International Salsa Magazine

North America

Willie Morales The Salsa Pilot Taking off with force… New, Tasty and Danceable Salsa!

The Salsa Pilot Willie Morales, “Vivencias mi Misión”

Is his second and most recent musical production after debuting with Desafiando la Gravedad, el Piloto returns with more power and an original sound that bets on the style of Salsa de la Vieja Guardia or Gorda in the same way of interpreting a Son Montuno, a Guaracha, a Bolero or El Mambo and surrounds us with a voice of the original Sonero.

The main theme and title track of the production “Vivencias mi Misión” features an excellent Congas solo by veteran Puerto Rican percussionist Paoli Mejías and the Vázquez brothers (Víctor and Toñito) on Trombones.

Willie Morales El Piloto de la Salsa ¡Despegando con fuerza... Salsa Nueva, Sabrosa y Bailable!
El Piloto de la Salsa Willie Morales, “Vivencias mi Misión”.

 William Morales Echeverría, better known as Willie Morales. Born in East Chicago, Indiana on December 1st. Son of Puerto Rican parents from the town of Añasco.

From a very young age, the inclination towards music was apparent, inspired by his brother Jose Rodolfo Morales (Rudy) who sang with various musical groups in the city of Chicago.

Willie developed in choirs of different schools in the city of Chicago where he demonstrated his vocal range where he performed all voices from soprano to baritone.

At the age of 13, after his parents’ retirement, he took up residence in Añasco, Puerto Rico on Nicolás Soto Ramos Street, better known as La Gallera.

Willie performed in choirs of different schools in the city of Chicago where he demonstrated his vocal range from soprano to baritone.
Taking off with force… New, Tasty and Danceable Salsa! The Salsa Pilot Willie Morales

It was here where his passion for Salsa grew and he had gatherings in the neighborhood with family and childhood friends where we spent hours in street rumbones.

He attended the Escuela Libre de Música de Mayagüez, where he took piano lessons with Luciano Quiñones, and also participated in the school’s band as a singer. He sang with several musical groups in the area such as Polanco, Nelson (Ruido), and La Dictadora, which belonged to Willie Sotelo, the current pianist of the Gran Combo.

His favorite singers are Cheo Feliciano, Marvin Santiago, Ismael Miranda, his relative among others. During this trajectory, he began another passion in his life, aviation.

His desire to be a pilot grew with the same intensity he felt to be a singer, as time went by, he took the path of aviation where he has been flying around the world for more than 30 years. He never stopped singing, bringing joy to co-workers, neighbors and the general public.

Bringing music and joy in every corner, in every place, dancing and singing even in the airplane.

Always with the hope that in the future he could realize his dream of making his own musical production. After such a long wait, he got the opportunity to do what he loves so much in life, taking both careers hand in hand, singing and defying gravity, two dreams come true.

Here is Willie Morales, El Piloto de la Salsa! As his friends called him.

Familia… ¡Recién salido del horno! Ya está disponible

Family…

Just out of the oven!

Now available for sale by PayPal, Zelle or money order. Bufete de Salsa, features 12 tracks, Pa’ Gozá!!!! Each unit has a cost of $16.00 includes shipping (USA) with tracking number. Autographed if you wish!

“YOUR SUPPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE MAKING MUSIC FOR THE SALSA PEOPLE”.

Contact: Willie Morales II or call 832-515-3522

Por: Erika Muñoz 

La Mulata Rumbera

Erika Muñoz 

“Se Armó la Rumba en México”

Corresponsal de International Salsa Magazine

Article of Interest: Fabián Rosales Araos Chilean singer-songwriter, native of the city of Valparaíso

Home

Alicia Muñoz, composer and vocalist extraordinaire from the island of Encanto

Greetings, consistent salsomanos and regular readers of International Salsa Magazine / www.salsagoogle.com, for us it is an honor to be with you again and on this occasion a pleasure to introduce you to an extraordinary composer and vocalist from the island of Borinquen, Alicia Muñoz.

