Search Results for: Gilberto Santa Rosa

The legacy of El Palladium lives on, as demonstrated by ‘Mambo Fantasy’

The legacy On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the Tropicoro Club at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico was decked out to celebrate the music of Tito Rodríguez; led by his heir, Tito Rodriguez Jr., and El Caballero de la Salsa: Gilbertito Santa Rosa on vocals and the characteristic marquee of “El Inolvidable”. The show was part of ‘Mambo Fantasy’, a duel between the legacy of Tito Puente and that of Tito Rodríguez, two of the Kings of mambo during the golden age of big bands.

Humberto Ramirez, Herman Olivera, Tito Rodriguez jr. y Gilberto SantaRosa en Mambo Fantasy

The dance concert featured the musical power of the big orchestras, responsible for placing Latin music among the favorites of the dancing public. It was a must remember that the history of what was the era of mambo was strengthened in the emblematic New York halls, among which “El Palladium” stood out. To do so, the dance corps of Tito Ortos and Tamara Livolsi was accompanied by the nonagenarian Mambo Mike, engaging in an energetic choreography that the trio executed to perfection.

The legacy of Tito Puente resonated under the musical direction of the trumpeter, arranger, composer and producer Humberto Ramírez, with Hermán Olivera and Michelle Brava as the singers in charge of interpreting Puente’s repertoire.

Michelle La Brava 'Mambo Fantasy' en Puerto Rico — Michelle La Brava ‘Mambo Fantasy’ en Puerto Rico

Rodríguez’s legacy was carried out by the union between the timbalero, arranger, composer, producer and orchestra director, heir to the musicality and the name of one of our greatest musical glories -Tito Rodríguez, Jr.- and one of the greatest stars of contemporary music -Gilberto Santa Rosa. The group was composed of: Gerardo Rivas on the tumbadoras, Pete Perignon on the bongos, Mako Pérez and Genaro “Ginno” Ramírez on the chorus, Luis Marín on the piano, Johnny Torres on the bass; Freddie Miranda, Josué Urbina, Saviel Cartagena and Francisco “Pacman” Cruz on the saxophones; Georgie Torres and Anthony “Nony” Rosado on the trombones; with Rolando Alejandro, Pedro Marcano, Kevin Ibáñez and Becky Zambrana on the trumpets. And since legacies are significant, it should not be overlooked that the three percussionists of this group are children of musicians.

Orquesta 'Mambo Fantasy' en Puerto Rico — Orquesta ‘Mambo Fantasy’ en Puerto Rico

The repertoire, which included “Mama Güela,” “A los Muchachos de Belén,” “Vuela la paloma,” the bolero “Me faltabas tú,” “Baranga,” “Bon sueno,” “Yambú,” “Avísale a mi contrario,” “El agua de Belén,” “Óyeme Antonia,” “Estoy como nunca,” and the surprising intervention of the tumbador singer Johnny Rivero, the bolero “Tómame ya,” “El que se fue,” and “Abarriba cumbiaremos,” made it clear that the musical complexity of the golden age of mambo remains alive. The Gentleman of Salsa gave a lecture on his expertise in the most Tito Rodríguez-like dance that has ever been seen and heard, imprinting his interpretive style on the songs of “El Inolvidable,” while demonstrating his mastery of the dance, sliding across the stage using Rodríguez’s best steps.

Herman Olivera 'Mambo Fantasy' en Puerto Rico — Herman Olivera ‘Mambo Fantasy’ en Puerto Rico

Evidently, the participation of El Caballero de la Salsa was inspired by the musical perfection of “El Inolvidable”, achieving an impeccable performance. Through the magic that Santa Rosa brought to the concert, Tito Rodríguez, Jr. managed to connect with the Puerto Rican public that follows his father’s music. For our part, we are grateful for the invitation of the work team responsible for the success of ‘Mambo Fantasy’, while we remain awaiting the next show that manages to bring together these greats of mambo.

Also Read: Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

Salsa at its best, led by the leader of La Puertorriqueña: Don Perignon

The most recent production of the Bailable Víspera de Reyes, which was instituted in 1987 by the timbalero and band leader known in the salsa scene as Don Perignon, was quite an event. Thirty-eight years ago, ‘La Puertorriqueña’ was still known as ‘Compañeros y amigos’.

El líder de La Puertorriqueña, Don Perignon

However, the dance that fulfills a promise made by Perignon to kings has continued to be celebrated beyond the names with which Perignon has identified his band over time.

