Search Results for: El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Honor to whom honor is due – Johnny Cruz

This month I hope to be able to pay tribute to great figures of our Latin music, who have worked tirelessly for years to make our music very high.

I want to greet my great friend Larry Harlow and wish him a speedy recovery. Larry Harlow is an American artist and performer, composer and producer of Cuban son, Montuno, Afro-Cuban jazz, mambo, guaracha, cha-cha, and salsa, hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Harlow, who is known for his mix of Afro-Cuban jazz and piano playing styles, studied music in the 1950s in Cuba, but was unable to complete his studies before the 1959 Cuban Revolution, forcing him to leave the island.

The Harlow Orchestra was the first to sign with Fania Records, Harlow has also produced more than 106 albums by various artists and more than 50 albums of his own authorship, in addition to those he produced for Fania. Among his most popular albums were “Abran Paso” and “Tributo a Arsenio Rodríguez” with Ismael Miranda as the vocalist. He also appeared with La Fania All-Stars, in the film, Nuestra Cosa Latina.

Harlow recorded one of his most momentous albums in just two days. Under the simple title of Salsa, it pays homage to the Cuban roots of tropical music, combining the sound of trumpets and trombones with two violins that evoke the aesthetics of the charanga of groups such as Orquesta Aragón.

With “The portfolio”, a version of a song by Arsenio Rodríguez, Harlow finds his greatest success. Thanks to the singers Adalberto Santiago and Junior González, the nickname “the wonderful Jew” arises. In 1972, salsa was in full swing. Larry Harlow, meditates on a musical concept for the Afro-Caribbean music market. Inspired by the success of the Anglo-Saxon opera, “Tommy”, Harlow was preparing for the launch of a similar concept, aimed at the salsa market.

For 1973 the opera Hommy, using the lyrics of Heny Álvarez, tells the story of a boy who, although blind and deaf, had a great talent for percussion. The outstanding musicians of the time and singers such as Justo Betancourt, Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto Santiago, Junior González, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez and Celia Cruz joined.

The combination of musicians and voices achieved its goal with a recording that established a lecture in the history of Afro-Caribbean music with a radiant exhibition that captured the airwaves and the imagination of the salsa audience. The songs “Es un Varón”, “El Día De Navidad”, “Quirinbomboro”, “Gracia Divina”, “Cari-Caridad” and “Soy Sensacional” were undoubted radio hits that became themes of dance and discussion among all the salseros.

It was the first time that an opera, Spanish-speaking, and in the salsa guild, was directed to the populace. Salsa got dressed up and that legacy opened the doors for the Afro-Caribbean musical tradition to now visit the most prestigious venues in the world.

That is the legacy of “Hommy”, one of the best recordings of the time, which brought together the best musicians of the moment in an expression that transcended time; and, in turn, he brought Celia Cruz to the salsa market and placed her in a seat of honor which she never left. But more importantly, “Hommy” took Salsa to a new place among audiences. What a contribution from Larry Harlow!

I also want to send my regards and appreciation to Ralph Irizarry. Recognized as one of the timpanists with the greatest “swing”, Ralph Irizarry has a distinctive style that has allowed him to leave an indelible mark in the groups where he has played. Born in Harlem Latino New Yorker, Ralph is a self-taught musician who learned his trade by listening to his brother’s records and the music of his idols in nightclubs, where he used to sneak into when he was 16 years old.

His family moved to Puerto Rico when Ralph was in his teens; There he acquired his first professional experiences with La Terrífica, El Gran Combo, La Sonora Ponceña and many other groups. After three years on the island, Ralph returned to New York, where he began playing with local groups.

One winter night in 1978, he met the legendary Ray Barreto at Manhattan’s Corso Nightclub and began a productive working relationship that would result in five extraordinary recordings. Ralph has recorded with David Byrne, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Earl Klugh, Juan Luis Guerra, Cachao, Celia Cruz and Yomo Toro, although he is widely recognized for his musical relationship with Rubén Blades and Seis Del Solar, with whom he remained. recording and performing internationally for 13 years.

His musical contributions have also been fundamental in the recording of two Latin jazz albums made by Seis del Solar for the Messidor Records label. Currently, he is one of the most sought after musicians who has kept working on commercials and film and television soundtracks.

