Search Results for: Bachata

Eva Gordillo, psychologist by profession and director Salseros Academy

Eva Gordillo: The so-called Cuban style is the original way of dancing “casino” or “rueda de casino”.

The first steps of this dance were developed in the sports casino in Havana and other dance halls in the Cuban capital at the end of the 1950s, hence its name in Cuba: “–“, as it was originally called “El baile del casino”.

In Barquisimeto, the musical capital of Venezuela, the dancers of Afro-Caribbean rhythms have a place to develop, improve and learn skills with the help of professionals, who achieve the integration of its participants, creating an atmosphere of great joy for all ages.

In this sense, our special guest in Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto”, through International Salsa Magazine, www.salsamundi.com, is Eva Gordillo, psychologist by profession and director of the dance academy “Salseros Academy”.

Dancers of Salseros Academy Dance Academy

Eva has been a passionate dancer since the age of 13 and today, with only 22 years old, she has toured most of the dance schools in the twilight city and some outside the state of Lara, projecting and developing herself as an instructor of proven hierarchy and reliability.

Welcome Eva to the only salsa magazine in the world, International Salsa Magazine and Salsa Escrita. Thank you, Professor Carlos, for giving me the opportunity to be present in your prestigious salsa column, which is already recognized in my country, the Caribbean, the United States and Europe, thus supporting the entire existing salsa movement in Venezuela.

Eva Gordillo and Members of the Salseros Academy dance academy

Eva, how and when did the idea of having your own dance academy come up? Friend Carlos, on November 26, 2018, I started and materialized my great dream, my own academy and together with my colleagues and friends, Eleazar Hernandez and Manuel Gamez, we started this adventure, from which today, we are harvesting many fruits and we feel extremely happy with this project and grateful, mainly with God, because everything is thanks to Him.

Excellent, very good friend, by the way, what kind of dances do you develop and teach in “Salseros Academy”? In our academy we give group and personalized classes, for all ages, conditions and levels. Our strength is Latin rhythms, especially Salsa, as our name indicates.

We focus on their different dance ramifications, such as New York style mambo, Salsa en Linea or Los Angeles style, Cuban Timba en Linea and En Rueda or “Salsa Casino”. Amiga Eva, in addition to salsa, do you teach other dance rhythms? Indeed Carlos, in addition we teach some Cuban music derivatives such as the chachachá, pachanga and boogaloo.

We are also projecting ourselves strongly with the bachata and its variants, as well as other Latin genres, such as merengue, among others.

During a visit to the headquarters of “Salseros Academy” in the city of Barquisimeto, by the Latin American correspondent team of International Salsa Magazine, we were able to see the excellent, comfortable and spacious facilities, located on Carrera 16 between Calle 61 and Avenida Rotaria, where Eva is accompanied by four experienced instructors specialized in different dance styles. The attendance and registration of participants is massive, given the proven quality and recognized throughout the city of Barquisimeto.

Friend Eva Gordillo, do you also have other projects at a musical and danceable level? That’s right teacher, at present we are heading to be producers of salsa events, thus promoting the Latin dance movement in our state Lara.

By the way, last year we had the pleasure of carrying out an event called “La Gran Gala de la Salsa” (The Great Salsa Gala), on the occasion of the celebration of the 1st anniversary of our academy, in which the dancers were able to enjoy the “Kadencia Latina” and “Jossy y su Banda” orchestras. Digital platforms and contacts for those interested in dancing at Salseros Academy? Friend Carlos, they are: Instagram: @salserosacademy, @evacarolgz, Whatsapp: 0424-5697908, Facebook: Grupo Salseros.

On behalf of the academy, my team and students, we would like to thank you for your support and projection of our work through your column “Salsa Escrita” in International Salsa Magazine. We wish you success and blessings to continue driving the Venezuelan salsa movement.

