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Search Results for: Jazz

Rocío Hernández is the Announcer and General Producer of “La Metrópolis”, an entertainment radio program broadcast every Thursday in Caracas

Rocio Del Valle Hernandez Diaz, better known as Rocio Hernandez, Venezuelan born in the current state of La Guaira, in its capital La Guaira where all the people from Guaira or Vargas were born, at that time it was Vargas, until its current change of name of the entity.

I was born on July 20, 1986, here in my beautiful country Venezuela, I come from a working class family with strong Spanish ancestry and a little bit of Venezuelan indigenous race, which I am very proud of my roots, all Venezuelans have a mixture of European, indigenous and African, we carry it in our blood.

Rocío Hernández is the announcer and general producer of "La Metrópolis", an entertainment program broadcast every Thursday in Caracas
Rocío Hernández is the announcer and general producer of “La Metrópolis”, an entertainment program broadcast every Thursday in Caracas

I am 37 years old and I am the mother of a beautiful, intelligent and magical 10 year old girl, who came into my life in 2014.

The eldest of 3 sisters, all of whom are professionals in this country, and Aunt of 1 niece and 1 nephew.

My family is a fundamental support for the development of my entire career, which I will now tell you, thanks to them my parents and sisters always move forward with work, honesty, respect, responsibility and education, values instilled in our home always.

Current resident in the state of La Guaira, specifically in the Carayaca Parish.

Administrator in Customs and International Trade graduated from the Universidad Simon Bolivar USB and Universidad Marítima del Caribe UMC, professionally my main base as a career.

It has been almost 20 years of career in this area of administration and international trade. I am a University Teacher specifically in the area of English Language in its teaching as a foreign language for 2 universities in this country currently I have worked for other institutions teaching Arancel de Aduanas, economic integration, foreign trade , also advertising and marketing, budgeting, marketing for careers such as graphic design, interior design and advertising and marketing ,additionally I got certified in Radio Voiceover in 2018 I started those studies from 2017 to 2018 in the Latin American Institute of voiceover in the Chacao municipality in the city of Caracas.

This study I did in parallel to my work in the administrative area of finance during that time, at that time. Which I started and finished satisfactorily.

The radio broadcasting certification gave us, radio production, radio technical equipment management, diction, public speaking, brand positioning and networking for that time, a very complete course, which allowed us to develop all our skills and abilities to speak into a radio microphone and the general public, this certification required us to design a real radio program, with 1 month test airing with real production, real guests, real recording and airing in a real way, on the web platform (www.radiosinprecedentes.com. ve) of the institute once a week for 1 month, at that time with my study group we designed this format The Metropolis with the help of the teacher of the subject of production is how this group of 5 people 4 women and 1 man designed the format of the program “The Metropolis”, which helped us to pass the subject, practice and experience a radio program which remained as a sketch there, to use in the future if we wanted so, at present each one went different ways inside and outside the country, and have developed different types of programs in the area where they work or simply do not practice radio broadcasting.

In my case I always dreamed of having my own radio space after getting certified because for a natural and authentic reason, from the bottom of my heart I wanted to take the course to get certified and practice radio broadcasting, even if it was for 15 minutes something short or long.

“La Metrópolis”
“La Metrópolis”

But it was not until the year 2023 that opened the door to have my radio space, after knocking on about 2 to 3 doors, through a lifelong friend who knew I was looking for the opportunity, I was offered this opportunity by the board of IUS radio an innovative radio, and offered me the schedule accepting the proposal and these coincidences and without chronicities of life and destiny, has allowed me to develop The Metropolis every week on Thursdays from 11am to 12pm. Radio space which I am going to comment below:

La Metrópolis an entertainment program transmitted every Thursday from 11am to 12pm by the platform or website www.iusradio.com.ve, in which I am the announcer and main producer of the space, this radio space is a place where we announce and recommend the best places to enjoy and visit in Greater Caracas hence its name La Metrópolis we inform about what is there, what is happening, what is happening, what is new in the most important area of our country, La Guaira, Caracas and Miranda.

This includes all the human beings that live here and their daily activities of importance and impact, human, social, musical, productive, scientific, educational, artistic, cultural, business, commercial, among others, everything that makes life here.

That is why we started in this first year with 3 original sections that I am going to talk about:

Section 1 La Tienda: Varied national and international news. Guide of places to visit and activities in the great caraca.

Section 2 El Café: Space for interviewing our guests (people who contact us or contact me or the production of the station).