His charisma also allowed him to develop an unexpected acting career: he acted in The Mambo Kings, playing the role of Pito Fernández. In the summer of 1996, Ralph participated along with Tito Puente in the show Master Timbaleros, presented at S.O.B.’s in New York. This historic concert was the culmination of 26 years of dedication, practice, and love of music. He founded the group Timbalaye, a septet with a strong big band sound.

The group combines contemporary Latin jazz with diverse tropical rhythms (timba and songo) and traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms (bomba, cha cha chá and son montuno). Their innovative sound has allowed the group to perform weekly at various venues in New York. Among his most recent projects is a recording at Birdland for a compilation to be released by the RCA Records label. Timbalaye is considered the force of Latin jazz. My hug and respect to you Ralph!

I am happy to express my gratitude and admiration to a powerful woman, Director of Taínos Tower and Vice President of the Museum of Salsa: María Cruz.

María Cruz was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico. In 1966 she came to New York looking for new opportunities. While studying at Manhattan Community College, she began working with the East Harlem Pilot Block Redevelopment Project. Although she may have had no idea at the time, that job was the beginning of her career as a community activist and advocate for social services. As a community worker at the East Harlem Pilot Block, she helped design and offer a tenant orientation in preparation for the occupation at Taino Towers.

Later, she became a Building Representative and worked with tenants regarding apartment issues, rent, social service issues, and Section 8. Maria Cruz has been involved in many community activities:

From 1984 to 1989; She served as president of the Tenants Association of her apartment building. She was vice president of the East Harlem Little League Baseball organization. In her spare time, she organized bus trips for neighborhood children to amusement parks and ball games. Encouraged and assisted several tenants to return to school and continue their education, so that they can be trained and empowered to return to the workforce and leave Public Assistance. Ms. Cruz earned her RAM (Registered Apartment Manager) certificate from NYU and is registered as a Certified Leasing Professional.

Currently, Ms. Cruz is the Executive Director of ARCO Management Inc. / Taino Towers. She has always been a strong activist for the community. In the summer of 1999, Ms. Cruz organized the first annual Taino Family Day. Day in which all residents and members of the East Harlem community participate and celebrate a day of unity. On Taino Family Day, residents rent “kioscos” food stalls and sell various ethnic foods, dance to the rhythm of various musical bands, and children enjoy activities such as face painting, puppet theater, and a petting zoo.

Each year, Ms. Cruz focuses on a different topic such as: education, music, tributes, and family values. As Executive Director, one of her greatest accomplishments was the renovation of the Touro College building. She is currently a board member of the East Harlem Council for Human Services and works closely with local politicians and representatives.

In 2002, Ms. Cruz along with Irving “Magic” Johnson opened the Magic Johnson Computer Learning Center. This program provides computer classes to Taino Towers and the East Harlem Community. As Executive Director, she was also able to oversee the completion of the Senior Park at Taino Towers.

In the summer of 2003, voted by the majority of the tenants, the Park for the elderly was renamed the Maria Cruz Park for the elderly. In September 2019, she was honored with the Eugenio María de Hostos Award from the Puerto Rican National Association for her commitment to the East Harlem Community. People like Mrs. Cruz are exemplary citizens of the Latino community in the United States, and in New York.

Do not stop listening to the new single: “Gracias”, and the first solo production of Papo Rosario, produced by the arranger and musician Isidro Infante. Rosario is grateful to be alive and to be able to walk after being bedridden as a result of a car accident. Papo Rosario is a world-class artist who has put the name of Puerto Rico high. Rosario, withdrew in 2019 from the group considered the “university of salsa”, El Gran combo de Puerto Rico, after having an accident and presenting health problems. Now, he affirms that he already feels ready to resume his musical career with the launch of his first solo production by producer Isidro Infante. Much success in this new stage.

I highly recommend that you follow the track of Quintero’s Salsa Project, a Venezuelan salsa group based in New York, nominated for a Latin Grammy and led by cousins Luisito and Roberto Quintero, released an album in which they pay tribute to the work of La Dimensión Latina, the orchestra that represented a before and after in the history of this musical genre in Venezuela.

The band wanted to go back to the 60s to remember that particular style with which La Dimensión Latina championed Venezuelan salsa: “Many of the world’s salsa players and Venezuelans identify with this rhythm. We, the Quintero, have always been loyal fans of these great teachers. With this album we wish to pay tribute to those who today are a world icon of salsa ”, they said through their networks. “Ya tú lo verás”, promotional single from the album composed by Oscar D’León, was arranged by the legendary trombonist and director of La Dimensión Latina, César Monges, better known as “Albóndiga”.

