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November

José Hildemaro Hugas Amarista “El Sonero del Amor” from Venezuela to the world

José Hildemaro Hugas Amarista, better known artistically as “Hildemaro, El Sonero Del Amor”, was born on November 10, 1957 in Caripito, a city in the eastern Venezuelan state of Monagas.

He is a Venezuelan singer-songwriter whose interest in music began at a very young age, participating in various children’s programs on the radio station in his hometown and in Maturin, the capital of the state of Monagas.

In 1970 he won the first “Festival De La Canción Inédita” held in Caripito.

Then he moved to Carúpano, where he began to sing with different musical groups of that city, such as “Los Bravos” and “Soles De Media Noche”.

"El Sonero del Amor" from Venezuela
“El Sonero del Amor” from Venezuela

Later he was called by the “Combo Melorítmico” of Maturín, where he stayed for a year. He always wanted to sing in the capital.

In 1976 his dream came true when he was called to be a part of the Front Train Orchestra “Los Satélites”, for seven (7) months, the proposed goals began to be different and began to work to achieve them. In 1979 he joined the “Orquesta Ideal”, with which the song “Contigo Besos Salvajes” was played all over the country and was successively imposed among the first places.

In 1981 he joined the “Supercombo Los Tropicales” of Maracaibo, then the “Noche Caliente” orchestra and later the “Porfi Jimenez” orchestra.

In 1985 he joined the orchestra of Renato Capriles: “Los Melódicos”, which gave him the greatest and best experience, given the popularity, prestige and discipline imposed by its director.

In 1986, as a soloist, he recorded his first LP of tropical music under the name “El Jr. de la música tropical” for the record label “Sur Americana del Disco”, , with the name “El Jr. de la música tropical.”

In December 1987 he received a wonderful offer from the record label “Top Hit (T.H.. ) and in 1988 he records his first LP, as a “sensual salsero” for Venezuela, titled “Amanecí Contigo” under the pen of José “El Flaco” Bermúdez, who is also the creator of the style that pushes him towards the international market, where all his songs hit with great acceptance and have his greatest impact in Peru (his second home as he usually calls it), starting his successful career as “Hildemaro, El Sonero Del Amor”.

José Hildemaro Hugas Amarista "El Sonero del Amor" from Venezuela to the World
José Hildemaro Hugas Amarista “El Sonero del Amor” from Venezuela to the World

In 1989 he recorded his second LP entitled “Sin Tabú”, which went gold a few weeks after its release, and this album took him back to Peru, where he is considered one of the main idols of Salsa Sensual. Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, United States, Europe (Spain, Italy, France, Holland, Switzerland, among others), Asia (Japan), among many other countries, have joined his successful career.

In 1990 he recorded his third album called “Romantic and Sensual”, consolidating himself as one of the best voices of Latin American and Caribbean Salsa, qualities that were also reflected in his fourth production entitled “Lo Mejor De Mí” in 1991.

In 1993 he recorded his fifth album under the name “Al Natural”.

In 1994 he was invited to participate in the recording of the album “Con Ganas” by the Cuban Issac Delgado, where he performed a duet of a song composed by José L. Cortes called “Que Pasa Loco”, which quickly became an international success and took him to other latitudes.

In 1995 he released his sixth production with the title “Lo Que Siento”. One year later he signed a contract with the Mexican label “Balboa Records”, where he recorded the album “La Mejor Salsa Con Hildemaro”.

"El Sonero del Amor" from Venezuela and Viti Ruiz
“El Sonero del Amor” from Venezuela and Viti Ruiz

In 1999, he was invited by the Venezuelan group “Melody Gaita”, along with other artists, to record a tribute song to his friend and colleague Oscar D’ León.

In 2001, “Orquesta La Constelación” decided to record an album with several artists, in which he participated with two (2) songs (Peruvian waltzes), “Cuando Llora Mi Guitarra”, in duet with Andy Montañez, and “Jamás Impedirás”, which allowed him to sound nationally and internationally.

In 2002, he is called by another Venezuelan group “Pajarito Vola Show”, along with other artists, this time to participate in a well-deserved tribute to Betulio Medina. In 2002 and 2003 he burst in the national and international radio stations with two (2) singles “Corazón Loco” and “El Celular”.