Section 3 El Coctel: Space for interaction with our public, contests, gifts, with our fans, collaborators and society.

And that contact with whatsapp networks, Facebook, Instagram, X, fixed or cell phone.

Already after this year, on our own initiative and together with the production of ius radio, an innovative radio station, La Metrópolis has released 2 new sections of our own creation, which I will name below:

Section 4. Cinema City: Space of anecdotes, historical and current curiosities of the 7th art, Cinema.

Section 5 La Pasarela: Space for current trends in national and international fashion.

These sections have these original names to associate them to the city since they are allusive to the activities that we live in a City.

The musicalization is under my selection and musical taste. The musical cut is Pop and Rock in Spanish and English, Ballads in English and Spanish, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Ryth and blues, Venezuelan music, music of national talent, classics of always, Latin music only Salsa, Merengue and finally Rap and Reggaetón, keeping a close eye on the content of messages and lyrics that are not offensive and out of order for our esteemed, valued and exclusive radio audience of my program and the station. I am and we are careful in that out of respect for our listening audience and the national communication laws.

At this time the Metropolis has an approximate or regular audience of 100 to 200 people estimated, with low and high peaks.

This is how in the section in the coffee everyone’s favorite we always have our guests here we have had the opportunity to have in the booth, interviewing from film directors, actresses, singers, dancers, musicians, educators, doctors, lawyers, artisans, music DJ, motivational Coach, holistic healers, therapists, publicists, musical groups, dance groups, music academies, journalists, writers of books and stories, who make life inside and outside the country, but have a common denominator, they have a dream and make this country a better country to live, they are useful to them, their families and society.

A space to project them, and allow them to express and show what they do and their impact, this is how La Metropolis is ready to support any activity that allows human development in its maximum expression. Trusting that we will reach more public with more frontiers promoting everything positive for people for the coming years of professional work.

Rocio Hernandez is a Broadcaster and General Producer of "La Metropolis".
Rocio Hernandez is a Broadcaster and General Producer of “La Metropolis”.

So after all written about me, which I do in parallel with my work as a mother, daughter, sister, and administrative and teaching professional at present, I want to tell you that the satisfaction is great to achieve all these activities in a professional manner within the radio broadcasting, which is a magical, recreational space within a work of continuous learning, it is more than a dream, It is a hobby, it is a passion, it is a love to do radio, and I feel very proud and happy to do this activity for me and for all the people of the medium and for the public and Venezuelan people who need it so much, thanks to my producer and the entire team of the station and its directors who support us in making quality content for our country, with the greatest and deepest love and respect for this activity. With gratitude always.

Thank you for this opportunity to show and express myself.

Rocío is a Broadcaster and General Producer of "La Metrópolis".
Rocío is a Broadcaster and General Producer of “La Metrópolis”.

Facebook: Rocio Hernandez

Also Read: If you want to listen to Tasty Salsa tune in to Ritmo Sabor y Salsa with Nesmary J. Gómez

Marimba is the name given in Spanish to a very old musical instrument that, over time, has gained visibility and importance in many countries.

The marimba is a musical percussion instrument with a rich history that spans continents and cultures.

Although its exact origin is debated, it is believed that the marimba has its roots in Africa and was developed by different African cultures such as the Bantu and the Marimberos.

The term “marimba” comes from the Bantu “marimba” or “malimba”, meaning “single bar xylophone”.

In America, historical records indicate that diatonic xylophones, precursors of the modern marimba, were introduced in Central America between the XVI and XVII centuries.

The first known marimba in America dates from 1545 in the Santa Lucia hacienda, in the municipality of Jiquipilas, Chiapas, Mexico. In Guatemala, historian Domingo Juarros documented in 1680 the use of marimbas with gourd resonators by Mayan musicians.

Musical Duo of a Guitarist and a Marimba player in Guanacaste in Costa Rica dates back to 1888
Musical Duo of a Guitarist and a Marimba player in Guanacaste in Costa Rica dates back to 1888

Throughout the 17th to 19th centuries, the marimba spread throughout most of the Americas and became a typical element of Mayan and Ladino ensembles.

Today, the marimba is considered a patriotic symbol of Guatemala and Costa Rica, and its music, along with the traditional songs and dances of Colombia’s South Pacific region and Ecuador’s Esmeraldas province, was inscribed in 2010 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The modern marimba, like the one seen in the image provided, consists of a series of wooden slats of different sizes, arranged from largest to smallest, each with a different sound pitch.