The album is the second released by Quintero’s Salsa Project, following their debut project, Nuestro Hogar, which was nominated for the 2019 Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album. In that same ceremony, Luisito Quintero, one of the great Venezuelan percussionists who make a professional life in the United States, received the gramophone as a member of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, which was recognized for his Anniversary album as Best Latin Tropical Album. Quintero is also a member of the group of the great pianist Chick Corea. Do not miss it!

The invitation to tune in to the new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com continues: Salsagallery. Good music, interviews with the artists and much more.

At the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum we are happy to say that we are gradually returning to our activities and we will be opening the gallery sporadically. We do not stop, we continue to work for our music and we will always keep you informed through our social networks. We hope to have more news shortly and that we can return to normal soon.

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

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.

Santa La Salsera and Diva of Mexico with her unique voice and style will continue to conquer us all

Originally from Boca Mar, in the beautiful port of Acapulco, Mexico.

From a musical family lineage, from the age of 3 she began her interest in the artistic medium; despite this her parents did not agree that she should dedicate herself to this career, but motivated by the musical taste of her mother she was inspired by great divas of the genre such as Mrs. Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Celeste Mendoza, Mercedita Valdes and Omara Portuondo.

Originaria de la Boca Mar, en el bello Puerto de Acapulco, Gro. México

She alternated with the Cuban actor and singer Zamorita, who invited her to sing solo in the well-known ECO Program and from there encouraged her to sing tropical music, since it was more in line with her image and voice; Later she got a job at the emblematic Blanquita Theater where she alternated with the legendary Sonora Santanera of Carlos Colorado, where she had the opportunity to compete against representatives of several Latin American countries in the international program “Sábado Gigante” with Don Francisco, in the section known as “Tropicalísimo” winning first place shared with Venezuela and thanks to her triumph she was discovered by the Director of Radio Tropical in Mexico, Mr. Manuel Durán, who recommended her to the Vice President of Musivisa, Mr. José Manuel Presa.

The Company was interested in her and from then on Santa signed a contract with Fonovisa Tropical. La Acapulqueña recorded her first production in Mexico City, titled “No me Provoques”, which was presented on August 15, 1994 at the Salón Verde y Oro of XEW Radio.

Verde y Oro of XEW Radio in Mexico City. “No me Provoques” reached the top of the charts with songs such as: “Corazón de Acero”, “Amor Pasión y Locura” and “Rey de mi Habitación”.

The second production “Lo Quiero a Morir” was recorded in Puerto Rico (in the then Gran Combo studio) for its internationalization, the song of the same name, was placed in the first place of popularity in the island itself, some countries of Central America and the United States of America.

The third production “Santa la Fiera” was recorded in the city of Miami, under the label On Top Records and produced by the renowned composer Victor Daniel, author of “La Vida es un Carnaval” with songs of more varied genre such as: “No vale la pena llorar”, “Tú eres hielo” and “Soy demasiado Mujer”.

After an absence, Santa resumed his career in 2012, with his fourth production “Yo soy santa para ti”, from which he managed to three singles “No tengas miedo”, “Sólo mírame” and “Como agua entre las manos”.

Santa has had the opportunity to participate in numerous television programs, as well as massive festivals, to mention a few: opening of the “Festival Boca del Río Veracruz, 1995” “Los Maestros de la Salsa 1996” (in Mexico City) “La Convención de Radio y Música 1996” (in Puerto Rico), “Festival 5 de Mayo 1997” (in Chicago), “Fiesta Mexicana de Raisin y Milwakee”, “Teletón Internacional de Chicago”, “Viva Chicago y Teletón de Honduras”.

Nino Segarra y Santa La Salsera y Diva de México

As well as international television programs such as “En Vivo”, “Hoy con Daniela, Zambombazo, Pácetelas”:, “Un Nuevo Día” and “Siempre en Domingo”, “Dr. Simi”, who dedicated a special to him, to mention a few”.

He has also had the opportunity to perform with great figures of his genre, such as: Tito Puente (who was his godfather), Celia Cruz, Jerry Rivera, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Grupo Niche, Eddie Santiago, Cheo Feliciano, Rey Ruiz, Los Hermanos Rosario, La Ponceña, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Luis Enrique, among many others. In 2012 she resumes her career after an absence, she returns with her production “Yo soy santa para ti” placing herself in the taste of the genre lovers with songs like “Sólo mírame” “No tengas miedo” “Arrepentida”.