By Carlos Colmenares, ISM Journalist Correspondents, Barquisimeto, Venezuela

A walk through the history of Latin music in the United States

Latin music has been of great influence for singers in training and, without a doubt, marked the lives of its pioneers. Some born in Spanish-speaking countries and others with descent from these lands have not been able to put aside the flavor that has been inherited to them. There are those who affirm that these tropical and Caribbean rhythms are carried in the veins and it is very difficult to get rid of these roots.

The arrival of Latinos in the United States also implied the arrival of their customs and culture. Latin music is considered to be a large number of genres, including: salsa, merengue, bachata, bolero, bossa nova, reggaeton, rumba, ranchera, cumbia, tango, among others.

Photo of Latinamerican Festival at Nagoya in Golden Week

Latinamerican Festival at Nagoya in Golden Week

How did Latin music begin to enter the United States?

Latin American music has influenced American music, starting from jazz to country music. Many bands added congas, percussion, or maracas to their instruments as they were drawn to the result these elements brought.

Starting in 1940, the music of Latin America, which still did not have a specific term, covered a greater number of audiences in the United States; international radio networks broadcast different themes of the time. In addition, they featured different Mexican bolero musicians such as Alfredo Antonini, Néstor Mesta Chayres, Eva Garza and Juan Arvizu. In the 1940s the US also heard the “Calypso” with great acceptance.

It was not until the 1950s that the term “Latin music” became popular, seeking to establish a difference between Afro-American and Afro-Latin American rhythms. Some artists marked this musical fusion to a greater extent, making the best of Latin music known on American soil. During the 1950s, music brought to the north from the island of Cuba, such as mambo, cha-cha, and rumba, was very popular. As well as the famous Mexican songs: rancheras and mariachis.

Some Latino artists who marked the history of Latin music in the United States Tito Puente was an American percussionist with Dominican origins remembered for his participation in worldwide jazz, Cuban music and salsa. In 1950 he helped promote the genre of mambo and cha-cha. His album “Dance Manía” was considered the most famous by the artist, it was one of the most heard among the Latino community in the US The album also set a precedent by being recorded in Spanish, generally, Latin albums were in English or with instrumental songs. It was Tito Puente who broke with this tradition.

At the beginning of the 20th century, tango touched American soil. Then, in the 70s, the Argentine Astor Piazzolla gave something to talk about by demonstrating his passion for the genre and revolutionizing what was known until that moment. Piazzolla was born in Mar de Plata but lived in New York from a very young age. It definitely changed the way of looking at music that was long marginalized, it was considered the music of the working class. The singer made mixtures between tango, jazz and contemporary classical music. His songs were a great success and were famous in bars of the time.

It was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that the term “salsa” began to become known. Afro-Caribbean musicians mixed Cuban dance with influences from jazz, Caribbean music, and American rhythms. Although in previous decades it had already had its beginnings, it was in the streets of New York where it was consolidated as a commercial success.

Photo by Celia Cruz and Tito Puente

Celia Cruz and Tito Puente – Latin music

Salsa launched artists who are now legends to stardom, such as: Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Johnny Pacheco, among others.

Between the 1970s and 1990s, Dominican immigrants to the United States continued, especially to New York City, and promoted genres such as merengue and bachata. Juan Luis Guerra was one of the great exponents of both styles.

In the 90s, Selena mixed the Texan aesthetic with pop, giving her the title of the highest representative of the genre.

Entering the 2000s

In this decade, Latin rhythms continued to set the trend. Singers like Rubén Blades returned with songs that promised to be hits in the country.

At the end of 1999 Marc Anthony surprised his followers with an album of the same name. Although he was already known in the salsa genre, he decided to try other styles. With the intention of reaching the Anglo market, he is encouraged to sing in English. “I Need To Know” is a cha-cha song that quickly became popular in the United States. For eleven weeks it remained in the top North American positions, ranking in the Top 10 on the Billboard. The Spanish version won the Grammy for the best Latin song of the year 2000.

Marc Anthony was one of the artists who marked this decade in the US That same year a compilation of his best salsa songs went on sale, which he called: “Desde el principio”. With these successes to his credit within this country, he set out to make an important tour of the United States. Canada and Central America. Madison Square Garden in New York was overflowing with fans who wanted to hear this American singer but who positioned himself as the leader of a Latin genre.

