• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

International Salsa Magazine

  • HOME
  • Previous editions
    • 2026
      • ISM / July 2026
      • ISM / June 2026
      • ISM / May 2026
      • ISM / April 2026
      • ISM / March 2026
      • ISM / February 2026
      • ISM / January 2026
    • 2025
      • ISM / December 2025
      • ISM / November 2025
      • ISM / October 2025
      • ISM / September 2025
      • ISM / August 2025
      • ISM / July 2025
      • ISM / June 2025
      • ISM / May2025
      • ISM / April 2025
      • ISM / March 2025
      • ISM / February 2025
      • ISM / January 2025
    • 2024
      • ISM / December 2024
      • ISM / November 2024
      • ISM / October 2024
      • ISM / September 2024
      • ISM / August 2024
      • ISM / July 2024
      • ISM / June 2024
      • ISM / May 2024
      • ISM / April 2024
      • ISM / March 2024
      • ISM / February 2024
      • ISM / January 2024
    • 2023
      • ISM / December 2023
      • ISM / November 2023
      • ISM / October 2023
      • ISM – September 2023
      • ISM – August 2023
      • ISM July 2023
      • ISM Edition June 2023
      • ISM – May 2023
      • ISM April 2023
      • ISM March 2023
      • ISM February 2023
      • ISM January 2023
    • 2022
      • ISM December 2022
      • ISM November 2022
      • ISM October 2022
      • ISM September 2022
      • ISM August 2022
      • ISM July 2022
      • ISM June 2022
      • ISM May 2022
      • ISM February 2022
      • ISM January 2022
    • 2021
      • ISM December 2021
      • ISM November 2021
      • ISM October – 2021
      • ISM September 2021
      • ISM August 2021
      • ISM July 2021
      • ISM May 2021
      • ISM April 2021
      • ISM June 2021
      • ISM March 2021
      • ISM February 2021
      • ISM January 2021
    • 2020
      • ISM December 2020
      • ISM November 2020
      • ISM October 2020
      • ISM September 2020
      • ISM August 2020
      • ISM July 2020
      • ISM June 2020
      • ISM May 2020
      • ISM April 2020
      • ISM March 2020
      • ISM February 2020
      • ISM January 2020
    • 2019
      • ISM December 2019
      • ISM November 2019
      • ISM October 2019
      • ISM Septembre 2019
      • ISM August 2019
      • ISM July 2019
      • ISM June 2019
      • ISM May 2019
      • ISM April 2019
      • ISM March 2019
      • ISM February 2019
      • ISM January 2019
    • 2018
      • ISM December 2018
      • ISM November 2018
      • ISM October 2018
      • ISM September 2018
      • ISM August 2018
      • ISM July 2018
      • ISM June 2018
      • ISM May 2018
      • ISM April 2018
      • ISM March 2018
      • ISM February 2018
      • ISM January 2018
    • 2017
      • ISM December 2017
      • ISM November 2017
      • ISM October 2017
      • ISM September 2017
      • ISM August 2017
      • ISM July 2017
      • ISM June 2017
      • ISM May 2017
      • ISM April 2017
      • ISM March 2017
      • ISM February 2017
      • ISM January 2017
    • 2016
      • ISM December 2016
      • ISM November 2016
      • ISM October 2016
      • ISM September 2016
  • Spanish
  • Download Salsa App
    • Android
    • Apple

Interviews

Know everything about Oscar Hernádez and Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Spanish Harlem Orchestra and its beginnings

Spanish Harlem
Logotype of Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Spanish Harlem Orchestra is for many one of the best Latin jazz and salsa bands in the world due to its long career, impressive relevance and numerous awards throughout its 19 years of existence. This Latin music orchestra based in the United States was created by producer Aaron Levinson and producer, composer and arranger Oscar Hernandez, who gave birth to a legendary group, which was Grammy winning twice and whose style has differentiated it from many others of its kind. 

It all started with a call from Levinson to Hernandez to offer him the opportunity to join an ambitious project he had in mind, which consisted of the creation of a Latin jazz orchestra with a very peculiar sound and style. The producer could not resist such a proposal, so he agreed to lend his talent to the nascent initiative. This is how they debuted their first album Un Gran Día en el Barrio in 2002, thanks to which they received their first Grammy nomination for Best Salsa Album. After their first singles, the new group began to garner major success and to offer great performances all over the world. 

One of the main objectives of the members of the band is to set for themselves is to keep salsa dura alive in order to be lasting and to reach as many lovers of good music as possible. This is how the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, or SHO as its fans affectionately call it, has managed to preserve the best of traditional salsa, but from a fresh and innovative perspective.   

Its centerpiece Oscar Hernandez 

This is Oscar Hernández
Oscar Hernández playing the piano

Its most famous member Oscar Hernandez got his taste for music in the vicinity of Harlem’s Latin Quarter, where he spent his early childhood that would mark his professional future. As a young boy of 12, he became a trumpet player, but it would not be long before he decided to switch to the piano. He spent much of his adolescence playing with many Latin Jazz artists of the time. One of those great stars with whom Hernández had the opportunity to explore his talents was Rubén Blades, for whom he worked as a producer, arranger and pianist. 

In the 90’s, the musician produced the album Dance City, for which he received good reviews in the New York Times and was called by singer and composer Paul Simon for his Broadway show. 

Today, we are fortunate to have the pleasant presence of Oscar Hernádez to tell us about his beginnings and the path he had to take to join the project for which he is best known today by many of his fans, Spanish Harlem Orchestra   

Mr. Hernandez, reading your story, we noticed that Spanish Harlem started with a call from Aaron Levinson in 2000, could you tell us a little about that? 