They are struck with mallets to produce musical notes, and each key has its own soundboard.

The development of the modern chromatic marimba was established in Chiapas, Mexico, around 1890.

This instrument has been integrated into a variety of musical genres, from traditional Latin American music to academic concerts, jazz and martial bands.

The marimba remains a vital instrument that celebrates the cultural heritage and musical creativity of the regions where it is loved and played.

Image of a musical duet between a guitarist and a marimba player dated Guanacaste, 1888.

Learning about the materials and components of the marimba, being aware of the playing techniques and learning about the existing varieties helps to broaden cultural knowledge and to discover a wonderful universe of particular sounds.

Marimba Moderna
Marimba Moderna

It is enriching to know, among other things, that a series of woods of multiple sizes arranged from longest to shortest are essential to assemble the keyboard. For the soundboard, on the other hand, it is necessary to work on the tuning so that each wood of this structure is in tune with each key.

As for playing procedures, the four-stick technique and the art of glissando appear as alternatives to keep in mind. Of course, the most advisable thing to do is to attend a marimba workshop in order to master the techniques correctly.

Nor should we forget that, since ancient times, many types of marimbas have been made and used and have contributed their characteristic sounds to multiple musical genres and styles.

Thanks to those who dare to experiment with instruments and musical compositions without being conditioned by prejudices, for example, the folk marimba and the midi marimba can coexist in harmony, to cite two specific cases.

Marimba Antonko-AMC12
Marimba Antonko-AMC12

Saurce: Recuperando la historia en Guanacaste

Also Read: Son Cubano is one of the most popular musical styles in Cuba and Kiki Valera is one of its leading exponents

19va Entrega Anual de los Latin Grammy

North America / USA / Las Vegas

19th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The most important award ceremony of the Latin American Music Industry will be held for the fourth time in Las Vegas, Nevada

The main international event in Spanish that brings together the best of Spanish-speaking music reaches its nineteenth live broadcast, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for the fourth time, to reward and honor the achievements of professionals of music throughout the year. The ceremony of the 19th Latin Grammy Awards is here, and on November 15 you will be able to enjoy it through the Univisión signal for the United States and with the #LatinGrammy you will be able to follow it minute by minute during its three hours of transmission by all social networks.

19 Latin Grammy Nominaciones
19 Latin Grammy Nominaciones
The most important night of Latin music 19 Latin Grammy
The most important night of Latin music 19 Latin Grammy
Congratulations Latin Grammy Nominees
Congratulations Latin Grammy Nominees

Each year the Latin Recording Academy awards recognition to Latin music in 49 categories for work recorded in two languages: Spanish and Portuguese. This prestigious institution also endorses musical genres, identifies new talent, recognizes legendary living artists, and preserves and archives both recordings and videos in order to preserve the valuable Latin American musical culture.

The global impact that Spanish-language recordings have caused this 2017-2018 has proven once again that this year each category will be close to its maximum exponential, which shows that MUSIC made by Latinos has an enormous export capacity, and further evidence that the Latin Grammy awards continue to be one of the specials with the largest audience in the country, as it integrates the largest audience of diverse generations united to witness the annual event with the greatest presence of artistic talent gathered in the same show.

FOR THIS 19TH AWARD OF THE LATIN GRAMMYS, THE NOMINEES ARE:

BEST SALSA ALBUM

  1. Dancer’s Corner

Pete perignon

Record Label: Pete Perignon Music

“La Esquina Del Bailador” is the second production by musical director and master percussionist, Pete Perignon. This album contains five unreleased singles and five re-interpretations of classics. “Gotita Falling in Key” was his first promotional theme. This album released in 2017 has versions of classics with modern arrangements such as: “De Mi Para Ti” (Bossa recorded by Tito Puente and Santos Colón), “El Beso Discreto” original from the Cuban songbook Trio Matamoros, among many other original songs and versioned

Pete Perignon
Pete Perignon
  1. Village Singer

Alexander Abreu and Havana D’ Primera

Record Label: Páfata Productions

Alexander Havana D Primera - Cantor del Pueblo
Alexander Havana D Primera – Cantor del Pueblo
  1. For My People

Charlie aponte

Record Label: CA Records Inc.

