about music, I remember that since I was a child I would take the tape recorder and the cassettes that my parents had recorded from the radio and I would write the names and artists in a notebook.

Very good DJ Katha and as for your taste for vinyls what can you tell us?

Prof. Carlos, when I started working, I started buying CDS and some vinyls, I demanded much more in my work as a DJ because I always want to give the best of me, I also enjoy learning and finding exquisite tunes from collections that are not very well known. Currently I keep buying vinyl for the love of music, the thirst to learn, enjoy the contact of the needle and the vinyl is magical and it is also satisfying to support new artists.  I think it is important to have the habit of giving that value to what we are so passionate about and contribute to the genre.

Which of the rhythms or styles of salsa are your favorites?

It is difficult to find favorites in this genre, when you fall in love with many artists who left their mark and continue to do so, but I think my personal taste is more for son montuno, guajiras and when I program for the dance floor I really like guaguancó, timba and salsa dura.

I have had the honor of alternating with: Chamaco Rivera, Bobby Valentín, Roberto Lugo, Roberto Blades, Papo Cocote, Andrecito Carabali
Katherinne Motta better known as DJ Katha Motta

DJ Katha Motta, we want to know in which places have you been working lately?

Well, let me tell you Carlos that I have been working and making all the dancers in the following cities enjoy:

Asheville NC, Charlotte NC, Greensboro NC Atlanta GA, Athen GA, Greenville SC, Pompano Beach FL, Margaret Fl, Los Angeles CA, Dallas TX, Knoxville TN and many, many more, and as for places where I have participated in vinyl collectors meetings, Orlando FL and Lima Peru.

By the way DJ Katha Motta, with which figures of our Afro-Caribbean music, have you shared the stage?

Carlos, I have had the honor of playing with: Chamaco Rivera, Bobby Valentin, Roberto Lugo, Roberto Blades among others, dear friend.

Perfect, Katha, can you tell us, what have been your latest and upcoming DJ sets for events?

Let me tell you Carlos, that on May 8th I was at the ”Mother’s Day weekend edition” (Noche caliente Latin Night) in Dunwoody, GA; last April 10th at the (Salsa al parque Miami number 3) in Hialeah Fl, May 29th at the ”Rumba salsera” event in Pembroke Pines Fl, among others…and I will be ”Celebrating fathers day” on Saturday June 26th in Greenville SC, alternating with Roberto Blades.

Your social networks Katha, so that music lovers and dancers can follow you?

You can find me as :FanPage Facebook: DjKathaMotta.Facebook Personal: KathaMotta.

Instagram:DjKathaMotta.Youtube:DjKathaMotta.https://Youtube.com/channel/UCSmpDKa1HyMcC4KsBVUpMtA. Twitter: Dj KathaMotta @djKathaMotta.

Thank you very much Dj Katha Motta for accepting our invitation to international salsa Magazine, www.Salsagoogle.com, for us it has been a great honor to have you as a guest and we hope you continue with such professionalism and dedication to the salsa genre and enjoy your “temotas” as you rightly present them in your work and transmissions. We send you a big kiss and a virtual hug with many blessings.

Thank you very much, my friend Carlos Colmenárez, you are a sun…! Let me tell you that the honor is mine and you have selected me to be with you in the “only salsa magazine in the world…!” I would also like to thank all your editors and directors for this high privilege. I will always be at your disposal to share experiences, good salsa and sincere friendship. With love and appreciation your friend Dj Katha Motta…!

By: Carlos Colmenárez Correspondent in Venezuela

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Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”.

Restarting again our usual reviews, this time we return with a special guest, the virtuous and spectacular Venezuelan percussionist Gerson Aranda, who kindly gave us this interview from the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he is currently based.

 

Gerson Aranda Rodil was born on March 8, 1973, in the Concepción Palacios maternity hospital in the parish of San Juan, Caracas.

He is the son of Pedro Aranda and Ana Teresa Rodil. Gerson, welcome to the salsa column that is currently at the forefront of Afro-Caribbean music worldwide and in which our Venezuelan musicians make themselves known, project themselves and share their artistic life with our regular readers.

