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Search Results for: Cuban music

Xiomara Laugart, nicknamed “La Negra” was born in Guantanamo, Cuba

For Xiomara Laugart, the past never goes away; she likes to hide in music. “My faith, I believe in you, you won’t go away,” Alberto Tosca wrote to her in that song and Xiomara seems to have decided to live by those lyrics, to this day.

Her loud laughter filled my kitchen this afternoon, while Omar brewed coffee, many times, and my mother cooked pumpkin flan. She evokes her mother in the sweet, comes back to life and tells.

She tells with astonishing naturalness that she never studied music and goes on and on. She goes on to freedom, and overflows with passion, because for her freedom is music.

Technically she could do whatever she wants, but if she does not feel it, if it does not make her vibrate, Xiomara, “The voice of Cuba”, could not sing.

On September 8, 1960 in Guantanamo, Cuba, XIOMARA LAUGART, nicknamed “La Negra”, was born. Excellent singer, established in Massachusetts.

Before emigrating to the United States, Laugart had an extensive career within the Cuban Nueva Trova movement. He has recorded more than 17 albums.

Representative of Cuban music in various parts of the world. He worked with the group Pisos Nuevos in Nicaragua. Also with Descemer Bueno. He led the group Yerba Buena. She represented Celia Cruz on Broadway.

Xiomara Laugart was born in Guantánamo. She attended university and graduated in Economics, then began her musical career through the nueva trova, a movement of political musical protest, very popular between the sixties and nineties.

He studied music at the Escuela de Superación Profesional Ignacio Cervantes. He began his artistic career professionally in 1985.

His beginnings were quite intense, participating quickly in international stages.

In 1979 he participated in the Festival of Political Song in Berlin. In 1980 he traveled to Nicaragua with the Pinos Nuevos Group, from the Isle of Youth.

The following year she participated again as a guest at the Berlin Political Song Festival and that same year she won third prize at the Political Song Interpretation Contest in Sochi, Soviet Union.

In 1980 she won third place in interpretation at the Adolfo Guzmán Cuban Music Contest; she participated in the V Festival y Activo de la Nueva Trova, the VI Cumbre and Carifesta. He belonged to the Guiñol Theater group of Isla de la Juventud. He was a member of the group Aconcagua and Talla Extra (X-L), and, for a time, worked with Alberto Tosca.

In 1982 he performed at the Café Concert in Mexico, participated in the Festival for Non-Intervention in Central America and Disarmament, held in Holland, Belgium, and the same year, he traveled to France. He became a regular in Mexico and returned to the Aztec country in 1984.

That same year she participated in the Political Song Festival held in Sopot, Poland, and later toured Honduras and Costa Rica.

His voice has a very wide register, although he stands out for his high tones.

She shows a vivid and exceptional sense of rhythm that allows her to interpret from bolero to salsa, from danzón to guaracha to the most sophisticated jazz and funk.

Atrapando espacios, Qué manera de quererte, Hoy mi Habana, Se fue, Ni un ya no estás and Oh melancolía! are some of the songs that are part of her repertoire and that continue to receive a standing ovation every time she performs on the stages of South Florida.

“The first person who introduced me to Miami was the maestro Meme Solis.

Meme has been my mentor in this city and was responsible for opening the doors to a new audience that followed him for years and now goes to my concerts, she says when referring to her close relationship with the legendary Cuban composer.

Source: Hyper Media

Xiomara Laugart

You can read: Israel Kantor was an excellent bassist, arranger and composer who achieved great popularity in Cuba for his vocal technique and original “Sonear” style.

International Salsa Magazine presents Alexander Abreu and his Habana de Primera

International Salsa Magazine presents a Cuban musician today considered by critics as one of the best trumpet players of the moment in Cuba and probably in the whole world.

He is Alexander Abreu Manresa, born on September 6, 1976 in Cienfuegos.

Owner of innate conditions and a unique talent to play the trumpet in a wonderful way.

Alexander Abreu, in spite of his youth, equals greats of the instrument such as El Guajiro Mirabal, Arturo Sandoval or Dizzy Gillespie, without ignoring that as a singer he has a melodious voice and, as if that were not enough, he also works as a composer and musical director.