Photo by Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony

The opening of “I Need To Know” appeared in the Nissan Versa commercial in the United States and in 2009 it also featured in an American Dad chapter, an American television series; thus giving greater projection to this genre throughout the North American territory.

During this decade, salsa and Latin music in general ended up positioning themselves in the United States.

In 2002 Blades launched his album “Mundo”, becoming one of the most popular in the United States. In fact, it won a Grammy. The album contained a mix of various rhythms and instruments. The artist wanted to create a fusion of cultures and musicians from different countries. “Estampa” was a subject with great acceptance as it evoked the Afro-Cuban influence in New York music.

By the year 2000, there were already music channels and with them the projection of emerging talents who in many cases did not speak the English language. The dynamics of these channels focused on the public, who chose which songs and videos were to be played, giving the opportunity to many young, little-known artists. They were also considered a springboard for the singers of the season and the Latin movement in general.

A movement that is here to stay

Latin music had come to continue making history and it was time to give it greater merit within the American spectacle.

Today, Latin singers, songwriters, and bands are innumerable. Latin music continues to gain space in the United States and more and more artists are achieving success within its borders. In addition, the endless awards that enhance their work in the industry.

Ruben Blades - Mundo

Ruben Blades – Mundo

The consumption of these musical rhythms has increased throughout the American territory. Latinos and followers of this genre have gained space over the years; they can enjoy nightspots, live music, festivals, concerts and much more. Long live Latin America and its people! Long live the United States and the countries that have opened their doors to Latin music

Five Latin – Caribbean artists who triumph in Canada

Canada is another of the countries that has been influenced by the arrival of Latin music. Its beginnings are attributed to the immigration of Latin Americans to their lands.

By sharing borders, the United States and Canada tend to have similarities in the musical field. In the 90s, Latin music was present in Canada. However, Spanish pop singers such as Julio Iglesias and Gloria Estefan, as well as Lydia Mendoza, an interpreter of Tejano music, were already known.

Having Latin Americans started a kind of Latino roots, allowing Latin music to gain more ground on Canadian soil. Singers like Celia Cruz, Willie Colón and Rubén González made their songs sound in Canada. However, the beginnings of Latin music in the country are attributed to Ferdinand Morton, known in the artistic field as Jelly Roll Morton, an American jazz pianist.

Starting in 1999, Latin music had a greater growth, beginning to be heard on radio stations, events, festivals and national television stations. By that time singers like Ricky Martin were already being heard in other parts of the world.

Selena, Buena Vista Social Club and Jennifer López. Arriving in Canadian lands was no exception. In fact, Buena Vista Social Club’s album broke a record by becoming the highest-selling Latin album in Canada.

Surprisingly, Canadian artists were also captivated by the benefits of Hispanic countries, by the Caribbean flavor and the warmth of its people. Nelly Furtado, singer, songwriter and producer born in Canada was inspired by the island of Cuba for her album “Mi Plan”. Furtado recorded what would be his fourth album entirely in Spanish. It featured the participation of renowned Latin artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Fernández and the Latin American Julieta Venegas.

“I think this album has several of my first true love songs. They are not complicated. They were not over-thought and I discovered that it is liberating to be able to sing in a Latin language and express my Latin soul,” he said.

Mi Plan obtained great merits and was positioned as the album in Spanish with the highest sales numbers recorded by a Canadian singer. Undoubtedly, a suitable place for many Latino musicians of birth or descent who have wanted to try their luck outside their borders. Some have succeeded and today are among the most loved in Canada.

Some representatives of Latin music in Canada

Hilario Durán, Cuba

Photo by Hilario Duran

Hilario Durán

Hilario was born in Havana in 1953. He moved to Canada in the late 90’s, after touring the world with his band “Perspectiva”. He is a famous jazz pianist who fell in love with Canada and decided to live on its streets. He joined the Afro-Cuban jazz band “Spirit of Havana” belonging to Jane Bunnet, a Canadian lover of Cuban culture. In fact, Bunnet regularly travels to Havana to perform with Cuban musicians.

