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Albert Torres The Ambassador Of Salsa

North America / USA / New York

Albert Torres, a sympathetic boy with blushing cheeks who born in Brooklyn – New York – never suspected what his destiny had prepared him, to be the father of the Congresses of Salsa worldwide. His name would resound from North to South and from East to West, by the continents: American, European and Asian; in the different important scenes of the Latin music movement and would be the inspiration for many dancers of this branch.

His legacy would belong to the astonishment and shelter of the artists and the public that would applaud his talent, vigor and semblance to the rhythm of the phrase “Una Bulla”. This cheerful infant, without a doubt, was going to be a legend of Afro-Caribbean music. I’m talking about Albert Torres, The Ambassador of Salsa!

Albert began to listen to the salsa genre from the age of 5, staring in astonishment at the whole scene, sitting, of his first dance lessons … At the famous Palladium in New York, where his mother danced and liked the music of Mongo Santamaría and Tito Puente.

This child, future congressman of Salsa, grew up when the history of Latin popular music (salsa) was being written in the South Bronx, where Puerto Rican communities were having a great explosion of creativity and musical activity.

At the age of 12 years old his family decides to move to Puerto Rico, “By that time I did not want to speak Spanish, I did not want to be Puerto Rican. I did not want to be part of that environment”, said Torres. He only danced disco and Hustle. However, at the age of 15 his life took a dizzying turn when he heard:

“Oye que lio que lio se va a formar

cuando mi gatito sepa

y es tan simple la razón

El que a su gata le cuenta que el que a

su gata le cuenta

no es nada más que un ratón

un ratón…

…Échale semilla a la maraca pa que

suenen

chacucha cuchu cucha cucha

échale semilla a las maracas pa que

suenen

échale semilla a esas maracas oye

chacucha cucha cucha cucha

y hace rato está sonando sonando

chacucha cucha cucha cucha…”

Albert Torres simply fell in love with the Salsa thanks to this theme: “El Ratón” of Cheo Feliciano together to Fania All Stars. “The legends of salsa changed my life. When I heard these legends, that August 26th of 1971, in the Cheetah, something happened inside me. The music entered by the feet and came to my heart”. Thus, declared his beginnings in the Salsa, Albert Torres.

In 1991 his passion for Salsa took him to impress the girls of the neighborhood by his incredible steps to a Hollywood celebrity when he, first time, participated in the movie Mambo Kings in which he was chosen as one of the main dancers.

Hollywood - Albert Torres — Hollywood – Albert Torres

There he not only helped Antonio Banderas with the dance steps, but also with the English by that time for Banderas was very hard. In addition, during the filming of the movie Albert had the opportunity to share with big of Salsa like Celia Cruz, José Alberto “El Canario” and his great idol Tito Puente.

That film was the hit that catapulted Torres to world fame being chosen by Debbie Allen as one of the 4 dancers (of more than 400 couples) to participate in the Academy Awards (1993) and to dance “My beautiful Maria” whose Singer was Plácido Domingo and where he stood out as the first Puerto Rican to dance in the history of the ceremony.

Then, he returns to the cinema being the choreographer and dancer of Salsa scenes in the romantic film “Dance with Me” with Vanessa Williams and Chayanne during 5 months.

Later he worked on the movie “Out to See” (1998) with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matteau and in the same year he also made a guest starring appearance on the Keenan Wayan’s Show where he performed with Jennifer Lopez. Everywhere there was Salsa, Torres seemed to be there. At the time and with all this like trajectory Albert Torres in 1991 also began his stage as a producer.

He started promoting Salsa clubs in Los Angeles, “I lost a lot of money. Nobody wanted to know about Salsa”, said Albert. Nonetheless, he began to handle Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad, which were the best-known salsa group in the Western United States.

In 1992 he founded his own company, Albert Torres Productions Inc. (ATP) and began to organize salsa parties in several places in Los Angeles. The most important were the Boathouse in Santa Monica, St. Marks in Venice and Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

At that moment the genre of salsa was losing popularity. However, Albert Torres with his wit, insight and a lot of intelligence pulled him forward on his own. He revived it in such a way that he became the most influential salsa promoter in the United States. He was who brought to Los Angeles some of the most important names in the Latin music such as: Fania All-Stars, El Gran Combo, Oscar D ‘León, José Alberto “El Canario” and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, among many others.

In the late 1990s, after the I administration of President Clinton relaxed the laws restricting presentations by Cuban artists in the USA, Albert Torres was the first promoter, who brought to the famous and the notorious Van Van group to Los Angeles in January, 1997.