He began playing trumpet at the age of ten, he studied music at the conservatory of music in his hometown Cienfuegos and at the National School of Art where he graduated in 1994 and in that same institution has served as a teacher, the impeccable way of playing his instrument allowed him to reach the top in Cuban music with only twenty years of age; he was part of the Cuban jazz group Irakere, worked with exponents of Cuban Timba Paulo FG and Issac Delgado and his Orchestra.

On the other hand, he has made recordings in other genres with musicians, composers and singers such as:

Armando Anthony Corea, known as Chick Corea, is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist and composer.

Arnaldo Rodríguez, young talented arranger, composer, singer and director of the Cuban Musical Group Arnaldo y su talismán, born in Ciego de Avila, Cuba.

Baby Lores, musician, singer and arranger from the city of Cienfuegos, the Pearl of the South.

Hugh Ramopolo Masekela, trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and South African jazz singer from South Africa.

James Morrison Catchpole, English soul and pop rock singer, songwriter and guitarist.

Luís Represas, Portuguese singer and composer.

Ron Sexsmith, Canadian singer-songwriter.

Alexander Abreu created, in 2007, his own group, which he called Havana D’ Primera, with several of the most talented Cuban musicians, the first presentation of the band took place on October 4, 2008 at the Cabaret Turquino of the Habana Libre Hotel in Havana.

With Havana D’ Primera, he has made three albums, they are: Haciendo Historia in 2011, Pasaporte in 2013 and La Vuelta al Mundo in 2015.

He has also released the singles: Rosa la Peligrosa, Me Dicen Cuba and Prohibido. Alexander Abreu Manresa is trumpet and lead vocalist of Havana D’ Primera, as well as composer, arranger and musical director of the group.

This work aims to highlight the enormous and excellent musical career of one of the best musicians of the island of Cuba in the new generation, with just thirty-eight years of age, the music of Alexander Abreu has transcended borders, his recordings exceed one hundred albums in different countries and in multiple musical genres.

From our website, we want to highlight the magnificent musical career of Alexander Abreu Manresa.

Despite his youth, Alexander Abreu’s musical gifts and excellence have allowed him to play and record with a great number of musicians and groups, not only in his native Cuba, but also in other countries of the world, to mention a few, we have then, as far as our music is concerned: Adalberto Álvarez, Amaury Pérez, Andy Montañez, Irakere, Juan Manuel Ceruto, Klimax, Mayito Rivera, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional, Pablo Milanés, Pachito Alonso, Team Cuba, Teresa García Cataurla, Van Van and Yurumí y sus Hermanos.

Havana D’Primera nominated to the Latin Grammy Awards 2022

“We are nominated once again for the Latin Grammy Awards, this time with the album Será que se Acabó. But it’s not just me. Cuban music is nominated, which is reflected in this album with all the energy. I think it’s the most powerful album I’m going to make in the history of my life.” This is how Alexander Abreu announced the magnificent news.

Será que se Acabó, Havana D’Primera’s latest album, was nominated for the 2022 Latin Grammy Awards in the category of Best Salsa Album.

“At The Latin Recording Academy, we continually strive to support and encourage Latin music creators, and these nominees epitomize musical excellence and represent the great moment our music is going through,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy.

Alexander Abreu & Habana de Primera

You can read: Yissy García Calzadilla, former member of the Anacaona Orchestra, plays drums, timbal and bongo

Where To Go Dancing Salsa In Sydney?

Seductive Afro-Cuban music comes to life in the Australian capital every night of the week

You probably already knew that a lot of Salsa is heard and danced in Australia. But, have you ever wondered, which are the best places to go Salsa dancing in Sydney? Here, we’ve rounded up six of our favorites.

ESTABLISHMENT BAR

At Establishment Bar
At Establishment Bar, you can have your drink in the garden surrounded by abundant latticework and greenery

Salsa Tuesdays are back at the Establishment Bar! This iconic Sydney spot is unique and sophisticated. It has narrow spaces, a 42-meter-long marble bar, and columns lining the walls that recreate the style of ancient Greece.

