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Search Results for: All Stars

The unfortunate closure of Salsa Power and its great legacy

What Salsa Power did

Logotype of Salsa Power
Logo of the Salsa Power web page

There have been many groups and personalities that, despite the low level of resources they had, have made efforts to promote Latin music, especially salsa. The case to be treated today is that of a website with a great deal of contributors and much fame that came to be regarded as one of the most important internet sites for the promotion of our culture in the field of music. We talk about Salsa Power and its titanic work in favor of our cause. 

The important page dedicated to the promotion of salsa and founded in 1999 had approximately 300 local correspondents in more than 50 countries around the world, indicating the immense number of individuals who wanted to get involved in the promotion of Latin culture to rise to unexpected levels. Its co-founders, Jacira Castro and Julian Mejia were the ones who started this great initiative, which they tried to maintain through an enormous effort. However, this was not enough to avoid its definitive closure in 2021. 

Jacira Castro, founder and director of Salsa Power

Closure of Salsa Power and what has produced it 

In a statement that can still be read on its official link https://www.salsapower.com/ both in Spanish and English, Castro explains the unfortunate reasons for making the difficult decision to close the web portal. At the beginning of the short text, the also salsa instructor and web designer explains how Salsa Power started and what made it become one of the biggest salsa initiatives that could be found around the internet, whose heyday may be reflected in the large number of contributors they had in some 61 countries. 

A very important detail that the dance teacher relates in her text is that she also worked as a volunteer and never received money or advertising of any kind in exchange for doing what she was so passionate about. She highlights that she always paid all her hosting and development costs without receiving collaboration of any kind.   

She goes on to explain that time goes by and, after 22 years of the founding of Salsa Power, many correspondents made their lives, left the cities from which they reported its activities and devoted to things that had nothing to do with salsa. It was reported that this was the primary reason why they made such a drastic decision. 

Jacira next to Johnny Pacheco
Jacira Castro and Johnny Pacheco

However, Castro concludes her statement with a message of hope in which she claims she will never cease to dance, showing that the aforementioned genre remains her greatest passion and nothing and nobody will change her mind. She finished saying that she can still be found on the dance floor in Lisbon, Portugal,  where she now resides permanently. 

Even today, there are many interviews collected by various other online media that can still be read, reviews and opinion pieces that reflect the extensive knowledge and enthusiasm that the writers had for their work. There is an endless amount of material that bears evidence to many years of hard work and dedication that we know all of this will not be in vain. 

From International Salsa Magazine, we send cheers and our best wishes to each and every single one of the correspondents and workers who did their best to make Salsa Power an obligatory reference for anyone who wanted to know the latest news of Latin music. 

International Area – January 2022

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

Born on December 7 he comes from a very humble family but full of lots of love and flavor.

Roots:

my dad played the guitar and serenaded all the women in the neighborhood, my mom loved to play and sing, she would take a pewter plate and improvise a güiro and start playing and singing hahahaha. I also had an uncle who was a singer of Mexican music (Rancheras) my first recording was in 1965 with the Sexteto Tropical.

That’s where I come from.

Freddy de Jesús Ortega Ruiz
Freddy de Jesús Ortega Ruiz “Coco & su Sabor Matancero” y Dj. Augusto Felibertt

How many productions do you currently have?

In total I have about 45 productions with different groups, but with my Conjunto COCO Y SU SABOR MATANCERO I have 8 productions.

In your musical trajectory, which musicians have left their mark on you?

The first one was my debut in the professional field with Maestro Porfi Jimenez and the stars of Venezuela.

This was in 1974 where I had the joy of being the first Venezuelan singer to perform with Las Estrellas De Fania at the Nuevo Circo de Caracas.

And also to have accompanied great stars of Latin music with my Conjunto COCO Y SU SABOR MATANCERO.

Among them the Queen Celia Cruz, the Inquieto Anacobero Daniel Santos, Celio Gonzalez, Leo Marini, Nelson Pinedo, Lino Borges, Mundito Gonzales, Canelita Medina, Trina Medina Cheo Garcia, Memo Morales, Oscar D Leon and others.

Of the productions you have, which is the most significant?

One of them is the album entitled Coco y Su Sabor Matancero “Sabor Ritmo y Calidad” where the great singer and (sonero) José Alberto el Canario participates as director, chorus and co-producer.

And the other significant one is COCO Y SU SABOR MATANCERO CON “TODO” because there I managed to bring together several artists of the stature of Wilmer Lozano,

Mariana la Sonera de Venezuela, the comedian and singer El Moreno Michael and Rodrigo Mendoza, also the floor singers Luis Muñoz and my son Coco Ortega Jr.

