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La Puertorriqueña de Don Perignon presents her new recording work

Demostrando in time

With great enthusiasm, La Puertorriqueña de “Don Perignon” announces the release of its most transcendental recording production, entitled Demostrando a tiempo.

La Puertorriqueña de Don Perignon presents her new recording work

This release is a testament to more than forty-five years dedicated to music by the orchestra’s leader, Pedro Morales Cortijo, known artistically as “Don Perignon”. After overcoming health challenges,

“Don Perignon“, with renewed vigor, turns his attention to what he calls “an unprecedented chapter for the orchestra”.

And what better way to kick off this new phase than with the release of the album? Demostrando a tiempo, a title derived from Moncho Rivera’s composition arranged by Carlos García, adds a historical and significant nuance to the recording.

“Don Perignon” highlights the importance of paying tribute to the pioneers of Puerto Rican popular music, Ismael Rivera and Rafael Cortijo, underlining the crucial influence they had on the musical movement to which their group belongs:

“Moncho represents Ismael Rivera and I represent Rafael Cortijo. They (Cortijo and Rivera) were the ones who created what we do, that’s why we decided to pay tribute to these two greats of our music”.

The album opens with a composition by Sammy Ayala, entitled ‘Dilo tú’, previously recorded by Rafael Cortijo’s Combo. This song, on this occasion, includes an exquisite timbal solo by Perignon.

This, which is La Puertorriqueña’s thirteenth production, rescues two jewels of the prolific composer Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso.

The first, ‘Aquí estoy con mi son’, was first recorded in 1991 by singer Frankie Hernández under the production of Bobby Valentín. The second, ‘Soy tu ley’, was initially recorded in bolero time by Cheo Feliciano, the so-called “Señor sentimiento”. For this occasion, the skillful musical arrangement -in salsa key- by Ramón Sánchez gives the song a fascinating nuance, by integrating it with the distinctive sonority of the orchestra.

Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo, is the first name of the Puerto Rican timbalero and musical director

It should be noted that ‘Soy tu ley’ was destined to be part of the album Música Maestro (2014), but like fine wines, it waited patiently until it reached its optimum point to be released.

Highlighting the musical diversity, the album includes ‘A quién iré’, a composition by singer-songwriter Héctor Olmo, which at Perignon’s request, seeks to express gratitude to God for all that He has given him, including what the orchestra leader calls “a new opportunity in life”.

“I have my way of thanking God, but not through a message as fine as that,” says the director of La Puertorriqueña, considering that the song written by Olmo came to answer questions about everything he has achieved musically, despite the many obstacles that have come his way. ‘A quién iré’ features the arrangement by Juan C. Cardona, the vocal participation of Alex D’ Castro and the creation of the chorus by “Don Perignon” himself.

Demostrando a tiempo includes the songs: ‘Sácala a bailar’ (composition and vocals by José Karlo Ribot, with a tasty arrangement by Andy Guzmán who incorporates a forceful piano solo); ‘Sin brújula’ (lyrics by Harold Aguirre, musical arrangement by Ramón Sánchez, sung by Joe González); ‘La clave me lleva’, ‘Como si me amaras’ and ‘Afinque, cadencia y sabor’ (title that lists the distinctive adjectives of La Puertorriqueña).

Demostrando a tiempo reflects the dedication and unparalleled talent of “Don Perignon” and La Puertorriqueña.

Through a careful fusion of tradition and innovation showcased in the repertoire, this album represents the invaluable contribution of the orchestra, captivating dancers around the world with its vibrant and distinctive sound.

La Puertorriqueña de “Don Perignon” invites the public to immerse themselves in this unique musical experience and enjoy Demostrando a tiempo, available on digital platforms and select music stores.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Demostrando on time. Join us on this exciting musical journey.

About Don Perignon:

Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo, is the first name of the Puerto Rican timbalero and musical director known internationally as “Don Perignon,” whose musical career began in 1974.

“Don Perignon” comes from a family with a long musical tradition, which includes his cousin, Rafael Cortijo.

After having stood out as musical director for singers Andy Montañez and Lalo Rodríguez, in 1989. “Don Perignon” released his first production La buena vida, which featured the participation of Victor Manuelle. This album was followed by Festival de soneros (1990) and Subiendo (1992).

In his career “Don Perignon” with his orchestra, La Puertorriqueña, has released thirteen recordings, in which figures such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, Luisito Carrión, Oswaldo Román, Pedro Brull, Josué Rosado, Rico Walker, José Alberto “El Canario” and Hermán Olivera, among others, have collaborated.

Also Read: Déjalo, the latest track by Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional

”Alma Del Barrio” celebrates 50 years of operation

The United States has a great number of Latin music radio programs that always sought to promote the best of Latin talent through their frequencies and one of them is ”Alma Del Barrio” of the well-known radio station KXLU, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Against all odds, ”Alma Del Barrio” celebrates five decades on the air after all the effort of its hosts and the team involved in such a noble and necessary feat. We say ”against all odds” because it is not common that projects submitted by university students did not used to last long and ended up being replaced by programs of the same style.