To begin with, we want to know how did you get started in music and who were your mentors? -Thank you Professor Carlos Colmenárez for this opportunity that you give me to share with my dear brothers from my country and other countries around the world. Well, I have been a musician since I can remember, thanks to my parents, brothers, cousins and uncles.

Since I was very young, my father Pedro Aranda, was the founder of the Sonero Clasico del Caribe, who recorded the first two productions of this famous group, which celebrated my birthday, since my father always brought them to my house.

I was raised in the parish of Catia, in Cútira and well, the whole neighborhood would come into my home to listen to the famous Sonero Clásico, and they would listen to the songs: Carmelina, Papá Montero, El enterrador and many more.

Well, since I was a child I had an interest in music, because at home they used to play those rumbas and I had the desire to play the congas and bongo.

Gerson Aranda Rodil was born on March 8, 1973, at the Concepción Palacios maternity hospital in the parish of San Juan, Caracas.
Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”

But there was a tres player, a great friend of the family, who met a lot with my father, who was also a tres player, bassist and guitarist; then he saw my interest in percussion and took me to the Sarría school of the maestro Orlando Poleo, who saw me playing despite my young age, he told the tres player René Zambrano, let him always come, because he has interest and conditions and that’s when things started.

At that time those greats like Gerardo Rosales, José Martínez Viruta, Willian Troconis, Wladimir Rivero, Miguelito Urbina were studying and well in that concern I began to study theory and solfeggio with Professor Carlos Ramírez, in the “Tucosan” school and then I studied percussion with Professor Jesús Blanco, known as “El Totoño”. From there my musical career practically began and at the age of 13 I started playing professionally with “El Trabuco Venezolano”, Swing y Color, Magia Caribeña, Hildemaro, Trina Medina, Grupo Repicao, Los Incorregibles, Pasión Juvenil, Grupo Mango and many more orchestras.

Gerson, I understand that you accompanied Soledad Bravo musically and performed advertising jingles? Indeed Professor Carlos, I had the joy of playing with her and toured the world and let me tell you that at that time I did advertising jingles for products on television and radio.

-Gerson, you are known as “La Tabla”, referring also to your hard hands to play the tumbadoras with very accurate hits.

I was raised in the parish of Catia, in Cútira, and well, the whole neighborhood would come into my home to listen to the famous Sonero Clásico, and they would listen to the songs: Carmelina, Papá Montero, El enterrador and many others.
Gerson, you are known as “La Tabla”, referring also to your hard hands to execute the tumbadoras with very accurate blows.

Now then, tell us, which international artists have you accompanied? Well my friend Carlos, I had the honor of accompanying Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Luigi Texidor, Junior González, Larry Harlow, Marvin Santiago, Willie Colón; among many; thanks to the fact that Naty and his Orchestra and Magia Caribeña, were the base orchestras for those artists.

I also played with Silva and Guerra, of Mauricio and Manuel. Hey Carlos, I also accompanied Justo Betancourt, Adalberto Santiago, Ismael Miranda, Andy Montañez, Jhonny Pacheco y Casanova, Pete Conde Rodríguez and others.

Gerson, what are your current projects in Argentina? -Carlitos, in Argentina I am well thank God, because I have a big band called “La Salsa Brava”, I play a lot and now with the problems with the COVID-19, everything is paralyzed, but I have been very active for three years in all the “boliches”, name given to the night clubs and I have accompanied Los Adolescentes, Rey Ruiz, Charlie Sepúlveda, Jimmy El León, Charlie Aponte, among many others.

My band is made up of Venezuelan, Argentinean, Colombian and Cuban musicians. I have earned respect and they call me “maestro”; I am also giving classes to advanced percussionists, with techniques of different genres and rhythms, unknown to them, since here what is known is the Cuban timba and salsa brava.

Excellent Gerson, apart from the full band, do you have other smaller formats? Yes, I have a sextet called “La Crisis”, because when there is not much money, we make it available and play music by Joe Cuba, Conjunto Libre and others. With “Salsa Brava” I am about to record my production, which I suspended due to my accident before coming to Buenos Aires and the other thing is that my comadre Indira Velasquez came over there and I made a Sonora Matancera format, which is called “Sonora Consoltura” and we have made several presentations and people are very happy with that genre, since they are getting to know what a pachanga, a danzón, among others, is.

