January

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa”

North America / USA / New York

Melina Almodóvar

With an unwavering spirit, melodious voice, Caribbean cadence on her hips, friendly and cataloged by many as sexy, Melina Almodóvar has represented the Latin female son in the US. During her 20 years of artistic career, Melina Almodóvar has conquered audiences in the most imposing scenarios and has shared stages with the most recognized artists of the tropical genre

The nickname as many know she is “La Muñeca de la salsa” and which for a long period of time she sought to have because she had the same name that already identified another Salsa singer. Getting an ideal pseudonym to her was difficult, but not for a fan who, while delighting in her live presentation, cataloged her with this nickname with which they would later recognize her in the whole world.

“I wanted to give myself a nickname for Salsa … But I did not want to change my name … And then one day a gentleman says to me:” Hey, but you are a doll and look how you sing “, and then it was there that I stayed “La Muñeca de la Salsa”. It’s a name that stuck with me and it stayed there, so everyone knows who “La Muñeca de la Salsa” is and sometimes they do not know who Melina Almodóvar is, but I really like that name, I think it’s very beautiful”, she said.

At the age of 14, the interpreter born in San Juan de Puerto Rico lived an experience that marked her life since then. She moved with her mother to Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind her culture and family, which caused an emotional shock and made her take full refuge in the music.

Melina Almodóvar - Photo — Melina Almodóvar – Photo

“Salsa saved my life.” The Salsa is my way of life. It’s my way of breathing, of doing things “.

“We moved to a very white place to an extremely American place. The south of the US is a very different place from New York or Florida. There are not many Latin people and for me it was very hard … I started studying music at the High School. I got into all the choirs that I could and all the bands in the school where I could be”, told me Melina.

Melina Almodóvar - Photo 2 — Melina Almodóvar – Photo 2

This Puerto Rican composer not only prepared in salsa, also studied different musical styles: Blues, Jazz and Gospel. What made her race for only 3 years at the University of Memphis the career of Musical Execution. Studies that she decided to abandon for working at the same time as a receptionist and translator for the City Council and also to continue pursuing her dream of singing Salsa professionally. “I decided to quit my university studies because I was really doing what I wanted to do: that was to be a singer… I thought it was better to leave school and nothing has gone wrong, I have continued doing everything at that moment, but on a slightly larger scale and for me it was the right decision”, commented Amodóvar.

During the 90s, Melina and other music professionals created the first salsa orchestra in Memphis called “La Orquesta Caliente”. With this band toured places like Alanna, Kentucky and Alabama. They played at such iconic venues as Beale Street, one of the most famous music streets in all the US for almost 4 years, just as they did at Young Ave Deli, a place that filled to its maximum capacity just to hear them sing and play Salsa every Monday. In this regard, Melina told me: “That’s when I started singing Salsa. That’s when I fell in love with salsa and I wanted to continue being a professional Salsa singer.”

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert photo

In 2003, she began her musical career as an independent soloist with her first album Rumba’s Salsa Soul Delight, where she exhibited her creative freedom to compose, work with other people in the music industry and create her own identity in this tropical genre. So, her second álbum was La Muñeca De La Salsa Y Más (2008) and Pasión y Salsa Live in 2013.

In all her productions this Puerto Rican singer based in Miami, likes to sing to the love in a very positive way. Each song is a tropical proposal of Latin culture, passion, celebration, dance and happiness that invites the dancer to enjoy. “I like to talk positively about things that make me happy. I do not like to shoot men … Because it’s not what happened to me. “She added: “I have a bolero that’s called Mi Nueva Página de Amor, but it’s very positive.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Cover — Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Cover

”Although the Salsa is a genre dominated by men, Melina has shown to take firm steps and open field solidly in the music industry, she has sung alongside major figures such as: The Great Combo of Puerto Rico, Andy Montanez, Bobby Cruz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Marlo Rosa, Tito Puente Jr., el maestro Larry Harlow and Tromboranga.