In 2016, he begins to sound again in the radio stations with the song “Que Voy a Hacer Sin su Amor”.

In addition to his talent to sing Salsa Romántica, he is recognized for his interpretation of the Bolero. And on stage he has shared the stage with artists of the stature of: Oscar De León, Tito Rojas, Tito Gómez, Paquito Guzmán, Andy Montañez, Maelo Ruiz, Viti Ruiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, David Pavón, Ismael Miranda, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Tony Vega, Nino Segarra, José Alberto “El Canario”, among many others.

"El Sonero del Amor" from Venezuela and El Canario
“El Sonero del Amor” from Venezuela and El Canario

Among his many facets is his love for sports, especially volleyball, which he has practiced since he was very young. He is an honorary member of the FUCUFOCA Foundation, which has been responsible for the organization of the Festival de la Canción Inédita de Caripito for fifty-one (51) years. Faithful collaborator of the Friends of Palencia Foundation and sponsor of several institutions.

Through his foundation HH Productions, he has carried out social actions such as Collaboration in the construction of the Virgen del Rosario Church in Caripito;

Donations of medicines and food to the needy, assistance to sports teams with equipment and clothing, organization of charity concerts and support of the “Amigos de la Palencia” Foundation.

Through his foundation HH Productions, he has carried out social actions such as Collaboration in the construction of the church “Virgen del Rosario” in Caripito;

Donations of medicine and food to people in need, help to sports teams with equipment and clothing; Realization of benefit concerts and concerts of popular attraction in collaboration with the end of year festivities of his hometown.

He has always given value to new talents, helping them in their first steps with his advice and teachings, such as Angel “Tu Angel”, Hildemaro Jr. “La Continuación”, Gilberto Hugas, among others.

Between the years 2022 and 2023 he will celebrate his forty (40) uninterrupted years of artistic life, with a long international tour in countries such as: Colombia, Bolivia,

Peru, Panama, United States, Canada and Europe. He is now promoting the songs “Si Tú Te Vas” and “Amigos Especiales” from his new production, which he is preparing with his inseparable director and producer, José “El Flaco” Bermúdez.

 

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

Omslig D’ León: “I am the son of the sonero of the world, but I have my own style and I am creating my own musical history

Omslig D’ León enters the world of musical art hand in hand with his father Oscar D’ León, who works functionally as a dancer, choreographer, percussionist, background singer and singer, this young Venezuelan talent has already traveled the world in its breadth and length, through almost all the countries of North America, Europe and Latin America.

Omslig decided to start his career as a soloist and create his own history with new challenges, forming his own orchestra with his own compositions, innovating with his own unique and international style.

Omslig D' León I am the son of the sonero of the world
Omslig D’ León I am the son of the sonero of the world

“He recently toured Europe for more than two months, including performances in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Istanbul”.

“And with you, the sonero of the world, Oscar D’ León. Any Venezuelan or fan of the emblematic salsero from Caracas would be thrilled to hear such a presentation, but when you carry his blood, the adrenaline is even greater. His son, Omslig, explained it this way.

It was inevitable that I would become a musician. It’s not just my father, Oscar, it’s my mother, it’s my whole family that has music in their blood,” said the son of one of the most important salsa musicians in history.

Omslig, who began his musical career at the age of 16 as a lectern player in his father’s orchestra, with which he toured the world for 23 years, was in Panama to promote his solo career, which recently took him on a European tour that included Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Istanbul, among other countries.

He will stay a while longer in the isthmus, a country that he says has treated him wonderfully, and then he will travel to Peru and Colombia. “People will think that I am 100% influenced by my father.

Although I learned a lot from him, especially responsibility, I have my own style,” said the director of the orchestra La Melena, referring to his musical project in which he covers songs by various artists, including Panamanian Omar Alfano and Venezuelan Frank Quintero.

Omslig D' León I am the son of the sonero of the world, but I have my own style.
Omslig D’ León I am the son of the sonero of the world, but I have my own style.

Not everything is rosy.

Being the son of Oscar D’ León can be very good, but it can also be difficult. He recalled that in the past there were people who “wanted to throw his last name in his face.