Each year, the show brings with it a box of surprises. In addition to what is promised during the promotion, the salsa public that comes to the traditional gala knows that anything can happen there. This year, the stage showcased great artists in addition to the luxurious closing that gave us the night by way of El Caballero de la Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa performing the emblematic song by Johnny Ortiz, ‘Tu música popular’.

Ángel Martínez, Efraín Hernández, Don Perignon y Miguel Aponte

In this edition, held on January 5, 2025, the concert was started by the successor of the Perignon dynasty, also a percussionist, Pete Perignon; flanked by vocalists Ricardo Rodríguez in the more melodic songs and Julio López in the heavier numbers. López got the first turn at the microphone with ‘Azúcar pa’ un amarga’o’, followed by Rodríguez in the key of ‘Cuéntame tu historia’.

According to Pete himself, he invited Jorge Yadiel Santos to silence rumors regarding the singer’s departure from his orchestra. With the vocal power that characterizes him, the now soloist closed the presentation of the first orchestra of the night; performing ‘Baila’ and ‘Gotita caído en clave’.

Cuto Soto, Gamalier González, Rafy Torres, Pedro Marcano, Carlos __Coamito__ Martínez, Jr., Ángel Segarra y Humberto Ramírez

The group led by Pete Perignon and his timbal offered a great performance with master musicians of the present generation. These were: Jean Carlos Camuñas on the tumbadoras, Carlos Pagán on the bongó, Reynaldo Burgos on the piano, Jorge Rivera on the bass; Víctor Ambert and Jahaziel García on the trumpets; Darnell Febres and César Javier Ayala on the trombones, and Víctor “Yuca” Maldonado on the baritone saxophone.

La Mulenze kept the crowd on the dance floor, with the first song of their repertoire being ‘La sala pa’l baile’, performed by Rafy Andino. The vocal front was completed by Rafy Cruz and Alex Ojeda. The bassist, director of the orchestra of eternal youth, Edwin Morales led his boys, as he affectionately refers to his musicians; Among them were Emanuel Navarro on the tumbadoras, Robert Watts on the timbal, Alberto Muriel on the bongo, Manolo Navarro on the piano, Carlos “Coamito” Martínez, Jr. and Abdel Rivera on the trumpets; in addition to Willie Torres Ortiz and Heity Morales Nogueras on the trombones. The golden touch was offered to those present during the interpretation of the song “Mala paga”, written by our Moncho Rivera, when the Venezuelan master musician and sonero Marcial Istúriz took on the task of accompanying Rafy Andino on the soneos, shortly after Rafy confessed to being a great admirer of one of the greatest exponents of the salsa sound in Venezuela.

Henry Santiago, Joe González, Rico Walker, Marcial Istúriz, Hermán Olivera, Jerry Rivas, Pichie Pérez, Josué Rosado y Pedro Brull

Before starting his presentation, the star of the annual gala, Don Perignon marked and conducted the orchestra to play ‘Happy Birthday’ in honor of the evening’s host, also Z-93 announcer: Néstor Galán, “El Búho”. The timbalero conducted the orchestra, which was reinforced for the evening with guest musicians. The group in its Bailable Víspera de Reyes 2025 version was composed of: Charlie Padilla on the tumbadoras, Miguel Aponte on the bongó, Ángel Martínez on percussion (güiro), Luis Marín on the piano, Efraín Hernández on the bass; Cuto Soto, Gamalier González and Rafy Torres on the trombones; in addition to Pedro Marcano, Carlos “Coamito” Martínez, Jr., Ángel Segarra and Humberto Ramírez on the trumpets. For the vocal front, Perignon called on: Henry Santiago, Pedro Brull, Joe González, Pichie Pérez, Josué Rosado, Jerry Rivas, Rico Walker, Marcial Istúriz, Hermán Olivera and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

The repertoire took the followers of La Puertorriqueña on a historic tour that demonstrated the variety of songs and voices that come together in a salsa key with the cadence and flavor that Perignon manages to give to each project he leads. Joe González performed ‘Ciudad, ciudad’, Pedro Brull excelled singing ‘Represento’, Pichie Pérez was in charge of vocalizing ‘Como mangó’, Josué Rosado visited to sing ‘Cantándole al amor’, Jerry Rivas was in charge of ‘El pin pin’, Rico Walker shined with ‘Que vengan rumberos’, followed by Marcial Istúriz and a masterful interpretation of ‘La familia’ and Hermán Olivera with his spectacular ‘Ritmo Bembé’.