Aaron Levinson is the producer. I did not know him. I have to make it clear that he is not a musician, but a DJ with a lot of connections and was called to make a record with the Warner Bross label with a specific concept. They thought he was the right person for that. He called me to help him with the musical part. Everything related Spanish Harlem Orchestra I owe to him because that is how I joined the project. That was what had to happen in terms of my fate. That is how God told me to wake up and understand that this was what I had to do. Until such time, I had only been a producer, arranger and pianist, so Levinson came to me and I accepted. We talked about the tracks and he picked some that I did not want to do. To make a long story short, we recorded the album, but Warnes Bross said they did not want to release it, so they gave it back to Aaron. A year and a half later, he sold it to a small company whose owners were friends of his and it was nominated for a Grammy. Since then, I started with the orchestra in 2002. The orchestra is almost 20 years and has been a great blessing for me. It was intended that he called me to put my personal stamp on that record with my brain and my heart, so I could create all the music that I have made these 20 years. Aside from that, we have gotten incredible reviews all over the world and won three Grammys. People know how good the orchestra is and how good the concepts we have recorded are because it is all documented. Listen to any of the albums and you will immediately note our quality, integrity, professionalism and musical concept. Obviously, I have very good musicians helping me, but final decisions start and end with me.  

After you decided to carry out the project, how did you combine what you already had with Spanish Harlem Orchestra? 

It was a moment in time that things were changing. I did not have anything stable at that time, as I had just finished working with Paul Simon in a stage play which was quite a large process. I was freelancing, so I was working for whoever called me. The perfect time came when I had the chance to create the orchestra and it was not easy because I had no ambitions for a career as a bandleader. It was not something I wanted to do, but I had to learn a lot of things after I became one like dealing with people, with musicians and with situations that were not easy. During that process, I had to get rid of a lot of people because I realized that I had good intentions, but that is not enough. You have to have willpower and be clear about the concept musically and in terms of business. I always try to deal with musicians in the best way because I was one before anything else. I try to be transparent and understand all situations, but there are also selfish people who want to enjoy all the advantages for themselves and I am not in that plan. My plan is to look for what is in the best interest of all of us as a group. At my age, I do not have time for anything but high quality and professionalism. I lasted seven years with Ray Barreto and recorded six albums. I lasted 12 years with Rubén Blades and we also recorded six or seven albums. What do I say? I have already worked with many people like Juan Luis Guerra, Paul Simon and many others who have left an important mark on me as a musician and as a director.

Oscar with his piano
Oscar Hernández next to his piano

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you have learned from the artists you have worked with? 

I think all these people have love for music, which is the most important thing. I remember my times with Barreto, who listened to all the mixes we made and drove musicians crazy in search of perfection. Like Rubén Blades, who was a transparent person and always wanted to do his best as a musician. It is not just one thing I have learned, but several because they are all important. I believe that love, professionalism and willingness to work with musicians. I remember that Rubén was the bandleader, but he always considered our views as musicians. I was even the arranger and my musical value was respected from the beginning. I respect my musicians very much and I give them all the value they deserve. 

You told me earlier that you were on tour in New York. Could you tell us how it went? How did the audience respond? How did it feel to be back on stage after such a long time? 

It was incredible. Our first concert with the orchestra was in the very heart of of New York City on 42nd Street in Manhattan. There is a place called Brian Park and there were about 10,000 people there, as the event was free to the public. It filmed live and virtually streamed. I mentioned to the audience that this was the first time we played live and that we had only one rehearsal the day before. It was an amazing experience because I felt that musicians were in the best position to make a first-rate performance and they did. The audience warmly and gratefully applauded. When you do something all your life and suddenly it stops for a year and a half, you realize many things.   

What other events are you going to do? Are you planning on touring outside the United States? 

We are scheduled to have a tour in June in Europe, but it remains to be seen what will because COVID is still present and countries are evaluating how things are going to go in the next few months to specify dates and cities. In December, we will have four shows, two in Santa Fe, one in Albuquerque (California) and one in Costa Mesa (California). We are no longer touring as such, we are doing dates. It had been years since we have toured like we used to. The new album is done and sounds amazing. Last week, we were in New York finishing the vocals with the three singers, who are some of the best and it was a pleasure for me to share with them. They are clear that they have to do their part in what is going to be another great record.  

Oscar with his Grammy Award
Oscar Hernández with his Grammy Award

Questions from a lifelong admirer of Oscar Hernandez   

Augusto Felibertt, international director at International Salsa Magazine, professional DJ and collector, asked Oscar Hernandez some very interesting questions to learn more about his past as a musician.  

I want to know your feeling about your time with Grupo Libre de Manny Oquendo and Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino. 

Associating with Andy and Jerry Gonzalez was an incredible experience for me as a young musician in New York. They were an important part of my development. They were a little older than me, but I remember Andy came up tome and presented himself when I was playing with Ismael Miranda in a club. He told me it was nice to meet me and that we sounded great. Since then, we became friends and he invited me to his house. When I arrived, it turned out he lived with Jerry in an apartment below his father’s and had an incredible record collection. We would spend many hours listening to music I had never heard and arguing about musicians. We would debate about who was the most important, who else we liked. It was a very nice time from which Conjunto Libre de Manny Oquendo emerged. I was the founding pianist of the group that recorded the first three albums. The image of Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino also emerged. That group composed of of Andy, Jerry and René López became larger with other musicians who joined later such as Alfredo Chocolate Armenteros, Virgilio Martí, Heny Álvarez, Willie García, Milton Cardona, among others. There were so many musicians that the image of what a jam was (a spontaneous concert in which an artist or group performs before a small group of spectators) was expanded.  