“Don’t think that because you’re Oscar’s son it’s going to be easy. I don’t think you sing the same as your father. Things like that have been said to me, but I have moved forward and thank God with his support and a unique style,” he explained.

For those who think that everything has been handed to him on a silver platter, he wanted to leave this anecdote from when he was in Oscar D’ León’s band. “We were in the Canary Islands, we had already finished the show and the next day, very early, we had to take the ferry to another island.

I fell asleep and my dad dropped me off. In the lobby he left me a note saying ‘you have to learn to be responsible’ and that marked me. Then I was able to make it, but I had to pay for everything.

¿Reencuentro de Leones?

Omslig admitted that he would like to reunite with his “soul mate”, his brother Yorman, to start a musical project and, if the opportunity arises, with Iroska, better known as “La Mazucamba”, Oscar’s daughter, who currently lives in the United States.

“A few days ago my dad called me to tell me that why don’t we do something together and the truth is that it would be great. We’ll see, but it was there and something important is going to happen,” he explained.

For now, Omslig is concentrating on his work as a soloist, with several confirmed performances, and continuing his work as a father, already with three children and happily married.

“I will continue to sing my father’s songs, I will continue to keep his name high, but with the tasty and fusion style of Omslig D’ León,” concluded the 42-year-old native of Caracas.

Omslig León enters the musical artistic world hand in hand with his father Oscar D' León.
Omslig León enters the musical artistic world hand in hand with his father Oscar D’ León.

In a few words

One place: Milan, Italy.

One food: lasagna.

Artist: Luis Enrique.

A person you admire: Will Smith.

A musician: Robert Vilera.

Hobby: Painting.

Why Omslig: Oscar, Moises (paternal grandfather) and Ligia (mother).

Also Read: Freddy de Jesús Ortega Ruiz “Coco & su Sabor Matancero”

Sources:

Peggy Blanco (Manager)

Panama El Venezolano

Metamorphosis: from music to photojournalism, a reinvention without limits

In the salsa scene, we are privileged to have the presence and companionship of Felix “Guayciba” Ayala.Guayciba is one of the greatest photojournalists Puerto Rico has ever produced.

He has moved from the musical notes that embrace our ears to now capturing visuals that awaken our five senses of unrepeatable moments.

I appreciate and share first hand the reference of how this idea begins, how the seed of wanting to be a photojournalist is planted, after having directed the Guayciba Group for 12 years.

“In the mid-’80s, a group of friends and I got together. We started playing and put together a Christmas repertoire. People liked it, and they told me, ‘Hey Felix, you should form a group, you sound great.'”

Félix “Guayciba” Ayala y Chucho Valdes
Félix “Guayciba” Ayala y Chucho Valdes

Encouraged by the public’s reception, they set about the task of banding together and formalizing a repertoire of Christmas music, which they later expanded to include popular music. In 1987, the group did not yet have a name, but the musicians were already rehearsing and playing in a bar in Santa Rosa (Bayamón, Puerto Rico).

In 1988 they started calling themselves Murciélago Sound Machine and got their first professional contract, for which they charged $200.00. During one of the rehearsals, Felix’s neighbor, who owned a movie and video rental store, offered to give him the name of his store: Guayciba; which he had already registered with the State Department.

The rest is history.

Felix liked the name, even though he still didn’t know what it meant. Guay-ciba means to take care of the stone.  It turns out that our Taino Indians communicated by carving messages on stones, which we now know as petroglyphs.

This form of communication of our Indians, the Tainos, was engraved on the stones that are part of our heritage.

Since 1989, Guayciba claims to have lost his last name – Ayala – to replace it with the name he is known by in the media, Guayciba.

On the salsa stage we have the privilege of having the presence of Felix "Guayciba"
On the salsa stage we have the privilege of having the presence of Felix “Guayciba”

This was the name of the musical group of which Félix Guayciba was the director, composer and singer.  As the main member and founder, he took on the task with commitment and in 1989 they released their first record production, entitled Nuestra música primero en LP, because CDs were not yet widespread in the market.

Felix remembers that the first singer of Grupo Guayciba was Gisela Ortiz.  Some time later, Gisela got thyroid cancer and when she lost her voice, she had to be replaced by Aidita Encarnación.

