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Tips for the Latin dances “Salsa”, “Bachata”, “Merengue” and “Lambada”

To be able to socialize and have fun, many people learn different activities that can attract others either in their daily routine or during a rest time they have; among those activities is music and dance, where the person can interact with their neighbor and / or partner (a) either by practicing it or simply talking about the subject.

Dancing is simply the act of performing a dance, where a person uses his or her body to perform movements to the beat or to the rhythm of a music or melody, in order to express a message, by tradition or with the aim of entertaining oneself; of course, in order to practice it, body communication is very important because the couple or group needs to know certain signals that indicate the “when” or “how”, in order to perform the steps and as a result the success of this performance will test the quality, maturity and growth of the dancers; and to perfect the technique the best thing they could do is to look for an academy where they can orient them and thus achieve their equilibrium either as a couple or as an individual.

However the dance is not something monotonous, it has different musical genres and on this occasion we will talk about La Salsa, La Bachata, El Merengue and a little known but at the same time very interesting rhythm called Lambada.

The tenses in these 4 musical genres are different, for example:

The Lambada is a dance that comes from Brazil although you still have doubts about its exact origin. Another influence of its development came from Caribbean music adding metal drums, electric guitars making this a unique musical experience. It has a degree of popularity in Europe because it is exotic and uncommon due to certain characteristics la Lambada that there are traces of flamenco and other ancient Spanish dances. The Lambada uses a three (3) beats, where the first 2 are fast and the third (3rd) is slow, with simple steps dancing either in the same place or on the side, showing momentum and interest where the dancer is looser, flexible and docile, whereas the woman is full bodily movement and should be guided by her partner, as if the woman were clay in the hands of the potter.

La Salsa is an Afro-Caribbean rhythm and dance fused with jazz and other styles. Its birth has been much debated, but it is known that it comes from a fusion carried out by the inhabitants of the Caribbean when they listened to European music and then mixed it with their drums, it is a rhythm with flavor, joy and the force of life, a very common characteristic when it comes to party, which one can associate through the salsa songs. The Salsa handles a four (4) beat beat beat, either side to side or back and forth, it can also be crossed (as if you draw a “V” with the 2 and 3 in the middle) and the turns in both dancers can be from simple to complex as you progress level in (a dance academy), citing the textual words of Glenis is a rhythm where the woman It’s man-guided, so if you want to blame her for a misstep, you know who to blame.

Salsa Pose — Photo of a couple dancing Salsa

The Merengue is a dance from the Dominican Republic, becoming a Caribbean and Latin rhythm, it is one of the easiest rhythms to learn to dance even without experience, since it is not as fast or strict as the “Salsa” is, its movement can be back and forth, or side to side, always adding very noticeable hip movement with the rest of the body although not as exaggerated as bachata or kizomba; giving it a touch of flavor and flavor. It is required to do this a close dance with your partner that when salsa is danced, facilitating the fluency of the couple at the time of moving and so be more synchronized, of course it is that not all the time is like this, the trick is the synchronization of the couple’s steps; usually it resembles the turns of the salsa with the merengue.

Meringue Competition — Photo of dancers dancing Merengue

There are many types of dances in each country and in its academies and-or dance venues, which have their own rules, tips, names and steps to follow, what matters is that you achieve the ultimate goal which is to “dance” by holding classes regularly, following the advice of your teachers, practicing your technique outside your classes, dedicating time to improve your dance skills specific, improve your postures, exercise without abusing it getting your rest time and above all observe outstanding dancers of different styles, this way you will be able to achieve your goals without staying on the path of learning.

Hicham Billouch and his Nour Marruecos Orchestra “Arabic music”

“Music for me is like oxygen, I cannot live without it and I will never forsake my passion “.

Hicham Billouch, Moroccan musician, seeks to explore new musical avenues and possibilities.

Billouch studied music at the Royal Conservatory in Marrakech and graduated as a pianist. He also plays the violin, the lute, the guitar and the sintir.

When he was a teenager, he started working in cabarets in Marrakech like Hotel Sahara Inn, Rotana, VIP Club and Hotel Le Semiramis in Casablanca.

In Morocco, he played along with singers like Ahmed Adawiyya from Egypt, Fares Karam from Lebanon, Mohamed Reda, Pinhas, and Badr Sultan from Morocco.

He also participated at the Mawazin Festival organized by the Government of Morocco and worked in the organization of musical events such as Green March Day.

"Music for me is like oxygen, I can't live without it and I will never give up my passion." — Hicham Billouch and his Orchestra Nour Morocco
Arabic Music

In France, he played with Maqam al Ushaq, which is a Moorish music group, at the Mediterranean Music Festival in Corsica and the International University Music Festival in Belfort Ville, France.

In Mexico he created Nour Marruecos, an Arabic music ensemble, with local musicians. Nour Marruecos has participated in international festivals such as Lerdantino (Durango), Festiva Toluca and Calimaya (Mexico State) and the Córdoba International Book Fair (Veracruz). He also played in the Lebanese Restaurant Adonis in Polanco. Mexico City.

In Mexico City, he organized a belly dance competition and also published a book with the Spanish translation of 40 Arabic songs.

Her record production includes 3 CDs: Salam, Qamar and Kalimat, with covers of Arab songs and her own compositions.

After moving to Mexico City, Maestro Hicham Billouch established the Arabic music ensemble Nour Marruecos with local musicians.

