Search Results for: Cuban music

Where the idea of the name of the Fania Record label came from

October 2020

Jerry Masucci and Johnny Pacheco

Genaro Masucci, known as Jerry Masucci and Juan Azarías Pacheco Kiniping, known as Johnny Pacheco — Jerry Masucci and Johnny Pacheco

Where the idea of Genaro Masucci, known as Jerry Masucci ((Brooklyn, New York, Oct. 7, 1934 -Argentina Dec. 21, 1997)) and Juan Azarías Pacheco Kiniping, known as Johnny Pacheco ((Santiago, Dominican Republic, Mar. 25, 1935)) to give the title to the record label “Fania” arose.

The name was taken from the old Cuban son: “Fania”, which was successfully performed by the Conjunto Estrellas de Chocolate and composed by Reinaldo Bolaños.

The lyrics present a syncretism between the Spanish and African languages.

Members of the Conjunto Estrellas De Chocolate.

Theme: Fania

Author: Reinaldo Bolaños

Voice: Filiberto Hernández Fuentes

Voice: Chinese Lion Lahera Wilson

Voice: Agustín Cabrera .

Three: Andrés “Nino Rivera” Echevarría

Bass guitar: Sergio De Cuba

Bongos: “Pichi”

Piano: David Palomares

Trumpet: Armando “El Gorilla” Albertini

Felix “Chocolate” Alfonso was not afraid to put together and lead an ensemble in the style of Arsenio and Chappottín in 1959. The ensemble format was part of the medium in which he swam like a fish in water.

He knew the best montuneros musicians and called them together. The good ensembles still retained the favor of part of the public.

Jesús Gorís, the architect of the Puchito label, didn’t think twice about it and recorded them right away.

Victrolas in bars and bodegas all over the island began to spread the son montuno macho of Las Estrellas de Chocolate.

But the 1960s in Cuba were too strong, diverse and creative, and the good work of Chocolate with its stars had to deal with a scene that was too competitive for a novel ensemble.

As often happens, it took several years for the Chocolate Stars to finally shine as stars and be on everyone’s lips.

was recorded in the voice of Pedro Juan Rodríguez Ferrer "Pete" El Conde Rodríguez — “My New Tumbao Cañonazo”

Fania, although composed by Reinaldo Bolaños for Conjunto Estrellas de Chocolate, was recorded on the voice of Pedro Juan Rodríguez Ferrer “Pete” El Conde Rodríguez (Ponce, Puerto Rico, Jan. 31, 1933 – Dec. 2, 2000); who along with Pacheco’s group recorded the company’s first album entitled “Mi Nuevo Tumbao. Cañonazo”, with a majority of Cuban songs, like most of the albums recorded by Pacheco and many of those recorded by that label.

In 1964 Jhonny Pacheco and Jerry Massucci founded Fania Records and created the international and renowned Fania All Stars.

Pete was the first singer that Fania had, and on his shoulders was the responsibility of taking that project forward.

In the first Fania album Cañonazo (1964) Pete interpreted the theme Fania, composition of Reinaldo Bolanos and with which the band was inaugurated.

It is 1964 and the history of Latin music is about to change.

The Dominican flutist Johnny Pacheco, one of the most popular Latin artists in New York, has parked his flute, changed his orchestra and recorded an album, “Mi Nuevo Tumbao…Cañonazo”.

It’s a curious recording, although it doesn’t seem special.

It sounds like a somewhat modernized Sonora Matancera. But it has been released under a new label, Fania Records, which he has just founded in partnership with New York lawyer Jerry Masucci.

And what was only meant to be a start to relaunch and boost Pacheco’s career is out of the hands of both of them and becomes a phenomenon.

Fania All Stars

Additional information:

The name of one of the most important record labels in Latin America and the world All comes from a song by Cuban Reinaldo Bolaños called Fanía, which refers to a story about a woman whose name was Epifanía and her mentally challenged son.

The story goes that in the middle of a fight between the two, she threw flour (funche as it is called in the Caribbean) in her son’s face and he responded “Fania Funché”.

Bolaños liked the story very much, as did the founders of the record company Jerry Masuci and Jhonny Pacheco, who decided to name their music company after her and include the song in the first album produced.

With the passage of time, they stopped pronouncing the tilde on the “i” and started calling it Fania, without an accent.

Research sources:

Thomas Muriel (Puerto Rico)

www.gladyspalmera.com

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Salsa as a reflect of social inequality

Salsa is more than a musical genre

Salsa is only viewed as a musical genre of Latin American origin that relates to Spain in the wrong way for many people, but it is much more than this. In the same way, we can talk about salsa as a set of Caribbean rhythms and styles amongst which we can find mambo, rumba, guaracha, among others. Nowadays, both definitions are now known to encompass everything salsa means in terms of culture in the Latin world.