The show, which took place in a night club in downtown LA, was a success. Since then, Los Van Van has received major media awareness with prestigious publications such as Los Angeles Times, New York Times, among others and including the most coveted music honor, a Grammy and Latin Grammy nomination. Torres’s passion and promotional skills have played a key role in the U.S.A Latin Entertainment explosion. Ricardo Lemvo, musician and singer living in Los Angeles, founder and leader of the salsa band Makina Loka said:

“Personally, I have a great deal of gratitude to Albert. In 1996 when I released my first album, Tata Masamba, he was the one who presented my music to the Latin audience in Los Angeles. He also placed my band at Sportsmen’s Lodge, Grand Park and many other venues. Albert was also who recommended me to film director Randa Haines and as a result, my band, Makina Loca came out in the movie “Dance with Me” with Chayanne and Vanessa Williams. I will be eternally grateful to Albert Torres for giving me a hand at the beginning of my career”.

1997 was crucial for Albert and the world of Salsa in Los Angeles because began the dream of Mr. Eli Irizarri of Puerto Rico, the concept of the Salsa Congresses in San Juan. “I was not the first year, but I heard a lot of nice things even though it was a financial failure. I attended the event in 1998 and was the master of ceremonies. Then, I started the same concept in Los Angeles beginning in 1999 and in the next 8 years following the Los Angeles Congress stood out as the largest in the world. There attend more than 6000 people daily arriving from more than 42 countries”, said Albert for an Argentine media.

In 1998, at the head of ATP, organized the first edition of Los Angeles Salsa Congress and in May 1999 was carried out, with the presentation of Tito Puente in the opening. In this first congress Albert transformed the event into an exciting music and dance venue that attracted 20,000 Latin Music enthusiasts from all over the world and USA and with such great success that he immediately became co-producer Salsa Congresses in over 32 countries.

“My most important desire to be a promoter of the Congresses would be that this can be used for dancers, can realize their dream of dancing on a stage and also find a way to respect the dancers as they deserve it. This is extremely important”. Albert Torres.

In LA Salsa Congress the stars are born, many of the world renowned dancers have their start at this event. The mission of LA Salsa Fest is to pass on to the next generation through educational seminars, dance workshops and being able to perform on stage.

Since then, Albert Torres Productions has created and produced the World’s Largest Salsa Music event. In addition to this, ATP is the co-producer of the World Salsa, broadcast from Las Vegas every year by the ESPN TV network being watched by more than 20 million homes worldwide, where more than 1000 competing dancers will be known on the planet. “On ESPN told me that if I wanted to see it on TV I had to do competitions.

I do not like it, but for the dancers to get to know each other worldwide, I decided to make the World Salsa Championship, the biggest and most important salsa tournament in the world. Now, since April (2012) I decided to do it alone, without partners, and now it’s called World Latin Dance Cup. I added other categories like cumbia, bachata, casino, children and people over 45 years. We have about 20 categories”. Torres Said in an interview with a Peruvian media.

In the World Latin Dance Cup No requirements. You have to take stock and follow the world rules. These are of time, originality of the dressing rooms, of musicality. If you drop the wig, the earring (while dancing), points are removed; if you do not wear stockings, too. A wig will not give points, but if it falls it will take the points. In this championship there is not a world champion, so there is a champion in each category.

According to his friends, Albert was a “workaholic”. He was always on the road promoting salsa music through all the congresses he organized around the world. Always in transit, he spent one night in Istanbul, the next in Paris and the following week in Tokyo. For example, at the beginning of 2007 he had 48 weeks of travel and in one year he could travel to 48 exotic countries such as Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Bulgaria, Romania, China, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Holland, Hamburg, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia and Puerto Rico.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see on your Facebook wall, the immense and felt messages of thanks from dancers from all corners of the earth. His latest project called “The Legacy Project” is an initiative to combine our music culture with the latest technology tendencies in order to reach and unite more people so future generations can appreciate, preserve and be part of the history of Latin dance and music around the world.

In 2011 Albert Torres was honored to be accepted as a Member of the Council for Dance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) and Elected Grand Marshall at the National New York Puerto Rican Day Parade in front of 2 million spectators lined up on 5th Ave that past June 12 of the same year. This past May, 25th the world of Salsa and entertainment received a huge impact, the news of the death of Albert Torres, victim of a Stroke.

Family, friends, national and international press as well as web portals lamented and reviewed this regrettable fact. Rudy Mangual, creator of the famous magazine Latin Beat Magazine commented to an international media that before this terrible fatal outcome, Albert was very delicate of health in the last months; he had diabetes and had an infection in the pancreas. He also said that he regretted his gone because he and his wife Yvette Mangual had a very special affection to Albert.

