Search Results for: Grammy Award

Armando Manzanero “The King of Romanticism” left us this morning

Master Armando Manzanero said goodbye to us due to covid-19 complications

The morning of December 28, Mexico and the rest of Latin America woke up to the sad news of the death of another of its great artists: Maestro Armando Manzanero. A few days ago it was announced that the singer-songwriter had tested positive for covid-19, the virus that has the world paralyzed and on edge, he was hospitalized on December 17 for complications associated with it.

Despite informing that Armando was improving at respiratory level after being intubated, it was reported that he would remain under observation for some kidney problems. This morning the Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico, of which he was the president, announced his death due to a heart attack associated with his complications.

With his 86 years, the maestro always remained active, contributing a lot to the history of Latin music and his native Mexico. Nobody would have thought that we will not only say goodbye to 2020 but also to the great musician, his ashes will be delivered to his family during this Monday, which will be transferred to his born city Mérida, where at the beginning of the month he had inaugurated the Casa Manzanero museum where the best milestones of his career of more than 60 years are exhibited.

Armando Manzanero was one of the greatest — The master Armando Manzanero.

The incredible long career of Armando Manzanero

Armando Manzanero passed away at the age of 86, leaving a legacy of golden years on stage with his favorite instrument: the piano, demonstrating the great talent that exists in Latin America. In 1950 he composed what would be his first tune “Never in the world”, this was only the beginning of his great career.

There are more than 400 songs that the maestro composed, which are divided between those used for his own discography and those that many artists have had the honor of singing, among which we can name: Elvis Presley, Andrea Bocelli, Angélica María, Luis Fonsi, Belinda, Joan Sebastian, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, Roberto Carlos, Andrés Calamaro, Ana Torroja, Ana Gabriel, Daniela Romo, Laura Pausini, Cristian Castro, Alejandro Fernández, Lucero, Paulina Rubio, Ricardo Montaner, Miguel Bosé, Rocío Dúrcal, Raphael, David Bisbal, Pedro Fernández, José José, Luis Miguel, Vicente Fernández and many more.

Armando Manzanero died last December — The King of Romanticism is no longer with us.

Not only did he participate in songwriting for albums and artists, but he also participated in the composition of many songs for movies and soap operas. Among all his great awards are several Grammys including the Award for Musical Excellence for his great contributions to music.

The Recording Academy posted on its Twitter account: “Armando Manzanero, recipient of the Award for Musical Excellence and winner of the Latin GRAMMY, as well as a great friend of the Academy, has left us. We celebrate his life and work. Irreparable loss for the world of Latin music. We accompany the Manzanero family in their deep pain.”

We must remember that the maestro was honored this year in many ways, the most memorable were those made at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and the Latin Grammy, no one thought that they would be the last tributes in life for Mr. Manzanero. During this week more posthumous tributes, and many words from different Latin artists are expected.

Rest in peace Armando Manzanero, may heaven be filled with his romantic words and great tunes!

Home

“Alfareros” launches “Guerrera”

One of the countries located in the Caribbean, we have the Dominican Republic being the 2nd largest island in the Caribbean, where the most popular music is Spanish and African, in rhythmic, tonal and harmonic aspects.

The Catholic Music Ministry Alfareros, are the winners of the Latin GRAMMY 2018 in the category “Christian Album in Spanish”, released their most recent single entitled “Guerrera”

Which is a sticky musical cut of meringue with a typical flavor, which serves as a tribute to all women who face the battles and phases that life holds for them every day as true warriors.

The launch coincides with the celebration of 25 years in the art of ALFAREROS. Junior Cabrera, director of Alfareros and composer of the single, affirms that “Guerrera”, “is a hymn of hope and with it we want to recognize all the women fighters, who without fear have faced or still face diseases, abandonment, discrimination or violence”.

Felina Tejada, is the main interpreter of the song and one of the most recent members of the group, shares that “this song is a call for joy and faith, in this time of trials in which the world is facing the pandemic of COVID-19 ”

Along with the song, a video clip has also been released, shot in the city of Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, directed by Kelvin J Bido and in which some twenty (20) “warriors” appear as protagonists, whose testimonies have been growth and blessing for many people.

The single and the video are now available on the YouTube and Spotify digital platforms, as well as on the Ministry’s social networks (@alfareros).

Alfareros - Guerreras — Alfareros lanza Guerrera integrantes

Alfareros, directed by Junior Cabrera. Its vocalists are Katia del Cid (Guatemala), María Fernanda Wilches (Colombia), Oscar Roque (El Salvador) and the Dominicans Felina Tejada, Artemio Vargas and Fermín Amador.