Ray Barreto’s album Reconstrucción, a musical jewel for the salseros of the world. I want to know about your experience on that recording. 

Reconstrucción was one of the most important recordings of that time because the elements that Rey used to design the concept resulted in something incredible. I am very proud of that record with more than 40 years old. I was 25 years old when we made it and it went down in history. I am very grateful to Ray Barreto because he gave me the opportunity to work as a pianist and arranger on that recording. Even today, many musicians tell me that they listened to that album every day and were inspired by it.  

I would like to know about your time with Carabalí. 

Carabalí was the group of Raúl Primo Alomar, who was a conguero, and percussionist Rey Colón, who was a bongo player. They wanted to make a septet and called me to join as a producer. He was the producer of the two albums. I am very proud of that experience because I can be anywhere in the world and people still call me Carabalí wherever I go. Aris Martinez, the singer of the group, was about 20 years old at the time and I kept correcting him in the studio all the time. Nowadays I listen to him and he sings very well. However, it got to the point where we had a disagreement, so I left the group and wished them luck.   

You recorded an album entitled Como Nunca with Orlando Watussi, could you tell me a little about it? 

I do not remember much about the details, but Watussi has always been in the music business and has been considered one of the best singers. We don’t talk much, but he is a great person and a lifelong friend. That was a great opportunity for us and another example of how I have done my bit in the music scene with what I feel in my heart. 

Oscar Hernández with friends
Oscar Hernández, Rubén Blades, Eddie Montalvo, and Ralph Irizarry
Oscar Hernádez and his las recording
Oscar Hernández’s last recording entitled Visión

Link to Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s official website: https://www.spanishharlemorchestra.com/

Pianist Fadi Gaziri Debuts In Salsa Music With Cuba Classic

A Studio Album That Reflects The Multicultural Sound Of Western Europe And Latin America

Cuba Classic album cover with colored houses and a red car
Cuba Classic was released in August 2021

The son of medical parents and the grandson of a passionate pianist, Fadi Gaziri ventures into the Salsa world with the album Cuba Classic, independent record production in collaboration with his German colleague and great friend Fritz Wengler.

Cuba Classic fuses the incredible universe of emotions that classical music transmits with the passion, conventional melodies of Jazz, and the rhythmic base of the Caribbean that characterizes Latin culture.

“Arranging classical pieces to fit a Salsa vibe was surprisingly easy… The melodies can be rhythmically changed to suit the Latin vibe while keeping authenticity…” Voiced by the talented British pianist.

This masterpiece with hybrid two-language titles strikes a perfect balance between the original title of a classic work and the sensation of the indicated awakening of a Latin melody. “I always liked Salsa for its quality to make people dance, so naturally and with such confidence.

As for the music itself, I love the colorful brass arrangements and Latin percussion. It’s a lot of fun to listen to and to play… ”. Fadi indicated.

The 13 songs on the album are El Capo (Zarathustra, R. Strauss), 5 Sinfonía De Salsa (Beethoven’s 5th Symphony). “I had a lot of fun with this one. …The Reorganization, the phrasing, using repetitions, increases, and the complete brass arrangement to make it sound like a proper Cuban track”. Fadi added recalling his experience with the production of this theme.

The next track on the album is Mambo Loco Nórdico (Grieg’s Piano Concerto in LA minor), resembling Havana at its turbulent peak and with great determination. Continues, the fourth track Mambo Austriaco (Mozart – Symphony No. 40 and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik), and the exquisite mix of Calipso Alemán (Beethoven’s Symphony 9).

In addition, you will also find in Mambo Classic: G-String Bossa (Air on a G string, JS Bach), Salsa Húngara (Brahms Hungarian Rhapsody) thought for the Latin ballroom dance competition tracks, due to the grace of the exuberant exposure of the horns.

Funeral De Che Guevara (Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody in C sharp minor), Havanera (Carmen Bizet) is another of the themes that stand out on this album. “It was inspired by the character of Che Guevara and his revolutionary spirit. Along, with a trumpet blast from Mariachi… Fernando’s lyrics and voice also add to the overall feeling”. Gaziri commented to us.

Rumba Rusa (Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky), La Toccata Loca (Bach Toccata in D minor), Green Leaves (traditional Greensleeves), and finally the piece Lambada A La Luz De La Luna (Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven) beginning with the funeral march played with a trumpet solo intervened with a joyous lambada, ending in a Latin urban sound.

Fadi’s main idea with Mambo Classic is to simplify the music on this album for use in schools across the country and have children perform it by simply playing percussion with the backing tracks.

Similarly, Gazziri hopes to present this record production live in 2021 on the big stages of Berlin and the rest of Europe.

Why The Fusion Of Latin Rhythm With Classical Music?

Fadi Gaziri in black and white playing the piano
Fadi Gaziri can handle musical instruments alongside cinematographic elements, folk, and ambient electronic sounds

This talented artist since his return to Hamburg in 2017 has been involved in teaching music to children and teenagers in schools in this port city located in northern Germany.

Gaziri showed signs of concern every day as he observed his students’ reluctance to learn classical music, a feeling already developed as a famed behavior among young people today. But why don’t German students like to learn about their cultural heritage? The main reasons that Fadi realized were that his students were not motivated to continue with their studies due to the complexity of the music and the difficult handling of the instruments that did not allow them to master them quickly.