In 2013 she released the single “Llorarás” from her production “Yo soy como soy”, which includes unpublished songs, under the direction of the Veracruz producer and arranger Xavier Reyes.

Most of the songs were recorded in Mexico City, with the exception of “No quiero más mentiras” in New York, and “Mío primero” in Puerto Rico” with musicians of international stature. It includes two duets “Amiga” with Frakie Ruiz Jr. and “Cosas del amor” with Ariana Dao as well as the covers “Bidi, bidi, bom, bom” and “Si una vez” as a tribute to Selena Quintanilla.

After his tour he took a short break from music to participate in a short theater production dedicated to the “divo de Juárez” Juan Gabriel, called “Ya lo sé que tú te vas”, which he enjoyed very much in his acting career.

In addition, she received awards in her country such as the AMS AWARD for best female Salsera and the “Candilejas de oro” for her career.

She also participated as a host in the magazine show “Reventón musical”.

In 2018 she was invited to participate in the project “Divas de la salsa”, which took place in New York City representing Mexico and sharing the stage with various divas of the genre from other countries.

In May 2019, she toured Canada for 3 months, leaving her mark and in the last quarter of the same year, she travels to Colombia to continue expanding in the international market.

Her salsa version of “Si una vez” gives her the surprise to be placed naturally in the taste of the Colombian public and, as a result, the doors are opened to participate in events of the Feria de Cali alternating with the most important figures of the genre; she also participated as a special guest to sing in the tribute made to the master Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Once again Santa had the opportunity to leave her country high and show that Mexico also has and makes its good “molcajete salsa” as she calls it, inspired by these joyful Caribbean countries.

Back in Mexico, Santa started her online entertainment program “Santa con Ton y Son” with Raul Silva “El Titan de la Salsa” as her partner, which lasted only a short time on the air, due to some commitments she had to fulfill in the U.S. that were postponed because of the COVID pandemic; However, in the meantime Santa dedicated himself to write some songs that reflect feelings generated from that global chaos, such as “Chao Chao” which he recorded in Mexico City in December of 2021 as a duet with Ricardo Amador, accompanied by La Internacional Orquesta Controversia, of which a live video was recorded with great acceptance.

Santa Salsera y Diva de México con su voz y estilo único seguirá conquistándonos a todos

In addition to new duets and surprises that he is preparing in 2022 for the pleasure of the dancers.

Surely with his voice and unique style, coupled with his charisma and stage presence, Santa will continue to conquer us all.

Enlace Externo: Santa Salsera and Diva of Mexico

You can read: Irakere was a Cuban group that developed an important work in Cuban popular music and Latin Jazz under the direction of Chucho Valdés

This is Roger Danilo Páiz Pérez from Danilo Y Su Orquesta Universal

Why is he called Danilo?

We will start a conversation with bandleader, percussionist, and singer Roger Danilo Páiz Pérez. Pleased to meet you, how are you doing?

I’m fine thanks, Karina. Sitting here and ready to be interviewed by your magazine. I have a lot of information about what has happened in my life being a musician here in the Bay Area since the 70’s.

Danilo on guitar at one of his frequent restaurant performances

You are Francisco Pancho Perez’s grandson. Did your grandfather serve as inspiration for the path you would take in music?

Definitely he did. I remember being about four or five years old when I used to hear my grandfather play with his big band, which was composed of 15 or 14 musicians. I always listened to them practicing in our house and started dancing, so my grandfather used to call me cha cha chá. It was a great inspiration for me.

He played music similar to American jazz, and that’s where the inspiration for the music I play today comes from. The salsa that I write is inspired precisely by that kind of jazz.

Where does the name Danilo come from? Also, why is your orchestra called Danilo Y Su Orquesta Universal?

I have to make it clear that Danilo is my middle name since I was born. This is not a nickname as many believe. Some people even think that I have changed my name, but I didn’t. Roger Danilo Páiz Perez has always been my name.

Everyone called me Roger Páiz in the past, that is to say, people called me by my first and last name. In fact, when I played with Rubén Blades in 1989, the album we recorded has me in the credits as Roger Páiz. But when I founded my own orchestra in the 1990s, I thought Danilo was better suited to Latin music, so I started using my middle name to call my orchestra Danilo Y Su Orquesta Universal.