She has developed a successful musical career of 20 uninterrupted years that has led her to perform at the biggest annual festivals and daily events in the country. For nine years “La Muñeca de la Salsa” performed live shows in South Florida at Tapas y Tintos club located in Miami’s South Beach with el maestro Ricky Torres, where thousands of dancers from all over the world gathered every Tuesday to dance and enjoy her music.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Singing — Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Singing

In 2010, Melina and approximately more than 600 dancers broke the Guinness Record for the largest number of people dancing Salsa at the same time a song. The idea got with her former manager Frank Nieves. The theme was “Lista pa’ Impresionar” of her authorship and doesn’t rule in the near future to do it again. “We were there seeing how we could do something different for an event that he was doing here for the Broward County Patron Festivities and we said why we did not try to break the Guinness Record. Establish a Guinness Record of the greatest number of dancers dancing a song and then we did it and it was spectacular”, said Melina.

In 2016, she released to the national and international market the salsa version single “Estoy aquí” of the popular Pop singer Shakira, whose arrangement was made by Seferino Cavan. The video of “Estoy Aquí” was shot on the famous beaches of Miami Beach and already has almost 1 million views.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Photo — Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Photo

Likewise, and in mid of 2017, Almodóvar recorded with Tito Puente Jr. a new version in Salsa Mambo of the song “Mi Socio” created by Tito Puente and Cuban singer La Lupe popularized in 1965. In the same way, she did with the singer and composer Bobby Cruz the song “La Chica del Bling”.

Currently, Melina does live performances every Friday to 6pm at Best Time Wine Shop located on 8th Street at 64th and 8th, a wine warehouse with a large dance floor. “Ándale! Pon a Sonar el Güiro” is her most recent single, it was released since last December and you can find it on all digital platforms. During this month of January, Melina will continue playing her music through the territory of Florida with the event Los Patrones de la Salsa and on April 7 she will produce along with her friend Kristina Moinelo the biggest salsa festival in Miami, the Hollywood Salsa Fest, in which she will also participate as a main star with great figures of salsa music.

la muneca de la salsa - flyers — la muneca de la salsa – flyers

Melina Almodóvar believes that the Salsa will never die because it is in the Latin idiosyncrasy and at some point this AfroCaribbean genre will return to be that people like most. She also commented that she does not rule out the possibility in the future to do a fusion with the new urban musical trends of the moment.

“For me to represent Latin music in the US is a very big honor because I love tropical music more than anything. It’s my life, it’s my way of breathing like all the SALSEROS … For me, it’s the whole world to be able to continue my long-standing career, to go ahead and bring good Salsa for the whole World.” Melina Almodóvar

The Salsa is the NUMBER ONE music genre that is danced around the world. I believe that we are keeping this genre alive with what we are doing every day. “Melina Almodóvar

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa”

To more information about La Muñeca de la Salsa, please visit www.melinaalmodovar.com or like her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/MelinaSalsa

Sitara Son Cuban – Latin Band

North America / USA / Angeles

Sitara Son - Integrants — Sitara Son – Integrants

Master percussionist and singer, Maestro Lázaro Galarraga is a native of Havana, Cuba, now living in Los Angeles. He was a founding member of the premier Cuban music troupe, Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba (1961-62, 1977-82) A world-renowned teacher, performing artist, choreographer and writer of Afro-Cuban music, culture and folklore, he has recorded, performed and taught across the U.S. and worldwide. He is also regarded as one of the great ‘Akpons’ or lead singers in the Afro-Cuban religious traditions and a master of the bata drums.

Guitarist/Vocalist, Jon-Oliver Knight is an accomplished classical guitarist who has toured extensively throughout the US, Central America, Mexico and Europe. He has played countless wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions and epitomizes the flexibility required to be a wedding guitarist. Jon-O is also in demand for his Vocals and plays sitar (Indian) and cuatro (Puerto Rican) in the band as well.

Bobby Wilmore’s is an incredibly well seasoned percussionist. From drum set to congas, bongos, or anything that Bobby can find that will make a noise, he is sure to captivate with his precision and creativity behind the drum. Bobby is one of the busiest percussionists in California with his unique “good vibes” personality and his astounding rhythmic ability and passion.

Pianist extraordinaire, Matt Amper is not only one of the most sought after Latin pianists on the west coast, but is also an accomplished Jazz and Classical pianist. Matt’s musicality is preceded by his need to dive deeper and deeper into exploring and perfecting his craft which many would say has already reached perfection!

Josiel Perez has performed and toured all over the world with some of the best bands out there. He currently plays Trumpet with SitaraSon among other La based bands. A wizard with his countless percussion instruments, Josiel brings that same skill and creativity to the Latin side.

Together these accomplished musicians form a Band that will astound and captivate you, leaving you wanting more.