Establishment Bar with its lush lighting offers its attendees Afro-Caribbean music on Tuesday nights with live bands, dance shows, DJ playing Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton & Bossa Nova until 3 AM, and live percussion. Weekly you will learn basic concepts in the free Salsa class starting at 8 PM, in addition, to enjoying cocktails ($10) and mojitos ($12) all night so you can enter an authentic Latin American Rumba.

This multi-award-winning bar is located on the Ground Floor, 252 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

THE ARGYLE

Inside The Argyle you can also find El Camino Cantina
Inside The Argyle you can also find El Camino Cantina

Wednesday nights are from The Argyle! This two-floor club has been powering Sydney nightlife for fifteen years (2007).

This venue located at 18 Argyle St, Las Rocas, Sydney NSW 2000, has six bars, an iconic outdoor patio with spacious mini-environments to enjoy a Salsera night with the lineup of DJ Miro and his friends, as well as live bands in constant rotation.

These fun mid-week nights start at 7:30 PM to 1 AM and are $10 (includes a Salsa lesson). The dress code is casual, and minors are not allowed after 9 PM.

THE COLLAROY

The Collaroy has $14 happy hour cocktails from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Collaroy has $14 happy hour cocktails from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday nights are Salseras at The Collaroy! Located right on the beachfront at 1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy, New South Wales, Australia, this restaurant/bar with live entertainment and DJs downstairs on weekends stays open until 3 AM.

On Fridays from 8 PM to 9 PM, they offer Salsa classes (free) and from 10 PM the Latin party starts until 3 AM with live percussion and a DJ playing Afro-Cuban melodies, urban music, and Bossa Nova.

The Collaroy has an open-air terrace with a magnificent panoramic view of the peninsula’s north.

LATIN DANCING UNDER THE SAILS – BROADBEACH

Latin Dancing Under The Sails may change its date due to weather
Latin Dancing Under The Sails may change its date due to weather

Salsa takes over Saturdays at The Oasis Shopping Center! Every last Saturday of the month the LatinMania team brings the Latin Social Dance event outdoors at the Oasis shopping center located in Broadbeach Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia with music provided by DJs specialized in Salsa, Timba, Bachata, Merengue, and Salsaton from 7 PM to 10 PM.

The event is free and this month the theme will be Halloween. So don’t miss this opportunity to dance Salsa in Sydney with Colombian-born instructor Alejandro Barriga next Saturday, October 29th.

PLANT 4 BOWDEN

Plant 4 Bowden was born out of a vision for a thriving community and a passion for environmental sustainability
Plant 4 Bowden was born out of a vision for a thriving community and a passion for environmental sustainability

Every first Sunday of the month is Salsero at Plant 4 Bowden! This place is 100% green and adheres to international standards for green building design earning a 5-star rating for its operations.

Plant 4 Bowden, characterized by its environmental sustainability, presents its Salsa nights every first Sunday of the month from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM with food, drink (local craft beer from barrel), Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba along with wonderful musical shows on the ground floor. The ticket price is $20 at the box office, and it is located at 5 Third St, Bowden SA 5008, Australia.

The magic of Salsa in this space happens surrounded by greenery with ample indoor seating and outdoor areas.

SALSA IN THE PARK

There is no better time than now. Go out dancing Salsa today in the Park (Sydney – Australia)
There is no better time than now. Go out dancing Salsa today in the Park (Sydney – Australia)

The second Sunday of every month is a Salsa immersion in the Park! Salsa in the Park  is a free event that offers 3 hours of Latin music and social dancing outdoors at El Pabellón del Norte, 95 Marine Parade, Broadwater Parklands, Southport next door to the revolving chapel adjacent to North/Smith Street.

The half-hour lesson starts at 3 PM, and then the Social Dance continues until 6 PM with music provided by top DJ’s mixing old and new Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, and more.

Who can attend? The whole family and their pets. No experience is required. What are the benefits? Meet new friends, you’ll get fit, improve your mental health and coordination, and stay active. When? The next date is Sunday, October 9th.

