International Salsa Magazine

Latin America

Sammy Figueroa is an exceptional percussionist known for his versatility and for playing in a multitude of musical styles

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948. He is the son of bolero singer Charlie Figueroa, whom he never knew, as his father passed away at the age of 32.

Sammy moved to Puerto Rico as a child to live with his grandparents and escape the Bronx’s gang violence.

Sammy Figueroa is an excellent percussionist who has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles
Sammy Figueroa is an excellent percussionist who has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles

At 18, he started his professional career with bassist Bobby Valentín’s band. Throughout his career, he has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles and contributing to nearly 400 albums, ten of which are platinum.

He has collaborated with major pop artists like David Bowie, Chaka Khan, and Mariah Carey, as well as with distinguished jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, and George Benson. In 1977, he became a founding member of the Latin rock fusion group Raíces.

In 2001, Sammy Figueroa moved to South Florida and formed his own group, Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion. His albums And Sammy Walked In and The Magician were nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album.

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career

His 2023 album, Searching for a Memory / Busco Tu Recuerdo, is a tribute to his father. The project, produced by his wife, Rachel Faro, with whom he has also co-produced other albums, allowed Sammy to reconcile with his father’s legacy. On this album,

Sammy sings on a record for the first time and transforms his father’s classic boleros into modern Latin jazz arrangements. The album was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the “Best Jazz/Latin Jazz Album” category.

Sammy Figueroa has received numerous awards, including two Percussionist of the Year awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), two Drummie Awards for Best Hand Percussion, and a Best Percussionist award from the Jazz Journalists Association.

Discovered by jazz flutist Herbie Mann, Figueroa became a well-known session and studio musician, touring and recording with The Brecker Brothers, Average White Band, Morrissey – Mullen, The Mahavishnu Orchestra John McLaughlin, and Miles Davis.

He has also appeared with Blondie, Sonny Rollins, David Sanborn, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, George Benson, Chet Baker, Stanley Clarke, Grover Washington Jr., Al Jarreau, Lena Horne, Joe Williams, Mark Murphy, Mike Mainieri, Néstor Torres, Chico O’Farrill, Mike Stern, Chuck Loeb, Bobby Watson, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Rubén Blades, Eddie Palmieri, Bobby Valentín, Tania Maria, Mariah Carey, James Taylor, Dr. John, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Celine Dion, Blues Traveler, Natalie Merchant, David Lee Roth, Hall & Oates, Joe Cocker, Rickie Lee Jones, Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Grace Jones, James Ingram, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, and many others.

Some of the R&B hits he is featured on include Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” Luther Vandross’s “The Night I Fell In Love,” and Ashford & Simpson’s “Solid (as a rock),” as well as most of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards’ hits on the Chic and Sister Sledge record labels.

Michel Camilo wrote the song “And Sammy Walked In” in his honor, and it was also recorded by Giovanni Hidalgo. Two of his CDs, And Sammy Walked In and The Magician, have been nominated for Grammy Awards in the “Best Latin Jazz Album” category. Figueroa hosts a Latin jazz show on WDNA-FM in Miami, Florida.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948
Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948

If you’re not very familiar with Sammy Figueroa’s work, you can try an experiment with this album: listen closely to see if you can guess what his instrument is. In a medium-sized combo, what instrument seems to take center stage? The answer: it’s impossible to guess, which says something about Figueroa’s maturity as a leader.

It’s also surprising to see how pared down his forces really are this sextet sounds like a big band. (Spoiler alert: he’s a percussionist.) It also says something about him that the term “Explosion” is a misnomer for his band. There are no pyrotechnics, no crazy tempos, and no wildly layered rhythms here.

But there are some very impressive horn arrangements (check out “Cha Cha Pa’ Ti” and the lovely “Cuco y Olga”), along with some of the sweetest, most tender ballads to appear on a jazz album of any genre in recent years (“Queen from the South” and “Zuliana” are the best examples).

For a percussionist acting as a bandleader, giving this kind of sustained, loving attention to compositions that only make a tenuous use of his talent is further proof of Figueroa’s taste and maturity. Let’s hope Figueroa keeps going in this vein. Rick Anderson.

Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion – Urban Nature (2011).

Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion - Urban Nature (2011)
Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion – Urban Nature (2011)

Tracks:

  1. Gufillo (Silvano Monasterios)
  2. Urban Nature (Gabriel Vivas)
  3. Latin What? (Michael Orta)
  4. Zuliana (Silvano Monasterios)
  5. 7th Door From The Left (Silvano Monasterios)
  6. Cuco y Olga (Nicholas Martines)
  7. Cha Cha Pa’ Ti (Gabriel Vivas)
  8. Queen From The South (Silvano Monasterios)
  9. Funny Talk (Gabriel Vivas)

Musicians:

  • Sammy Figueroa (Percussion)
  • Silvano Monasterios (Piano)
  • Gabriel Vivas (Acoustic bass)
  • John Michalak (Sax)
  • Alexander Pope Norris (Trumpet)
  • Nomar Negroni (Drums)

Guest Musicians:

  • Ed Calle (Sax)
  • Mike Orta (Piano)
  • José Gregorio Hernández (Percussion)

Website: Sammy Figueroa

By:

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Also Read: Carlos “Nene” Quintero comes from a family of musical prodigie

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flautists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Valentín: The Master of the Flute in Latin Jazz.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important flutists in the history of Latin jazz, thanks to his technique, rhythm, and vast musical knowledge.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flutists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm
Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flutists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Born in the Bronx, New York, on April 29, 1952, to Puerto Rican parents from Mayagüez, Valentín grew up in a home filled with music. From the sounds of Tito Rodríguez and Tito Puente to Machito, the musical culture that surrounded him as a child was a major influence. Although he loved the bongos and congas, he joined a Latin group as a timbalero during his teenage years. He played in the “cuchifrito” circuit and in working-class dance halls in New York.

Dave Valentín’s life largely reflects the story of the children of Puerto Rican immigrants in New York who forged their own destiny through hard work, dedication, talent, and family support. In fact, the musician, composer, and arranger himself liked to say that “each person creates their own reality.”

A Legacy-Filled Career

  • GRP Records Pioneer: Valentín was the first artist to sign with the influential GRP record label, which allowed him to consolidate his career and spread jazz fusion and Latin jazz to a wider audience. He recorded 16 albums with the label, including titles like Legends, The Hawk, Land of the Third Eye, Pied Piper, In Love’s Time, Flute Juice, Kalahari, and Red Sun, among others. These works combine the intensity of Latin cadences with influences from pop, R&B, Brazilian music, and smooth jazz. For the musician, being signed by this multinational company represented “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
  • Notable Collaborations: Throughout his career, he worked with major figures in jazz and Latin music such as Tito Puente, Manny Oquendo, Cano Estremera, Eddie Palmieri, Ricardo Marrero, Dave Grusin, and Patti Austin.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    • He earned a Grammy nomination in 1985.
    • He won a Grammy Award in 2003 for his work on the album Caribbean Jazz Project, alongside vibraphonist Dave Samuels.
    • He was chosen as the top jazz flutist by readers of Jazziz magazine for seven consecutive years.

Come Fly with Me (2006)

Dave Valentin - Come Fly With Me
Dave Valentin – Come Fly With Me

Dave Valentín always moved in the realm of fusion. His incorporation of smooth jazz elements, Latin influences, and the sensitivity of modern jazz made him a difficult artist to pigeonhole. Come Fly with Me is one of his most notable albums, as it focuses on a direct approach to Latin jazz. The majority of the songs are Afro-Cuban with a New York flair, without including funk or samba rhythms.

Driven by a formidable rhythm section that includes Robert Ameen on drums, Milton Cardona and Richie Flores on percussion, Luques Curtis on bass, and his friend Bill O’Connell on piano, the album overflows with power and elegance. Trombonist and arranger Papo Vázquez also participates on several tracks. The group’s rhythm is profound and the solos are filled with inspiration. Despite some less successful moments, Valentín’s innate sense of taste and melody shines brightly.

Album Credits

Musicians:

  • Dave Valentín (Flute)
  • Bill O’Connell (Piano)
  • Luques Curtis (Acoustic Bass)
  • Papo Vázquez (Trombone)
  • Chris Barretto (Tenor Sax #1)
  • Robert Ameen (Drums)
  • Milton Cardona (Percussion)
  • Richie Flores (Percussion)

Tracks:

  • Come Fly with Me
  • Twinkle Toes
  • Enciendido
  • Mind Games
  • If You Could See Me Now
  • Easy Street
  • Tu Pañuelo
  • House of the Sun
  • Song for My Brothers

Sadly, Dave Valentín suffered a stroke in 2012 that forced him to step away from music. He passed away in 2017. Despite his passing, his musical legacy remains a fundamental reference for flutists and lovers of Latin jazz.