Albert Torres’s family wishes to thank all of our Salsa Family for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. Albert passed away today May 25th, 2017, peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. We all find comfort knowing that he is now promoting and dancing alongside his Idols, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Rodriguez and Ray Barreto. As well as his close friends Johnny Polanco, Rudy Regalado, Alicia Gomez and many others. We would love nothing more than for you to help us continue keeping his legacy and DREAM OF UNITY alive by supporting the great event that he started 19 years ago:

The LA SALSA FEST.

Thank you again and may you all be blessed. UNA BULLAAAA!

Rest In Peace ALBERT TORRES

6/14/1956 – 5/25/2017

On the other hand, different personalities of the artistic world expressed their deep pain:

“Salsa and I lost a good friend. Like everyone else in the music world, I was in shock: Albert was an exuberant, vibrant person. It seems unfair that he left the planet in the prime of his life at only 60 years old.

I remember in one of our many conversations, he expressed his great desire to bring the famous African salsa group Africando to the United States. Africando had a song, “Yay Boy,” that was all the rage not only in New York but also in Latin America, but not many people had seen the group live. It was a huge undertaking to organize a concert with Africando since the lead vocalists lived in Senegal, Togo, and other parts of Africa. When Albert finally managed to bring Africando to Los Angeles in 2004, he was over the moon. That was one of his greatest triumphs.

Albert, your passing is a huge blow to all of us in the salsa world. We will miss you terribly. Thank you for everything you’ve done to promote our music. Salsa. We will never forget you.

Rest in peace, brother.” Ricardo Lemvo

“Creating Unity through Salsa”, words from my brother Albert Torres. That’s exactly what we are trying to do, will keep this in my heart forever… Your legacy lives. Thank you Albert! Thank you Edwin and the #LASalsaFest team for this”. Tony Succa

Famed Salsa legend, dancer and Hollywood choreographer turned mega event planner Albert Torres is already part of our history. His continuous efforts to globalize Salsa have made a major impact on the preservation and accessibility of both Salsa Music and Salsa Dance around the world. To achieve this, he was constantly traveling around the world, encouraging conferences and festivals, discovering talents for dancing.

No doubt, Albert Torres brought the music it in the blood. He had his own vibration and constantly he was being a role model. He played that key role in the confluence of people and places that created an environment for the growth of Latin music in America and the world.

For that reason, on the Facebook wall of Albert thousands of emotions multiply. And the messages coincide in the gratefulness and the claim of “una bulla”, una bulla salsera para Albert. Today on some side of the Salsa´s Big, sure, you’re dancing and singing!

Albert Torres in solidarity with charitable causes

“Before I was an event producer, I handled 50 beds in a hospital helping people with drug, alcohol, and mental problems… I have been sober since December 14, 1985. For that, I can live and help others to live their Dreams”. Albert Torres

Great dancer and Champion fell ill last year after the WLDC. With the support of dancers worldwide he was able to beat leukimia and will be back this year. What an inspiration and great story. Let’s all appreciate each day that we are blessed with. Welcome back Jeremy.

ATP continues with the Albert’s legacy and offering top-notch quality events with world-class performers. His bands are legendary and his events feature some of the finest musicians and dancers the world has ever known.

“Para mí la salsa no es latina sino mundial. No tiene barreras de colores ni de país. Es increíble ver niños chiquitos bailar como los de los 80 que bailan… Para mí la salsa es como si fuera una paella, una comida increíble: tiene tantos condimentos y tantas cositas.

La salsa es así: con un poquito de rumba, jazz, tango, y si le pones swing, ballet y se mezclan todos con una bella canción de Óscar de León, algo sucede que nos afecta desde los tobillos hasta el corazón… Los problemas siempre van a estar esperándonos en casa, pero qué cosa bonita llegar a un lugar donde todo el mundo se lleva. Cuando empieza esa música todos tenemos algo en común. Ojalá el mundo aprendiera de eso”. Albert Torres (June 14, 1956 – May 25, 2017)

To learn more about Albert Torres and his events, please visit: www.worldlatindancecup.com, www.mysalsacongress.com and www.alberttorresproductions.com

To read more about Albert Torres’ work with Baile de Los Niños, providing cultural outreach programs to at-risk youth and low-income families, visit: www.alberttorresevents.com/bailedelo sninos/mission.asp

“Orquesta Zodiac” Its name came about due to the fact that in the early 70’s the ‘Walter Mercado’ program and the Zodiacal Signs were all the rage

In June 1971 what we know today as the Zodiac Orchestra was organized in the town of Loíza. Its name came about due to the fact that in the early 1970’s the Walter Mercado and the Zodiacal Signs program, which was broadcast on Channel 2 in Puerto Rico, was in vogue.