They were winners of the Casandra Award 2005 from the Association of Art Chroniclers of the Dominican Republic as Religious Association of the Year and the Latin GRAMMY® 2018 for their production “70 times 7”.

They are the first and only Christian group to perform a full house concert at the Altos de Chavón Amphitheater with the concert “A Chavón for you” in 2005. This concert was also nominated at the 2006 Casandra Awards in the Concert of the Year category: first time for a religious concert.

Throughout their career they have performed in mass meetings and concerts throughout the Dominican geography, as well as in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru. They were also part of the artistic attractions of the World Youth Days in Sydney (Australia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Panama.

The musical productions they have are: Un Canto Nuevo (1995); Do what He tells you (1997); Pa’Lante (2000); The Day Has Come (2004); From Blessing to Blessing (2008); All my Love is For You (2011); 70 times 7 (2018).

All are available for free download on their web portal www.alfareros.do

Home

Mark Weinstein Flutist, composer and arranger

North America / United States / New York

With his heart in jazz, Weinstein contributed greatly to the development of the salsa trombone by playing and arranging

Flutist, composer and arranger, Mark Weinstein began his study of music at age six with piano lessons from the neighborhood teacher in Fort Green Projects in Brooklyn where he was raised.

Between then and age 14 when he started to play trombone in Erasmus Hall High School, he tried clarinet and drums. Playing his first professional gig on trombone at 15, he added string bass, a common double in NYC at that time.

Mark learned to play Latin bass from Salsa bandleader Larry Harlow. He experimented playing trombone with Harlow’s band and three years later, along with Barry Rogers, formed Eddie Palmieri’s first trombone section, changing the sound of salsa forever.

With his heart in jazz, Weinstein was a major contributor to the development of the salsa trombone playing and arranging. He extended jazz attitudes and techniques in his playing with salsa bands.

His arrangements broadened the harmonic base of salsa while introducing folkloric elements for authenticity and depth.

Flutist, composer and arranger, Mark Weinstein began his study of music at age six with piano lessons from the neighborhood teacher in Fort Green Projects in Brooklyn — Mark Weinstein Flutist, composer and arranger

The only horn in a Latin jazz quintet led by Larry Harlow in the jam session band at the Schenks Paramount Hotel in the Catskills

The only horn in a Latin jazz quintet led by Larry Harlow at the jam session band at Schenks Paramount Hotel in the Catskills, soloist and arranger with Charlie Palmieri in the first trumpet and trombone salsa band in NYC, arranger and featured soloist along with the great Cuban trumpet player Alfredo Chocolate Armenteros in Orchestra Harlow, and with the Panamanian giant Victer Paz in the La Playa Sextet, and with the Alegre All Stars, Mark’s playing and arranging was a major influence on Salsa trombone and brass writing in the 60s and 70s.

Mark Weinstein continued to record with Eddie Palmieri, with Cal Tjader and with Tito Puente. He toured with Herbie Mann for years, played with Maynard Ferguson, and the big bands of Joe Henderson, Clark Terry, Jones and Lewis, Lionel Hampton, Duke Pearson and Kenny Dorham. In 1967 he wrote and recorded the Afro-Cuban jazz album, Cuban Roots for the legendary salsa producer Al Santiago.

It revolutionized Latin jazz; combining authentic folkloric drum ensembles with harmonically complex extended jazz solos and arrangements. Chick Corea was on piano and the rhythm section included the finest and most knowledgeable Latin drummers: Julito Collazo, Tommy Lopez Sr. and Papaito (timbalero with La Sonora Matancera).

El único cuerno en un quinteto de jazz latino liderado por Larry Harlow en la banda de jam session del Hotel Schenks Paramount en los Catskills, solista y arreglista con Charlie Palmieri en la primera banda de salsa de trompeta y trombón en NYC, arreglista y solista junto con el gran trompetista cubano Alfredo Chocolate Armenteros en Orchestra Harlow, y con el gigante panameño Victer Paz en el Sexteto de la Playa, y con los Alegre All Stars, el hecho de que Mark tocara y arreglara fue una gran influencia en la escritura del trombón de salsa y los metales en los años 60 y 70.