Welcome, Alicia to International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, where we are constantly projecting and promoting the artists that stand out in our Latin music and we would like to share and learn more about your career and projects.

composer and vocalist extraordinaire from the island of Borinquén, Alicia Muñoz.
Alicia Muñoz Composer and vocalist from the Isle of Enchantment.

Thank you very much Carlos, for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be present in this media, where great exponents of salsa have interacted with special affection and shared their experiences.

Alicia, previously you told us that you were born in the town of San Sebastián de las Vegas del Pepino, in Puerto Rico, a region of great art on the island of enchantment?

Indeed, Prof. Carlos, I was born in that wonderful place, famous for its handicrafts, its Maguey hammocks and also recognized for being the birthplace of artists such as Sophy Hernandez, Alfonso Velez, Nito Mendez, as well as the composer Angel Mislan.

Amiga Alicia, we would like to know about your beginnings in music and when you started to develop your artistic career, and why your inclination for the musical genre of salsa?

In 2013, specifically on April 8, I debuted my album "Sin dudas" at the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum in the event "Jugando con las estrellas", along with renowned artists, among them: Michael Stuart, Abraham Velasquez, Bangi (Grupo Mania) and Boxing champion Tito Trinidad.
Alicia Muñoz Composer and vocalist from the Isle of Enchantment.

Wuaoo! of course, well professor, let me tell you that at the age of 4 years, my teacher, knowing the initial talent I had for singing, accompanied me and looked for places for me to sing, such as patron saint festivals, family events, and festivals, such as the now-defunct festival of San Sebastian, I had a great satisfaction thanks to God almighty, to win many awards for my voice, even as a little girl and I got to sing with the traditional group “Estampas Pepinianas”; but always salsa, as a good Puerto Rican I carry it in my veins.

Interesting start, and could you tell us when you begin to venture into the professional field and especially your first recordings?

Well, in 2013, specifically on April 8, I debuted with my album “Sin Dudas” in the coliseum Luis Aymat Cardona in the event “Jugando con las Estrellas”, along with renowned artists, including Michael Stuart, Abraham Velasquez, Bangi (Grupo Mania) and Boxing champion Tito Trinidad; there in that show I was cheered by the sovereign and with good praise for my musical work, let me tell you Carlos that my first musical production entitled “Alicia 2004”, had a very good acceptance Connecticut and then in Springfield Massachusetts. Later in 2009, I recorded my second production, which for personal reasons I did not release, but it sounded and sounds in radio stations and dance clubs; and among these songs are: “Que lloren” by Yvy Queen, “Bandido” by Ana Barbara, “Todos me Miran” by Gloria Trevi, “Báilalo, Báilalo” of my authorship, “Condenada a Tu Amor”, “Perdida a tu Amor” and “Cuéntale”. All of them were played on radio stations in Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, France, Spain, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Ah! Friend Carlos, let me tell you that on February 14, 2015, a compilation of my previous musical productions was released, entitled “Que me pasa”.

Excellent Alicia, And as for these last 5 years, you have made recordings for the salsa and dancing public?

in 2018, I presented the singles: "Fácil" and "Pido Señor"; in 2019 "Cruzando Fronteras" and in 2020, "Salsa para el Cielo".
Blessings to all, I love you all very much, your friend, Alicia Muñoz

Indeed, in 2017, I released my single “Te Pido Señor”, which quickly climbed to the top of the Hit Parade of Latin music, then in 2018, I presented the singles: “Fácil” and te “Pido Señor”; in 2019 “Cruzando Fronteras” and in 2020, “Salsa para el Cielo”.

We understand Alicia, that a few days ago, you released your first single “Mi Lugar”, where you manage to mix the freshness of your angelic voice with the swing and flavor of good salsa for music lovers and dancers, tell us about it:

Very well, friends International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, and thanks to you, professor Carlos Colmenárez, I want to present you, my new song “Mi Lugar”, which is a composition by Jorge del Valle, arrangements and musical direction by Víctor Gámez, mixed and mastered under the hands of Jose Guerrero from Josmastering Studios Venezuela and with the masterful instrumentation of different musicians such as Luis Ruiz on trumpets, Johan Escalante on trombones, Euro Zambrano on percussion, Victor Gamez on piano, Chelo Bolivar on bass and Venezuelan Marcial Isturiz, on backing vocals; by the way, this work was recorded at A & R Recording Studio, M.A; so I hope it is to your liking and you can enjoy it on digital platforms.