Tony Escobar’s uncle (the orchestra’s declamationist) suggested the name because it was an eye-catching and “new” name.

The Zodiac Orchestra was organized with members of a group called Loíza Power directed at that time by Paquito Pérez, who was 14 years old. In addition, it was nurtured with the best musicians of Loíza Sound of Javier Calcaño.

“Orquesta Zodíac” Su nombre surgió debido a que para principios de la década del '70 estaba de moda el programa de “Walter Mercado” y los Signos Zodiacales — “Orquesta Zodíac” Su nombre surgió debido a que para principios de la década del ’70 estaba de moda el programa de “Walter Mercado” y los Signos Zodiacales

The idea of recruiting these musicians was Paquito’s, since he grew up with José Luis Vizcarrondo and Tony Escobar.

Through Loiceño composers Carlos José Cirino (Tata) and Floren Ayala, the recording was achieved, as they approached Dario Gonzalez of Borinquen Record who contributed to make possible the release of the first 45 and LP. Tata’s “El Adiós” and José Feliciano’s “Las Costumbres” (1971) were part of this musical proposal that was very well received by the public.

This album became one of the best selling LPs. Other musical proposals of the group that would become hits were: “Panteón de Amor” by Angel Laureano (1973), “Sinceridad” by Samuel Cirino, “Mi Guitarra” by Angel Laureano, among others. These great hits are frequently requested today on the Salsa Z-93 radio station.

After the initial success, many of the musicians dedicated themselves to work and to finish their studies, since they were married and were looking for security and economic stability for their respective families.

The Zodiac had the opportunity to travel to different cities in the United States such as: Boston, Connecticut, Philadelphia, New York, among others. They also traveled to other countries such as Colombia and others.

During these years, several orchestras were at their peak, such as: La Fania, La Selecta, Lebron Brother, La Corporación Latina, El Gran Combo, La Lupe, Chivirico Davila, Bobby Valentín, Tomy Olivencia, Ismael Miranda, Ricardo Rey, Roberto Rohena, Roberto Anglero, Justo Betancourt, among others.

In 1997 Paquito decided to retake and regroup the orchestra, and for some years he dedicated himself to reunite with the musicians and organize them again.

In 1999 he managed to restart La Orquesta Zodiac at the Z-95 festival in Mayagüez. Later they performed at the National Salsa Day dedicated to Cheo Feliciano in 1998.

These two presentations were made at the invitation of Pedro Arroyo (director of Z-93) to Paquito, and were a great success. El Gran Combo, Rubén Blades, Jimmy Zabater, La Solución, among others, also played in the tribute to Cheo.

The members of the current orchestra are young, and most of them were music students of Paquito Pérez, who worked as a music teacher for 30 years in the town of Loíza (before retiring).

José Luis Vizcarrondo, Tony Escobar and Paquito Pérez were schoolmates for years. The director of the orchestra in the beginning was José Luis, also collaborating with him were Tony Escobar (saxophonist and declamation player), Freddy Ayala (conguero) and Paquito Pérez (singer). All of them contributed ideas for the arrangements. Currently Víctor Pérez (Paquito’s brother) is the director of the wind section.

In 2010 the orchestra played in the National Salsa Day and in 2012 the orchestra played again in the same activity, but this time the activity was dedicated to La Orquesta Zodiac and La Corporación Latina. In which Z-93 gave them a well-deserved recognition and Paquito, José L, Tony, Tata, Laureano, and the rest of the new members of the orchestra were present.

Currently the orchestra meets periodically to practice, and are available for all kinds of activities.

Did you know that…! In June 1971 what we know today as the “Zodiac Orchestra” was organized in the town of Loíza in Puerto Rico. Its name came about due to the fact that in the early 70’s the program “Walter Mercado” and the Zodiacal Signs, which was broadcasted on channel 2 in Puerto Rico, was in fashion. Tony Escobar’s uncle (declamationist of the orchestra) suggested the name because it was a striking and “new” name …Referring to the image of the post belongs to the second production of this Puerto Rican group entitled “Spiritual Beauty Vol. II” published in 1973 under the label “Horóscopo Récord” and directed by the founder, arranger, pianist and saxophonist Mr. José Luis Vizcarrondo. It is worth mentioning that this production includes the classics: Montuno de Oriente, Vicio de Amor and Belleza Espiritual”. Another important fact about the group is that it is still in force with musicians of the new generation, but with the same Swing and musical concept.