The word universal comes from the fact that I am a Buddhist. I practice the religion of Nichiren Daishonin (monk in Buddhism from Japan in the 13th century and founder of the branch of Nichiren Buddhism) for more than 30 years. That word is widely used in the Buddhist scriptures, and I am very involved in that.

Roger Páiz getting ready to hit with Josh Jones’ band

Your country of origin is Nicaragua. Is Nicaraguan salsa similar to Californian salsa? Are they different? Do you combine them?

Since I was very young, I listened to a lot of Cuban orchestras. I remember my dad tuning in to Celia Cruz, La Sonora Matanzera, among others. From that experience, I picked up all those things since childhood.

Here in the United States, the style was much more modernized. However, I grew up listening to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and many other orchestras in the ‘60s and ‘70s. My biggest inspirations were Héctor Lavoe, Oscar De León, Rafael de Jesús, Cheo Feliciano and many others from those years. I paid a lot of attention to how they sang and the melodies that they used.

What Danilo has learned from his musical references

You have made contact with Latin music stars such as Ray Barretto, Rubén Blades, Benny Velarde Y Su Super Combo, Andy Narell, Ray Obiedo, Cheo Feliciano, Oscar De León and many others. What did you learn from all these musical references?

For example, I shared a gig with Cheo Feliciano in Puerto Rico while I was with Rubén at a concert. (Luis Enrique was actually at that concert as well.) Cheo taught me how to phrase with the clave, since this is a very important detail in singing Salsa.

In the case of Héctor Lavoe, I learned a lot from the melodic part. When he sang, the melody was very interesting and appealed to me a lot.

Another singer I liked a lot was Rafael de Jesús, because his style tended to sound like jazz. Sometimes he sang some lines that sounded very jazzy, but he never lost his style as a Salsa singer. That’s one of the main things I liked about him.

Another singer I liked a lot was Rafael de Jesús because his style tended to sound like jazz. Sometimes he sang some lines that sounded very jazzy, but he never lost his condition as a salsa singer. That’s one of the main things I liked about him.

Danilo y Su Orquesta Universal at the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2019

Did he receive academic training in music?

I took classes in Oakland, California, learning music theory, piano, singing, and much more. These studies helped me a lot to better prepare myself musically speaking.

Studying music is important because it enhances the way you perform, sing, and play on stage. That’s when people can tell whether you are a musician who has studied and analyzed music. I’ve met musicians who learned everything by ear and they never progress to the next level.

Of course, there were also things I learned on the stage, in the studio and in rehearsals. I’ve unified all this knowledge to do my job to the best of my ability.

I saw that you have some dates to perform in the Bay Area and other places, can you tell us a little bit about that?

In 1995, I got the opportunity to take a group to Singapore (to be the house band at the Hyatt Regency Hotel). What I did was to find the best six musicians who could play the music I was asked to play. We rehearsed, traveled to Singapore, and stayed there about three months, all expenses paid. It was an amazing experience and I was honored to present my music in that country.

Danilo with Tito Puente, Jr.

What about your current performances?

We just played at La Peña here in Berkeley. It was really good, a lot of people showed up there and they recorded the whole show. Fans sent me some videos as well, so I have to start editing them.

We also played at The Ramp, El Rio, The Turf Club, Kimbara, among others. Coming up, we will be playing at the Cigar Bar.

Let’s talk about your latest album Perseverando.

I decided to call this album Perseverando because of my experience of overcoming the difficulties of maintaining a music career.

Turning to Buddhism, the word perseverando is very important, because life puts barriers in your way and you have to persevere to overcome them. It was common for record labels to say that they were saturated and couldn’t sign me, but I kept writing and recording original music despite the difficulties. The first album is called Vivencias and the second one is called Avanzando. They are titles that have had a lot to do with my life experiences.

I made a video for one of the songs on this álbum, Rumberos de la Bahia, which is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z3E7K_5SLJo

What other projects do you have pending?

I’m thinking about putting out an album that will be a combination of songs that have not been released yet with some remixes of songs on my albums. Although a dream of mine is to be nominated for a Grammy, that is not why I créate music. Music is my life and my passion.

Cover of the album Perseverando

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This is Josean Rivera and his incredible talent in salsa and other genres

How it all started

Today we are going to talk with Puerto Rican composer and vocalist José Manuel Rivera Rivera, better known as Josean Rivera (https://www.facebook.com/unsoneroparaelpueblo). Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rivera, how are you doing? It is lovely to have you here.