Valentín El maestro de la flauta en el jazz latino
Valentín El maestro de la flauta en el jazz latino

By:

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Rafael Vega Curry for the National Foundation for Popular Culture

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Pamir Guánchez, brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger.

Luis Conte: The Cuban-American percussionist who fuses Cuban son with global music

Luis Conte is a renowned Cuban-American percussionist who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His talent and versatility have led him to collaborate with an impressive list of world-class artists.

Luis Conte, the percussionist who fuses Cuban son with global music.
Luis Conte, the percussionist who fuses Cuban son with global music.

Born in Santiago de Cuba, Conte emigrated to Los Angeles in 1967. Throughout his career, he has been honored multiple times as “Percussionist of the Year” by specialized magazines like Modern Drummer and Drum Magazine.

Luis Conte has been the percussionist for some of the biggest names in commercial music, including James Taylor, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Madonna, Sergio Mendes, Ray Charles, Pat Metheny, Beck, Shakira, Sade, and Herb Alpert.

In this first HD-Audio Latin recording, his talent, along with that of pianist David Garfield and the recently deceased bassist Dave Carpenter, comes to life through the magic of 96 kHz/24-bit, 5.1 channel surround sound. The music is mixed to maximize individual musical lines and timbres. Bob Stuart, the founder and chairman of Meridian Audio, described the sound as “incredible,” adding that it was one of the best recordings he had ever heard.

The difference lies in the use of new technology, strict adherence to signal purity, and a willingness to experiment with instrument placement. Finally, you have the opportunity to hear authentic HD-Audio with performers who know how to create wonderful music.

Being a percussionist is like being a geographer. These instruments come from all over the world: Africa, Brazil, Colombia, the Middle East. I try to cover everything.
Being a percussionist is like being a geographer. These instruments come from all over the world: Africa, Brazil, Colombia, the Middle East. I try to cover everything.

Luis spent the first 15 years of his life absorbing the rich musical heritage of son and carnaval. “Life in Cuba is about enjoying it, and music is fundamental to that lifestyle,” says Luis. “Music is almost like food for Cubans.” Immersed in the music of his native Cuba, Luis also developed a passion for rock & roll, R&B soul, jazz, and The Beatles.

At age 15, in search of freedom, Luis emigrated to Madrid, Spain. He soon had another opportunity to travel, this time to Hollywood. In California, Luis stayed with a cousin and attended Hollywood High School, where he played guitar in numerous rock bands during his teenage years.

After high school, Luis met John Monteallegre, who reconnected him with Cuban drumming at L.A. City College. By age 18, Luis had a strong interest in drumming and took every opportunity to play and learn, drawing inspiration from a deep well of rhythm he absorbed during his youth in Cuba.

David Garfield’s mission is “I make music.” And “make music” is what he does, as a world-renowned keyboardist, producer, and composer. Whether it’s jazz, rock, funk, or world beat, he is the creative force behind the production of numerous internationally acclaimed recordings.

Conte is a renowned Cuban-American percussionist
Conte is a renowned Cuban-American percussionist

After studying music at Ohio State University, the late Dave Carpenter started his professional career playing with three jazz giants: Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Woody Herman. More recently, Carpenter was part of drummer Peter Erskine’s trio, which also included pianist Alan Pasqua. A veteran of the Woody Herman and Bill Holman big bands, he also worked with Bill Perkins, Jack Nimitz, Herb Geller, Herbie Hancock, Jack Sheldon, Al Jarreau, Bill Cunliffe, Jan Lundgren, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, and Richard Stoltzman, among others.

As sought-after in Los Angeles studios as he was in clubs, Carpenter has an extensive list of recording credits. He participated in more than 200 recordings and composed dozens of themes and scores for television and film.

Sadly, Dave passed away from a heart attack in June 2008. The music world lost a truly wonderful musician and person. The premium DVD-Audio/Video discs from AIX Records are two-sided: one side is an interactive DVD-Video disc, and the other is a DVD-Audio disc (which requires DVD-Audio compatible equipment for playback).