Well, turns out salsa went far beyond serving as a type of music to become a cultural and even political phenomenon that played a very important role at momentous points in public life in many Latin countries.

How salsa social movement began

Salsa as a social movement ans its artists — Willie Colon playing the trumpet

As soon as the Cuban Revolution was concrete, the island was gradually isolating itself from the rest of the world in many of the areas of life, especially the artsy one. This resulted in that many local artists were forced to leave their country and relocate to New York, United States. It was there that all these exponents of the aforementioned genre began to work in innovative ways and give new life to this music, thus leading to a number of changes that would transform salsa forever.

One of the most important changes was the fact that music was no longer confined to smart ball-rooms. Now it does too in the corners where you can see the misery in which a significant percentage of the population lives. At these times, the aim was not only to achieve the greatest number of attendees possible, but to achieve those who needed to feel connected to these rhythms.

That audience was composed of Latino neighborhood residents, who were desperate to find any artistic expression capable of reflecting their everyday problems. In this sense, salsa has become a powerful tool of protest against the very poor economic, political and social situation for which Latinos were going through. One of its greatest exponents has been Ruben Blades with songs such as Prohibido Olvidar, Pueblo Latino, and Tiburon. These musical themes are an open critic to governments of all ideological tendencies reneged on promises to the people.

Salsa culture and salsa as part of Latin American identity

Salsa and social inequality — A couple dancing salsa

When we analyze thoroughly the origins of salsa and the most famous artists of this genre, it is not difficult to understand why it has been so successful in the greater share of Latin America. These artistic expressions of this type are the ones that can put into words the feelings experienced by those who wish to create an identity and bring about solid political thoughts. We mention the word identity because it refers to the way we perceive ourselves and we see our traditions and the story behind us.

A large part of the story is related by salsa, which has become a popular life expression as an unambigous reflection of the typical traditions and customs of the Caribbean countries. In the same way, this genre lets us view the experiences, happiness and sadness of those who identify with its lyrics.

Salsa is a clear demonstration that arts are not always disconnected from the feelings of the majority but, on the contrary, it can be a true reflection of what people dream, think and feel from each chapter of history.

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Latin rhytms preferred by Europeans to learn to dance

A brief introduction about Latin music

In the last several years, Latin music has become a real phenomenon throughout much of the world, especially in Europe. Currently, Latin rhythms are heard in almost every corner of the Old Continent, which has been really beneficial for the great men of these musical styles, who have started their artistic careers in major cities of Europe.

After becoming an overwhelming success for this music in Latin America and the US, it gradually expanded throughout many European countries, in which Spanish and family languages have a strong presence. In these countries, the Latino community has been growing steadily, which has made locals take an interest in its culture and traditions, including music. There are many Europeans who want to learn how to dance many Latin rhythms, but there are some that distinguish themselves from others.

Salsa

Europeans love Latin music — A drum for Latin music

Among the many Latin rhythms that many Europeans wanted to learn how to dance, salsa can never be lacking. This is because this world-renowned musical genre is very sociable and entertaining, which few Europeans were accustomed to see in ages past. Salsa is commonly danced in Los Angeles and very present at all kinds of parties and amateur competitions, especially in Continental Europe. In that part of the continent, it is quite common to find dance academies that teach this specific style.

There are many European nations that organize dance championships in which salsa occupies a very special place.

Bachata

Another genre preferred by Europeans in order to learn how to dance is bachata, which is from the Dominican Republic and characterized by very slow and sensual movements on the part of the members of the couple. After all the success achieved by bachata artists, this genre has become one of the rhythms with the largest presence in European music festivals.

There is no denying that a set of soloists and groups have offered an unimaginable contribution to the expansion of bachata throughout the world, such as Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, among others.

Tango

Europeans dancing Latin music — A young couple dancing Latin music

If there is a genre that cannot be out of any list of options to learn how to dance, it is Argentine tango. One of the reasons why this elegant and distinguished dance has had this incredible success in Europe and elsewhere in the world has been the huge presence it has had in numerous Hollywood films and the great interest which ballroom dances have awakened in countries like England.

It is anticipated that its popularity will increase and have as much presence as salsa and bachata in dance events throughout the Old Continent. It is not long before it does.

Rumba

One of the most interesting details of a genre like rumba is that it has undergone a great number of changes in the mists of time. This is due to its Cuban origin and its many fusions with certain Spanish and African rhythms, so no wonder the sympathy that many Europeans have for this colorful musical genre.

The ones greatly responsible for the expansion of rumba in Europe have been the dance masters who have devoted much of their work to the promotion of this and other rhythms from Latin America.