Tribute to Larry Harlow about a year after his departure

Tribute to my friend Larry

It is now a year since the unfortunate departure of one of the greatest icons of Latin music, who is none other than the one and only producer, composer and pianist Larry Harlow. Let’s remember that he passed away on August 20, 2021 in a health center located in the Bronx at the age of 82. His death was caused by heart failure due to a kidney condition from which he had been suffering from for some time.

“El Judio Maravilloso” passed away on August 20, 2021

A little of his history

The also known as “El Judio Maravilloso” has a great success story behind him in the field of music, which began with the occupations of his parents. Recall that his mother was an opera singer and his father was a musician in the orchestras of Barrio Latino, which could explain his interest in the industry when he was very little. From a very young age, little Harry already handled certain instruments in a skilled way, showing what he could dedicate himself to in the future.

His great interest in Cuban music and culture led him to travel to Cuba, where he began his musical studies related to Afro-Cuban music. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Cuban Revolution prevented him from fulfilling his task and he had to leave the island prematurely due to the political crisis that started to develop.

Since then, the Harlow Orchestra became one of the first groups to be formed with the label of Fania Records. At the same time, Harlow was producing an tremendous amount of albums, both his and other musical stars’, catapulting him to becoming one of the most respected producers of that time. Reportedly, there were approximately 270 records in total, which gave us a lot of hits that continue to be heard to this day.

One of his greatest achievements was to have brought the world famous Cuban singer Celia Cruz to New York, thus becoming the first artist of Latin origin to perform at the Carnegie Hall, a famous concert hall located in Manhattan that had only had room for Anglo-Saxon artists until that time. It was “El Judio Maravilloso” who managed to bring Latin America to the Carnegie Hall for the first time from the hand of “La Guarachera de Cuba”, something unthinkable in those years.

Larry Harlow and Johnny Cruz in the 80’s

He also had an important role in the film “Our Latin Thing”, along with several transcendental figures of the Fania All Stars.

Relationship with the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum

It is of common knwoledge that Larry and this server had a close relationship, since we knew each other for many years and lived many incredible experiences related to this wonderful genre called salsa. That is why the famous pianist sent me some of his most precious costumes to be exhibited in our gallery so that all his fans could be as close as possible to their idol.  After his departure, seeing all those things donated by him leaves a deep emptiness in those who see them, but at the same time this reaffirms our commitment to offer our public the best salsa exhibittions they have ever seen.

Larry has left an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us who got to know him during his lifetime, but our duty is to move on with our heads held high.

Harlow and Cruz in 2018

 

By Johnny Cruz, ISM Correspondents, New York, New York City

Israel Kantor was an excellent bassist, arranger and composer who achieved great popularity in Cuba for his vocal technique and original “Sonear” style.

His real name was Wilfredo Israel Sardiñas Domínguez. 

He was born on October 16, 1949 in Alturas de Canasí, a town in western Cuba between Havana and Matanzas, and his parents registered him a couple of years later in Bacuranao (birth date October 16, 1954).  A bassist, arranger and composer, he achieved great popularity in Cuba for his technique and original “sonear” style.

Although he was not very well publicized or acclaimed as a sonero, he managed to make a good name for himself in exile.

His mother played the tres and seven of his nine siblings formed a group with guitar, tres and lute; he played both sones and punto guajiro.

They used as bass a box called marímbula, which consisted of a box with four straps to produce the bass sound.  He began to sing with his brothers at the age of eight.

Later he went to Havana to study at the Conservatory of Guanabacoa, where he started playing trova sonera.

israel kantor
HE BECOMES A PROFESSIONAL

Israel Sardiñas improvised on the sonos with astonishing ease, and he is not exactly what you would call an interpreter “by ear”, or empirical. 

In fact, he played the bass before singing, and it was precisely his condition of bassist and arranger that made Meme Solis discover him in 1975 and took him and his group to work in the shows he was then directing in tourist centers on the beaches east of Havana.