Guayciba recalls that Aidita made her debut with the group during the “Coffee Festival” in Maricao and remained with the group until it disbanded in 2000.

In 1991 they produced Echemos pa’lante, which opened the door to radio stations on the island. In 1992 they produced Por ti doblaré rodillas, and in 1993 they released what Felix considers their masterpiece under the title Borinquen, nido de amores.

Félix affirms that this production became the classic album that consolidated them in Salsoul, Z-93 and Estereotempo.  Later they released La revolución apoya lo nuestro. In 1999 they released their last album, Contra viento y marea.

In this last Guayciba production, Maestro Luis ‘Perico’ Ortiz made two arrangements: “Déjame Soñar” by Perín Vázquez, which Tito Puente had already recorded on the 100th album, backing the voice of Tony Vega (Antonio Vega Ayala), the cousin of Félix Guayciba Ayala. The six albums of the Grupo Guayciba were recorded in the studio of Maestro Pedro Rivera Toledo, and in Contra viento y marea Maestro Rivera Toledo recorded the saxophone.

Félix “Guayciba” Ayala
Félix “Guayciba” Ayala

In his last album, the song “Por nada la cambiaré” was composed by Guayciba and dedicated to his homeland, Puerto Rico.

They never recorded Christmas music because their mission was to defend our music, the seis, the bomba, the plena and the guaracha, among other indigenous rhythms. The time came for the group to disband, but as Guayciba affirms: “We left a legacy for the musical history of our nation (…) Guayciba was, is and will be one of the best musical groups in the history of typical Puerto Rican music. I have retired, but at least we have left a legacy for history, we have left a mark”.

With the arrival of the new millennium, Guayciba’s musical stage ended to give way to the visual arts, making it clear that he had not retired from the humanistic arts, but had reinvented himself and now stood out in the visual arts.

The images captured by Guayciba’s photographic lens are full of life and movement. The viewer sees as if the artist, athlete or object in the photo comes to life.

Guayciba reflects while explaining how the image speaks or remains silent, depending on the adjustment made, the movement given, the position and the light.

He hastens to clarify: “I have used my musical career to distinguish myself in photography. I photograph artists the way I want them to photograph me.

I try to make the image I take of an artist or a show speak. In photojournalism, the photo has to speak.”

Guayciba made the decision to move from music to photojournalism as a result of a deep depression that he faced and fought with professional help.  Once the decision was made, he began training at the University of Puerto Rico.

He never forgot what one of the specialists who was part of the medical team that helped him recover told him: “I have faith in you.  If you are going to be a photojournalist, I want you to be the best photojournalist”.

Felix attended classes every Wednesday for three hours. He remembers his first photographic experiments.  One that comes to mind is Ricardo Arjona, who performed for an entire season at the Centro de Bellas Artes. Felix would leave his weekly class to go to the CBA, where he would stay until late.

On the salsa stage we have the privilege of having the presence of Felix "Guayciba"
On the salsa stage we have the privilege of having the presence of Felix “Guayciba”

The next day he would go to a megastore to develop the photos from the night before and bring them to the professor to evaluate the shots.  The professor would give him advice on what to do to improve the photos he had in hand.

Another moment he remembers with emotion was in 2002, when Fania played a concert at the Juan Ramón Loubriel stadium in Bayamón.

Guayciba already had a digital camera, and during that concert, he says he used 25 rolls of film with 36 exposures each.

He says this was his first international assignment. The first time he photographed an international artist was when he was still a photography student, practicing with Ricardo Arjona in the Fine Arts Department.

As a result of that coverage, he got in touch with the Guatemalan artist, who was thrilled with the photos Felix took, saying at the time that they were the best photos he had ever taken, adding that the Puerto Rican had captured his best side.

Felix has continued to evolve and has had the opportunity to cover concerts by Elton John, the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney, among others.  He says: “The only thing I don’t do is pornography, weddings or quinceañeras”. His specialty is artistic shows and sporting events.

Guayciba is the longest serving photographer to cover the Coliseo de Puerto Rico since its inauguration in 2004, when Sonora Ponceña, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz and Roberto Roena’s Apollo Sound performed in that memorable concert produced by Pepe Dueño.