Segunda producción de dicha agrupación boricua titulada “Belleza Espiritual Vol. II” publicada para el año 1973

It is worth mentioning that the main responsible for making Orquesta Zodiac publicly known in Venezuela, Latin America and the Caribbean was Mr. Ali Delgado. Mr. Ali Delgado, for the year 1985 under the record label Performance Records, Delgado comments in detail that for the date of publication of this production the only popular sector (neighborhood) of Caracas where the Zodiac Orchestra was known was in Pinto Salinas.

Orquesta Zodiac De José Luis Vizcarrondo

Delgado is a music producer, music lover, collector, director and founder of the projects Salsa de La Mata and Jazz con Clave in Caracas.

Also Read: Sessions from La Loma brings together salsa fans from all over the world in Puerto Rico

Isidro Infante is one of the most successful producers and arrangers in the history of Salsa

Born August 12, 1952, San Juan, Puerto Rico) is a professional pianist, arranger, composer and music producer, working in genres such as Classical Music, Rock, Pop Rock, Latin Ballad, Rock in Spanish, Salsa, Latin Jazz etc.

In addition, he has 5 awards and 47 Grammy nominations and several Billboard projects, Lo Nuestro Awards and Ace & Paoli Awards.

His parents were Dr. Isidoro Infante and Carmen Santiago.

From a young age Isidro was influenced by listening to his father play the violin, getting involved with music at age 14 when he participated in a band that played songs by Santana and Chicago.

At the age of 15 he formed his band “Carpe Diem” (Live Life), a Rock/Salsa group that played Rock’n’Roll, Pop, Salsa and included Tommy Villarini on trumpet, Cuto Soto on trombone and guitarist Manolo Sastre.

With this band Isidro wrote his first arrangement “Tiempo De Ti”.

Two years later, Infante was in charge of the background music for Myrta Silva’s television show.

After taking private piano lessons with the famous pianist Carmen Socorro Duclerc, he studied at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and at the University of Puerto Rico, obtaining bachelor’s degrees in music and chemistry.

Although he was inclined towards medicine because it was his father’s profession, he decided to delve into music and graduated in composition and arrangements at Temple University in Philadelphia in the late 1970s.

In 1995, Isidro Infante and ‘La Élite’ signed a contract with RMM Records as an exclusive artist. Isidro also signed as A&R director for RMM records.

With him he gained experience, quality and evident success in his productions for the label. His work with La India earned him double platinum sales and a Grammy nomination for their album “Sobre El Fuego.”

Within just four years of its founding, La Élite became a dominant force in the Salsa music industry. The band’s first release earned a gold record as well as awards from AS, Paoli and Diplo.

Isidro Infante He also has 5 Grammy awards and 47 nominations and several Billboard projects, Lo Nuestro Awards and Ace & Paoli Awards.

The hit songs “Que Tengo de Ti,” “Nave de Papel,” “Ganas” and “Has Quedado Retratada” all topped the Tropical Salsa charts.

On Isidro Infante y La Élite II, the group’s second production, Isidro added vocalist Maggie Ramos. This helped him create an album with an exceptional variety of music.

Songs like “Quítame ese Hombre” and “Santo Militar y Montuno” made Isidro Infante a favorite of many.

Along with Louie Ramírez, Infante was credited as one of the creators and pioneers in the Salsa movement. Romantic Salsa.

In 1998, his production “Licencia Para Engañar” was released, which was the result of his creativity and flexibility as a musician. In his orchestra, Isidro Infante y La Élite, Jennifer Jiménez and Guillermo Duval participate as vocalists.

In his first album “Secretos”, Kevin Ceballo made his debut as a soloist in “Licencia Para Engañar”, produced by Isidro Infante.

His work as a producer earned his album “India’s Sola” a Grammy nomination. Venezuelan Oscar D’León also received a nomination for “La Fórmula Original” which Isidro also produced.

Isidro’s commitment to everything related to the Latin community prompted him to produce the event “Canto Para La Guaira”.

The concert was held with the purpose of raising funds for the victims of the disaster that affected thousands in Venezuela and thus “Poliedro de Caracas” has been filled to full capacity.

Among the RMM artists who performed were Kevin Ceballo, Ray Sepúlveda, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Nieves, Roberto Avellanet, Michael Stuart and Tony Vega.

In 1981, Ramírez and Infante were approached with the idea of producing an album of famous ballads with Salsa arrangements.