El Cerrito Studio

North America / San Francisco / California

The Cuban sound, mixing and mastering engineer, winner and multiple times nominated for the Latin Grammy Award, Oscar Autie together with his wife, producer and composer, Kenya Autie gave life to the most ambitious project of their lives, they established in the area of San Francisco bay, CA, one of the best and most recognized recording studio, mixing, mastering and production, El Cerrito Studio.

A recording studio equipped with the most advanced technology and equipment, three rooms of recording and a control room completely isolated acoustically treated to achieve a quality work for all styles and musical genres.

Oscar Autie was born in La Habana, Cuba. Since 6 years old he played the acoustic guitar and his formal musical training began at 9 years old through private classes.

Oscar studied musical composition, arrangements and production at the National School of Arts of Cuba (ENA) where he graduated with a Degree in Guitar Interpretation. He also trained in drums and piano, and holds a degree in Electronics and Acoustics in a Technical School in La Habana.

When he was 20 years old and while living in Cuba, Oscar worked as a Recording Engineer at EGREM (main recording studio and music distributor in the capital at that time). He was also the Sound Engineer during the Tour of prestigious Cuban bands, such as: Isaac Delgado, Síntesis and Arte Vivo, and at the National Theater of Havana. He provided sound engineering for live shows by world-renowned artists such as: Oscar De Leon, Astor Piazzolla, Sierra Maestra and Silvio Rodriguez, among many others. In addition to all this, this wonderful musician recorded many albums during his stay in this AfroCaribbean country.

This voting member, engineer from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy) and the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy Latino), a voting member of the P & E (Wing of Producers and Engineers), and member of the Audio Engineering Society moved to the US in 1992 in search of more advancement opportunities. Once installed in California, the talented Oscar Autie has been working on live performances, recording the mixes and mastering albums of a large number of industry musicians such as the nominees and winners of the Latin Grammy: Yalil Guerra, Mister G, Yosvany Terry, Diego El Cigala, Paco De Lucia, Fito Paez, and Mayito Rivera (Van Van) among other personalities of the artistic guild.

Integrants El Cerrito Studio - Photo — Integrants El Cerrito Studio – Photo

Also, he has been Technical Director and Sound Engineer for the prestigious Flamenco Festival of Bay Area since its inception in 2005. Oscar is currently recording and producing other albums for other artists.

In the other hand, the Cuban producer, Kenya Auntie studied guitar at the Conservatorio of Guanabacoa in La Habana and she was the first woman to play the guitar in a rock band on the island, being an inspiration figure for other women with the same musical interest. Kenya has participated in the production of projects such as: Arise Above Abuse, Clave:

Chamber Music, Vol. VI, Stand Before The Systems and Presidential Suite. Currently, this composer and co-owner of El Cerrito Studio continues to contribute her skills in projects with upcoming releases.

El Cerrito Studio operates under the label of El Cerrito Productions, a record company of licenses, promotions and publications. They make reservations to Artists from all over the world and from all styles of music.

They perform recording, mixing, mastering, production, composition, arrangement, transcripts, and promotion.

This studio represents the experience, creativity and professionalism that have made it stand out as one of the best recording studios in the San Francisco area. Prominent companies such as: Leap Frog, The Warner Brothers, Beyond Translations and Playsongs have made their recordings there. In addition, Deepak Chopra recorded and mixed his most recent album and book “Home” in this studio.

“I have been working as an engineer since my first 20 years. Engineering is a passion for me. I love music and being an engineer allows me to be part of many interesting and meaningful musical projects …” Oscar Auntie.

To more information, please visit http://www.elcerritostudio.com/ or like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elcerritorecords/

Salsa at its best, led by the leader of La Puertorriqueña: Don Perignon

The most recent production of the Bailable Víspera de Reyes, which was instituted in 1987 by the timbalero and band leader known in the salsa scene as Don Perignon, was quite an event. Thirty-eight years ago, ‘La Puertorriqueña’ was still known as ‘Compañeros y amigos’.

El líder de La Puertorriqueña, Don Perignon

However, the dance that fulfills a promise made by Perignon to kings has continued to be celebrated beyond the names with which Perignon has identified his band over time.

Each year, the show brings with it a box of surprises. In addition to what is promised during the promotion, the salsa public that comes to the traditional gala knows that anything can happen there. This year, the stage showcased great artists in addition to the luxurious closing that gave us the night by way of El Caballero de la Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa performing the emblematic song by Johnny Ortiz, ‘Tu música popular’.