Marcial Istúriz comparte micrófono con Hermán Olivera

La Puertorriqueña was born in 1988 near the promise of Kings, which happens every January 5. The dance of January 5, 2025, which was held at the Sheraton in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was dedicated to trombonist Toñito Vázquez (RIP) showed that the promise of Reyes by Don Perignon -who is the leader of a generation of musicians- established more than three decades ago, remains valid. The participation of El Caballero de la Salsa recreated the beginning of his career, together with his first musical director: Don Perignon. That brotherhood between Gilberto and Perín, like the promise of Reyes, also remains valid. For our part, we will continue in salsa thanks to the call of the leader of La Puertorriqueña.

Also Read: Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña are prides of Puerto Rico

Tony Succar Releases “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti” Featuring Jean Rodriguez

Europe / France / Bahrain

Miami, Florida February 20, 2018: Tony Succar announces the release of “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti “ (I Fall More In Love With You) featuring Jean Rodriguez, adding another song to his ever-growing list of new flavors that are defining salsa-infused pop music.

Jean Rodriguez - Unity by Tony Succar - Concert Arenes Fes Tempo Latino — Jean Rodriguez – Unity by Tony Succar – Concert Arenes Fes Tempo Latino

The powerful combination created when these two work together has been a consistent formula for viral success. When Tony Succar and Rodriguez combine their talents, it’s a concoction of tropical goodness that has their fans loving their groove. The single is available now on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. And, you can view Tony’s infectious “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti“ music video here.

“Me Enamoro Mas De Ti” is part of a follow-up project to Succar’s UNITY album, The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson that hit #1 on the Billboard Tropical Album Music Chart, iTunes’ #1 World Latin Chart, and Amazon’s #1 Latin Pop Music Chart.

It was that collaboration of Universal Classics and Universal Music Latin Entertainment that landed Succar a nationally televised primetime PBS special. Inspired by what Succar refers to as the “Unity Sound,” his production of “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti” merges the unmistakable driving elements of Salsa with Pop.

It’s a blend of multi-cultural roots that results in a characteristic, retro sound with a full horn section, Latin rhythms and inspired vocals. This is Succar’s always-fresh approach of cleverly combining pure Salsa with super hip, funky and pop musical elements.

Tony Succar escalated to the top of the charts with Unity, but now it’s clear that Unity was only the foundation of his full vision.

“Many people have been asking me what would come after ‘Unity,’ or ‘when is Unity 2 going to be released?’ Fans have also asked when I would release some of my original compositions. The success of Unity really took my career to another level, and from that was born a new sound that I wanted to stick with.”

“So, I decided now is the time to hit the refresh button and surprise people with brand new material. This track is just the beginning. I won’t stop writing new arrangements of the amazing songs of Michael Jackson and other legendary artists I admire, but I love to create, captivate, and innovate new music.”

With that, “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti” is just a taste of what Tony Succar has on the horizon. Make no mistake, Succar is committed to the essence of tropical music that catapulted him to how far he has come. It runs in his veins and he is devoted to creating new sounds without losing the very core of what the great Salsa artists who came before him produced.

Tony Succar’s production of “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti” was co-written with Jorge Luis Piloto. Piloto has written hits for great artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Tito Nieves, Celia Cruz, Christina Aguilera, Olga Tañon, and many others. His prolific career also includes having led Sony’s Latin division and winning ASCAP’s Latin Songwriter of the Year award.

Tony Succar has been traveling a lot and performed at the Tempo Latino Festival Scène des Arènes in Vic-Fezensac, France and was a part of the amazing lineup of featured artists at the Desert Beats Music Festival in Bahrain. Succar and Unity; The Latin Tribute To Michael Jackson, shared the stage with Kool and The Gang and UB40, among others. You can see where Succar is headed next on his calendar.

Me Enamoro más de ti - Tony Succar — Me Enamoro más de ti – Tony Succar

Tony Succar has also collaborated with Latin Percussion (LP) Music to develop a “Tony Succar Signature ‘Unity’ Peruvian Cajon,” available in stores beginning in April. Just another indication of where the Peruvian-born musical talent’s heart lives.

Download “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti” here: http://smarturl.it/MeEnamoroMasDeTi

WEBSITE: http://tonysuccar.com/

Contact: Nurby Lopez – Mixtura Productions 305-771-1014 [email protected]

Video For Single “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti” Click to watch: https://youtu.be/qQkS-1DDcJM

Rumberos del Callejón

North America / USA

Rumberos del Callejón “Celebrando” The Salsera Culture

After 11 years of trajectory, Rumberos del Callejón return with their third record label “Celebrando” for Salseros lovers from all continents. An album that since its inception has gained great acceptance by the public knowledgeable of this Tropical genre.