In addition to the above, decades-long programs usually have a single host and comfortable time slots each week. However, ”Alma Del Barrio” was the exception to this rule and, today, continues to prove that limits can be overcome.

Founders of Alma Del Barrio — Founders of ”Alma Del Barrio” Steve Lopez, Enrique ”Kiki” Soto, Gustavo Aragon, Eddie Lopez, and Hector ”La Voz” Resendez

Beginnings of ”Alma Del Barrio”

After so long, ”Alma Del Barrio” has remained up to date and continues to keep people’s taste.

Its main founders were Enrique ”Kiki” Soto and the late Raúl Villa, who at the time were two young students with many ideas and eager to achieve interesting things. The program was aired for the first time in 1973. A few years later, Hector Resendez, a freshman in college, contacted Enrique and Raul in order to write an article about this new radio show, but it would not be long before he joined the main founders in the project they were developing.

Three years later, in 1976, student at Loyola Marymount University Eddie Lopez joined the program on the third anniversary of ”Alma Del Barrio”, show in which he would spend the next 46 years bringing the best Afro-Cuban music to the audience every Sunday between 2pm and 6pm.

On a number of occasions, Resendez said that ”Alma Del Barrio” was not created to be hosted by great famous personalities, but by dynamic young people who wanted to be part of a small team that was just starting operations.

At the beginning, the new hosts only had one hour of broadcast time to show what they were made of, but at the same time, they did their best to get more airtime and have more presenters in the program. They wanted to include a not very popular genre on the station at that time, which was salsa, something totally innovative for the station.

In those years, salsa was understood as that set of genres coming from Afro-Cuban music and the novice hosts thought it would be a fine attraction to the Latino communities of Los Angeles. That set of genres came from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. This is when record labels and music promoters renamed these rhythms as ”salsa” in order to make it easier for programs and hosts to identify the music.

Eddie Lopez in Alma Del Barrio — Eddie Lopez working on the radio station

‘’Alma Del Barrio”’ programming

The traditional programming of most of the stations consisted of jazz, rock and classical music, but then salsa was incorporated thanks to the increasing popularity that this genre was gaining.

One thing Resendez said is that one of the most famous rock groups was Santana, so the announcer and the rest of his cabinmates were surprised that the musicians of the band knew so much about Afro-Cuban music in terms of percussion. Let us remember that the popular song ”Oye Como Va” was written by ”El Rey De Los Timbales” Tito Puente a decade and a half before the band recorded it.

This union of rock and salsa was what gave the hosts the confidence to use trendy Anglo-Saxon genres as a means to promote Latin music.

On top of that, the guys were clear that jazz fans would be receptive to Latin jazz, since great jazz musicians like Dizzy Gallespie hired Cuban percussionists in their orchestras. If on other stations, this music was successful, ”Alma Del Barrio” was no exception. Fortunately, they were not wrong.

Current logo of ”Alma Del Barrio”

Last years of “Alma Del Barrio’’

During the last years of ”Alma Del Barrio”, the program team has made great efforts to join and create links with the community, whether it would be through sponsorships, advertisements, public services, donation campaigns, among other things.

Through all this community service they offered, they also made their own work known and many listeners began to enjoy this great team’s talent while listening to good music and varied programming.

The program has also been and is part of great annual and historical festivals such as the Salsa Fest. This day is always reserved for the audience to share with the new and old hosts of ”Alma Del Barrio” and many of the station staff, who always spread their enthusiasm to those present with their good energy.

”Alma Del Barrio” and its hosts have brought joy to their followers, but there have also been some sad moments. One of them was the death of DJ Eddie Lopez in January 2023, leaving a great void in the station and the hearts of those who faithfully followed his career through the KXLU circuits during the last decades.

Colombia Directory 2024

Calle 13 Bar Cra. 60 #12-63 Bogotá, Colombia	Galeria Cafe Libro Sede Palermo Trv. 15b #46-38 Bogotá, Colombia +57 601 2851794	Sandunguera el Templo de la Salsa Clasica Calle 64 13 52 Bogotá, Colombia +57 317 6392533
Yaré Salsa Bar Calle 53 # 27 a -47 111311 Bogotá DF Colombia +32 3 500 9102	Restaurante Casa de Citas Carrera 3 #12 B – 35 111711 Bogotá, Distrito Especial, Colombia +57 1 2866944	El Goce Pagano Diagonal 20 a # 0 82 Bogotá, Distrito Especial, Colombia +57 316 8710646
Bailatino Ciudad Jardin Calle 18 # 111-25 Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia +57 316 4312862	La Topa Tolondra Calle 5 # 13 – 27 760044 Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia +57 323 5972646	MalaMaña Salsa Bar Cra 4 # 9-59 Santiago de Cali, Colombia +57 323 5944747
Zaperoco Av. 5 Nte. #16-46 Santiago de Cali, Colombia +57 315 5201370	Donde Fidel Cra. 7 #33-109 a 33-1, El Centro Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia +57 314 5261892	Vueltabajero Salsa 100 % Trv. 54 Urbanizacin Las Delicias Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia +57 301 5492798