Realizing this, Gaziri began to devise the fusion of the Latin genre with classical music and thus seek to reverse the discouragement of his students. “I wanted children to learn classical music in a fun and interactive way. Something that would not take long to learn and that could involve all participants, regardless of their age, nationality, or musical ability. Most schools have Latin percussion that sits on the shelves and is rarely used.

So, I thought it would be a great idea to put in some classic melodies and accompany them with this Latin percussion. Wouldn’t it be fun and a good learning experience at the same time? Fadi told us.

Currently, this prodigious pianist is evaluating the possibility of continuing to teach in German schools full-time by 2022.

  • You Can Also Read: Mozart & Mambo

The Story Of Fadi Gaziri

Fadi Gaziri in his recording studio with pianos around
Fadi Gaziri played the piano first time at the North Pole in August 2021

Fadi Gaziri is a natural music producer and composer for audiovisual media, film, and theater. He was born in Moscow and began his musical studies of piano and violin at the famous Gnessin Music Academy.

At age 12, he moved to Sweden with his family and later to England (1998) where he continued his musical training.

This extraordinary producer studied Music Composition, Piano, and Languages ​​at Durham University in 2004 graduating with great honors and passing his ABRSM piano exams with distinction. Two years later he entered Bournemouth University to study for a Master’s in Film Composition.

That same year (2006) Fadi moved to Hamburg and started working on music for commercials, films, and sound branding. At the same time, he began touring the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Germany accelerating his musical career.

In 2014 Fadi released his first solo album titled Northern Lights, a mix of cinematic and folk sounds that he combines with electronic texture. He used his technological knowledge to loop while playing piano, violin, and adding subtle voices that he performed himself.

Over the next three years, Gaziri released his second EP “The Jump”, founded a music supervision company, and has been dealing with song placement, and licensing for film and television ever since. He assumed a permanent position as an in-house music producer at TUi Cruises in Berlin and composed, and arranged music for more than ten theatrical productions performed on board the ships.

Frequency 432 Hertz and what experts say on this issue

Some initial ideas about the frequency of 432 Hertz

The stress of daily life is extremely harmful to the health of any human being who gets it, so that is an issue that should be dealt with the seriousness it deserves. Fortunately, there is plenty we can do to combat this problem such as meditation, yoga or music. Concerning this last point, we can mention the frequency 432 Hertz, which has already been shown to have certain effects on sleep quality. There is still a lot of misinformation spread and incorrect data in respect of it, but here we will try to shed some light on this interesting topic. 

After a lot of research in this regard, it is already known that music can decrease the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which, in turn, results in a significant reduction in anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. In addition, muscles relax considerably and the mind is distracted from the frantic thoughts that does not let it rest. It is thought that this set of tones has sleep-inducing properties, but there is still a lot to discover about this. Some musicians only refer to this frequency as a  calm, soft tone. 

Some frequencies
Here are some musical frequencies

What is the tuning of 432 Hertz? 

The tuning of 432 Hertz is name after the 432 oscillations it produces per second. The sounds that comprise the frequency tend to be a little deep and the link of the harmonics is carried out to perfection.   

It can also be defined as a clean frequency that has been widely used to break down mental barriers and promote a much deeper and more restful rest. Its greatest proponents claim that this combination of sounds has the ability to synchronize with the Universe’s energies, leading to a much healthier life for those who listen it. 

Studies done on the frequency 432 Hertz 

The miraculous frequency or frequency of happiness as some call it, has been extensively studied by the Department Physiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, which was based on the hypothesis that the 432 Hertz frequency induces sleep and decreases REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase.   

According to the conclusions presented by the experts responsible for carrying out the experimentation necessary for the study, the tone showed promising effects on the electroencephalographic activity of the brain during a daytime nap period. The decrease in REM sleep latency suggests that the already mentioned musical frequency has a rather significant relaxation effect on a sleeping brain.  

a woman who sleeps
A lady who is sleeping

What the experts say 

To bring a clearer notion and a broader perspective on this topic, we have contacted M.D. Argelia Melet who is going to offer us her views on this frequency and the effects that it can have on those who ever listen to it. 

This is our conversation with her regarding this issue:  

What is the frequency 432 Hz? 

I would like to fisrt remember what a Hertz is, since the frequency 432 Hertz is expressed in that unitof measurement: A hertz is the frequency measurement unit of the electromagnetic field, including, of course, the acoustic one. These are waves that are propagated in space, carrying energy, but not matter. A Hertz measures how many times these waves repeat themselves in one second. So, then, the frequency 432 Hertz is nothing more than a 432-wave frequency in one second. In recent years, one issue that emerged among scholars of musicology, musicians, and academics who proposes 432 hertz as a frequency that is more “attuned ” to our physiological structure. Many people are in favour of this and also many others deny that there could be a difference. 

Having said this, the music industry uses the standard note A as tuning in the frequency of 440 hertz, but this was not always the case. Because it was in 1953 when the International Organization for Standardisation (known as ISO), imposed it as a pattern to tune and build most of the musical instruments. 

As for the frequency 432 Hertz, “it has been gaining popularity among the performers, because as it is played, it emits twelve harmonics, which involve the 12 notes of the chromatic scale. In the case of the frequency of 440 Hertz, it is although brighter, but involves only 8. Many early music interpreters, I among them, use the frequency 432 hertz. And the difference can be noticed” (personal communication). (*) 

What effects could you see? 

I am not an expert in music therapy, which has become a specialty discipline that includes many fields linked to the health profession and obviously much more to psychology and psychiatry.  But I have used certain Barroque pieces, particularly (Mozart, Pachelbel, Vivaldi) in some therapies known as “desensitization in fantasy”, which uses the patient’s imagination in a relaxed state to deal with situations that leads to anxiety with very good results. It has been successfully used in carcer patients or people with severe sickness to deal with these coplicated cases that create suffering.It is also used in pediatric dentistry and geriatrics. 