One of the highlights of his career was a trip to Cuba in 2009, where Guayciba was the official photographer for the Puerto Rican delegation that went to the Cuba Disco Festival, which was dedicated to Puerto Rico in that edition.

He has taken more than 24,000 pictures of Cuba. The most memorable experience of his trips to Cuba was visiting the resting place of Che Guevara.

He continues to learn from all the images he has taken and published.  “At one point, during the performance of the 2013 musical Pedro Navaja, the Caballero de la Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa told me, “You have to let yourself be criticized and you have to accept criticism as long as it is constructive criticism.”

Felix added and still maintains: “It depends on who is criticizing you, because there are people who criticize you just to make fun of you; yes, you know, out of envy”. In fact, Felix understood that he had the best photos of Gilberto.

When he went to see him to show him, Santa Rosa told him: “They’re good, but these photos where I’m alone don’t say anything because it could be at the Fine Arts Center or it could be in some theater.  This concert is symphonic, where is the symphony orchestra?” Santa Rosa was right. “From that ear flattery I learned that you have to take the picture of the artist and the complements like stage, orchestra, etc..  It’s like writing a story.  You have to include the day, the historical setting, the characters, and make sure that the viewer can get a picture of what happened there in the moment. It’s more of a frozen in time effect.

Guayciba considers Conrado Pastrano her teacher and mentor. She expresses gratitude for all that she has learned in photography and acknowledges that there is still more to learn.

Conrado is an exceptional colleague who takes the time to explain ways to correct unwanted effects in images. Guayciba has developed her own unique style by studying the works of other colleagues and drawing inspiration from each of the photojournalists whom she admires.

Guayciba is highly regarded as one of the top photojournalists in Puerto Rico, although he is humble and has never claimed the title for himself.  He recognizes that there are others who may be more talented than him.  His motto is: “I may not be the best, but I am proficient in my craft and the photos I take convey a narrative.”

When he is at the ball park, he adeptly adjusts his lighting, shutter speed, and lens to capture the intricate details on a ball despite its velocity exceeding 100 miles per hour. When artists perform on stage, Guayciba faces the task of restoring their natural appearance despite the color filters and stage lighting often making them look unnatural or cartoonish.  Overcoming these challenges and bringing the images to life, imbues these artists with renewed enthusiasm for their craft, a pursuit they have devoted over two decades to.

At 68 years of age, he prays daily for longevity. He abstains from drugs and alcohol, including wine, champagne, and cider. His sole indulgence is tobacco and photography.

To view Félix Guayciba’s artistic works and keep in touch with this vital advocate of Puerto Rican culture, please visit the publication at www.guayciba.com. To email him, please use [email protected], or follow his IG account at https://www.instagram.com/guay54/.

To reach him by phone, please dial 787-637-8617. He is always available and eager to assist with his usual helpful demeanor.

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Also Read: Bella Martínez presents “Las memorias de Jimmie Morales: un conguero para la historia” [Read more…] about Metamorphosis: from music to photojournalism, a reinvention without limits

Déjalo, the latest track by Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional

The song -composed by Pablito Ruiz- is catchy and brings us the essential style of the orchestra with the renewed touch added by singer Pedro Blasini.

Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional

Within the first 16 seconds, Rafael ‘Bodo’ Torres on piano and Pedro Perez on bass create a lively and energetic musical introduction, perfectly arranged by Roberto Perez.

Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional photos by Adriana Vega
Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional photos by Adriana Vega

Twenty seconds after the melody starts, Pedro Blasini’s voice enters accompanied by the timbales in a hushed tone.

Through this recording, Pedro Blasini establishes himself as the lead vocalist of the International Orchestra of his uncle, the notable percussionist: Pedro Conga.

The arrangement combines musical intricacy with the required flexibility to captivate listeners searching for love dramas in the salsa de golpe scene.  And when it comes to beats and cuts, within the first ten seconds of the opening minute, Jan Duclerc’s unique trumpet cut fuses seamlessly with Pedro Conga’s tumbadora, creating the perfect harmony to complement the lead vocal.

At the 1:30 mark, José Joel Díaz introduces his timbal cymbal with subtlety, underlining the prominence of the conga.  Raúl Díaz’s bongó delivers consistent accompaniment, providing a masterclass in both rhythm section perfection and percussion timing.

Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional
Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional

From the 1:40 mark onwards, the harmonies of Charlie Cruz, Nino Segarra, Alejandro Villegas, and Blasini himself shine.

At minute 2:34, “Bodo’s” piano collaborates with Pedro Perez’s bass to demonstrate their musical partnership, resulting in exceptional musical performances.

The vocalist harmonizes well with the tumbadora, as the drumbeat establishes its presence from the very first minute and gradually intensifies until, during the lead-up to the third minute of the song, the coordination between the lead’s tumbadora and Héctor Morales’s trombone unequivocally proves that (as they say in Puerto Rico) “there is no one for anyone.”

It is clear that there are no bounds to the experience and innovation behind the musical production led by Julio “Gunda” Merced, Rafael “Bodo” Torres, and Santo Santiago.

Pedro Conga, a Puerto Rican musician, displays his exceptional talent through his music.

Pedro Conga
Pedro Conga

He was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico. He explains that he received the pseudonym “Conga” during the years he spent accompanying Justo Betancour. Betancour bestowed the name upon him due to his prodigious talent on the congas. Pedro “Conga” subsequently established himself as a master, doing invaluable work in fostering the growth of SALSA. His orchestra was privileged to welcome vocalists of the highest caliber, including:

He carried out this mission with unmatched finesse and superior quality.

Anthony Cruz, Tito Rojas (“El Gallo de la Salsa”), Ismael Ruiz (“Maelo”), Rafy Cruz, and Edgardo Diaz.

Among his songs are “Pienso en ti,” “Tú me niegas tanto amor,” “No te quites la ropa,” “Quiero volver,” “Te quiero amor,” and “Si supiras,” among others that have become salsa classics.

The productions he created with his orchestra achieved great success not just in Puerto Rico, but also in the United States, Europe, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Peru.

Furthermore, he has received international acclaim for his productions due to the versatility and freshness showcased in each album.

Pedro Conga is renowned in the music industry for his ability to blend rhythm, flavor, and emotion into a single composition.

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Also Read: Ray Barretto Giant Force y A Conguero’s Conguero

[Read more…] about Déjalo, the latest track by Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional

Three albums by Arturo Sandoval to give away at Christmas

North America / United Stated / Washington DC

ISM Recommends “CHRISTMAS AT NOTRE DAME”, “ULTIMATE DUETS”, and “LIVE AT YOSHI’S” of the “Trumpet Legend” to enjoy in the comfort of your home

ARTURO SANDOVAL
ARTURO SANDOVAL

Here is already a month left for December and with it the fast and multiple purchases, in addition to the Christmas gifts that you should not leave for last. What a headache for some people! It’s for that we are going to recommend you the elite gift, three Latin Jazz albums by Arturo Sandoval with which you will be 100% a lord and you will not disappoint even your “Secret Santa”.

  • ULTIMATE DUETS

Ten-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval released his more recent album “Ultimate Duets” in 1998. Marking the continuation of a distinguished four-decade catalog of over 30 groundbreaking titles, the album finds renowned artists from the worlds of Pop, Jazz, Classical, and Latin music coming together for the Cuban maestro’s first duets.

At the outset of recording, Arturo with more than 40 years making music, wanted to make a CD with singers that perhaps nobody has related to Jazz, so he made a list with more than 20 names of artists that he admired deeply but who sing different genres and then simply asked each participant to suggest a favorite song they would like to reimagine with the “Trumpet Legend”, and the results are absolutely amazing as the list of collaborators.

Arturo Sandoval
Arturo Sandoval

ULTIMATE DUETS includes 11 hilarious tracks: “Andante, Andante” – featuring the awaited return of the globally recognized voice of ABBA’s Anni-Frid Lyngstad. This song from the multi-platinum Super Trooper album marked the first time that a member of the Swedish supergroup has returned to the studio to record one of their classics. Stevie Wonder chose to record “People” (which he and Sandoval first performed at a Grammy tribute to Barbara Streisand), whereas Prince Royce turned the tables and decided to record Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” (Popularized in the 70s) in a contemporary Bachata style.