Logo – Rumberos del Callejón

Rumberos del Callejón with the saxohone artist

“Celebrando” will feature several unpublished tracks that highlight the evolution of this orchestra created in Caracas – Venezuela in 2007. These singles will be interpreted mostly by guest artists of the current movement, internationally recognized for their extensive and successful musical career.

Celebrando will have a modern and emblematic sound effect, since it has the outstanding voices of: Tito Nieves, Maelo Ruiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Domingo Quiñonez, Sixto Yorente “El Indio”, Luis Fernando Borjas, Wilmer Lozano and with the already prestigious vocal harmonies, members of this musical group: Rodrigo Mendoza, Gonzalo Díaz, Angelito Vallenilla, Memo Arroyave and their new musical bet, the young singer, Veruzka Verdú.

Wilmer - Rumberos del Callejón — Wilmer – Rumberos del Callejón

This group that owes its name to the San Pedro alley located in the popular Catia area, west of the Venezuelan Capital managed to obtain the collaboration of these international guest artists on their album not only thanks to the current avant-garde technology, but also to the printed constancy and always present in the director Carlitos Padrón, who took up the challenge with his father Carlos Padrón (founder of the orchestra) to produce “Celebrando”, which also had the privileged pens in the composition of the songs by Rodrigo Mendoza and Angelito Vallenilla.

Veruzca Verdu - Rumberos del Callejón — Veruzca Verdu – Rumberos del Callejón

“ For me Salsa is a way of life. It’s passion and culture. Carlitos Padrón “

This album with almost 4 years of production was recorded in the main cities of the American continent: Caracas, Santo Domingo, Cuba, Miami, Orlando and mainly in the recording studio “Chongo Records” belonging to the director, founder, composer and percussionist of the band, Carlitos Padrón, in New York.

Gilberto Santa Rosa - Rumberos del Callejón — Gilberto Santa Rosa – Rumberos del Callejón

“Celebrando” has the participation of important Venezuelan arrangers of the tropical genre, such as: Alberto Crespo and Willie Melo, who along with Carlitos Padrón took care of all the sound material of the production to get to the music market with a lot of “modernism and melao”, commented Carlitos Padrón. Currently, Celebrando is in the final phase of remastering and mixing so that dancers from the 5 continents are able to enjoy this new record proposal that Rumberos del Callejón will offer them soon.

“… We have international guests of great trajectory, which are a bit difficult to get but with the Grace of God, today, I think we have an Artwork”. Carlitos Padrón

Check List - Rumberos del Callejón — Check List – Rumberos del Callejón

Recently, “Celebrando” whose name also titles the album, was the first single released by the group in November 2017 on all digital platforms and radio stations worldwide, and which last February managed to reach # 1 on the DJs chart.

The theme “Celebrando” has the participation of the Salsero Puerto Rican singer, Tito Nieves and the composition of the Venezuelan Angelito Vallenilla. The musical performance was in charge of the excellent Latin American musicians:

José Tabares (bass), Carlitos Padrón (Timbal), Alberto Crespo (piano), Marc Quiñones (conga), Bobby Allende (bongó), Manuel Maneco Ruiz (trumpets), Pablo Santaella (trombone), José Antonio Fariñas Gutiérrez (baritone), and in the choir: Rodrigo Mendoza, Leo Gruber, Wilmer Lozano and Angelito Vallenilla.

With this third record production product of the celebration of their 10th Anniversary, Rumberos del Callejón, hope to take their music to every corner on the planet and continue betting on the support and integration of new generations in salsa music.

Angelito Vallenilla - Rumberos del Callejón — Angelito Vallenilla – Rumberos del Callejón

“For me, the biggest success is to be able to say that I have in my production the biggest salsa singers of today, nationally and internationally.” Carlitos Padrón

Rumberos del Callejón’s Discography:

In order to rescue the golden age of Salsa in the 70s, 80s and 90s, the Orchestra Rumberos del Callejón was created with a total of 13 members at the beginning, currently, they are 12 members. Their great musical proposal was captured in their first record production titled “De la Nada” (2008) under the label Callejón Música. This album is composed of 11 songs, including: Aquí Se Puede, Pa ‘Lante Otra Vez, Chechere Guma by Justi Barreto, among many others.

Rumberos del Callejón - Se Acabo el Silencio — Rumberos del Callejón – Se Acabo el Silencio

After 4 years, they release their second album “Construyendo” (2012) with such emblematic songs as “Cuando te toque llorar” by Puerto Rican balladeer José Feliciano, likewise, the production of “Constuyendo” was in charge of the director, timbalero and composer, Carlitos Padrón with arrangements made by the renowned Puerto Rican producer, Ramón Sánchez.