Charlie Aponte
Charlie Aponte
  1. The Sound Makers

Chiquito Team Band

Record Label: Planet Records

Chiquito Team Band - Los Creadores
Chiquito Team Band – Los Creadores
  1. 7/25

Victor Manuelle

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

Victor Manuelle y Juan Luis Guerra
Victor Manuelle y Juan Luis Guerra

BEST TRADITIONAL TROPICAL ALBUM

  1. To Me What – Tribute To The Cuban Classics

José Alberto El Canario & The Santiaguero Septet

Record Label: Los Canarios Music

In this category, the Septeto Santiaguero, originally from Cuba, is nominated for its fourth album “A Mí Qué- Tributo A Los Clásicos Cubanos”. This ensemble founded in 1995 recorded this production in the company of the Dominican interpreter José Alberto “El Canario” and other music stars. This record material has 13 Tracks and was released on May 25, 2018.

  1. Medoro Madera

Rubén Blades With Roberto Delgado and Orchestra

Record Label: Ruben Blades Productions

Medoro Madera
Medoro Madera
  1. The Party Continues

The Sonora Santanera

Record Label: Sony Music

Sonora Santanera
Sonora Santanera
  1. Omara Always

Omara Portuondo

Record Label: Egrem

Omara
Omara
  1. Reasons

Maria Rivas

Record Label: Angel Falls Artists Inc.

Maria Rivas
Maria Rivas

BEST TROPICAL SONG

  1. I want time

Juan Carlos Luces & Víctor Manuelle, songwriters (Víctor Manuelle Featuring Juan Luis Guerra)

Cut off: 7/25

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

Victor Manuelle 25/7
Victor Manuelle 25/7

The prominent Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer, Víctor Manuelle, began his professional career in 1993, and to date has sold millions of records worldwide. He has earned 16 LATIN GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominations, thus establishing himself as one of the most admired artists of his generation. He has placed 46 singles on Billboard’s weekly Hot Latin Songs chart. Eleven of his albums have reached the place of honor in the Salsa genre for sales in the United States and Puerto Rico.

His hit “Imaginar” (2016) as a duo with urban artist Yandel, broke records, reaching #1 on the tropical charts thanks to his fusions of salsa with urban rhythms. In addition, it was named the most popular tropical song of that year, marking the third time that Víctor has obtained this important recognition, after his hits “Me Da Lo Mismo” and “ Tengo Ganas”.

Tonny Succar
Tonny Succar

In this 2018, Víctor celebrates his silver anniversary as a professional artist with his new record label “25/7” under the Sony Music Latin label. This album nominated for best Salsa album features collaborations with international artists, such as: Wisin, Bad Bunny, Juan Luis Guerra, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Glenn Monroig. The single “Quiero Tiempo” taken from this production is designated as one of the candidates to win the award in this important category.

  1. Marry Me

Silvestre Dangond, Nicky Jam, Juan Medina, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, songwriters (Silvestre Dangond Featuring Nicky Jam)

Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin

Marry Me Silvestre Dangond ft Nicky Jam
Marry Me Silvestre Dangond ft Nicky Jam
  1. Fall in love dancing

Jorge Luis Piloto, songwriter (Reynier Pérez y Su Septeto Acarey Featuring Gilberto Santa Rosa)

Cut from: Fall in Love Dancing

Record Label: Independent

SEPTETO ACAREY
SEPTETO ACAREY
  1. I fall more in love with you

Jorge Luis Piloto, Jean Rodríguez & Tony Succar, songwriters (Tony Succar Featuring Jean Rodríguez)

Record Label: Unity Entertainment

  1. Simple Hearts

Fonseca, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, songwriters (Fonseca)

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

 

BEST LATIN JAZZ/JAZZ ALBUM

  1. Mind of a Master

Bobby Valentin & The Latin Jazzists

Record Label: Bronco Records

Bobby Valentin
Bobby Valentin
Tracks:
1. De Nuevo a la Carga 7.El Cumbanchero
2. Latin Gravy 8.Mellow Funk
3.Orocoa 9. Endless Love
4.Smooth Ride 10.Freedom
5.Blast Off 11. God Bless the Child
6. Coco Seco  

 

Roberto Valentin, better known as Bobby Valentin, was born on June 9, 1941 in the town of Orocovis on the island of Puerto Rico. At a very young age, Bobby learned to play the guitar thanks to the teachings of his father. At just 11 years old, he formed his first musical trio with which he won his first prize, after participating in a local competition. In 1963 Bobby Valentin joined the Tito Rodríguez orchestra traveling to Venezuela twice.

This phenomenal bass player and arranger belonged to the Fania All Stars for 20 years and also arranged music at the same time for celebrities such as: Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano, Willie Rosario and Ray Barretto.