Apart from that, I am also doing advertising jingles again. What can you tell us about the Tributo Orchestra and El Guajeo? -The thing about Tributo and Cheo, is that since I was very young I had the fortune that before Tributo and Bailatino existed, we formed the group “Repicao”, which was a school band formed by: Édgar Dolor Quijada, Tuky Torres, José Soto Mortadelo, Prisco Oropeza, Manuel Barrios, Cheo Navarro, Catú Rodríguez and myself, which we played emblematic themes and from here begins the affinity with Cheo and from there, then he arms Tributo and tells me to conform his staff, which was integrated by: Alberto Crespo, José Soto Mortadelo, Jhonny Rivero, Javier Vivas, Johán Muñoz, Eliel Rivero, Osquita, Marcial Istúriz, Édgar Dolor Quijada, Gonzalo Díaz, Rónald Gómez and my substitute is Miguel Urbina and we recorded several albums. They are my friends and we are still in contact, and with “El Guajeo”, the experience was wonderful with the great Alfredo Naranjo. Professor Carlos, I tell you in all honesty that the musical level in Venezuela is very superior and out of this world, with all due respect.

a tres player, a great friend of the family, who used to meet a lot with my father, who was also a tres player, bass player and guitarist.
Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”

-Gerson, who are the members of your band of musicians in Argentina? Professor Carlos, it is made up of A Barquisimetana named Lauremys Vanesa on trombone, Catalina Keiti (trombone), Luis Sulbarán (trumpet), Bruno Espinola (trumpet), Ángel Vargas (piano), Bernardo Vásquez (bass), Esteban Leandro “El Puca” (singer), Felipe Figueroa (singer), Deiby Bandre (bongo), Martín Barrera (congas) and me on timbales; It’s my orchestra called “La Salsa Brava”, here in Buenos Aires.

Your social networks? My social networks are: [email protected]. Instagram: Orquesta La Salsa Brava. Facebook: Gelson Aranda Musician. Cell: +54 911 36244963.

Well friend Gerson, for me it was a pleasure to have had you as the protagonist of this installment of Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto”, through International Salsa Magazine, www.salsagoogle.com and at the same time we wish you the greatest success and continue to represent us worthily outside our borders, giving “tabla” to percussion. Thank you professor and friend Carlos Colmenárez for this opportunity that you give to all the artists of Afro-Caribbean music to project us worldwide in your prestigious salsa column and may God bless and protect you greatly and you know that you count on your brother Gerson Aranda.

Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”
Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas” y su Sexteto

By: Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez  Correspondent in Venezuela for International Salsa Magazine

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NORA SUZUKI

32 Years After Her Debut In Salsa

Nora Suzuki singing
“The difficult thing was to get Latino to believe that Japanese are playing salsa. At first, no one believed me, so I had to sing and dance in front of them”. Nora Suzuki

She broke paradigms in Latin and Asian music in the late ‘80s. She founded the most famous Salsa orchestra in Japan (La Orquesta De La Luz). She paved the way for new generations of artists. She is an institution of Afro-Caribbean music in oriental culture. A leading woman, dreamer, charismatic, and enthusiastic… This is how Nora Suzuki presents her story.

This famous artist originally from Nakano-ku (Tokyo) did not always want to be a singer, at first Nora was inclined towards professional dance taking ballet classes at three years old, however, by then this young singing promise already had an unmatched vocal talent that couldn’t go unnoticed years later.

Her aptitude for the arts comes from her family because her grandfather was a master of drums and singing, her parents, although they are not professionals, continue to be excellent singers, her cousin is a music teacher, her brother is a fan of the English band, The Beatles, and finally, her son León (named so in honor of Venezuelan Salsa singer, Oscar D’ León) loves Japanese popular music right now, nevertheless, Nora hopes that one day he will succeed her as Salsero. As you can see, music runs through the veins of this successful international singer.

In the last year of Takashima High School in Tokyo (Japan) Nora’s track record of success began to be carved out. She started in an amateur rock band as the lead vocalist and developed her interest in R&B music. She sang in the ATOM band during her undergraduate career at Nihon University art of college. By then, the band had a percussionist (ex-leader of the Orquesta De La Luz) who loved Salsa and suggested to Suzuki that she study that Latin musical genre.