Ángel Martínez, Efraín Hernández, Don Perignon y Miguel Aponte

In this edition, held on January 5, 2025, the concert was started by the successor of the Perignon dynasty, also a percussionist, Pete Perignon; flanked by vocalists Ricardo Rodríguez in the more melodic songs and Julio López in the heavier numbers. López got the first turn at the microphone with ‘Azúcar pa’ un amarga’o’, followed by Rodríguez in the key of ‘Cuéntame tu historia’.

According to Pete himself, he invited Jorge Yadiel Santos to silence rumors regarding the singer’s departure from his orchestra. With the vocal power that characterizes him, the now soloist closed the presentation of the first orchestra of the night; performing ‘Baila’ and ‘Gotita caído en clave’.

Cuto Soto, Gamalier González, Rafy Torres, Pedro Marcano, Carlos __Coamito__ Martínez, Jr., Ángel Segarra y Humberto Ramírez

The group led by Pete Perignon and his timbal offered a great performance with master musicians of the present generation. These were: Jean Carlos Camuñas on the tumbadoras, Carlos Pagán on the bongó, Reynaldo Burgos on the piano, Jorge Rivera on the bass; Víctor Ambert and Jahaziel García on the trumpets; Darnell Febres and César Javier Ayala on the trombones, and Víctor “Yuca” Maldonado on the baritone saxophone.

La Mulenze kept the crowd on the dance floor, with the first song of their repertoire being ‘La sala pa’l baile’, performed by Rafy Andino. The vocal front was completed by Rafy Cruz and Alex Ojeda. The bassist, director of the orchestra of eternal youth, Edwin Morales led his boys, as he affectionately refers to his musicians; Among them were Emanuel Navarro on the tumbadoras, Robert Watts on the timbal, Alberto Muriel on the bongo, Manolo Navarro on the piano, Carlos “Coamito” Martínez, Jr. and Abdel Rivera on the trumpets; in addition to Willie Torres Ortiz and Heity Morales Nogueras on the trombones. The golden touch was offered to those present during the interpretation of the song “Mala paga”, written by our Moncho Rivera, when the Venezuelan master musician and sonero Marcial Istúriz took on the task of accompanying Rafy Andino on the soneos, shortly after Rafy confessed to being a great admirer of one of the greatest exponents of the salsa sound in Venezuela.

Henry Santiago, Joe González, Rico Walker, Marcial Istúriz, Hermán Olivera, Jerry Rivas, Pichie Pérez, Josué Rosado y Pedro Brull

Before starting his presentation, the star of the annual gala, Don Perignon marked and conducted the orchestra to play ‘Happy Birthday’ in honor of the evening’s host, also Z-93 announcer: Néstor Galán, “El Búho”. The timbalero conducted the orchestra, which was reinforced for the evening with guest musicians. The group in its Bailable Víspera de Reyes 2025 version was composed of: Charlie Padilla on the tumbadoras, Miguel Aponte on the bongó, Ángel Martínez on percussion (güiro), Luis Marín on the piano, Efraín Hernández on the bass; Cuto Soto, Gamalier González and Rafy Torres on the trombones; in addition to Pedro Marcano, Carlos “Coamito” Martínez, Jr., Ángel Segarra and Humberto Ramírez on the trumpets. For the vocal front, Perignon called on: Henry Santiago, Pedro Brull, Joe González, Pichie Pérez, Josué Rosado, Jerry Rivas, Rico Walker, Marcial Istúriz, Hermán Olivera and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

The repertoire took the followers of La Puertorriqueña on a historic tour that demonstrated the variety of songs and voices that come together in a salsa key with the cadence and flavor that Perignon manages to give to each project he leads. Joe González performed ‘Ciudad, ciudad’, Pedro Brull excelled singing ‘Represento’, Pichie Pérez was in charge of vocalizing ‘Como mangó’, Josué Rosado visited to sing ‘Cantándole al amor’, Jerry Rivas was in charge of ‘El pin pin’, Rico Walker shined with ‘Que vengan rumberos’, followed by Marcial Istúriz and a masterful interpretation of ‘La familia’ and Hermán Olivera with his spectacular ‘Ritmo Bembé’.