Mark Weinstein continuó grabando con Eddie Palmieri, con Cal Tjader y con Tito Puente. Hizo giras con Herbie Mann durante años, tocó con Maynard Ferguson y con las grandes bandas de Joe Henderson, Clark Terry, Jones y Lewis, Lionel Hampton, Duke Pearson y Kenny Dorham. En 1967 escribió y grabó el álbum de jazz afrocubano Cuban Roots para el legendario productor de salsa Al Santiago.

Revolucionó el jazz latino, combinando auténticos conjuntos de tambores folclóricos con solos y arreglos de jazz extendido armónicamente complejos.

Chick Corea tocaba el piano y la sección rítmica incluía a los mejores y más conocedores bateristas latinos: Julito Collazo, Tommy López Sr. y Papaito (timbalero de la Sonora Matancera).

A principios de los 70 Mark se tomó un tiempo libre de la música para obtener un doctorado en filosofía con una especialización en lógica matemática.

Se convirtió en un profesor universitario y sigue siéndolo hasta el día de hoy. Cuando regresó a la escena musical en 1978 tocando la flauta, escribió produjo y grabó las Suites de los Orishas con la cantante Olympia Alfara, el gran pianista de jazz colombiano Eddy Martínez y los percusionistas Steve Berrios, Julito Collazo, Papaito y Papiro junto con un coro afrocubano. Inédito hasta hace poco, la música de las Suites de los Orishas se convirtió en el tema del Sunday Salsa Show de Roger Dawson en WRVR.

Mark Weinstein volvió al jazz con una venganza, trabajando en conciertos y grabando más de una docena de CDs desde 1997.

Seasoning, su primer CD de flauta experimentó con diferentes escenarios para la flauta, incluyendo un cuarteto con el vibrafonista Bryan Carrott y Cecil Brooks III en la batería y un trío de flauta y dos guitarras con Vic Juris y Rob Reich.

En 1998, Mark grabó Jazz World Trios con el maestro guitarrista brasileño Romero Lubambo y el premiado percusionista Cyro Baptista.

Su exploración de temas brasileños con guitarra clásica y percusión contrastaba con un trío de freebop con Santi Debriano en el bajo y Cindy Blackman en la batería.

Jean Paul Bourelly y Milton Cardone completaron el conjunto con música basada en temas de santería.

El lanzamiento de Three Deuces en 2000, emparejó a Mark con los guitarristas Vic Juris, Ed Cherry y Paul Meyers.

Mark continued to record with Eddie Palmieri, Cal Tjader and Tito Puente — With his heart in jazz, Weinstein contributed greatly to the development of the salsa trombone by playing and arranging – Mark Weinstein

Because of limited distribution and more demand that albums available, Mark rerecorded the material from the original Cuban Roots with new arrangements and the help of such giants of Cuban music as pianist Omar Sosa, percussionists Francisco Aquabella, Lazaro Galarraga, John Santos, Jose De Leon, and Nengue Hernandez. It was co-produced with his nephew, trombonist, violinist and arranger Dan Weinstein for Michael McFadin and CuBop Records.

In 2002 Mark had the incredible opportunity to go to Kiev, Ukraine, where his father was born, to record the music of the Ukrainian composer Alexey Kharchenko. Milling Time, the record that they made, stretched his playing in a number of directions, from modern classical music to smooth jazz to Ukrainian folk music.

He continued his exploration of his roots with a jazz album of Jewish music with Mike Richmond on bass, Brad Shepik on guitar and Jamey Haddad on drums and percussion.

He then turned to Brazil and the music of Hermeto Pascoal’s Calendario do Som, entitled Tudo de Bom with guitarist and vocalist Richard Boukas, Nilson Matta on bass, Paulo Braga on drums and Vanderlei Pereira on percussion.

In 2005 he began his ongoing association with Jazzheads record recording another version of Cuban Roots called Algo Más, with Jean Paul Bourelly playing electric guitar, Santi Debriano on bass, Thelonious Monk award winning percussionist and vocalist Pedrito Martinez, as well as Nani Santiago, Gene Golden and Skip Burney on congas and batá drums.

His next release on Jazzheads was O Nosso Amor with Brazilian jazz masters Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta and Paulo Braga along with percussionists Guilherme Franco and Jorge Silva.

In the early 1970s Mark took time off from music to pursue a doctorate in philosophy with a specialization in mathematical logic. — Mark Weinstein He became a university professor and continues to be one to this day

This was followed by Con Alma, a Latin Jazz album featuring Mark Levine on piano, Santi Debriano on bass, Pedrito Martinez playing conga and drummer Mauricio Hererra.