How many productions have you participated in as an independent producer of your own?

Born on December 7th, he comes from a very humble family but full of love and flavor.
“Coco & su Sabor Matancero”

The first was Yo Soy El Son Cubano, Coco y Su Sabor Matancero en Concierto, a Gozar con Mi Son Cubano, Coco y Su Sabor Matancero Original, Coco y Su Sabor Matancero Tremendo Comban and Coco y Su Sabor Matancero “Con todo”.

Where are you currently living and how do you see the music scene there?

At the moment I am in Caracas Venezuela

At present, as in all parts of the world, we musicians have been the most affected since the work has declined too much, but we hope that with God’s favor things will open up little by little and that we will become aware that this is not a game and that we have to take care of each other.

Have you been in the best time of your life and what do you miss the most?

What I miss most is the era of the 70s, 80s, 90s.

When we played in three and four places on the same night.

Tell us about your last production?

As I told you, I had the pleasure of bringing together first class singers and the result was Coco y Su Sabor Matancero “Con Todo” (With Everything).

Coco y Su Sabor Matancero (ft: Rodrigo Mendoza) – Margot, tell us about this song?

Let me tell you that this song Margot is a Venezuelan waltz pasaje of which three versions have been made, the first interpretation was made by a great representative of our Venezuelan Music as it was Don Mario Suarez, then it was made by a great Peruvian musician Don Lucho Macedo.

And the most resent by Coco and its Matancero flavor and the person selected to interpret it was one of the great singer (sonero) Rodrigo Mendoza for his great interpretative quality of our Latin Music.

Do you miss Venezuela, your homeland?

The time I was living in the United States I missed daily my dear and always loved Venezuela, now I am in my homeland Venezuela.

What are we currently expecting from Coco & su Sabor Matancero?

My most recent production titled “Un Guaguancó Páramo” which was released on December 16, 2021.

“Un Guaguancó Pá mi Barrio” by Angel Flores, a song that brings together eight great

manages to bring together eight great exponents of our Latin music.

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

Performers:

Coco Ortega Jr.

Coco Ortega

Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”.

Angel Flores

Yorjan Cardona

Jimmy El León

Marcial Isturiz

Rodrigo Mendoza

Arrangement and Musical Direction:

Félix Guzmán “Guachafa”

Members Coco y Su Sabor Matancero:

Coco Ortega general director – singer, minor percussion

Andrés Romero “Tapón” – Trumpet

Cesar Guares “El Guaro” – Trumpet

Félix Guzmán “Guachafa” – Bass guitar

Franklin Infante – Piano

Igor Cochyze- Timbalito

José Araujo – Tumbadora – Singer

Coco Ortega Jr. – Singer

Yorjan Cardona – Singer

Backing Vocals:

Carlitos Guzmán

Eloy Blanco

Special guest:

Leo Pérez – Flute

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

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala is a native of Humacao, Puerto Rico.

His beginnings in music date back to his fifteenth year, performing as a trumpet player and director of the student group “Combo Estudiantil”.

At the age of sixteen, he began as a professional trumpet player in the Orquesta Panamericana, Willie Rosario, and Willie Rodriguez.

In the early 70’s the bassist and first director Jesús “Chuy” Castro founded the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra. Chuy was studying medicine and decided to dissolve the orchestra.

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala, is a native of Humacoa, Puerto Rico.
Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights of the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

This new stage and for six consecutive years the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra accompanied all the Fania Records artists that visited the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, among these famous stars were: Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, Vitìn Avilés, Santitos Colon, Ismael Miranda, Héctor Lavoe, Paquito Guzmán and others.

By 1983 Luisito incorporated to his orchestra the quoted singer Tito Rojas “El Gallo salsero” as lead vocalist, from that moment the history changed. Puerto Rican Power became one of the most powerful orchestras in the salsa scene.

At the end of the 80’s, it became the stellar orchestra when it joined the cast of the record label Musical Productions (MP).

It was so successful that later the company decided to launch Tito Rojas as a soloist.

His time with Musical Productions and the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra spanned 9 years where he recorded great and important productions such as: Puerto Rican Power, Con más Poder, Con todo el Poder, El Da más Poder, and Poderoso pero Diferente.

Tracks such as “Noche de Bodas”, “Quiéreme tal como Soy”, “Juguete de Nadie”, “A Donde Irás”, “Emergencia de Amor”, and “Quiero Volver Contigo” have taken him around the world with his music.

The release of the album Con todo el Poder, in 1992, had a monumental impact on the public, the song “A dónde Iras?” led them to obtain local and international awards such as La Campana de Oro, El Combo de Oro, El Buho de Oro, Diplo’s, Paolis, Tu Música and nominated to the prestigious Billboard Awards.