In 1975 he formed his own record label “Bronco Records” and released the album, “Va a la Cárcel” Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, among others.

Over the years, Bobby has made collaborations on recordings for great artists of international fame, such as: Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano and the always remembered, Celia Cruz.

Likewise, Valentin has taken over the stages performing live in the United States during this year, and more recently launched his new production “Mind of a Master”, on April 14, 2018, with which he is nominated. for this important award.

  1. The House Of A Jazz Pianist

Adrian Iaies Trio

Record Label: DBN

  1. Universal Nature

Hermeto Pascoal & Big Band

Record Label: Scubidu Music

  1. Back To The Sunset

Dafnis Prieto Big Band

Record Label: Dafnison Music

PRIETO
PRIETO
  1. Jazz Flute Traditions

Nestor Torres

Record Label: Alfi Records

Nestor Torres
Nestor Torres

For more information visit the official website of the Latin Recording Academy:

https://www.latingrammy.com/en

Luis Perdomo

North America / USA / Nueva York

Luis Perdomo, one of the most eager jazz pianists in New York.

Luis Perdomo is one of the most active jazz pianists in New York. Originally from Venezuela, she began playing the piano at age 10, and by age 12 she was playing professionally on radio and television, as well as in concerts and clubs.

Luis Perdomo playing the piano
Luis Perdomo playing the piano

Luis later moved to the US to attend the Manhattan School of Music on a scholarship, graduating in 1997 and later earning a master’s degree from Queens College, where he was a student of the great pianist Sir Roland Hanna.

Shortly after moving to New York, he quickly established himself as an in-demand pianist amassing an impressive resume.

Some of the artists Luis has recorded and/or performed include Ravi Coltrane, David Sanchez, Tom Harrell, John Patitucci, Ray Barretto, Brian Lynch, Miguel Zenon, Dave Douglas, David Weiss and The Cookers, David Gilmore, Ralph Irizarry and Timbalaye, Henry Threadgill, and Steve Turre, among others; a roster that is as remarkable for its high standard as it is for its diversity.

Luis is also recognized as a member of several bands, especially the groups led by Ravi Coltrane, with whom he spent 10 years and Miguel Zenón, with whom he has had a collaboration that is currently in its 18th year.

Luis has also made a mark as a performer. Composer and arranger on recordings by Ray Barretto, Ignacio Berroa, John Benitez and Ralph Irizarry.

He has also been commissioned as a composer by the Jazz Gallery, The Afro Bop Alliance and Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. He can be heard most recently on Ravi Coltrane’s Grammy-nominated “Spirit Fiction” and Miguel Zenón’s “Típico.”

In 2002 he won the 2nd Grand Prize at the “3rd Martial Solal Jazz Piano Competition” in Paris, among a group of 66 international pianists. He can be heard most recently on Ravi Coltrane’s Grammy-nominated “Spirit Fiction” and Miguel Zenón’s “Típico.” In 2002 he won the 2nd Grand Prize at the “3rd Martial Solal Jazz Piano Competition” in Paris, among a group of 66 international pianists. He can be heard most recently on Ravi Coltrane’s Grammy-nominated “Spirit Fiction” and Miguel Zenón’s “Típico.” In 2002 he won the 2nd Grand Prize at the “3rd Martial Solal Jazz Piano Competition” in Paris, among a group of 66 international pianists.

As a sideman, Luis has performed at most major music festivals and venues in over 50 countries, and as a frontman, he has toured Europe, Japan, South America, and the United States.

Luis has also been very active around the world in recent years as a teacher, soloist and as the leader of his own trio: The Controlling Ear Unit and various other projects, and has released nine highly praised recordings as a leader: “Focus Point”. (2005), “Awareness” (2006), and the highly acclaimed “Universal Mind” with Drew Gress and Jack Dejohnette (2012) for Ravi Coltrane’s RKM Music label. “Pathways” in 2008, the “Childhood” project in 2012 and “Links” in 2013 were recorded for Criss Cross Jazz.

Luis Perdomo
Luis Perdomo

His “Twenty – Two” project, featuring “Controlling Ear Unit”, was released in 2015 on the Hot Tone Music label. This high-octane CD teams Luis with bassist/vocalist Mimi Jones and drummer Rudy Royston. The two most recent CD’s: ” Montage “; Luis’s first piano outing and “Spirits and Warriors”; a quintet release for the Criss Cross Jazz label featuring drummer legend Billy Hart, was released in May 2016. Luis Perdomo has also participated in over 200 recordings as a sideman.