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The Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

These are the top latin names of this year

The times are changing, influencers and new talents are gaining ground within the industry. Meet some of the most influential latin artists of 2020!

Latin America has been the birthplace of singers, songwriters, producers, and artists that have taken their talent to the USA and the rest of the world. With their flags held high and their nationalism deep rooted, they have been the ones that impulse their culture in North America and Canada, that way they have opened many opportunities to the next generations.

2020 was a year of challenges and so many changes, however some personalities from the media industry didn’t give up. Many of them took advantage to work on projects that they had in mind, and surprised their fans. While others were dedicated to remember their biggest hits, and used digital platforms to perform remote concerts. For this reason, we want to mention and give recognition to five latin artists that keep afloat during this year; they were revelations, and got a larger scope that anyone could have imagined.

Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

Manny Cruz

The Dominican with Cuban origins has been one of the exposures of his genre, that has known how to take advantage of his fame to position himself within the media. He was the Dominican artist with more nominations on the Latin Grammy.

“The Lord loves so much and I feel so grateful with these two nominations. And very happy of how the people had embraced my music, and to be able to contribute a little to our merengue history”, expressed the artist.

Manny Cruz one of the most influential Latin Artists of 2020 — Manny Cruz

Cruz ‘s career has been on the rise, because it doesn’t leave space to anybody. During this year he had made collabs with Ilegales, Miriam Cruz, and a tribute to Juan Luis Guerra. He also has shared projects with the merenguero Eddy Herrera.

After being part of several groups, he decided to try a solo career without knowing what his destiny, and talent had prepared for him: he obtained the award for Solo Singer of The Year in the “Premios Soberanos”. In 2017 he was the winner of a Latin Grammy, thanks to writing together with his brother Daniel Santacruz, the single “Deja Vu” for Prince Royce and Shakira. In 2018 he got three awards at “Premios Soberanos”.

Manny has specialized in merengue and pop-ballad, he is a singer and songwriter. “Santo Domingo” is his latest music video, which has gained more than 2 million of views on YouTube. More and more are the singers that want to share their works with him, and of course have the opportunity to count on him as a songwriter. He is one the young musicians that are here to stay, and he is now well placed among the american audience, and spanish speakers.

Nathy Peluso

Another singer that has broken barriers, and has gained a position within the industry is Nathalia Dora, better known as Nathy Peluso. Even when she is only 25 years old, she is already a trendsetter in different musical genres. She is acclaimed for her fusions with rap, hip-hop, jazz, and salsa, a combination that is only possible for a woman like her. She was born in Argentina, and she was one of the honor guests invited to this year Latin Grammy.

She is a singer, songwriter, and started her career from very young. She studied theater with teachers from Dominican Republic, Cuba and Colombia. That way she took their accents, and it can be noted on the majority of her singles. She is inclined for blues and jazz styles.

Even when she is living in Spain, it has surprised the acceptance of her music in Latin America and the USA. 2020 has been her year, she released her first single of her next album: Business Woman, with which she wants to continue showing her strong side, and consolidate her place within the industry. Plus, she got her very first nomination to the Gardel Awards, and two nominations to the Latin Grammy in Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song categories.

Peluso has become one of the most important latin artists of the musical scene. She sings about feminism, sex, and even politics.

“Women let me know that I am an inspiration to them”, expressed the artist.

Prince Royce

Prince has been another musician that hasn’t stopped this year. He has topped the first places on Billboard, and was nominated to the Latin Grammy 2020 as Best Contemporary Album / Tropical Fusion. Alter Ego is the double album that makes him stay on everybody’s minds. Many important talents participated in this album, around 60 songwriters, 21 musicians, 23 songs, 18 musical producers, and it has obtained different golden and platinum records around the world. Beside that, it was the only album to debut on the number one of the latin Billboard list of 2020.

The Latin Music Academy considered him as one of the most consistent artists that has been kept loyal to his fans and his origins. The bachata singer has evolved over his career, and he keeps showing his versatility on the market. Geoffrey Royce Rojas de León is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer with Dominican origins.

Tonny Succar

Antonio Guillermo Succar better known as Tonny Succar is a Peruvian-American songwriter, arranger, percussionist, band leader, and producer. In 2019, he received the Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album, and a second award as the Producer of the Year. As a young boy, he auditioned for a latin jazz ensemble in his school, and of course he got his desired position. Then, he went on to assume the family band’s Musical Director position, which was named Mixtura. After graduation he continued as an artist, and teaching other music students.

His talent went beyond borders, and had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as: La India, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, Jon Secada, Obie Bermúdez, and Kevin Ceballo. He was also the crucial piece in a tribute to Michael Jackson, this project was a great chance for him to be close to artists that he admired. Succar is still forming, and is planning to be part of a musical legacy that goes beyond borders.