Differences between the Frequency 432 Hertz and others

I do not think I am capable of answering a question concerning a very specialized subject as is music …. Those who are in favour of the frequency 432 Hertz criticize the standard and explain that it increases tensions and fatigue in the listener. Instead, the frequency 432 Hertz can help to balance the mind causing further relaxation by listening to it and thus help to prevent future diseases. But controlled studies would be necessary to prove this statement. 

What kind of therapies with this frequency are used in people? 

Although I am not clear about this question, I assume that you are talking about which patients would benefit from these music therapies. At present, there is widespread use of music therapy (and I am talking about this and not about a particular frequency): its value in anxiety disorders, phobias, and dysfunctions such as attention deficit disorders is well known, and it is even starts being used in people with Alzheimer’s. Today, it is an important tool and it is believed that it will be useful in the future. There are even studies that link it to brain neuroplasticity. And here I would like to anwer tthe following question: yes, there are positive results in many areas of emotional, work, and social life. 

Would you recommend this therapy in insomnia and other sleep disorders? 

The question is whether I recommend it as a unique therapy or as a complementary therapy. In medicine you cannot act in a “religious” way and in this regard I mean discard any belief other than your own. Music therapy promotes relaxation, serenity, inner peace and, in that sense, it helps to reduce insomnia, nightmares or night terrors. But a lot of times, it will be necessary to combine it with other treatments. This always depends on the seriousness of the problem. 

As a doctor, would you consider that this frequency raises consciousness or achieves effects at levels higher than simply sleep improving? 

As to whether the frequency 432 Hertz raises consciousness, as the question puts it, I am not in a position to affirm or deny it. It may be necessary to specify that in our brain there are many types of waves of different frequencies.  

As to whether the frequency 432 Hertz raises consciousness, as the question puts it, I am not in a position to affirm or deny it. It may be necessary to specify that in our brain there are many types of waves of different frequencies. Brain waves regulate our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. They are measured in hertz or cycles per second and these electrical patterns are divided into five in human beings: gamma, beta, alpha, theta and delta.  For purposes of this presentation, I will just talk about alpha waves. The so-called Alpha waves predominate when the Central Nervous System is at rest, relaxed but awake and alert. If there is an alpha deficit, the individual has trouble relaxing. We would say that the brain is idling, relaxed and at rest, but ready for action if necessary at the same time. This frequency helps mental coordination, mind/body integration, calmness and alertness. Music therapy has been linked to the stimulation of alpha brain waves. 

However, we got a long way to go. The brain, the grand master of our lives, seems opposed to being discovered in all its magnificence. It is our “Moon’s far side”.  

(*) Professor Oscar Battaglini Suniaga. Msc in Musicology 

This is Dr. Argelia Melet
Psychiatrist Argelia Melet

What are the brain waves? 

As Dr. Melet has told us, brain waves play a fundamental role in the behavior of our brain and the way it works. Then we will classify brain waves according to their different types: 

  • Gamma: of all the types of brain waves, gamma brain waves are those that appear more frequently, but with a much smaller amplitude. Their most common presentation is 40 Hertz and it is believed that they are the waves that most relate to the process of conscious perception, although there is not yet wide agreement betwween scholars on the subject. 
  • Beta: these electromagnetic oscillations are those that are activated when the brain is in a certain kind of awareness in which a certain degree of attention is required, such as a speech delivered before an audience or a hard test. During this stage, waves have an greater frequency than the rest of its types. 
  • Alpha: these waves are usually more frequent than theta waves, but are related to a state of relaxation where the body has its eyes closed, but not asleep. They slow down when sleeping, but are altered when opening the eyes or thinking about doing it. 
  • Theta: Theta waves are generally associated with the early stages of sleep. Contrary to the case of beta waves, they make the body relax either when awake or when sleeping. 
  • Delta: these waves have an extremely low frequency, which means the brain is asleep and may even dream off in some cases.  there is potential for them appearing while in a coma or severe brain damage.
These are the brain waves
Classification of brain waves

Neurolinguistic programming and its use as a tool for mass manipulation 

It is the interchange of thoughts and habits through a set of techniques that involve perception and communication. It is also known as a branch of neuroscience that studies the connections between behavior, thought and language. There were many political personalities who saw huge potential in this tool and one of them was Josehp Goebbels, who soon found out that culture and language were two fundamental aspects in the achievement of his political objectives. 

It was this infamous character who gave rise to the study of what is now known as neuromarketing, in which seemingly insignificant details such as voice, tone, gestures, body language and even sounds are absolutely controlled. It is no coincidence that Goebbels took over German radio as a whole in order to monitor the programmes at will. Soon it becomes clear that the aim of this measure was not just to inform, but also to manipulate people’s thoughts and, as a reult, their way they talked and behaved in everyday life. 

One of the best examples was the installation of loudspeakers in various crowded public spaces such as squares or markets. As a result, those who were not attracted by the official programming ended up listening to it against their will. To that is added a loud siren that sounded each time there was an important announce to make, so everyone had to get closer to loudspeakers to hear what was being said. Anyone failling to do this was heavily criticized. 

The programming included Hitler’s speeches alternated with an set of cultural and cultural programs. There were not few state officials who insisted on the multiple mood benefits of listening to them, when the reality was that they sought to modify and manipulate people’s psyches by alternating musical pieces and sounds pleasant to the ear with the political statements they wanted to etch on the minds of citizens. Had the Nazi regime been pioneer in the use of certain sonic frequencies to generate reactions in brain waves? Had we ever been the victims of this type of manipulation without even noticing it? Only time and science will tell. 