Both found the project interesting and ambitious, so they accepted the challenge. Isidro added his experience in the field of ballads, acquired through his work with José Luis Rodríguez, Camilo Sesto and Yolandita Monge, to Ramírez’s knowledge of Latin jazz.

The result was “Noche Caliente”, the first album in the genre to sell over a million copies.

Memories at El Corso Night Club in New York City with my friend and mentor, Master Louie Ramirez, producer, arranger, vibraphonist, timpanist, marimba player

Isidro Infante is one of the most sought-after arrangers in Salsa.

Venturing into a genre other than salsa, he also participated in Willennium, Will Smith’s most recent recording where Isidro played piano and keyboards.

Isidro Infante was working with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Herb Alpert, Gloria Estefan, Dizzy Gillespie, Dionne Warwick, Patty La Belle, Will Smith, Wyclef Jean, Clark Terry, Jon Anderson & Yes, Vangellis, Sheila E., Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Machito, Marc Anthony, La India, Fania All-Stars, Oscar D’Leon, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Larry Harlow, Roberto Roena, Johnny Pacheco, Pete El Conde Rodriguez, Louie Ramirez, Ray De La Paz, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Adalberto Santiago, Eddie Santiago, Lalo Rodriguez, Paquito Guzman, Marvin Santiago, Domingo Quinones, Camilo Azuquita, Kako, Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Rivera, Manny Manuel, Raul Marrero, Vitin Aviles, Papaito, Tony Vega, Puerto Rico All Stars, Ralphy Leavitt & La Selecta, The Latin Corporation, Jose Mangual Jr,Jr. Gonzalez, Ramon Rodriguez,Orquesta La Terrifica, German Olivera, Wichy Camacho, Johnny Ventura, Sergio Vargas, Cuco Valoy, Ramon Orlando, Los Hermanos Rosario, Los Niches, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Little Louie Vega, Robert Avellanet, Michael Stuart, Yanko, Kevin Ceballo Danny Rivera, Sophy, Mirta Silva, Ivy Queen, Tego Calderon, Mickey Perfecto, TNT and many more.

Among his compositions are “Viejo Pachanguero”, “Vicio de Quererte”, “Esa Niña” etc.

With more than 2,500 arrangements in his resume, Isidro is one of the most successful producers and arrangers in the history of Salsa.

Isidro Infante has been working for major record labels such as Sony BMG (Epic, Sony Discos, Sony International, etc.), Universal EMI Capitol TH Records Salsa International Velvet (Venezuela), Co Discos (Colombia), J&N Records, Univision Poligram, Luna Records Fonovisa, Sono Tone, Caiman Records, Faisán Records, GB Records, Ibero- Records, Salsoul Records and many more.

Isidro Infante produced the Special for Banco Popular 2010: Truibuto Al Gran Combo on CD & DVD which achieved platinum sales.

The project included the participation of El Gran Combo, Ismael Miranda, La India, José Alberto, Isaac Delgado, Michael Stuart, Domingo Quiñones, NG2, Luisito Carrión, Sammy García and El Sabor de Puerto Rico.

He was sharing the Fania All-Stars as musical director with maestro Johnny Pacheco in several concerts throughout Latin America and was involved in musical projects with the Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel.

In 2010, Isidro Infante and Iván Joy established the new company Artist System Inc. which is in collaboration with Diamond Music and has gained important positions in the market of digital production and promotion and also has a lot of experience in the creation and management of digital content.

Con India y La Cantante cubana, Laritza Bacallao

The company is working with such artists as Isidro Infante, Lucecita Benítez “La Voz Nacional De Puerto Rico”, Lunna, Lourdes Robles, Conjunto Canayón, Сorporación Latina, Manolo Lezcano, Lou Briel, Jowell & Randy, Arcángel, Tego Calderón, Jadiel, Endo, Guelo Star, Kastrofobia, Los Metalicoz and many more.

Awards

5-time Grammy winner

47 Grammy nominations and several Billboard projects

Premios Lo Nuestro and Ace & Paoli Awards.

Also Read: Ezequiel Lino Frías Gómez was an excellent musician, pianist, arranger and composer.

Source and Collaboration: Marino de Jesus (1588) from Salsa History of the Dominican Republic

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Latin America/ Puerto Rico / Puerto Rico

Gilberto Santa Rosa – The Salsa Knight

Gilberto Santa Rosa (Santurce, 1962) Puerto Rican singer. Nicknamed El Caballero de la Salsa, he has been one of the most prominent performers of the genre, particularly since the 1990s. From an early age his love of music manifested itself, which led him to organize his first amateur ensemble.