The sound of this recording brings these incredible instrumentalists into your listening space. The HD audio surround mixes immerse you in the musical interplay with a full-range frequency and dynamic response. Discover how good Latin jazz can sound! When I’m asked at trade shows what my favorite discs are, I always include The Latin Jazz Trio.

Dave Carpenter, Luis Conte & David Garfield – The Latin Jazz Trio (2002-R2018)

Dave Carpenter, Luis Conte & David Garfield - The Latin Jazz Trio
Dave Carpenter, Luis Conte & David Garfield – The Latin Jazz Trio

Tracks:

  1. Luisongo
  2. Doña Olga
  3. Memories Of Rio
  4. Mujaka
  5. Song For My Father
  6. Future Generations
  7. Pools
  8. Rumba Del Cielo
  9. Kumbisa / Cuba

Musicians:

  • Dave Carpenter (Bass)
  • Luis Conte (Percussion)
  • David Garfield (Piano)

Recorded at the Zipper Auditorium at The Colburn School of Performing Arts, 2000.

By: L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Israel “Cachao” López, a Cuban musician and composer, has been hailed as “the Inventor of Mambo”

How Money Is Made Today: Recording Artists, Record Labels, and Digital Platforms

Carlos Navarro is a renowned multi-percussionist, producer, bandleader, and singer, known for leading the Orquesta Son y Clave. Here are some key details about him and his music:

  • Musical Style: He specializes in genres like salsa, mambo, merengue, and Latin jazz.

  • Orquesta Son y Clave: The band has gained popularity in recent years, even sharing the stage with world-class artists like The Rolling Stones.

  • Collaborations: He has worked with major talents in Latin music in Los Angeles, including Tito Nieves, Luis Barbarán, and others.

  • Family Connection: He is the brother of the famous singer Cherry Navarro.

    Carlos Navarro reconocido multi-percusionista, productor, bandleader y cantante, conocido por liderar la Orquesta Son y Clave
    Carlos Navarro reconocido multi-percusionista, productor, bandleader y cantante, conocido por liderar la Orquesta Son y Clave

1). What’s the current process for recording, music production, and royalty distribution?

The current process begins with recording, which can now be done in professional studios or in home studios equipped with high-quality technology. Next is music production, which includes editing, mixing, and mastering to ensure the material meets industry standards.

Once the final product is complete, it’s distributed digitally through aggregators or distributors who place it on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, among others. As for royalties, these are mainly collected by collective management societies and the platforms themselves, who distribute the income based on streams, downloads, or licenses, assigning it to the author, performer, and producer as stipulated in their contracts.

2). What is the impact of digital platforms that artists use to release their music?

Digital platforms have transformed the music industry by democratizing access. Today, any artist, regardless of their fame or resources, can distribute their music globally. The biggest impact is visibility: a song can reach millions of listeners without the need for a traditional record label.

However, there is also the challenge of market saturation, which requires artists to accompany distribution with solid strategies for digital marketing, branding, and social media presence.

3). How are the revenues distributed once the product is complete?

Revenue distribution varies according to contractual agreements, but generally, it’s split between authors and composers (publishing royalties), performers and producers (master recording royalties), and the distribution company or label.

In the digital environment, streaming platforms pay a percentage for each stream, which first goes to the digital distributor and is then divided according to the percentages agreed upon in publishing and production contracts. This system makes good administrative management essential so that everyone involved receives what they’re owed.

At The Blind Tiger Super Club in Santa Barbara California. Son y Clave Orchestra Carlos Navarro. Great venue.
At The Blind Tiger Super Club in Santa Barbara California. Son y Clave Orchestra Carlos Navarro. Great venue.

4). Name some current business models for producing a record.

  • Independent Digital Distribution: The artist pays a digital distributor (e.g., DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore) and keeps most of their rights.
  • Record Label Contract: The label invests in production and promotion in exchange for a percentage of royalties and even the master rights.
  • Licensing and Sync: Producing music geared toward films, commercials, and video games, generating income from usage licenses.
  • Crowdfunding: Fans support the funding of the album in exchange for exclusive rewards.
  • 360 Deal: The label or company handles not only production and distribution but also concerts, merchandise, and image rights, in exchange for a larger percentage.