“One night, at the dance show they were doing at the Hotel Atlántico, in Santa María del Mar, Israel took the microphone, I think because the group’s singer was not there,” Meme Solís recalls now.  “I saw him and told him: ‘But how well you sing!’ When I put on another show I gave him two numbers, and from then on people began to follow him”.

“I began to study Carlos Embale, Miguelito Cuní, Raúl Planas, Roberto Faz and Beny Moré,” he said, referring to the time when he stopped playing bass to devote himself to singing.  “There is everything that is Cuban music: guaracha, son, rumba. What I did was to listen to them and transfer them to the staff to understand how they moved their voices.

The one I liked the most was Raúl Planas; he was the one who rubateaba the most, the one who broke the syncopation the most.

Cuní had a good timbre, but always in time. Planas had a deeper timbre, and the sonero’s timbre must be metallic”.

That was the beginning of his professional career, which in Cuba would take him to the groups Ireson, Neoson, Los Yakos and Los Reyes 73. In 1979, he joined the Cuban group Los Van Van, founded and directed by bassist and composer Juan Formell (Juan Clímaco Formell Cortina was born on August 2, 1942 in Havana, Cuba).  As vocalist of the famous group, Israel became popular in Cuba for his vocal technique and his “sonear” style, which aroused great interest in the musical media, especially in popular music.  With the Los Van Van Orchestra he participated in the recording of the albums “Juan Formell y Los Van Van” in 1981 and “El Baile Del Buey Cansa’o” in 1982, both in the Egrem label of Cuba.  It was with this group that the artist became known, and left his stamp on the interpretation of the song “Seis Semanas”.

From that time on, he began to make musical arrangements.

After several international tours with Los Van Van he decided to leave them in Mexico in 1983, in search of greater freedom and possibilities for his career.

A month later he was already in Miami after crossing the border.  “I wanted to go to Grupo Afrocuba, but the bureaucracy wouldn’t let me,” he said on one occasion. “Van Van is very good, but Afrocuba came with a very strong force. I also wrote, I made arrangements, I had other ideas, and Afrocuba suited me better, because it was more jazzy”.  In an interview for a news agency years ago, he said: “I had a great school before being with Los Van Van. After traveling a lot with them, I was very anxious to see the world and the third time we were in Mexico, I decided not to return to Cuba”.

SUCCESS IN EXILE

When he arrived in New York in April 1984, he was still Israel Sardiñas, but when Johny Pacheco, the legendary director of the Fania All Stars, took him to an anniversary party of the group at the Cheetah two months later, the late “singer of singers”, Héctor Lavoe, heard him improvising and stopped the orchestra: “I want to baptize him right now as Israel Cantor”, said Lavoe.  The only thing left to do was to change the c for the k, spend two months with Lavoe’s band, and in October create his own, which he called La Verdad.

Thus, in 1984, he released the album “Israel La Verdad” with the production of Larry Harlow, on the Bacán Records, Inc. label. All the numbers were written and composed by Israel Kantor.

As its name indicates, La Verdad was a constellation of excellent musicians: Sonny Bravo on piano, Salvador “Sal” Cuevas on bass, Tony Barrero and Pedro “Pouchi” Boulong on trumpets, Barry Rogers on trombone, Mario Rivera on saxophone, Karen Joseph on flute, Frankie Malabé on congas and Nicolás “Nicky” Marrero on bongo among others.  Justo Betancourt and Adalberto Santiago collaborated on backing vocals, with Justo doing a duet track: “Rumberos De Nueva York”.  Other numbers on the album that deserve attention are: “La Verdad”, “Tu Lindo Pasado”, “María Antonia” and “A Mis Idolos”.

That same year he is invited to sing on the album by Ñico Rojas y su Orquesta entitled “Paso La Vida Pensando: ‘En Tí'”, on the Kanayón Records label, three songs: “Juan Ramón (El Chichón)”, which was popularized by José “Cheo” Feliciano when he was part of Joe Cuba’s group, “Por Encima Del Nivel”, which had the arrangements and piano of Luis Quevedo, in which he performs a superb piano solo, and in “Lo Voy A Matar”, composition by Tony Pabón and arrangements by maestro Kenny Gómez.