Marcial Istúriz comparte micrófono con Hermán Olivera

La Puertorriqueña was born in 1988 near the promise of Kings, which happens every January 5. The dance of January 5, 2025, which was held at the Sheraton in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was dedicated to trombonist Toñito Vázquez (RIP) showed that the promise of Reyes by Don Perignon -who is the leader of a generation of musicians- established more than three decades ago, remains valid. The participation of El Caballero de la Salsa recreated the beginning of his career, together with his first musical director: Don Perignon. That brotherhood between Gilberto and Perín, like the promise of Reyes, also remains valid. For our part, we will continue in salsa thanks to the call of the leader of La Puertorriqueña.

Also Read: Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña are prides of Puerto Rico

Larry Harlow and Ismael Miranda: beginning of the so-called “Salsa Arseniana” in honor of the music of Arsenio Rodriguez, the creator of Son Montuno and “King of Guaguanco”

Extracted from the book called: “El origen y la creación de la Salsa”; creator: Mon Rivera, promoter: Al Santiago.

For sale on Amazon kdp, by clicking on the following link:

With which is attached a complete summary of the musical work of Larry Harlow with Ismael Miranda from its creation in 1966 to 71.

At the end is the original song of Arsenio: “Oiga mi Guaguanco”, with the fabulous musical arrangement of Harlow himself in “Salsa Clasica”, with the exquisite singing of the “Niño Bonito de Puerto Rico” Ismael Miranda.

Larry Harlow and Ismael Miranda: 1966 – 1971 with trombones.

Julio Cesar Galindo Alarcón Diplomático de Peru Ministro (R), Historiador Musical. Autor de Libro sobre Creacion de la Salsa

Lawrence Ira Khan, better known in the music scene as Larry Harlow, affectionately known as “The Wonderful Jew”, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 20, 1939 and died in New York on August 20, 2021, American musician, orchestra conductor, pianist, composer, musical arranger, producer, creator of the so-called “Latin Opera”, in 73 he was one of the most important disseminators of Afro-Cuban Jazz, “Arseniana” Salsa and Classical Salsa, confirming at the highest level the use of the trombone and the USA instrumental technique, corroborated as the two most important characteristics that identify the new American Musical Movement.

The beginning of Larry’s musical work must be analyzed from his return from Cuba in 1959, after having traveled to the island in the mid 50’s, to know and study Cuban music in its different rhythms, but because of the Revolution he had to return to New York; finding the boom and enthusiasm produced by the Pachanga spread by Charlie Palmieri, Pacheco, Quijano, Orlando Marin, Mon, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, Richie, among others.

At the end of 65 he forms his orchestra with trombones and application of the instrumental technique of Jazz; he signs a contract with the “Fania” label and plans to record his first album.

In 1966 he recorded his first album called “Heavy Smokin” with Felo Brito’s vocals; L.P. little known, in which stand out: “Tu Tu Ratan”, “Maria la O”, “Rica Combinación”, “Mi Guaguancó”, “Orchestra Harlow” and “Adios Mamá”.

In the same year he recorded his second album called “Gettin’ Off” or “Bajándote”, sung by Ramón Quian: “Monguito” el Unico, an excellent full-length album that was a great success.

Some of the highlights are “Bajandote”, “Guarachita”, sung by Vickie; “Tu no lo creas”, “Meta y Guaguancó”, “Coco May May” and “Cienfuegos”.

In ’66, a young teenager appears singing in Andy Harlow y su Sexteto’s group.

Andy gave him to his friend Joey Pastrana at the beginning of 67 to record the album “Let’s Ball”, in which the young singer Ismael Miranda had his first hit with the song “Rumbón Melón”.

Larry Harlow who lacked a good singer, offered the job to Ismael, who without hesitation accepted it immediately; and debuted with Larry on his third album in 67 called “El Exigente” and thus began the WONDERFUL DUPLE OF LARRY HARLOW AND ISMAEL MIRANDA, who together formed a sensational duet, amazing and impressive, in the History of Classical Salsa.

In “El Exigente” with the debut of the “Niño Bonito de Puerto Rico”, the songs “El Exigente”, “Las luces”, “Rumba me llaman” and “El Mejor” stand out. The following year, in 1968, he recorded the album, “Orchestra Harlow presenta a Ismael Miranda”. With this unsurpassable combination, the Classic, Brava and Hard Niuyorquina Salsa begins in the unique style of the “Judío Maravilloso” with the singing of the fabulous Ismael Miranda, one of the most attractive, fine and sharp voices in the history of Salsa, in which stand out the songs: “La Contra- ria”, “Jaguey”, “Yo me voy”, “Lamento Cubano”, “Bobby’s Boo-galoo, ‘Rumba a la vida’ and ‘Mi Guajira si’.