Nora Suzuki signing autographs
“Gracias Salseros” was released on the music market on August 20, 2019

“When I was 21, I visited New York for sightseeing and watched Oscar D’ Leon’s live at the Salsa Club. I was very impressed at that time and fell in love with Salsa. After that, a Salsa band called Orquesta del Sol was playing live in Tokyo, so I went to see that band. I was impressed that even Japanese people can play Salsa, so I decided to form La Orquesta De La Luz”. Nora explained in detail the idea that came up to create this famous Japanese Salsa Orchestra in 1984 and already graduated from university for that year.

For Suzuki, currently based in Tokyo, the last year (2020) was a year of changes: most of her concerts were postponed or canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but they were still able to perform live, and after the summer, they made several performances in their home city and other adjacent regions.

In the near future, the concert tour of Nora and La Orquesta de la Luz in America and Europe is a fact, as well as the fusion of modern elements such as Reggaeton inside Salsa in their new record productions.

HER PATH THROUGH SPANISH

Nora outdoors
“I have never felt discriminated while touring Latin America. I think it’s great!” Nora

For Nora, not everything was easy when she began her career in Latin music. At first, it was difficult for her to speak Spanish due to the pronunciation of the consonants “R” and “L”. Since there isn’t distinction in the phonetics of both letters in the Japanese language, however, this successful singer never occurred to sing Salsa in another language. “I tried very hard to pronounce it right… Now I have original Salsa song with Japanese lyrics”. The artist commented.

This charismatic singer-songwriter on her path through Spanish first caught the sounds in the katakana alphabet. Then, she studied Spanish grammar in courses broadcast on television and radio.

The lyrics of her songs are composed by her using words she knows, reading dictionaries, and example sentences carefully. Once the lyrics are made, they are reviewed by one of her friends of Latin descent.

 Now I can understand Spanish a lot. If you speak slowly, I can understand the rough meaning”.

NORA SUZUKI & LA ORQUESTA DE LA LUZ

This prestigious artist, who has captivated millions of people with her talent on three continents, was always persevering and disciplined. She formed La Orquesta De La Luz in the early ‘80s and later made a demo for their international performance. Three years later, with her savings, Nora toured three countries on the American continent: Panama, Puerto Rico, and New York.

Panama was the first country that set foot in search of being heard by Latinos. “I was very excited because I was able to appear on the radio and TV show, and the audience was very excited about my singing”. Nora commented.

Then she visited Puerto Rico and New York. Nora adds: “At first, I went to see Ralph Mercado, but unfortunately he didn’t listen to the demo tape. I was very depressed but didn’t want to give up, so I next met Richie Bonilla, and he was able to listen to the tape and could believe my story”.

Orquesta de la Luz in concert
“Some members understand Spanish a little, but most of them don’t speak it”. Nora Suzuki

After overcoming some obstacles, in 1989, they debuted as a world-famous Salsa band with their first concert tour in New York, thanks to the promotion of Bonilla, who currently continues to be her manager and the orchestra.

Eight years of resounding success on three continents and especially in Japan made each member of the band so popular that by 1997 it was impossible to match the schedule of each member, which caused the inevitable and regrettable breakup.

Five years later, specifically on January 16, 2002, Nora organized the World Peace Music Festival benefit concert due to the 911 incident in New York and return for the immense affection and support of Latinos in the United States. This concert was the catalyst for the reunion of La Orquesta de la Luz and by the beginning of 2021, the band has 23 countries already visited.

Recently, this famous star awarded the United Nations Peace Medal in 1993, together with the Orchestra, released the album “Gracias Salseros” in commemoration of their more than 30th anniversary. (This CD can be downloaded and listened to through the different digital platforms).

In the last 10 years, La Orquesta de la Luz has toured Japan twice and has participated in consecutive years in the Billboard Live in Tokyo and Osaka. You can also see them perform at local festivals, children’s schools, and through their official Facebook page with their live-streamed rehearsal videos that have a total of 9 000 000 views.

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.