And finally, friend Alicia, we want to wish you the best of success in your excellent and ascending artistic career and to our readers, we recommend you to follow your songs, which are full of message and Latin flavor. From Venezuela and all over the world we send you our sincere congratulations for your perseverance, professionalism, and interpretative quality; you are a pride of Puerto Rico…

Very grateful for those words, Carlos, and a big kiss to all those readers International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, which, I will carry in my heart through my melodies that with much affection I bring to enhance our Latin music; for bookings and contact you can do it through my representative Alicia Muñoz from New York City, at + 1 (203) 632-7427.

Blessings to all, I love you all very much, your friend, Alicia Muñoz.

Article of Interest: Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”

By: Carlos Colmenárez Correspondent in Venezuela

International Salsa Magazine

Home

The best jazz and cuts of meat at Willie’s Steak House

What is Willie’s Steak House

Willie’s Steak House is one of those places where The Bronx visitors have to go, whether tourists or local residents. This spectacular restaurant with live music has absolutely everything anyone may need to have a nice and lovely time in the company of friends and relatives. The best of cuts of steak mixed with live jazz result in a heady combination that is hard to ignore.

This restaurant specializing in meat offers an impressive menu to be enjoyed by all those who visit at its facility to take their minds off of the routine and the health situation in the world during the last year and a half. In its wide catalogue of options, we can find pork leg, crispy chicken, flame-broiled, pork chop, among many other dishes. As for the side dishes, there are also various options that can be included such as rice with pigeon peas, fried yucca, hash browns, potato chips and much more.

Although the food is wonderful and one of the biggest attractions of the place, we cannot ignore the fact that this space also includes the best jazz that can be found across the Bronx and its surroundings. In addition, it is also very common to invite groups from Puerto Rico to play the guitar, mostly on Saturday. However, the place is not only limited to these musical styles to harmonize the environment for diners, but further has been responsible for bringing artists linked to all kinds of genres and instruments that can make an evening a great opportunity to enjoy the best Latin music.

Image of the ar and the tables at Willie's Steak House
Bar and tables at Willie’s Steak House

The best music and food in the same place

The owners and those responsible for handling the advertising side are always announcing new events and shows suitable for the whole family, primarily related to music. In fact, last month the return of Live Salsa Wednesdays was announced with a different live singer or orchestra each week. This had been suspended indefinitely after the pandemic broke out in New York and other American cities. This was big news for regular customers of the restaurant, who cannot wait to see a live show again after all this time.

Against that background, it is safe to assume that the place provides facilities for private parties, banquets and all kinds of meetings and social events just by contacting the staff of the restaurant to make the necessary reservations. If that is the case, all one has to go into the web portal www.williessteakhousebronx.com, go to the Contact section, leave a comment with the required information or call (718) 822-9697.

As far as open hours are concerned, the place runs on Mondays between 4 p.m. and 12 midnight, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 2 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 3 a.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 12 midnight.

So any of our readers who want to enjoy an exquisite cut of meat with the side dishes from the Island of Enchantment and listen to the best Latin music bands and orchestras, they only have go to Willie’s Steak House to spend a time they will never forget.

Imagen of some tables at Willie's Steak House
Some tables at Willie’s Steak House

Website: www.williessteakhousebronx.com

 

Phone: (718) 822-9697

 

Opening hours:

Monday and Tuesday: from 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Wednesday and Thursday: from 12:00 noon to 2:00 a.m.

Friday and Saturday: from 12 noon to 3:00 a.m.

Sunday: from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight

Home

What the situation will be in New York in August 2021

What is happening in New York?

There are several reports in New York for the coming months in terms of salsa and Latin music in general. There are so many that we could not mention them all here, but we will summarize the most outstanding and interesting of the month. So make yourselves comfortable because we have many things to say.  