Hitler and Goebbels
Joseph Goebbels, the man who took over German radio by order of Hitler

 

Broadcaster and event promoter Jesús “Chuy” Martínez’s life and career

Conversation with Jesús “Chuy Martínez

I had recently spoken with broadcaster and event promoter Jesús “Chuy” Martínez about his beginnings, career, experiences, unpublished facts and other details concerning his brilliant career in the entertainment world. Without further delay, we will carefully read his words and enjoy the stories he has to offer. 

This is jesús “Chuy Martínez
Jesús “Chuy” Martínez some years ago

Good morning, this is Karina Garcia, North America director for International Salsa Magazine. I am very happy today to have a very special guest, who is none other than broadcaster, promoter and organizer of events born in the Dominican Republic, specifically in the city of Pacheco, Jesus ¨Chuy¨ Martinez, with whom we will have the pleasure of talking. How are you today, Mr. Martinez?  

Very well. I am here ready for your interview. 

Okay, Mr. Martinez. You have a long and successful career in the world of the arts. Could you start telling us how it all started and what made you turn to the entertainment world? 

It all started in New York City in 1970 when I began to do activities in lakes. In New Jersey, there were many lakes and we started doing dances with Pete ¨el Conde¨ Rodriguez and many other orchestras. After doing a few activities in New York, I moved to the city of Los Angeles, where I worked for a radio station called 107.1 FM KMAX starting with two hours of tropical music and we lasted about three years. We started with two hours and then we had five hours per day. We were supported by some record labels that gave us all the music, especially Fania Records and TH Company. We brought all the music to Los Angeles, which was practically in its infancy. There was no tropical music. There were only three stations that were only dedicated to playing norteño music, so we were an option for the California audience. We had salsa, Merengue, Colombian, Venezuelan, New Yorker, and Puerto Rican music. We started the program with two hours a day, came to have five hours a day and it was a success for the public, but at that time, FM radio stations were only present in the houses. At that point, FM did not yet exist, which started appearing in cars and cassettes in 1979 or 1980. Prior to that, a thing called cartridge was used, but with the coming of FM stations in cars with cassettes, this frequency began to become stronger because people could still listen to the radio in their vehicles and homes. That was a process that in which made the radio strong and able to work with FM. I worked at KMX radio for about three years and then I went to other places like Radio Cali KLOVE as an account executive before I started a new program at KFOX 93.5 FM in 1982. At that time, we did activities in nightclubs like Virginia, Los Globos, Sombrero, among others, and we used the different orchestras of the time like the Siba orchestra and Azuquita Y Su Melao. All that was a process in the 70s. Then, we started in the 80’s to do FM radio with all the guarantee of the radio in the cars, which was when we began to work in discos like Candileja, La Bamba, and Escondite. Something important was the experience gained and, in view of my studies as a sound engineer, I learned a lot about equalization and all that stuff. I went to Cali, Colombia a few times and then to Venezuela, where I learned equalization and the system for discotheques. We had not only the 80’s, but many South Americans in Los Angeles like Venezuelans, Colombians, Ecuadorians, Peruvians, and Central Americans. Something that helped to internationalize the rhythm in Los Angeles was to take Saturdays and most Sundays to make projections at KFOX 93.5 FM. In the case of Saturdays, we had four hours of Central American music, we had a large audience of Salvadorans, Guatemalans, who listened to our program.   

Chuy Martínez interviewing
Jesús “Chuy” Martínez interviewing Oscar D’ León at Kfox 93.5 fm in 1990

All right. Taking into account the emergence of the FM frequency in cars, playback devices, the internet, and digital media, could you say that people like you have had to modernize and reinvent themselves to stay relevant in the market? 

That’s right. At the time of the existence of record companies like Fania, Sony, RMM, MP, everything was easy and everybody could project their music in the 80s and 90s. First, people used LPs and cassettes, but the first CDs began to appear in 1986, so no one wanted the old LPs and cassettes anymore. Music was played on the radio where I did my show and at KLOVE, where salsa artists like Grupo Niche with their song Cali Pachanguero were played. Then Marc Anthony and many other artists appeared, so record companies promoted you and you had the ease of projecting a singer, but by the year of 1996, people no longer wanted CDs because modern technology came in and everyone started downloading music with the new internet system. All of this has contributed to a total change and it is the same thing that exists now, which makes it difficult to project an orchestra or a soloist. There is no longer the question of radio promotion and now everything is digital, so we have had to adapt to the new technical internet system with all its means of communication. 

Would you consider that this new system has been beneficial to fans and detrimental to artists at the same time? 

That is right. They do not have the opportunities they had before. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, there were many record companies with which everyone could be promoted, facilitating the projection of an artist in the market quickly. Now it is different and a determining factor was the death of most of the good artists from Fania and other companies like Pacheco and Larry Harlow, so young people who want to project themselves do not have the record label and the CD. They have to use other methods such as the internet, the downloading songs, and the sale of songs. There are some DJs who are experts at downloading music and there are many channels focused on providing DJs with both video and audio. 

Poster announcing Oscar D' Leon and Grupo Niche's concert
Poster announcing Oscar D’ Leon and Grupo Niche’s concert at the Palladium Hollywood in 1987

There are many web portals dedicated to offering music through which people can get songs without even spending a cent, so the artist makes nothing to offer his art. 