Hilario Durán has become known in Canada and other parts of the world thanks to his orchestra (Big Band), where together with his friend Roberto Occhipinti, a Canadian musician, they bring together Cuban and Canadian musicians. Leaving Latin jazz high. In 2007 he was nominated for a Grammy for his album “From the Heart”, along with Roberto D’Rivera. In addition, it obtained three Juno Awards and different awards in Canada.

Amanda Martínez, Mexico

Photo - Amanda Martínez in concert

Amanda Martinez in concert

Amanda Martínez was born in Toronto, Canada with Latino blood. His father is Mexican. Martínez studied biology and business administration but decided to take a course in his life and dedicate himself to what he really loved: music. The artist was not wrong in her decision. He has left his roots high by venturing into Latin jazz.

In 2007 and then in 2009 she was nominated for the Latin Jazz Artist of the Year Award at the National Jazz Awards in Canada. He has three albums to his credit and his first album “Sola” won the Best World Music award, selling around 6,000 copies.

Martínez has performed on famous stages and renowned events; she sang at the Winter Garden Theater, at the Koerner Hall in Toronto, the Festival Centro Histórico de México, at the Montreal Jazz Festival

Ogguere, Cuba

Ogguere's photo

Ogguere

Aka Edrei Riveri, is a Cuban singer and songwriter who resides in Canada. It has become famous for its musical fusions. He walks through rap, hip hop, jazz and la chacuba. A mix of cha-cha and rap. It is registered as the first mix between both styles.

Ogguere has two solo albums, “Solar” released in 2011 which earned two nominations for a Cubadisco award and “Raíces”. He moved to Toronto in 2010 and has since become an immediate reference in jazz and hip hop.

Natasha Roldán, Colombia

Photo by Natasha Roldan — Natasha Roldán

Born in Colombia and based in Toronto, Canada, Natasha Roldán breaks stereotypes in the musical field. She walks between jazz and bossa.

The artist has a fair complexion and very light eyes. From what anyone would believe, she is a native Canadian singer. However, her Colombian roots run deep in her career.

For Natasha it is important that the musical boundaries collapse. It promotes pattern-free Latin music.

“I think that above all I break many stereotypes because people in Canada whenever they think of Latin music, identify it directly with salsa or bachata. Well, and now reggaeton (laughs). And everything is linked to a super sexy image of the Latin woman, who dresses spectacularly and clearly I am not like that.

Therefore, it is very gratifying to share another type of music that people do not know such as bambuco, cumbia, Argentine zamba, Brazilian music aside from bossa nova … and whenever I talk to someone and they discover that I am always Colombian They ask me why I don’t play such music or dance this.

Suddenly I break with the stereotype but not because it is a bad stereotype but because other things have to be shown as well ”, she expressed in an interview for the Hispano Phone portal.

Her music has allowed many Canadians to have access to the Latin culture and to experience sounds with different influences.

Henry Vivel, Colombia

Photo by Henry Vivel

Henry Vivel

Henry was born in Colombia but moved to New York and later to Toronto. In New York he had the opportunity to study music with Enrique Gil, musician and composer. After his arrival in Toronto, he worked in Sky’s Banda, a group that performed at weddings and different events. He sang Latin music.

In 2009 he became the leader of the Tropicanada Orquesta. Pioneer Latin Orchestra in Toronto. They have participated in different salsa festivals and radio stations. Henry and the band have also been a part of different charities in Canada and other countries. In the same way, Henry has joined social causes for the inclusion of immigrants, he has taught them English and part of Canadian culture.

In 2013 he was nominated for the Oye Awards and 10 Most Influential Latinos in Canada. The singer is very pleased with the affection of the Canadian public.