In 1969 he recorded his fifth album and third with Ismael Miranda, called “Mi Mono y Yo”, in which he continues the teaching of Classical Salsa with Afro-Cuban Jazz fusion, in which almost all the songs stand out: “El Malecón”, “Voy para la luna”, “Amorcito Ven”, “Jovenes del Muelle”, “Ven Rumbero Ven”, “Para donde tu vas”, “Mi Madre” and “Traigo Guajira”. With these last two albums, Larry with Ismael had achieved the expected success; and they had become the favorite orchestra in all the Salsa Concerts that had already become customary in the weekends of the Big Apple. In ’69, the author witnessed for a month these Salsa Dance Concerts that were usually given in the halls of the Hotels of the New York districts.

DIPLOMATICO DE PERU, MINISTRO (R); HISTORIADOR MUSICAL; AUTOR DE LIBRO SOBRE CREACION DE LA SALSA.

In 1970, Larry introduces the electric piano in his orchestral format; this motivates him to title his album of the same year: “Electric Harlow”. With the recording of this album really begins the so-called “Salsa Arseniana” of Larry, coinciding with the last year of life of the great Cuban musician Arsenio Rodriguez, the father of Son Montuno and “King of Guaguancó”, Legend and undisputed genius of the development of Cuban music; but, however, having been the most important Cuban musician of the twentieth century, for his contribution of having created the Son Montuno and the modernization of Guaguancó, has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CREATION OF SALSA: BUT YES; FOR HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOVEMENT CREATED BY MON.

In “Electric Harlow” stand out: “La Revolution”, the wonderful Salsa arrangement of “Oiga mi Guaguancó”, by Arsenio Rodríguez, “Guasasa”, “Con Dulzura”, “Donde va Chichi” and “Tu Cosita Mami”. In 71 he recorded his album “Abran Paso”, and here we have to refer to Ismael Miranda as a singer-songwriter; because if from his first album recorded with Larry: “El Exigente”; he had already shown his composer’s fiber, having composed some songs together with Harlow; in this 71 album: “Abran Paso”, he confirms and ratifies his conditions as a singer-songwriter, composing five themes of his authorship, successfully distinguishing the theme of the same name of the album: ‘Abran Paso’, ‘Donde lle- vas el Son’, ‘Abandonada fue’, ‘Oigan bien mi Guaguancó’ and ‘Dolor y Amor’. Other highlights include: “Se casa la Rumba” and ‘Vengo Virao’, by Tite Curet Alonso.

Orchestra Harlow Vocal Ismael Miranda – Electric Harlow

Having died the penultimate day of 70 Arsenio Rodriguez, Larry Harlow, a few months later had the idea of offering him a posthumous tribute, which materialized with the recording in 71 of an album “Homenaje Póstumo”, which was called “Tribute to Arsenio Rodriguez”, including four hit songs by Arsenio: “Tumba y Bongo”, ‘No me llores’, ‘Sueltala’ and ‘El Terror’; ‘Arsenio’, Harlow’s theme with Ismael Miranda and ‘Saludos a todos los Barrios’, by Lázaro Prieto. The Harlow Orchestra in the last two albums was integrated with: Conductor and piano: Larry Harlow; Singer: Ismael Miranda; Trumpets: Larry Spencer and Ralph Castrello; Trombones: Lewis Khan, Leopoldo Pineda and Sam Burtis; Bass: Lydio Fuentes; Congas: Frankie Rodríguez; Bongó: Manny Oquendo; Timbal: Phil Newsum; and Tres y Cuatro: Yomo Toro, in “Abran Paso”.

Finally, Larry Harlow participated as pianist in “Red Garter”; and also as pianist and producer in “Chee-tah”. Ismael Miranda did it as a singer in the two concerts of the “Fania All Stars” in ’68 and ’71.

Julio Cesar Galindo Alarcón

Diplomat of Peru Minister (R), Musical Historian. Author of a book on the Creation of Salsa.

Also Read: Larry Harlow ”El Judío de la Salsa”: innovative and irreverent