That is true, but there are companies dedicated to selling songs on an individual basis. They can charge up to 99 cents per song and different things that have been invented. There are artists who gain some profit from selling their songs, but it is not what it used to be. In times gone by, people used to buy CDs, but now there are some DJs who are specialists in downloading music and connected to sites which offer the possibility to download videos and songs in exchange for a monthly allowance. I know about five DJs who have the ability to download songs, but it is not the same as before. We are in the year 2021 and things are not easy for new artists who are making themselves known because they no longer have so many benefits.  

Modern salsa and memorable experiences

What do you think of current salsa?  

There are quite a few orchestras here in Los Angeles, which perform at the Mayan, the Granada and Steve’s Steak House. There are many orchestras that project themselves through their performances, but with COVID-19, everything has gone way down in terms of concerts. We are doing concerts, but in a very limited way because the community had great fear of going to the venues, especially now that there is talk of the Delta variant. People are really scared and it is unbelievable what is going on in the California artistic scene, the world with the COVID problem and people’s fear of getting infected. That is why a large part of the population does not go to concerts, except for the youth that defies the moment and is not afraid. 

Poster made by KFOX 93.5 FM
Poster made by KFOX 93.5 FM, the radio station where Martínez worked

Could you tell me which venues are open for dancing salsa in Los Angeles? 

Granada, Steve’s Steak House and the Mayan are the most active for tropical music. The Mayan is hosting the largest number of concerts. Toño Rosario’s was a success and Jerry Rivera will come soon, so let’s see what happens. Other promoters are going to bring La Sonora Ponceña and different singers, but there is no certain that people will come for all that has happened. 

Could you tell me which is the most memorable experience you have had in your career? 

The most memorable experience was when Frankie Ruiz had a concert at the Bonaventure Hotel and the man went to jail the same day (laugh). That was the greatest trouble because there were so many people interested in seeing him and he never came. That was a really bad experience in life. I did a lot of dances with Oscar D’ León, Eddie Santiago, La Orquesta Inmensidad. The first time Grupo Niche came here in 1986, with whom we did dances with Oscar D’ León and La Misma Gente at the Hollywood Palladium. We also worked with Ray Barreto, Pastor López, Santiago Cerón, La Orquesta Inmensidad, Andy Montañéz, Lalo Rodríguez and many other artists. Before there were many orchestras in a single event, but now people get used to one orchestra and several DJs.  

A final message to those who go into the arts 

Tenacity and perseverance at work, Hard work, hard work, hard work. You should study the field when you want to do something, be sure that your idea is good and avoid failing.

Poster announcing Frankie Ruiz's concert
Poster announcing Frankie Ruiz’s concert at the Bonaventure Hotel in 1989

Website: Chuyradio.com 

Eliel Rivero, “The Shaman of the Trombone”

The versatility, trajectory, and professionalism of this musician and composer, born in the capital of Venezuela, make him one of the most important and sought-after salsa bastions in the country.

This time comes to Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto”, the outstanding trombonist Eliel Rivero Rivas, who was born on April 3, 1961, and already has an artistic life with more than 40 years; for this and many reasons, we bring to our readers a complete review about “El Chamán del Trombón”, as he is jokingly nicknamed by his musical friends.

Eliel, welcome to the salsa column, which is currently dedicated to providing information on the happenings of Afro-Caribbean music and therefore also projects and makes known nationally and globally the musical talent here.

Thank you very much Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for giving me this opportunity to share with you and all the regular readers of your prestigious Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto”, and to spread my career.

To begin with, we want to know how were your beginnings in music? -My life was surrounded by music since I was a child since my grandfather Pablo Emilio Rivas was the first tuba player of the Symphonic Orchestra of Venezuela, besides that in the family gatherings we listened from symphonic music to the most emblematic Caribbean artists of the moment, and so on, until I lived in Los Frailes de Catia, Macapaya sector, there was “La Dimensión Latina” and I was captivated by a cover where the trombone was shown, I think it was Dimensión Latina 76, and since that time I said, I would like to learn to play that instrument, but I did not do it because it was so expensive to buy one. Until one day Rodrigo Mendoza, who had just joined Dimensión Latina and who lived in front of my house, heard me playing a trombone solo of the song “Yo tenía una mujer” by Roberto Roena in a meeting that we often had and he told me: start studying that instrument.

The versatility, trajectory and professionalism of this musician and composer, born in the capital of Venezuela, make him one of the most important and sought-after salsa bastions in the country.
Eliel Rivero, “The Shaman of the Trombone”

From then on my musical career began, I was able to buy a trombone and thus began this beautiful story that I enjoy to this day, thanks to the support of my family. I began to have contact with many musicians in the area, among them, Johán Muñoz, a brother sent to me by God, Antonio Acevedo “Toñito”, son of maestro Dugarte, trombonist of the Sinfónica Venezuela and Alberto Crespo, who also lived in Los Cuatro Vientos de los Frailes.

We all followed the trajectory of orchestras and musicians that rehearsed in the area such as “La Banda y su Salsa Joven”, “La Renovación”, we followed the steps of Alejandro Pérez Palma, Faustino González, Enrique Blanco “El Bachaco”, César Monjes “Albóndiga”, José Antonio Rojas “Rojitas”, Nené and Taíto Piñango and many more. From that moment I began to take my course as a trombonist with seriousness and professionalism until today.

Eliel, where did you study music and with whom? My friend Carlos, I studied theory and solfeggio at the Musical Association of the Federal District with maestros Daniel Contramaestre and Daniel Milano.

I continued my training at the “Simón Bolívar” Conservatory of Music, directed by maestro José Antonio Abreu, and at the “José Ángel Lamas” music school, under the guidance of professors Ángelo Pagliuca, Tiero Pezutti, Antonio Estévez, Erick Colón, among others.