Next a straight-ahead album, Straight No Chaser, with guitarist Dave Stryker, bassist Ron Howard and Victor Lewis on drums. A return to Brazilian music, Lua e Sol, saw Romero Lubambo and Nilson Mata joined by award winning percussionist Cyro Baptista

Mark Weinstein took time out from Jazzheads to record an album for Otá records in Berlin with Grammy nominated pianist Omar Sosa playing vibes, marimbas and piano along with Ali Keita on balafon, Mathais Ogbukoa and Aho Luc Nicaise on African percussion, bassist Stanislou Michalou and Marque Gilmore on drums. Back to Jazzheads, Mark recorded Timbasa with the percussion team of Pedrito Martinez and Mauricio Hererra, joined by Roman Diaz with the young giants Axel Laugart on piano and bassist Panagiotis Andreou. This was followed by Jazz Brasil with NEH Jazzmaster Kenny Barron on piano along with Nilson Matta and drummer Marcello Pellitteri.

His most recent album, El Cumbanchero was recorded with a string ensemble and arranged by Cuban piano virtuoso Aruán Ortiz, along with Yunior Terry on bass and percussionists Mauricio Herrera and Yusnier Bustamante.

Next up is an album of tangos with GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominee, bassist Pablo Aslan, and featuring Latin GRAMMY winner Raul Jaurena playing the bandoneon, pianist Abel Rongatoni and guitarist Francisco Navarro. And many more surprises to come.

Mark took time from Jazzheads to record an album for Otá records in Berlin with Grammy-nominated pianist Omar Sosa — Back at Jazzheads, Mark recorded Timbasa with the percussion team of Pedrito Martinez and Mauricio Hererra, along with Roman Diaz with young giants Axel Laugart on piano and bassist Panagiotis Andreou

Home

“GOD LOVE UFO” is the new from Homero Gallardo

We present you Homero Gallardo’s new single

“GOD LOVE UFO” is what the great Ecuadorian guitarist and music producer, Homero Gallardo brings us to close the year with style. This single is produced by PC Records and distributed by Sony Music Entertainment.

The president of PC Records Hamilton Caucayo has expressed that Gallardo is The New Santana 2020. Because they consider the single as a masterpiece, and the best that Homero has done, since he was in charge of the lyrics, the music, arrangement, and production. This way the guitarist puts his touch and guitar on the current music, focusing on his projects.

“Immensely grateful to God and the entire team involved in the project! Without you it would not have been possible. I love you all very much”, Homero posted on his Instagram profile.

Homero Gallardo GOD LOVE UFO — Homero Gallardo is now presenting “GOD LOVE UFO”

MAFFIO is the multi-award winning artist and producer that Homero currently works with, to whom he entrusts all his projects, and both know how to work as a team to present the best of their talents. But he is not the only artist with whom Gallardo has worked, this great guitarist who comes from Ecuador, has managed to collaborate in many ways with artists such as: Maluma, Kymani Marley (Bob Marley’s son), Luis Miguel, Zion & Lennox, Yandel, Jencarlos Canela, NACHO, Nicky Jam, Manuel Turizo and many others. Not to mention that he has shared the stage with Marc Anthony, Puff Daddy and Jason Derulo.

A little about Homero’s trajectory

Homero Gallardo was born in Ecuador specifically in Guayaquil, from the age of 9 he showed love for music focusing on the classical genre, but three years later he was found performing professionally at festivals and activities in his hometown. His recognition as an artist was immediate, winning several contests at his school.

At just 16 years old, he managed to perform with renowned artists such as the Colombian Fonseca and the Venezuelan Jeremías. Then he decided to move to Miami in the United States to continue his studies in music, obtaining a scholarship with the Jazz Ensemble, that way Homero was in contact with Miami music scene which made him surround himself with Latin artists, and appearing with them in television, among those artists we can name: Thalia, Luis Fonsi, Chino & Nacho, and others.

In 2014, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy as a guitarist. Not only has he collaborated with many artists on stage, but he has done so much more behind the scenes as a producer and composer, as evidenced by his participation in the production and recordings for artists such as Periko and Jessi León.

With “GOD LOVE UFO” Gallardo wants to remain firm in the music scene, managing to conquer more audience simply by playing the chords of a guitar, that manages to make more than one fall in love, that is why he won the title of the New Santana.

Home

The Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

These are the top latin names of this year

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

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

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

Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

Manny Cruz

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nathy Peluso

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

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

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

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

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

Prince Royce

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

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

Tonny Succar

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

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

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

Tito Puente Jr.

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

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

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

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

Home