Likewise, the Spanish singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz also participated in this album versioning “Corazón Partio” featuring Big Phat Band. In the same way, Arturo recorded with legends and new generation voices: Plácido Domingo (“Granada” feat. Vicente Amigo), Pharrell Williams (“Arturo Sandoval” feat. Ariana Grande), Josh Groban (Solo Esta Soledad), Juan Luis Guerra (La Bilirrubina), David Bisbal (El Ruido), Al Jarreau (After All), and Celia Cruz (Quimbara). “It was very exciting to include something with Celia, whom I always admired and loved very much. I couldn’t make a record of duets without her, the eternal Salsa Queen”, Arturo said.

Although in this album Sandoval shows a great variety of genres, he assures that he won’t move away from Jazz: “It’s my main genre and would never leave it, but I am also a big fan of music in general. I’ve always liked Salsa, Merengue, Pop … Good music is what matters most to me, for that I’m so happy with this album”, Sandoval said for an international media.

Release: May 18th, 2018

Available on your favorite digital platform!

  • CHRISTMAS AT NOTRE DAME

Arturo Sandoval, the most dynamic live performer of our time and virtuous trumpeter recorded his FIRST official Christmas Album with the ensembles of Notre Dame one year ago.

This album contains 12 Joyous tracks featuring the Notre Dame Children’s Choir & Isabella Burns (Ave María), Notre Dame Children’s Choir (Joy To The World, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Silent Night), Symphonic Winds (Let It Shine and Fantasy On Fum, Fum, Fum), Notre Dame Jazz Ensemble (The Christmas Song and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas), Gabriella Solis & Stephen Lancaster (I’ll Be Home for Christmas), Alyse Jamieson & Jazz Ensemble (All I Want For Christmas Is You), Matthew Kelly & Emorja Roberson (Frosty The Snowman), Victoria Fraser & Notre Dame Children’s Choir (O Holy Night), Sacred Music at Notre Dame Vocalists, and graduate Jazz trio!

Celebrate the Holidays NOW!

Release: October 5th, 2018

  • LIVE AT YOSHI’S

The last ISM recommendation is this live album recorded in Yoshi´s, an important venue located in Oakland, California. This Trumpet Concert in which Sandoval and crew render musical honors was launched in 1995 and contains seven tracks: first pays tribute to the genre’s earliest New Orleans traditions (Second Line – Joe Avery’s Blues) then proceeding on to Bebop (Bebop Medley). Without forgetting his deep Latin roots (El Manisero) and his bound-less love for mentor Dizzy Gillespie (Dear Diz and Every Day I Think of You), as well as for trumpet icons Clifford Brown (Joy Spring Sureña) and Miles Davis (Seven Steps to Heaven). A dollop of Clark Terry’s “mumbling” is even thrown in for good measure.

“I enjoyed Arturo Sandoval’s Latin Jazz concert at Yoshi’s night club on July 4th. He combined all kinds of Jazz inspiration into his own unique “Latin Soul” music. His music is so free and universal. I feel Arturo’s inspiration can bring us together and is taking us into a new dimension of our new world… – Yoshi.

Release: October 2nd, 2015

Oh, And if you haven’t seen a concert by this “Trumpet Legend” yet, don’t miss this month 4 days of amazing shows with two sets, so you can attend at the time that suits you best in the city of the White House, Washington DC.

Dates: November 14th, 15th, 16th & 17th

Prices: $71 – $76

Venue: Blues Alley. 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007

Contact: 202-337-4141

Purchase your ticket online today at https://www.bluesalleylive.com/?fuseaction=home.artist&VenueID=3&artistid=19523

 

ARTURO SANDOVAL – Trumpet Legend

  • 10 Time Grammy Award Winner
  • Emmy Award Recipient
  • 6 Time Billboard Award Winner
  • 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient
  • 2016  Honorary Doctorate recipient in Fine Arts from The University of Notre Dame
  • 2015 Hispanic Heritage Award Recipient

“Cuando una canción es buena, siempre va a ser buena, sin importar quién, cuándo o cómo se cante”. Arturo Sandoval

 

More about Arturo Sandoval as well as event dates around the world at http://ARTUROSANDOVAL.com/

Social Channel:

 https://www.facebook.com/pg/ARTUROSANDOVALMUSIC/

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