As an educator, Luis has taught master classes at conservatories in Amsterdam and Paris, Princeton University, Hochschule Fur Musik und Theater (Munich, Germany), Berklee (Valencia, Spain), IUDEM (Caracas, Venezuela), Esmuva (Madrid, Spain) ; and the School of Jazz in Berkeley, California, among others.

He has taught jazz summer camps, including “Jazz in July” at the University of Massachusetts, Langnau Jazz Nights in Switzerland; The Banff International Workshop and the University of Manitoba in Canada, Badajoz Jazz Worshop in Spain; EAFIT University in Medellin; Tonica Jazz Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico and Guimaraes Jazz Workshops in Portugal, among others.

In 2016, Mr. Perdomo served as artistic director of the Langnau Jazz Workshops in Switzerland. Luis has also taught at the New School for Social Research, and is currently an adjunct professor of piano at Queens College in New York City.

For more information, visit www.luisperdomojazz.com.

The King of Bass Mr. Bobby Valentin

North America / USA / Nueva York

One step away from the Latin Grammy. The King of Bass Mr. Bobby Valentin

The Latin Grammy nomination of the experienced Bobby Valentin in the category of Latin jazz with the production “Mind of a Master” is another recognition of honor for his half-century musical career as an arranger and conductor.

“Mind of a Master” is the production with which Bobby Valentín enters the competition on the nineteenth day of the Latin Grammy. (Archive National Foundation for Popular Culture). Bobby, nominated last year in the category of salsa with “My rhythm is good”, is one of the five contenders for the Latin Grammy in the “Best Latin Jazz Album” section.

The other finalists are also Puerto Rican Néstor Torres (“Jazz Flute Traditions”), Adrian Laies (“The house of a jazz pianist”), Dafnis Prieto (“Back To The Sunset”) and Hermeto Pascoal (“Universal Nature”). . In a conversation with this medium, Bobby said that he will immediately capitalize on the nomination to promote the album at international festivals.

“We have sent to several festivals in the United States a report of what the album is and my career. We are waiting for answers. Right now I have a presentation at the Interamericana on Wednesday, October 17, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Music Department and there is a person interested in going to Costa Rica. It’s slow, but I have a lot of faith that little things will continue to appear. Latin jazz is another audience, although I know that many people who like salsa like it”.

Bobby Valentin
Bobby Valentin

The King of the Bass added that he feels as if he has won the precious golden phonograph. “The nomination of what is a salsa album is another style. This is another corner. What I’m saying is that after one is competing, even if you don’t win, the competition is good, as is being nominated among so many productions. For me the competition in Latin jazz is stronger than in salsa”. Bobby presents “Mind Of A Master” alongside The Latin Jazzists, who are mostly the musicians from his salsa orchestra, like Angie Machado and Eliud Cintrón. Bobby isn’t worried about purists arguing that they’re not jazz soloists.

“The musicians are happy. It is a genre that they like. Here they have been more concerned with projecting their styles and expressions”, Bobby reacts. A salsa musician can play jazz. This is how history supports it. Mongo, Puente, Machito, Mario Bauzá, Mario Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, Hilton Ruiz and Jerry González, among others, began in mambo and Afro-Caribbean dance music, prior to their foray into jazz.

“Like Ray Barretto, who was also linked to jazz. Finally, we all look for that corner. The same Néstor Torres, who started with Batacumbele. After one has done so many things in the tropical genre, one seeks satisfaction as a musician by looking for another corner”.

Jazz, however, is not new to Bobby Valentín. “Latín Gravy”, “Codazos”, “Shinny Stockins” and “Maiden Voyage” are several of the works recorded on his salsa albums. “It always caught my attention. When I was in New York, Latin jazz was mambo jazz. Later the name changed, but before it was done for the dancer, although there were solos. It’s no longer for the dancer. Now people sit down to listen to him. It was a good change.”

Bobby has not decided if he will travel to Las Vegas to be present at the awards ceremony, to be held in November. “I still don’t think so. It’s not because I’m going to win or not. To be competing even if I don’t win is reason for joy. I feel very happy. I have no plans yet”.

Next Wednesday the 17th he will perform with The Latin Jazzists at the INTER Metro Jazz Festival. That night he will perform the “Mind Of A Master” sequence. “I feel very happy. This record is like a baby to me. Although we have played tropical music, this is a new baby and that it is nominated for a Latin Grammy makes me feel very happy”.

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.