At only fourteen years old, he already recorded his first songs, thanks to the trumpeter and orchestra director Mario Ortiz. His first group as a professional singer was the Orquesta Grande; Later, as a result of a performance in 1980 in homage to Eddie Palmieri, he joined Tommy Olivencia’s band. Later he sang for a time with Willie Rosario’s orchestra, with which he would record six albums.

Gilberto Santa Rosa

In 1986 he began his solo career at the head of his own orchestra within the Combo Records record company, owned by producer Ralph Cartagena. His first solo album was titled Good Vibrations. This was followed by three more jobs with the same label, which he left in 1990 to sign with CBS Records (later Sony Records).

That same year, Punto de vista was published, a romantic salsa album that went platinum and number one on the Latin charts thanks to its successful songs Vivir sin ella and Perdóname. The album also earned him the award for best Latin singer awarded by Billboard.

In 1991 his album Perspectiva confirmed a brilliant artistic career and opened up new markets for him. In May of this year he made his debut in Spain in a series of concerts in which he shared the stage with Pete Rodríguez, Johnny Pacheco and Roberto Torres, also from the Caribbean, and in September he made an equally successful Central European tour.

Gilberto Santa Rosa singing at the concert

In 1992 he recorded an album in tribute to the singer Tito Rodríguez entitled A dos tiempo de un tiempo. This work was followed by Born Here (1993) and Facing the Wind (1994), which would be his business card in Japan, a country he visited in 1995.

After the publication of Esencia, in 1996, and De corazón, the following year , in 1999 came his successful Expresion, an album that consolidated his position in the international Latin music market and that included hits like Déjate Quiero and especially Que somebody dice me, number one on Billboard for several weeks.

Santa Rosa was one of the first performers to fuse salsa music with classical music, with results such as his well-known work Salsa Sinfónica, which he presented at the Center for Fine Arts on his native island accompanied by the Puerto Rican Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to this historic performance, the concerts given by Santa Rosa at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1995 (which would be included on the live album The Man and His Music) are well remembered; his performance at the I President Festival of Latin Music (Santo Domingo, June 1997); or the presentation at the Lincoln Center in New York with his compatriot Andy Montañez in July 1997.

Also of note are his performances at the Anayansi Theater in Panama in September 1997; at the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, in February 1998; the concert at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan; and his 1998 European tour with performances in London, Milan and Rome. Apart from his facet as a singer, he showed his qualities as an actor in the play The Uneven Couple (1990), together with Luis Vigoreaux Jr. and Rafo Muñiz.

Cajiao, says he always had a taste for good music: the tangos and ballads of the 50s and 60s

Danilo Cajiao was born on February 9, 1969 in Cali Colombia son of Marina Munevar and Antonio Cajiao family with three siblings Walter, Patricia and Raul.

From my father I inherited the musical taste for Afro Antillean rhythms, we listened at home to the Sonora Matancera, Benny More, Arsenio, Daniel Santos and many more.

There was always a taste for good music: the tangos and ballads of the 50s and 60s.

When I was a student I participated in several music festivals at school and I was part of several dance and Andean music groups.

I always liked salsa and my favorite artist of the genre will always be Angel Canales.

After the appearance of the program “YO ME LLAMO” in Colombia I was motivated to start the process to achieve the perfect imitation of Angel Canales.

I began my presentations in small salsa bars with a dance floor and I did about 4 songs of Diferente, as I went along the character was being perfected and the public and the owners of the bars were asking for something more.

I then created “the Orchestra SON DE LA 8″ in 2013 with the purpose of making the accompaniment and mount all the music of the different Angel Canales.

The market was opening and the support of the salseros was very large, We have had much acceptance in the salsero environment in Colombia.

Participating in major events locally, nationally and internationally:

Leyendas Vivas De la Salsa in Medellin Colombia,

Salsa al Parque Cali, Salsa al Parque Bogotá, Homenaje a la Salsa, Tributo a los salseros and Noche Blanca.

I have alternated and shared stages with several national and international artists and orchestras.

Orquesta Brodway, Orquesta Colon, Nelson y sus Estrellas, Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Henry Fiol, Adalberto Santiago, Luisito Carrión, Papo Cocote, Cano Estremera, Moncho Santana, Orquesta Zodiac, Luigui Texidor, Frankie Vásquez, Tony Molina, Orlando Marín, Orquesta la Inmensidad and Orquesta la 33.

Danilo Cajiao, says there has always been a taste for good music, the tangos and ballads of the 50s and 60s.

International presentations:

Guayaquil Ecuador and Caracas Venezuela.

Endorsed and supported by the family of ANGEL CANALES and by him I have taken my tribute to the most recognized places and salsa clubs in Colombia.