“The chemistry is so great, especially with those who don’t understand my songs in Spanish, which makes the language barriers dissolve into enjoying themselves, dancing and having a good time. With the orchestra I have been able to witness how people enjoy the beauty of Latin music and it makes me very happy to be a Colombian who sings to Canadians and who puts up our musical roots ”, he commented

Toronto has been a city with great Latin influence. Canada has received mixtures of different cultures and they have formed a variety of styles that locals and visitors enjoy. It has been one of the countries that receive the foreign musicians as part of a great family and give them the opportunity to present their work. They have a great affection for Caribbean music.

Major Latin radio stations in New York

The current radio

Radio has always been present in a very important part of our lives, which is information and communication. Over time, it has also been a bridge for the most deprived to go public with their complaints and for new artists to make their work known. After the emergence of the internet, traditional radio stations had to adapt to the new era and air their content through the diverse digital platforms that have appeared in recent years. This is how all these shows have avoided their possible disappearance due to the lack of traditional radio listeners.

New York is one of the cities that has several of the most important radio stations in the United States whose content can be easily found in the web search engines. In view of the importance of radio and locution in entertainment and treatment of sensitive topics in society today, we consider it appropriate to name some of the main Latin radio stations in New York for the public to get to know them.

El Vacilón de La Mañana team consisting of DJ Ash, Gerpis Correa, Natalia ”Vacilón”, Francis Mendez, Jessica Pereira and DJ New Era

Mega 97.9

Mega 97.9 is a radio station operating in New York City whose tropical format offers musical genres such as salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and bachata. Its official name is WSKQ FM and its headquarters is located in the Empire State Building, as it is the case with many other stations.

It was created in 1951 under the name WEBD FM and its programming consisted of pop and jazz music of the time, but that was slowly changing. There were many changes of names, personnel, directors, presidents and much more, so the current programming is radically different from that of past times. In 1993, its name changed to Mega 97.9 and its content became based on tropical and Latin genres, which caused a revival of the station and a very considerable increase in the audience that it had until that year.

Among its most watched programs, we can mention the now defunct ”El Vacilón De La Mañana” and ”On Fuego: The Daddy Yankee Show”.

El Palo Con Coco team consisting of Tony Sanchez ”El Tiburón”, Coco Cabrera and Diosa Fernández

WXNY X96.3

WXNY X96.3 is a station mainly focused on contemporary adults whose main language is Spanish and is broadcast on the frequency 96.3 FM. The programming focuses on providing the biggest hits of the moment in terms of Latin rhythms and some entertainment programs that address contemporary issues in the entertainment world. Two of the most popular shows are ”La Gozadera” and ”El Palo Con Coco”.

Radio Puerto Rico

Radio Puerto Rico offers the most popular music from both the present and the past in the salsa genre. It streams Latin music of all genres such as salsa, reggaeton, merengue, vallenato, among others. At any time of the day, listeners can tune in and listen to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Marc Anthony, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Rivera, Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, Don Omar and many others. Some of its shows are ”Al Son de Harold Montañez”, ”La música de tierra adentro”, ”Música Tropical” and ”Repartiendo su fortuna”.

Havana Club Radio

As the name suggests, Havana Club Radio is a radio station that seeks to unite all Cubans around the world in becoming one voice. Its waves play the island’s typical genres such as salsa, salsatón, rumba, danzón and more. It has very good ratings in several major cities in the United States and gives Cubans and Latinos in general the opportunity to connect with their homelands, even if they are far away.

Wálter Rebatta from Peru is one of the most outstanding figures of Latin music

We are honored to present in this new delivery, one of the most outstanding figures of Latin music, representing the brother country of Peru; who has put very high the name of the musicians born in Inca lands to the world.

With you, directly from France, we have as a special guest Wálter Antonio Rebatta Hinostroza, a brand new and spectacular percussionist, who was born on September 14, 1973, in Bella Vista, Callao, Peru, being artistically known as “El Chato”.

Welcome Wálter to Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto, Venezuela”.