In 1999 he became part of the record label J&N Records.

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!
In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights to the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

He continues with his overwhelming success with the productions: Men in Salsa, Wild Wild Salsa, Salsa Another Day and Éxitos Más, spreading with intensity the songs “Tu Cariñito”, “Me Tiene Loco”, “Doctor”, “Si Pero Na”, “Pena de Amor”, “Cuando me faltas Tú”, “Mi Mujer es un Policía” among others.

Another important production for the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra was “Salsa of the Caribbean”. a conglomerate of rhythm and flavor that got everyone dancing.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala takes another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording “Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…¡30 años de Power! A compilation of his most acclaimed live hits available in DVD and CD formats, this tour of famous songs includes 13 tracks including: “Quiéreme Tal Como Soy”, “Noche de Bodas”, “¿A dónde Iras?”, “Tu Cariñito” and Juguete de Nadie”.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala took another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording "Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power...¡30 años de Power!
“Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…30 years of Power!

His next musical work under the Latin Word Records label entitled A Otro Nivel! with the musical direction of maestro Julio “Gunda” Merced with his hit “Tengo Miedo” in the voice of the legendary Jose Feliciano.

The production shined with the participation of the outstanding voices of Fania’s Niño Bonito Ismael Miranda, Javi Marrero, Kittin Santiago, and Luisito Ayala Jr.

For 2014 and Luisito Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power returns with a masterpiece of modern Puerto Rican salsa entitled “Somos el Poder” is a mix of romantic and danceable material that sets a standard in the tropical genre.

That said the album highlights the common threads of salsa with a lot of swing and a Big Band sound, the first single titled “Dímelo Tu” in the youthful voice of Joshua Marcell, has become an anthem in Puerto Rico.

Marcell and the other singers Norberto “Gazu” Millón and Luisito Ayala Jr. come in with a new outfit and a new style for the group.

Another highlight of this album is the stellar posthumous tribute to Luisito’s son Braulio Ayala with Tony Vega, Tito Rojas, Ismael Miranda, Pedro Brull, Tito Nieves, and other salsa stars.

Once again Ayala presents us with a production of great variety and commercial appeal… ¡Somos el Poder!

For 2019 Ayala and the Puerto Rican Power bring us their most recent production titled 40 años de Poder.

Para el año 2019 Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power nos traen su producción titulada 40 años de Poder.
Para el año 2019 Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power nos traen su producción titulada 40 años de Poder.

Contact:

Mambiche Records

Luisito Ayala Tel: 787-649-4440

Email: [email protected] / Wed: www.puertoricanpower.com

Article of Interest: Celso Clemente Torres is considered one of the best-sounding bongos in the world.

News “En Clave”

Latest News of the Salsa Movement in Spain

artist dressed in light blue suit and white hat playing the trumpet
News “En Clave”! The most recent ISM section in 2022

This 2022 we come with more strength, new ideas, and recharged. In this first edition, we released a new section titled News “En Clave”. A space dedicated to the collection and promotion of the best shows, concerts, books, and the latest news from the Salsero environment & Latin rhythms in Europe and Asia.

Spain is one of the old-world countries that begin January 2022 with the best Salseros and Bachateros events. Here we will tell you each one En Clave so that you don’t miss out on going to one.

News “En Clave” In Spain

Luis Alberto Díaz "El Negri" playing the piano in the sound rehearsal
Cuban Pianist – Luis Alberto Díaz “El Negri”

We open the section to the northeast of Spain with La casa de Cuba in Barcelona, ​​El Sabor Cubano BCN. This Nightclub offers live music, Cuban Salsa, International Salsa, Bachata, and urban rhythms with DJs, it also has Salsa and Bachata instructors who give free lessons for beginners at 9:30 PM every Thursday and Sunday. The virtuous pianist Luis Alberto Díaz “El Negri” together with singer “Changui” will be playing the best songs of traditional Cuban music this Thursday, January 6th, and Sunday, January 9th, for two and a half hours. This will be one of the first live Salsa evenings that you can enjoy starting the New Year. El Sabor Cubano BCN opens its doors from 7:00 PM to 12:30 AM at Francisco Giner 32 Street, 08012, Barcelona. Have a memorable moment in this nightclub with a good atmosphere, friendly and impeccable service, and an authentic Cuban mojito. You find more details on their official social network.