Salsa International Day Celebration 

Recently, it was announced that New York will host the First Salsa International Day Celebration, an event that has been announced by Carlos Velasquez from GrupoCKV and myself on 27 June of this year. This fabulous festivity will be broadcast through Canal America in an exclusive way and carried out on 14 August between 4 and 5 pm on New York time. 

In the words of Velasquez, this will be an event meant to unify and glorify all salsa lovers. He also mentions that for him and the rest of the team that makes this possible are proud to be able to share this great event with all viewers who are interested in the show that has been prepared for them.   

This is Carlos Velasquez
Carlos Velasquez

Donation of the last jacket worn by Franklin Ruíz in one of his shows 

For me and for the rest of the Spaha Salsa Gallery, it is a great honor that Franklin Ruíz’s brother Víctor Rolando Negrón Ruiz, best known as Viti Ruíz, has donated the last jacket worn by the artist at Madison Square Garden before his unfortunate death due to liver cirrhosis that had afflicted him a while ago. With this special offer, we will always have a pleasant memory of El Papá de La Salsa, who has left a bottomless void after his departure. 

Viti Ruiz is a huge iconic figure like his brother Franklin, who made us be more honored to receive him in our facilities and meet him about the gift to the Salsa Museum and how much this priceless possession meant to him. What makes this jacket so special is that it was worn by the singer during a heartfelt tribute in which his name was chanted for more than 15 minutes at Times Square Garden, time that will remain forever in the memory of the musician until his last days and that of all his fans.  

Johnny posing next to Viti Cruz
Johnny Cruz and Viti Cruz with Franklin Ruiz’s jacket

Tito Allen is more relevant than ever 

We all know the artistic career of Tito Allen for more than 60 years, whose songs hit speak for themselves. Despite so many decades, the Puerto Rican is still a very active man and wants everyone to know that he will return to the stage and will do it with a few surprises up his sleeve. 

He has announced that he will be part of the Salsa Festival, which will take place on 21 August from 8 pm. According to information recently published, the place chosen is the Stereo Garden in New York, which is a multi-use venue built in the 1940s under the name of Patchogue Roller Rink. One of the best characteristics of this place is the absence of inconvenient columns that can hinder the movement and view of the spectators, providing them with much more space in which they can move about. 

Additional to that, Tito will not be the only one performing that night, as the concert will count on the participation of Franklin Vasquez and Hector Tricoche. Those who wish to book their tickets may do so through Ticketmaster and they have a value of $40. 

Poster about the Salsa Festival
Poster in which you can see Tito Allen, Frankie Vasquez and Hector Tricoche

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

 

Home

Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr. Growing Up in Latin Dance Music and Jazz

Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez Jr. is a salsa legend and world-renown, pioneering bongocero.

His “Dream Team” is currently regarded as the hottest salsa “conjunto” performing In New York City.

It is rare, and ever increasingly so, that a musician would spend a lifetime in a band. But percussionist Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr. who was a teenager when he was allowed to sit in with the Tito Puente Orchestra and be an apprentice for a few months before earning a place in its rhythm section, was also there at the end, playing alongside Puente until his death, after a concert on May 31st, 2000.

“I went from being a kid, coming into the band as a 16-year-old to being the man running the band at the end,” said Rodríguez, 70, in a conversation from his home in Las Vegas.

Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez Jr. Growing up in Latin dance and jazz music
Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr.

Between that beginning and end, Rodríguez also contributed, in prolonged stints, to the sound of the Tito Rodríguez Orchestra, Ray Barretto, his own band, Típica ‘73, and more.

The son of Johnny “La Vaca” Rodríguez Sr., a respected percussionist who also played with the Puente and Rodríguez orchestras, “Dandy” Rodríguez is one of those essential musicians who have created and shaped the sound of contemporary Latin Jazz yet are little known by the public at large.

"When they called me to talk about the concert I thought it was a great idea," Rodriguez says.
Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr. y Pedro Bermúdez en New York

While some of the great players in Duke Ellington or Count Basie bands have long been recognized for their contributions, their counterparts in the Latin orchestras, for the most part, have not.  Rodriguez will be honored by Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra in their concert “Tribute to the Great Sidemen of Latin Jazz” alongside Sonny Bravo, Ray Santos, Papo Vázquez, Reynaldo Jorge, José Madera, Joe González, and Bobby Porcelli at Symphony Space, in New York City, January 29th and 30th.