5). What strategies can artists use to monetize their work in the digital environment?

  • Streaming and Digital Downloads: Maximizing presence on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.
  • YouTube and Content ID: Monetizing through views, ads, and copyright control.
  • Digital and Physical Merchandise: T-shirts, vinyl records, NFTs, and exclusive products.
  • Social Media and Subscriptions: Platforms like Patreon or TikTok offer the possibility of direct income from fans.
  • Licensing and Sync: Offering music for TV series, films, video games, and advertising campaigns.
  • Virtual Concerts and Exclusive Experiences: Monetized live streams, digital meet-and-greets, or access to exclusive content.

6). What do you think about creating a digital platform among us, the Latin musicians, where the profits go to the artists?

I think that’s an extremely valuable and necessary proposal. A digital platform created by and for Latin musicians would have a direct impact on the independence and sustainability of our artistic projects. By eliminating traditional intermediaries and ensuring most of the profits go directly to the artists, it would foster a fairer and more equitable industry.

Furthermore, this kind of initiative would not only allow for a better distribution of income but also the creation of a strong community where we can support each other, give visibility to emerging talents, and preserve the cultural identity of our music. In a market dominated by global platforms that prioritize volume over quality, having our own space would be a strategic tool to strengthen our voice as Latin artists and give true value to our creative work.

Carlos Navarro
Carlos Navarro

Also Read: How Money is Made Today as a Recording Artist with Record Labels and Digital Platforms

Somos Latinos in Mexico

Latin America / Mexico / Ciudad de Mexico

Somos Latinos is a company based in Mexico that has specialized in the production and organization of salsa music events since 2006. We had the opportunity to speak with the General Director, Omar Gonzales, who told us that he is an Audio Engineer. Before starting the company “SOMOS LATINOS,” he worked for another company providing services to most of the international singers or musical groups that came to the country. He also mentioned that he has always liked the salsa genre, even though it’s difficult to find since it’s not the country’s native music. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t small to medium-sized groups of “Salsa” followers.

Oscar D'Leon - Somos Latinos in México
Oscar D’Leon – Somos Latinos in México

One day, he decided to create his own office with the idea of doing something—promoting “Salsa.” Starting in 2007, they took a chance and organized their first event. After some time, the famous singer Tony Vega came to the country and gave him the opportunity to produce his first event there. Thanks to its success, “Somos Latinos” became his exclusive office in Mexico. One of their biggest successes was an event they organized with the salsa artists N’Klabe and NG2, who were known as “The Pioneers of the Future of Salsa.” The salsa fans who attended the event applauded like never before, as it was a world-class show.

Somos Latinos in Mexico - Roberto Blades and Viti Ruiz
Somos Latinos in Mexico – Roberto Blades and Viti Ruiz

The company currently has 10 years of experience and is known for:

  • An extensive roster of artists.
  • A solid reputation for event production, recognized as a reliable and trustworthy production company, earning the confidence of the public, their clients, and the artists they promote and represent.
  • Broad knowledge of musical genres and an excellent team trained for massive events.
  • Having the necessary equipment and infrastructure for event production (stages, audio, backline, lighting, voltage generators, giant LED screens, and other technology to create top-level shows).

Omar also mentioned that to celebrate their anniversary, they created the “Somos Latinos International Salsa Festival,” their most important event, which has been held 8 times in different parts of Mexico, such as “Mexico City,” “State of Mexico,” and the “State of Veracruz.” In the latter, they participated as organizers and suppliers for the fourth edition of the Boca del Río International Salsa Festival 2014, the world’s largest salsa event, which takes place over 4 days (with an average attendance of 120,000 people per day). This event has earned the State of Veracruz recognition as the world capital of salsa.

Upcoming Event

Somos Latinos in México
Somos Latinos in México

On July 14, 2017, the event “Roberto Blades & Viti Ruiz #EntreAmigos” will take place at the “La Maraka” venue located at Mitla No. 410, Esq. Eugenia, Col. Narvarte, 03023 Benito Juarez, Mexico City, Mexico.

If you want to get to know them and learn more, you can contact them through:

The Perfect Salsa Alignment - Somos Latinos in Mexico
The Perfect Salsa Alignment – Somos Latinos in Mexico