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.
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.
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.
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.
Also Read: Ray Barretto Giant Force y A Conguero’s Conguero
If you would like to become a correspondent, please contact the coordinator for your area.
- Cultural impact of Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes and his management of the “salsa nueva” - December 3, 2024
- Sessions from La Loma brings together salsa fans from all over the world in Puerto Rico - October 31, 2024
- The world’s sonero returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico - October 31, 2024