In 1986, he is the lead vocalist of the group Salsa Latina in the album “De Aquí . . Pa’ Lante!”, on the Coa Records label, which was produced by Isidro Infante and Israel Kantor himself and in which he composed half of the eight songs that make up the album.  The most outstanding numbers are: “En Honor A La Verdad”, “Se Acabó El Material”, “Saca Aserrín, Mete Madera”, “A La Mitad Del Camino” and “El Palo De China” (Composition by Raúl Marrero).

He temporarily left Miami to try his luck in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Italy until 1996, when he settled permanently in Miami.  He performed on various stages of the music scene: he inaugurated the Mamá Rumba Club in the Mexican capital, made arrangements for the orchestra of the Sábado Gigante program on Channel 23 in Miami, participated in a Cuban Jam Session at the Lincoln Center in New York, among others.

For more than two decades Kantor was the protagonist of important musical projects both in Latin America and Europe.  He recorded eight solo albums and six guest albums with orchestras such as those of Johnny Pacheco and Juan Pablo Torres.  Among his recordings are “Un Señor Kantor” for the BMG record label; a tribute album to Los Van Van for Sony Music and “Llegó La Música Cubana”, an album that took him on tour in Europe.

In 2003 he collaborated in the solo work of arranger and composer Jesús “El Niño” Pérez with Orquesta Sensación (not to be confused with the former group of Cuban Abelardo Barroso) entitled “Cuba y Puerto Rico Son De Un Pájaro Las Dos Alas”, in which Israel Kantor’s voice stands out over those of the other two singers: Danny Rojo and Rogelio Rente, as well as demonstrating his abilities to improvise on the soneo, in the number “Pa’ Puerto Rico” (which Jesus “El Niño” Perez composed for the album, “La Amistad” by Johnny Polanco).

His last great work, in 2003, was a tribute to Benny Moré his permanent artistic inspiration- entitled “To ‘El Bárbaro Del Ritmo'”, a live recording with the Tropicana All Stars orchestra, produced by Regu Records, owned by Recaredo Gutiérrez. 

The orchestra, made up of 22 musicians, mostly Cubans living in Miami, led by Israel Kantor, was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in the traditional music category in 2004, and two other nominations for an Anglo-American Grammy.

The project, which consisted of a live show, recorded on DVD and seven albums, led them to share the stage with legendary figures such as Paquito D’Rivera, Marco Antonio Muñiz and Generoso “El Tojo” Jiménez, among other glories.

The Tropicana All Stars orchestra was made up of a large number of extraordinary musicians, all of them renowned and of the highest quality: Paquito Echevarría on piano, Cuban musician who has collaborated for a number of important singers such as Gloria Estefan, Rey Ruiz among others; Venezuelan Ramses Colón on bass, a virtuoso musician and desired in any band, Adalberto “Trompetica” Lara on first trumpet, possessor of a very Cuban technique when playing and improvising, he has been a musician of Irakere, Super Cuban All Stars, NG La Banda among others; Kiwzo Fumero on the second trumpet, comes from the conservatory “Alejandro García Caturla” of Cuba, since his beginnings he expressed his great interest in the instrument to which he has dedicated part of his life, he dominates the high notes with mastery for which he has been recognized by great masters of the genre; Lenny Timor on the third trumpet, participated with Los Sobrinos Del Juez for 14 years; Mario Del Monte on fourth trumpet, has been a member of prestigious orchestras such as Roberto Faz, Pacho Alonso, Tito Gómez among others; Alfredo Salvador on baritone sax, has been present in recordings for Celia Cruz, Paquito D’Rivera and Arturo Sandoval; José “Pepe” Vera on tenor sax, his resume includes recordings with the Tropicana Orchestra, Benny Moré, among others, Manuel Valera on alto sax; Juan Carlos Ledón on tenor sax, he has played with Orquestas Cubanas, Roberto Torres, Willy Chirino, Andy Montañéz, among others; Bayron Ramos on trombone, he has been a musician with Albita Rodríguez’s band and Fania All Stars; Braily Ramos on trombone, he has recorded with Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, Alejandro Sanz and others; Leonardo Timor Sr. on trombone; Leonardo García on timbales, has accompanied Luis Enrique, José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma”, Alexandre Pires, among others; Michael Gerald on percussion; Edwin Bonilla on congas, one of the best percussionists today who needs no further introduction; Juanito Márquez on arrangements, production and musical direction; Germán Piferrer is the musical director and arranger, and as very special guests Juan Pablo Torres, Roberto Torres, Generoso “Tojo” Jiménez, Carlos “Patato” Valdéz, Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros and Cándido Camero.