Thank you so much for the invitation. Thank heaven I’m fine and I hope you’re too.

This is Josean Rivera, Puerto Rican composer and vocalist

Your name is José Manuel Rivera Rivera, but you are known artistically as Josean Rivera. Where does this name come from?

That’s a nickname my parents called me since very early childhood. I don’t know where it came from because my name is José Manuel. Instead, Josean is almost always used for people named José Antonio or José Ángel, but I’ve always been called that and ot still is (chuckles).

And you are still called that way to this day.

Yes, to this day. This is so.

I understand that you knew your calling as a vocalist when you were 15 years old. How did this happen?

More or less. I became interested in music long before that, but I liked percussion instruments such as the conga or the timpani. Through some friends, I met Miguel El Pollo Torres from El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and used to go to the patron saint festivities. When I saw the dynamic Charlie, Papo and Jerry had when singing with El Gran Combo, I said I like that, let’s see what can be done.

In one of your most recent songs, you paid tribute to Raphy Leavitt. What did this pianist and La Selecta represent for the rest of your career?

A very important stage because it was my first participation in a renowned orchestra. I had many experiences and learned a lot from him, Sammy, Carlitos and the rest of the membership. They were like a family.

I understand that you were in medical school and, later, in the army. How did you combine these activities with your role as an artist?

I started studying medicine and then I understood it wasn’t my thing, so I joined the army. Everywhere I went, I always found local orchestras playing traditional salsa or covers. Also, working in the U.S. Army is not like that of other countries where soldiers are not allowed to go out and spend locked up. In our case, it was a normal job like any other, so we were able to engange in other activities with no problem.

However, when we had to travel to other places, we had to get some time off of work, take a vacation and stuff like that.

Raphy Leavitt and La Selecta were very important for his carrer

Music and the army

Many of your Puerto Rican-born colleagues also followed the military path when they go to the United States. Did you find any of your colleagues in the army? If so, did that help you or influence you in any way?

By sharing some time and being part of many shows with people from the armed forces or international singers who were going to perform where we were, I was able to sing with them and do the chorus for them. I think that helped me a lot.

I read that it was in the year 2016 when you decided to found your own orchestra. What led you to that? What made you then become a soloist?

What happened is that I belonged to the orchestra of Raphy Marrero, so I recorded two albums with him. The thing is that I was moved from one base to another, which made it very difficult for me to meet with the orchestra and do my activities with them, so I decided to try something by myself and see how it went.

Do you feel that you have achieved your goals or still have a long way to go?

We have achieved a great deal. As a soloist, I have made four musical productions and am working on the fifth one. We have already selected the songs and the arrangements, so we are going to start recording very soon.

The dream of every artist is to be able to play on stage and, owing to the whole issue of Covid and quarantine, all the activity decreased, but little by little things are getting back to normal.

You have experienced everything from classical to modern salsa, which is the style you enjoy singing best?

Since I grew up with El Gran Combo, La Sonora Ponceña, Willie Rosario and Bobby Valentín, of course that kind of salsa is my strongest point. I grew up in that environment where salsa is a little braver, but you have to sing anything because you have to try to please everyone.

Josean Rivera loves salsa brava, but sing anything

With what other musical genres have you experimented or would you like to experiment?

In the different orchestras in which I was, I got to sing merengue, bolero, cha cha chá and things like that. I can sing anything. In fact, I’ve come to sing some boleros in my albums as a soloist.

Which of these genres attrack most people?

Merengue and bachata are very popular.

What did you do during the pandemic?

We decided to make a new abum and used all that confinement time to select the songs for the album.

Have you returned to the stage?

I’ve already toured two or three times. I went to Washington, Seattle, Florida, among others. God Lord willing, we’re going to go to Colombia, Peru, Panama, and Mexico. We’re promoting the latest album Esto No Es Secreto.

What advice would you give to young artists who want to devote themselves to these genres?

My advice to those who want to start an artistic career is to dare to do so. The means to get ahead are there. You have to be active, let people get to know you and make promotions in different countries because that is how your music will reach the world. You have to keep moving forward and never giving up.

The biggest problem that these young artists will have to go through, based on your understanding.

I think the biggest problem is that there are no record labels anymore. One of the biggest obstacles is the budget for an album, whether it is a complete production or just one single at a time. It costs money.

Since there are no record labels to support you financially, it’s hard for the newer artists to record their albums.

Josean Rivera singing on stage