Apart from accompanying the Diferente Angel Canales with the orchestra Son de la 8 we have made our own music always keeping the line of heavy salsa and with good taste.

Angel Luis Canales “El Diferente”.

There were nine record productions by Angel Canales between 1975 and 1987, twelve productive years.

By 1970 Angel Luis Canales had put his voice on an album by African-American pianist Mark Dimond, and five years later Dimond’s orchestra was renamed “Angel Canales y Sabor”.

The immense musical freedom of Ángel Luis Canales Canales has much to do with the determining influence exerted on him by Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Rivera and the irreverence of the Combo de Cortijo as a whole.

The difference was that those two masons did not have enough money to support their ideas economically (discographically speaking) while Canales had enough because of the money he earned from his profession as a jeweler and diamond cutter.

That’s why he didn’t lower his head to anyone, that’s why he didn’t give in to any advantageous record contracts and made his own record label, that’s why he never paid or bribed radio producers, and he dressed the way he wanted.

That’s why the conservative salseros kept a CIA-like eye on him. And Canales revolutionized everything in his path: from his clothing to his vocal and orchestral arrangements, his presentations and his choice of repertoire.

By 1970 Angel Luis Canales had put his voice on a record by the Afro-American pianist Mark Dimond, and five years later Dimond’s orchestra was renamed “Angel Canales y Sabor”, and with it he would make a mark like few others in the world of salsa, from his total independence, to the freedom for the musicians, his revolutionary shaved head, and a wardrobe that had nothing to do with the salseros, in addition to his voice, repertoire and arrangements. Ángel Canales recorded in 1979 the album “El sentimiento del latino en Nueva York”, and an exquisite version of “Dos Gardenias”, by Cuban composer Isolina Carrillo.

“El sentimiento del latino en Nueva York” was a clarinada similar to “Imágenes Latinas”, the song by Argentine Bernardo Palombo presented a year earlier by Conjunto Libre, in terms of its contents of denunciation and clamor for justice. “Es el sonido que el americano oye/ y no entiende” (It’s the sound that the American hears/ and doesn’t understand).

Musical childhood

Ángel Luis Canales was born on June 29, 1950 in Santurce, Puerto Rico, son of Ángel Luis Canales and Ana Ilda Canales.

At the age of 8 he was already in New York with his parents, who liked to listen to romantic music and also to Cortijo y su Combo.

The Puerto Rican country song was also among his favorites; it was the jíbara song of his people. In time Canales would indicate that Cortijo and Ismael were determining influences in his musical and social journey.

Much has been said that his current retirement is due to Parkinson’s disease, but Ángel Luis Canales is there, he attends private invitations of his friends and remains in the battle line of salsa and life. He is currently 73 years old.

In those years and in school he was more inclined to practical workshops than books and that is why he went to work, recommended by one of his teachers in a jewelry store where from being a messenger he would learn all the secrets of the art of cutting, polishing and mounting diamonds. He became a professional, solvent, and with an extraordinary clinical eye that would serve him a lot later.

Vista larga, his new friends did not speak Spanish, his native language, but fortunately Angel Luis had peers of his generation, and Latinos like the Lebron brothers and Willie Colon himself.

He also took a long view of his internship in the U.S. Army and later assimilated the new trends that emerged in the music being made in New York.

He started out firmly, as we have already mentioned, with pianist Mark Dimond (Markolino), who had been linked to Willie Colón. With Mark he added his voice to some of the songs on the album “Brujería” and later, with the departure of the pianist, the orchestra was renamed “Ángel Canales y Sabor”.

With this band he would record “Sabor” in 1975 and other albums until “El Sentimiento del latino en Nueva York” in 1979.

Two years before the recording of this album, in 1977 Angel Canales made his first visit to a Latin American country, Panama, and the reception he received was such that he would later write a song dedicated to that country.

The same happened during his visit to Venezuela on November 13 and 14, 1981, which became a musical commotion of great proportions at the Poliedro de Caracas.

Likewise in Colombia and Peru he felt the devotion of the public of those nations. Perhaps he did not know the scope of his work and the projection he already had.

Angel Canales "El Diferente" receiving Danilo Cajiao's production "Mi Perdicion" year 2020. — Angel Canales “El Diferente” receiving Danilo Cajiao’s production “Mi Perdicion” year 2020.

Much has been said that his current retirement is due to Parkinson’s disease, but Angel Luis Canales is there, he attends private invitations of his friends and remains in the battle line of salsa and life. He is currently 73 years old.

Source: TeleSurTv

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