The vocal responsibility fell on Israel Kantor, who was emerging as one of the contemporary Cuban singers with the greatest international projection.  His voice can be heard in the twelve songs that made up the first musical volume: “Santa Isabel De Las Lajas”, “Oh! Vida”, “Maracaibo Oriental”, “Fiebre De Ti”, “Mata Siguaraya”, “Amor Fugaz”, “Bonito y Sabroso”, “Camarera Del Amor”, “Mucho Corazón”, “Yiri Yiri Bon”, “Perdón” and “Francisco Guayabal”, the cover was made by Cuban painter Andrés Puig.

Kantor’s love for his homeland turned his career into a constant homage to Cuban music.

“Over time, one assimilates growing up far from your homeland, not being able to return to stay connected to your roots, but time heals the wounds,” he said a short time ago.

“Inspiration is like a spring,” Kantor said, referring to the improvisations he made as a sonero singer.  “It’s born from the heart; ideas are constantly flowing to you. That’s why a sonero always sings the same song differently.

Cuban music is the continuity of what the singer generates: although the first thing is the vocal conditions, what you have to have is, above all, the clave; knowing how to play with the phrasing so as not to go against the clave”.

Kantor said, “You can train a vocalist to become a sonero, but if his relationship with the genre is not natural, from the heart, he will always end up giving clichés in his inspirations”.

He had no shortage of job offers, even though he was rarely heard on the radio in Miami.  When he was not performing with the Tropicana All Stars, he was performing with his group Havana Son -violin, flute, piano, bass, timbal and conga- in different stages both in the United States and internationally: at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas; the Lincoln Center in New York (in 2003); at the Casa Cuba in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and on tours to the cities of Nicaragua, Lisbon, Oporto and Vigo, in Portugal and Spain, where he shared with other Cuban exiled stars like Willy Chirino and Albita Rodriguez.

Israel Kantor passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2006 at 11:00 p.m. at his residence in southwest Miami, victim of cancer, at the age of 57.  The artist, who had been suffering from liver problems for some time, had already undergone surgery in 2001 for colon cancer.  He is survived by his wife Rosalia Perez, aunts, uncles and cousins.  His body was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 5 at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home, 3344 SW 8th Street, in Miami, and buried the following day at Woodland Park Cemetery, located at 3260 SW 8th Street, in Miami.

“He always worked as if it was the first day,'” recounted his wife Rosalìa as she recalled the artist’s musical enthusiasm.  “He was never satisfied. He had a great hunger to play, to sing and to give people everything he had.”

REACCIONES POR SU MUERTE

 “Israel se hizo en Los Van Van. Tuvo una etapa muy brillante”, señaló Juan Formell, fundador de Los Van Van, ayer desde La Habana a El Nuevo Herald. “Está entre los cantantes más importantes con los que he trabajado. Para nosotros es una pena la pérdida de Israel”.

“Fue una de las voces más representativas de la música cubana de los últimos años”, dijo Adolfo Fernández, amigo personal y publicista de Kantor.  A su juicio, con la muerte del famoso sonero desaparece “una personalidad única y una manera de cantar irrepetible”. “El color de voz de Kantor era único”, destacó.

“Ha muerto uno de los mejores soneros que ha dado Cuba, y uno de los soneros auténticos, de los cuales no quedan muchos. Tenía una voz privilegiada, un ritmo y un sabor muy auténticos”, anotó la cantante Albita Rodríguez tras conocer la noticia de su deceso.

Fuente: herencialatina.com

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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.