“If you don’t take the opportunity when it has to be, the train will leave” he commented after getting the Latin Grammy.

Tito Puente Jr.

He always knew that his career would be compared to his father’s, and he was very clear that it won’t be easy to reach that level. For that reason he decided to make his own name with his own identity. From very young he participated in different bands including a rock one. That way Tito Jr. formed his own trajectory and now is well known within the industry.

However he is continuing his father’s legacy at performing several of his most famous songs. He also has never doubted making tributes to his father, with different events for youngs and children where they learn to play different instruments. Tito was born in New York on June 2nd,1971, he is 49 years old, and has several albums of his own. He is very proud of his origins, but at the same time he has created his own name.

“I have my father ‘s spirit”, he said proudly.

This new generation is promising to hold their countries’ names high with passion, enthusiasm, and so much commitment.

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San Clemente Salsa Congress

Salsa San Clemente 2020 Congress online starts today:

The month of December 2020 has already begun, a very difficult year for everyone worldwide due to the covid-19 pandemic that hit us all at the end of 2019 and others in 2020; despite the fact that our lifestyle has changed at all levels (social, economic and political); However, this did not stop our activities but with more caution when doing them, including the use of the Internet to do work at home in most jobs.

Already adapting and looking for a way to try to make these quarantine times more pleasant and not monotonous of routine life at home, many events have been carried out with great success online since people enjoy recreational activities and there is nothing better than an event especially if it is musical that one can attend without putting oneself in danger of being infected.

Among the events that will be held in December 2020, one will be held in Argentina, from December four (4) to eight (8), the San Clemente Salsa Congress 2020 Online, where the Workshops will be held every day, music live, shows, presentation of live DJs, interaction with the public and raffles.

San Clemente Salsa Congress 2020 Online — San Clemente Salsa Congress – Artists

Its name derives from the Argentine seaside resort and tourist city of La Costa in the province of Buenos Aires, called San Clemente del Tuyú, which is located on the northern coast of the Argentine Sea. Its organizer is Mr. Gerardo Osvaldo Russo who was born on July 3, 1984 who lives in the beautiful city of San Clemente del Tuyu, who in turn is the director of the Salsa y Sentimiento Academy and has extensive experience in the tropical musical genre already performed by the Caribbean Rhythms faculty in the “SAOCO” study.

It would be this year the seventh (7th) International Congress of Salsa, Bachata and Caribbean Rhythms and in turn known as the most important congress of the Atlantic Coast, Argentina, only this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation it will be held Online for the safety of your guests

The schedule of activities would be as follows:

Friday 4: the presentation of the congress will be held, live music with Cuban singer Elena Guarner and DJ Charlie Ayestaran, shows and talks will be held with the subscribed guests.
Saturday 5:
- 14:00 hrs: musicality with Mauro Álvarez
- 15:00 hrs: Rumba / Guaguanco with Adriel and Malena.
- 16:00 hrs: Mambo in two / free steps with Martin Ayrala.
- 17:00 hrs: Musical Interpretation with Carlos Aragón and Gustavo Pinat.
- At night there will be live music with Mariano Ávila (Argentine singer), then choreographic shows, talks, raffles and DJ Caramelo will be playing.
Sunday 6:
- 15:00 hrs: Bachata / shines and figures with Paula Urquiza and Gabriel Zamora.
- 16:00 hrs: Cha cha cha / free steps with Sole Martino and Diego Castro.
- 17:00 hrs: Salsa on 1 / Shines and figures with Carine Moraes and Rafael Barros.
- At night there will be live music with Aye Soto, Argentine bachata singer, then choreographic shows, talks, raffles and DJ John Moon will be playing.
Monday 7:
- 14:00 hrs: Timba with Tati Barbosa and Dani Escobar.
- 15:00 hrs: Salsa On 2 with the Timbaleros
- 16:00 hrs: Latin Training with Gabriela Mancini
- 17:00 hrs: Dominican Bachata with Leticia Beltran and Gabriel Salgado.
- At night there will be live music with the Chasumadre Orchestra, talks, shows, choreography and raffles.
Tuesday 8:
- 15:00 hrs: Casino wheel with Adrian Doblas.
- 16:00 hrs: Bachata / shines and figures with Mauricio and Natalia
- 17:00 hrs: Timba with Celina and Lucho.

Subscription is 100% free and live a healthy and safe adventure inside your home, just by having your computer and internet access, do not miss this great opportunity.

For more information:

WebSite para subscribirte:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/San-Clemente-Salsa-Congress-1384904591761235

Instagram: @ sanclementesalsacongress

Correo: [email protected]

Teléfono: +54 2252 40-8486 (Whatsapp) / +54 9 11 6838-6589

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