Rumberos del Callejón - de la nada — Rumberos del Callejón – de la nada

And Finally, for the musical performance Padrón decided to gather the best musicians from the NY area: Isidro Infante (Piano), José Tabares (Bass), Pablo Santaella (Trombone), Ray Colón (Bongó), Nelsón Jaime “Gazú” (Trumpet) , Manuel Ruiz (Trumpet), Iván Renta (Saxo Baritone) and Robert Quintero (Congas).

Trumpet Artist - Rumberos del Callejón — Trumpet Artist – Rumberos del Callejón

For more information, follow them at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/rumberosdelcallejon1
Instagram: @rumberos_del_callejon
The Official Accounts on YouTube and Soundcloud: Rumberos del Callejón.

Great Christmas salsa songs and their stories

Christmas is a time of joy where one of the most important elements is music, so we believe this is the best opportunity to feature some of the best Christmas salsa songs that we can remember. Here are the most cheerful songs in Latin music to listen to during the most beautiful time of the year.

Aires de Navidad by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

”Aires de Navidad” is a great song which is part of the Christmas album ”Asalto Navideño Vol. I” from 1971. In the same year, Lavoe and Colón were already making preparations to record an album entirely dedicated to the festivities, indeed, they already had some songs recorded, but they knew that there were still details to finish.

Then, Héctor asked musician Roberto García to join the project that was underway, as they needed a guitarist to accompany them. Garcia accepted the proposal almost immediately and got excited about the project that he even proposed Yomo Toro to join them, to which Hector and Willie agreed with no problems.

The day they agreed to record the material, Toro came in first and began playing a Puerto Rican cuatro when he was scheduled to play the electric guitar. However, Johnny Pacheco, upon hearing the sounds, liked the arrangement and approved it without question.

That is how the four artists set out and recorded what would soon become one of the greatest Christmas hymns in recent times, and it will surely be in thousands of homes around the world this month.

One of the photos taken during the recording of ”Aires de Navidad”

La Fiesta de Pilito by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

”La Fiesta de Pilito” is included in the album ”Nuestra Música” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which was recorded in 1985 as a tribute to the most beautiful and endearing of the Island of Enchantment during the Christmas holidays. Back then, any musical work created by El Gran Combo always became a resounding success once it was released and its members were sure that this would be no exception.

It is then when the composer of one of the main songs of ”Nuestra Música” came on the scene, and we are talking about Luis ”Pilito” Cruz, who would become part of the internationally acclaimed salsa group that same year.

What is known in the first instance about the song is that it did not have a specific name, so it was baptized as ”La Fiesta de Pilito” honoring the composer of its first two verses. Subsequently, the piece was completed with pregones and soneos created by the rest of the orchestra members.

Additionally, they received the support and collaboration from ‘‘El Caballero de La Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa, who served as a guest artist for the legendary recording.

Nuestra música at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Nuestra Música”

Bembé en Casa de Pinki by Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

”Bembé En Casa de Pinki” is a Christmas song written by the famous duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, which was released in 1971 and is the first single from the Christmas album ”Felices Pascuas”.

The song’s title comes from someone who would be very important in the career of the two aforementioned artists and that was the Panamanian-born diplomat named José Rogelio ”Pinki” Arias. The gentleman was a close friend of Richie and Bobby and, at the same time, director of the Panamanian Institute of Tourism. He used his friendship with the vocalists to invite them to various events in his country, knowing that they would be a complete success with the presence of the duo.

Such was the affection both exponents had for ”Pinki” that they dedicated to him two songs from their extensive repertoire, which were ”Bembé en Casa de Pinki” and one belonging to the album ”El Diferente”.

Among other songs, ”Felices Pascuas” also includes tracks such as ”Bomba en Navidad”, ”Mi Niñez”, ”San José”, and ”Aguinaldo Navideño”.

Felices fiestas at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Felices Fiestas”

Estelita by La Sonora Ponceña

Another group that never misses a chance to offer their talent to please their fans and make them enter the Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season, leaving great classics that can not be missing every year in our homes and one of them is ”Estelita”.

Something that can never be missed in a Christmas album is that colorful character who always brings playfulness and good humor to the atmosphere. In this case, it is Estelita, who is a party neighbor who always sneaks into the Christmas parrandas in her neighborhood, something that many people will surely feel identified with in various parts of Latin America.

The song was written by the late maestro Joe Torres and was part of the album ”Otra Navidad Criolla!” along with ”Opera Gandinga”, ”Vamonos Pa’l Campo”, ”La Vengo Siguiendo”.