Wálter Rebatta desde Perú es una de las figuras más resaltantes de la música latinaWálter Rebatta desde Perú es una de las figuras

It is an immense pleasure to have you as a special guest in International Salsa Magazine through www.SalsaGoogle.com.

Thank you very much to you, my friend, Professor Carlos, for the invitation to your well read and recognized column and I take this opportunity to give a sincere greeting to all Venezuelans who are like my brothers.

How did you start in music? Well, teacher in my neighborhood called Ventanilla, in Peru, I grew up and since I was a child I breathed musical air, where at the age of 6 years old I was already playing “El Cajon”, traditional Peruvian Creole instrument, under the tutelage of my older brother Kike Rebatta, who took me later to learn other percussion instruments and prepare me with music theory, and then enter the music school of the renowned teacher Edelmi Chavez, and thus enter to form ranks in the most recognized orchestras in my country, such as: La Iniciativa, Orquesta la Grande, Banana Latin Jazz, among others. Wálter, which international orchestras and artists have you accompanied? I have accompanied and worked with “Los Hermanos Colón” from Puerto Rico and among many groups, I have had the honor of being on stage with my Venezuelan brothers, Hildemaro “El Sonero del Amor”, with whom I have a great friendship, as well as with the master timbalero Alfredo Villamizar, from whom I have learned a lot and from whom I must thank through his column Salsa Escrita.

Wálter Rebatta Multi-Percusionista Peruano

“Chato”, you are currently based in the French city of Grenoble and we would like to know how is the salsa movement, especially in Europe. In fact, professor, in 1995, I came to Europe with the “Orquesta Salsa Perú” and I met Mr. Rodolfo Guerra, with whom a great friendship was born and I became part of the “Orquesta Sincopa Latina”, directed by him, being present in his productions: Salsa que te pasa, Demasiado corazón, Mi bachata, Puerto Rico, Todo, Escándalo, Mi silencio, Mi toque, Habla conmigo and Azafata.

Wálter, I have heard that you have accompanied great salsa artists in their presentations, tell me who? I have had the honor of accompanying the late Tito Gómez, Willie González, Luisito Carrión and the great Venezuelan sonero Orlando José Castillo “Watussi”. Also, let me tell you professor, that I have worked in the Italian television Media Set, in the very popular program “Notte Vola”, also in 2002, I participated in the Tour of the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, along with the orchestra of the prestigious world famous violinist Alfredo de La Fe.

Likewise, my friend Carlos, in 2004, I performed in numerous events with Latin jazz groups, among them “El Royal Cuba”, of the Cuban musician and singer Eduardo Céspedes.

In 2007, I participated in the prestigious and famous San Remo festival with the singer Daniele Silvestri, with whom I have recorded in his productions.

In 2009, I participated in the Italian tour “Terromotati Dil Abruzzo”, conducted by the famous singer Laura Pausini and later that same year I participated again in a tour in the United States for charity with Pausini again.

Excellent Wálter, and what can you tell us about the orchestra you are currently working with and what are your future projects? Professor Carlos, at present I am an official musician of the renowned orchestra “Mercadonegro” and in relation to my projects, is to form my own group and perhaps venture into the bachata, but without leaving aside the salsa, since living in Europe I have met many bachateros.

And something very important, my friend Colmenárez, I am also working on the project of my Venezuelan compadre, the musician Edwin Sanz, whom I would like you to interview at some point.

Very good Wálter, congratulations for your trajectory, what are your contacts in the digital platforms? My Facebook is: Wálter Antonio Rebatta Hinostroza and my whatsapp: +41 77 5122633.

Finally, we want to wish you the best on behalf of Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto” and that you continue to raise the name of Peru in all the stages of the world.

Thank you a thousand times, Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for taking me into account and thus making my career known and giving my greetings, thanks and respect to all the salseros of the world through International Salsa Magazine, www.SalsaGoogle.com and long live salsa, Peru and Venezuela, united forever.

Known artistically as Mahel, Singer, composer, percussionist and professional model

You can read: Walter Rebatta