“When they called me about the concert I thought it was such a great idea,” says Rodriguez.

Johnny Rodríguez
Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez Jr. is a salsa legend and a world-renowned pioneer bongocero.

“Usually people just know the name of the bandleader and it’s fine,” he says. “But they must remember that there is a good team behind that leader which makes him look so much better.

There’s a way of playing that music that makes it sound the way they wrote it and the way they wanted it and these guys knew it and they knew how to do it.”

Rodríguez grew up in Spanish Harlem, Manhattan, in a house with “a great music collection, a good, what was then called, hi-fi system and always full of musicians,” he recalls.

“It was great but I was interested in baseball, in stickball. I didn’t get involved with music until later, but the music was always in the background, in my house.” By the time he was in junior high, Rodríguez played bongos, congas, timbales, and set drums and, as he puts it, “started to get into it.”

“Remember, I lived in El Barrio and back in those days, in that area, there was a lot of music in the air.

There would be speakers outside the furniture store or the bodega or the record shop, and music would be playing. This shop would be playing this radio station, the butcher would have another, so walking one block you’d be hearing three different pieces of music. It was an environment full of music.”

During the first two decades of the new century, the musical work of maestro Johnny Rodriguez continued; thus, his musical imprint has remained in other publications with The Latin-Jazz Coalition, Frankie Morales, Eddie Palmieri, Gilberto Santa Rosa, George Delgado, Victor Manuelle, Rick Arroyo, Orestes Vilató, Mitch Frohman, Cita Rodriguez, Doug Beaver, Adalberto Santiago and Jeremy Bosch.

In addition, special mention must be made of the participation of maestro Johnny Rodríguez with a group called The Latin Giants Of Jazz, in the best style of the classic Big Bands, made up of great teachers, among them, some of the former members of the band of maestro Tito Puente; with this group they have released four albums; this project gave rise to another band called The Mambo Legends, who recorded the album titled: Watch Out! ¡Ten Cuidao!

John Rodriguez is, without any doubt, one of the most prolific percussionists in the world of Latin music called Salsa; the nickname “Dandy” goes back to his childhood, when the car in which he was taken was bought in a warehouse or a store called “Dandy”, and people said: look how cute the “Dandy”, and from there he kept that nickname. In music he is better known as Johnny instead of John.

In the (year 2022) the experienced Johnny Rodriguez had three or four groups with which he is playing, among them Dandy Rodriguez and his Dream Team, and at the same time he teaches percussion classes over the Internet. He is part of the true legends of Latin music, not to mention that his talent has also been reflected in recordings for other musical genres such as: Electronic, Folk Rock, Folk, World & Country, Funk / Soul, Heavy Metal, Jazz, Stage & Screen, Jazz-Funk, Merengue and Pop.

In his very extensive artistic career, the master Johnny Rodriguez took part in historical and iconic recordings of our musical culture, some of these albums have been worthy of awards such as the Grammy Award, among which are:

Homenaje a Beny Moré – Year 1978.
On Broadway – 1983
El Rey: Tito Puente & His Latin Ensemble – Year 1984
Mambo Diablo – 1985
Goza Mi Timbal – Year 1990
Mambo Birdland – Year 1999
Masterpiece / Masterpiece Tito Puente & Eddie Palmieri – Year 2000.

“In 2008, Johhny entrusted LP’s Research and Development Department with the design of the John “Dandy” Rodriguez Jr. bongoes in the Legends series. John is proud that these drums, which bear his name, feature such outstanding sound and visual characteristics.”

He died on August 17, 2024 in New York City of a stroke.

 

Facebook: John Rodriguez(Dandy)

Article of Interest: José Madera Timbal de Machito and his Afro-Cubans, Tito Puente, Mambo Legends Orchestra and Fania Record Co.

Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez Jr. y Frankie "El Sonero del Barrio" Vázquez
Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr. y Frankie “El Sonero del Barrio” Vázquez

Home