New York Directory 2024

Taj Restaurant & Lounge 48 W 21st St New York, NY 10010 +1 212 620-3033	Gonzalez y Gonzalez 192 Mercer St New York, NY 10012 +1 212 473-7878	Sound Of Brazil 204 Varick St New York, NY 10014 +1 212 243-4940
Copacabana Nightclub 625 W 51st St New York, NY 10019 +1 917 559-1779	Birdland 315 W 44th St #5402 New York, NY 10036 +1 917 559-1779	Havana Café 3151 E Tremont Ave The Bronx, NY 10461 +1 718 301-8323
Salsa Con Fuego 2297 Cedar Ave The Bronx, NY 10468 +1 718 561-6161	Kiss Entertainment 130-35 91st ave Richmond Hill, NY 11418 +1 917-232-7098

Tracy Jenkins from Lula World Records spoke exclusively with us

There are many Latin artists residing in Canada who have gone to the North American country to seek opportunities in music and, little by little, they have found them thanks to people like Tracy Jenkins and her label Lula World Records.

Tracy Jenkins, with whom we had the opportunity to talk a few days ago, is one of the co-founders of Lula World Records, part of the Lula Lounge nightclub team and an artist manager.

We found it very interesting to discover a record label belonging to a project focused on managing artists who make Latin music, which is a great opportunity to further promote our culture and genres that have been disseminated throughout the world in recent years.

Tracy has done an immeasurable work to guide and make known soloists and groups from all over Latin America and we want to recognize her great work with the most important details of the conversation we had with her.

Tracy Jenkins from Lula — Tracy Jenkins, co-founder of Lula World Records

Lula World Records

When we wanted to know a little about the context of creating Lula World Records, Tracy told us that this was a project born from the vibrant Latin music scene at the Lula Lounge club, which has 21 years of operation in the city of Toronto.

During this time, the venue has established itself as one of the best places to enjoy live Latin music throughout the city of Toronto and Canada in general. Attendees can usually enjoy live singers, orchestras and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, although there can be more days.

Currently, it is the only place in Canada that offers a total of 12 salsa orchestras and each one has its own sound and repertoire. It is the club that gave rise to what would later become known as Lula World Recodrs, which was born as a means to share the best quality salsa music produced in Toronto with a much more global audience.

The first official release of the project took place in 2012, but in the form of a musical complication under the name ”Lula Lounge Essential Tracks”, including the best tracks from artists such as Roberto Linares Brown, Yani Borrell, The Puentes Brothers and many other important names in the Canadian music industry.

Tracy says that, from that moment, they saw the opportunity to continue producing and releasing albums and tracks from other renowned singers and groups such as Lula All Starts, Conjunto Lacalú, Lengaïa Salsa Brava, Salsotika, La Borinqueña and El Charangon del Norte led by Wilver Pedrozo.

Yani Borrell managed by Lula — Yani Borrell, one of the artists managed by Lula World Records

Why Lula World Records focuses on Latin Music

”We have centered our efforts on Latin music because of the relationship this project has with Lula Lounge, which opened its doors in 2022 with a concert by Isaac Delgado. From that point, the club has been remaining current for more than 20 years, time in which it has been the birthplace of new projects and emerging artists who have used the venue as a platform to develop and promote their music to local salsa fans,” Tracy said.

Among the many genres supported by Lula World Records all this time, we can mention salsa, Latin jazz, merengue, Cuban son, samba, bossa nova, reggae, classic tumbao, Latin-leaning funk, among many others. However, Tracy and his team are not limited to Latin genres, as they have also promoted Caribbean, Arab and European styles.

Something else Tracy said is that it is highly unlikely that the line followed by the label will change, since there are many migratory waves from Latin America that Canada continues to receive, so he knows that the Latin scene will keep growing in the coming years.

Charangon Del Norte managed by Lula — Multi-instrumentalist Wilver Pedrozo, leader of Charangon Del Norte, ne of the groups managed by Lula World Records

What Lula World Records looks for in an artist

As with any other music label, Lula World Records has its own requirements for managing an artist, Tracy explained that she and her team generally engage with artists who have made great strides in recording, mixing and mastering their own music.

During the evaluation process carried out by them, aspects such as the quality of the songs, excellence in production, catchiness of the tunes and the overall authenticity and originality of the project are taken into consideration.

The label has a particular interest in original and innovative mixes of diverse musical elements and used as an example an Afro-indigenous punk rock group of Brazilian origin called Xocô, which recently released one of its latest albums. Two other great examples of this diversity are Ahmed Moneka, the creator of Arabic and Afro-Iraqi jazz, and Nastasia, a Ukrainian soul singer.

Another detail they take into consideration is the artist’s ability to collaborate with them during the process of releasing their albums. Releasing a record production requires a lot of work from start to finish and a lot of things to do such as marketing and promotion of music. Lula World Records wants artists who fully live up to their commitment and use all the platforms and tools available to promote what they are doing.

To close the conversation, Tracy told us that any artist who want their musical work to be promoted can submit their EPK to the company for evaluation by the board of directors. They are still a small label, but hope to grow a lot more over the next two years and even manage artists outside of Canada.