I continued my professional and work training with the “Simón Bolívar” Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, sharing with different masters of national and international music.

At the same time, I had the opportunity to participate as an active or guest musician in national and international orchestras of the salsa genre.

Now that you mention the salsa genre, with which orchestras and vocalists have you participated? Professor, at the national level, apart from the Simón Bolívar Symphony, Municipal Symphony, Venezuelan Symphony and Caracas Philharmonic, I have been on stage with: Bailatino, Oscar D’León, El Pavo Frank, Mariana, Marianella, Andy Durán, Cheo Navarro con Tributo, la Banda Sigilosa, Orlando Poleo, Hildemaro, Alfredo Naranjo y su Guajeo, Silva y Guerra, Saxomanía, Trina Medina, Orlando Watussi, Magia Caribeña, Moisés Daubaterre with Grupo Mango, Bacheo, Servando y Florentino, Naty y su Orquesta, La Negramenta, El Trabuco Venezolano, La Nueva Parranda, Canelita Medina, Javier Plaza, Guarará, among other participations to which I have been invited.

And as for international artists and groups, which ones have you worked with? My friend Carlos, I have had the honor of accompanying: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Celia Cruz, Justo Betancourt, Nino Segarra, Eddie Santiago, Willie González, Roberto Lugo, Ismael Miranda, Maelo Ruiz, Cheo Feliciano, Paquito de Rivera, Andy Montañez and in relation to artists outside the salsa genre: Rafael, Andrea Bocelli and José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma”.

Excellent and admirable career Eliel, now, what can you tell us about who you have recorded with? Indeed Carlos, I have made recordings with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra, Música Latinoamericana, Bailatino, El Pavo Frank, Naty y su Orquesta, Victor Quintana, Rumberos del Callejon, Bacheo, Un Solo Pueblo, Trina Medina, Saxomania, La Dimension Latina with Joseito Rodriguez, La Negramenta, Orlando Poleo, Carlos Julio “El Oso”, Juan Pablo Barrios, Víctor Cardona y su Máquina de la Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa con la Sinfónica Venezuela, Cheo Navarro y su Orquesta Tributo, Francisco Requena, Oscar Dudamel, Otilio Galíndez, Luisito Quintero, among others.

Eliel, what can you tell us about your facet as a composer? I started when I was 13 years old and I have written songs for the following artists: Orquesta Los Satélites de Cheché Mendoza with the song “Sufrí por ti” on the LP Di Corazón, I have also written compositions for the Sabadonga orchestra, Oscar Dudamel, Victor Quintana and most for the Bailatino group, of which the hit “Bailatino llegó” was versioned and recorded by the Hispanic Orchestra of Harlem (SHD) of New York under the name “Baila Latino” on the CD “Viva la Tradición”, Grammy award-winning album.

World Artistic Tours? I have performed in Italy, France, Spain, Japan, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Switzerland, England, Holland, USA, Mexico, Australia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Peru.

Eliel Rivero is one of the most important and sought-after salsa bastions in the country.
Eliel Rivero is one of the most important and sought-after salsa bastions in the country.

At present, what do you do besides being with different orchestras?

Well, Professor Carlos, I am currently involved in pedagogical activities with the trombone, doing master classes and I am a frequent guest in the “Orquesta Nuevo Mundo” of Bogota, directed by Alejandro Orellana, covering symphonic salsa and permanently in the trombone and composer with the group Bailatino.

By the way, how did Cheo Navarro ask you to be part of the staff of musicians of Bailatino y Tributo? In fact, my friend Carlos, that was one night when we were in block 6 of 23 de Enero in Caracas, we greeted each other and he told me that he wanted to make a band to cure us playing the salsa that fed our lives, such as Palmieri, Libre, Mon Rivera, Típica 73, Bobby Rodríguez and others.

And I told him to count on me and since at that time I was playing with Johán Muñoz with Ajoporro of Grupo Mango in private parties, Cheo told me: “Tell Johán if he wants to participate in this project” and the affirmation was not long in coming. As for “Tributo”, the same thing happened, Cheo wanted to record emblematic songs that nurtured his career, and of course, we gave him our support since those of us who recorded in that project are from “Bailatino”.

Eliel Rivero performing pedagogical activities with the trombone.
Eliel Rivero performing pedagogical activities with the trombone.

Finally, what are your social networks? My social networks are Eliel Bailatino on Facebook and eliel_bailatino on Instagram. Concluding, we want to know why that nickname “El Chamán”. Ha, ha, ha, ha, my friend Carlos, that epithet was given to me by my great friends of the “Negramenta” Orchestra. Let me tell you Eliel that for me and for “Salsa Escrita” it was a privilege to have you as a special guest in this issue and from “International Salsa Magazine”, we wish you the best of the best and of course, keep on giving it up with pure tastiness…!

Thank you very much Professor Carlos Colmenárez for this opportunity that you give me and I take this opportunity to send my greetings to the great number of salseros in the city of Barquisimeto and congratulate you for this praiseworthy work of supporting and projecting the musical talent of Venezuela and the world.

Remember not to leave your house…! Until next time and let’s keep on salsing!

Article of Interest: Written Salsa, Barquisimeto’s Salsa Column presents Pamir Guánchez

Photos: courtesy Lisbeth Weffe

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 50
  • Page 51
  • Page 52
  • Page 53
  • Page 54
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 57
  • Go to Next Page »

International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication covering salsa activities around the world and has been publishing since 2007. It is a worldwide network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. Together, we work to strengthen salsa events around the world.