We are still in Barcelona, and this time we walk through the Diobar Restaurant / Nightclub. This Greek restaurant has enabled a musical space every Thursday for Salsa and Rueda Casino classes. The duration of Salsa Thursdays is almost five continuous hours organized as follows: one hour of Cuban Salsa class and the next one in Rueda Casino, followed by the AfroCuban Jam Sessions live (open to all musicians). Starting at 9:15 PM there is a class for dancers of Intermediate / Advanced level with which they will acquire new skills for mastering individual steps, the couple turns, and Rueda figures. The cost does not exceed € 5, and the closest date is Thursday, January 6, 2022. A novel proposal to enjoy Salsa in the musical space of the Dionisos Born restaurant located at Marqués de la Argentera, 27 (ground floor) 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

colorful Cuban Party art at Matisse Club
Cuban Party begins January 12th at Matisse Club

We now jump to the east coast towards Valencia, and we run into the Matisse Club. We tell you that in this place of exhibition of events and culture they offer every Sunday the Cuban Party event, live Cuban music with AR-Latin (directly from the Caribbean island) playing Salsa, Latin Jazz, Son, and Bachata. This one-hour live show begins at 8:30 PM. Then you will enjoy six hours of Latin Quarter Session with DJ Sergio Falomir. Admission is € 10 and begins on Sunday, January 12th at the Sala Matisse. Enjoy a Latin music atmosphere with the Cuban Party event every Sunday of the month at Matisse Club located at Campoamor Street, 60, 46022, Valencia.

And the last News “En Clave” that I bring you is the Latin Dance classes in Salason in the northwest of the country at Lirio Street, 30 Cangas Do Morrazo, 36940, Galicia. This culture platform is designed for the reception of musical performances with exceptional acoustics and cutting-edge technology. Salason is a building structured in three independent but complementary environments at the same time. Salsa and Bachata classes will begin on Tuesday, January 25th, from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

The Objectives of these Cuban-style Salsa and Rueda Casino classes, as well as the traditional Bachata lessons, are fun and disconnection to the routine with the rhythm of Latin music. Also, it improves coordination and body expression coupled with the new relationships that are established between people with similar pleasures.

On Tuesdays, there are two groups for intermediate students: The Salsa class starts at 8 PM while the Bachata group starts at 8:30 PM.

Thursdays are classes for beginners and have two times of choice: 8 PM and 9:30 PM. For more information, venture to visit its official website

  • You Can Also Read: Everything You Always Wanted To Know About La Macumba

We continue with Bachata…

group of people dancing at the Bachata Sensual World Congress
Bachata Sensual World Congress 2022 will be held in Girona

We start with one of the main congresses to be held the second weekend of this month (Friday 7th – Monday 10th) in Girona, a city located in the region of Catalonia, mainly known for its exuberant architecture of medieval origin and the historic Barri Vell neighborhood.

The Bachata Sensual World Congress (BSWC) brings great quality Bachata Sensual workshops with more than 16 qualified instructors of this Dominican rhythm and leading Salsa professionals worldwide. There will be live shows with more than 16 couples on stage and famous night parties during the three days of the event.

Girona becomes the international city of the Dominican melody with Bachata Sensual World Congress 2022

BSWC will take place at the Evenia Olympic Palace Hotel, Avinguda Del Rieral, 55 17310 Lloret De Mar, Girona. Tickets (Full Pass) range from € 140 and the event begins the first day at two in the afternoon ending on Monday, January 10th at five in the morning.

We continue, and it is the turn of the Winter Bachata Festival 2022. The particularity of this festival is that it will have night workshops with social dances, the instructors are mostly local, more than one continuous hour of shows, and a closing party. The musicalization throughout the weekend will be in charge of DJ Miguelón, DJ Salva, and DJ Yago in a shared room with the rhythms of Bachata and Salsa. Obtaining Full Pass tickets (€ 40) can be obtained through teachers or promoters and different payment methods by clicking here.  Remember that Winter Bachata Festival begins on Friday, January 21st, and ends on Sunday, 23rd, also returns for the fifth time to the Spanish municipality of Cullera at the Hotel Cullera Holiday, at Av. el Racó, 27 Cullera, Valencia.

Now we finish our trip in the center of the country, specifically in Madrid. During the first weekend of the month, the Magic Bachata Weekend event will take place with all the established biosafety measures: temperature measurement, Hydro-alcoholic Gel, and Mask (during the three days). Magic Bachata Weekend will begin on Friday, January 7th, and will end on Sunday, 9th. This weekend full of Bachata will feature 18 pairs of instructors of the genre conducting workshops, shows, and late-night Latin parties. You can get tickets online at La Salsa del Baile and the price at the door ranges from € 60. The venue will be the Hotel Eurostars Madrid Foro, Ronda de Europa, 1, 28760 Tres Cantos.

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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.