Gnawa music to be inscribed in 2019 on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity — Nour Morocco Orchestra Arabic music

The Orchestra

Nour Marruecos has participated in international festivals such as Lerdantino (Durango), Festiva Toluca and Calimaya (State of Mexico), the Córdoba International Book Fair (Veracruz) and the Arab Week organized by the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas of México.

The ensemble has also represented Morocco in various cultural and official events organized by the Embassy of Morocco and in private events of the Arab, Lebanese and Jewish communities.

Fusion

Gnawa music, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2019, is one of the most versatile, because its scales and rhythms have their roots in sub-Saharan Africa, so theyr are compatible with the pentatonic scales of blues and jazz.

That is why Hicham Billouch has merged the traditional instruments of Gnawa music such as the guembri, the outar and the qraqeb, with instruments from India such as the sitar, the tabla and with electronic music.

Arabic instruments

Arabic music has a long history of interaction with many musical styles in the world. Arabs people translated and evolved Greek texts and mastered musical theories.

In the pre-Islamic period, Arabic music consisted of singing poetry. As for the musical instruments, they were used in a manner that may accompany and savour the meaning of poetry.

Arabic instruments can be classified into three main types: string instruments, wind instruments and percussion instruments.

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Luis “Perico” Ortiz Considered one of the most important exponents of Tropical Music worldwide.

” The Astro ” He is still among Friends

Puerto Rican trumpet player, composer, arranger and producer boricua, obligatory reference of the Puerto Rican and Latin music of the last three decades of the 20th century.

He has cultivated the most diverse styles, from Salsa, through Jazz, to Pop and Bolero. He is considered one of the most important exponents of Tropical Music worldwide.

Luis Esteban Ortiz Ruiz, better known as Luis “Perico” Ortiz, was born on December 26, 1949 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. “Perico” was born into the extreme poverty that housed so many families on the Island of Enchantment.

His love for music fueled his dreams, although without imagining the idol he would become, an artist who this year celebrates 55 YEARS of a fruitful career that led him to travel the world and push for more stars.

Perico Ortiz was a true child prodigy, whose vocation for music was awakened at the early age of five. He was trained at the Escuela Libre de Música and later at the San Juan Conservatory, later joining the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Pau Casals before he was 20 years old.

In 1970 he moved to New York, where he began his professional career working with the groups of Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Machito and the legendary David Bowie among others, and was a regular collaborator of the Fania All-Star machine, the project of artists that popularized urban salsa around the world and collaborated with the companies Velvet of Venezuela and TH Rodven.

In 1977 he made his first solo recording under the Turnstyle label, a subsidiary of Latin Percussion Corp. A year later he established his own orchestra and won the “Diplo” award for best trumpet player in Puerto Rico.

Elsewhere, in New York, “EL ASTRO” was awarded “Trumpeter of the Year, “Arranger of the Year”, “Best Orchestra” and “Musician of the Year” during the Latin New York Magazine Awards held in the Big Apple.

Luis "Perico" Ortiz Considered one of the most important exponents of Tropical Music worldwide. — He is still among Friends
” The Astro “

The musician, born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, established numerous musical companies such as Sunrise Productions, Perico Records, Dialen Promotions Inc. and Dialen Recording Studios. Also

Dialen Publisher, founded a publishing house with licenses in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

In 1981 he was recognized by the Asociación de Cronistas de Espectáculos (ACE) as the best exponent of Latin music, an honor he shared with Julio Iglesias. In the following year he received another recognition from the ACE as Best Orchestra in New York.

In the summer of 1987 he wrote and conducted the soundtrack for the movie “Mondo New York” in collaboration with maestro Johnny Pacheco.

Through his orchestra passed the voices of Rafael De Jesús, Billy Carrión, Domingo Quiñones and Roberto Lugo, although it was with the latter two with whom he reaped the greatest triumphs of his extensive discography: Sabroso, Sabor tropical, In Tradition and El Isleño.

In 1988 he created his own production and recording company: Dialen Promotions, later Luis Perico Ortiz Productions, dedicated mainly to radio and television advertising. That same year he produced and arranged Barry Manilow’s Hey Mambo album.

Luis also worked in the advertising area producing, composing and arranging musical spots for radio and television commercials. In this aspect he did productions for commercial firms Heublein Spirit Group (Smirnoff Account), Castor Advertising (Mc Donalds), Uniworld Advertising (Kodak), Max Mambrú Films, Blaze Productions, John Casablancas/Elite Modeling (Film Scoring & Music Composition/72 minutes), Polaroid, HBO, Canal 47 (TV campaign “Contigo Siempre”), among others.

Perico Ortiz was a true child prodigy, whose vocation for music was awakened at the early age of five. He was trained at the Escuela Libre de Música and later at the San Juan Conservatory, later joining the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Pau Casals before he was 20 years old. — Luis Perico Ortiz

In 1993 he moved to Puerto Rico where he established his new company, Luis Perico Ortiz Productions, Inc. with which he began professional production relationships with Disney, Buena Vista Television, There Goes The Neighborhood and Quincy Jones Office.

For Disney Corporation he produces part of the music for the television special “Christmas in the Americas”. For the Quincy Jones Office he produced segments for the historic “Summit of the Americas” event for 34 presidents and dignitaries of the hemisphere. Both projects were televised to hundreds of countries simultaneously.

In 1995 he toured Colombia to promote the RMM label project, “The Perfect Combination”, performing in four concerts in front of more than 250,000 people who applauded him.

Later he opened with his Latin jazz group the “Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest ’95” and presented lectures, workshops and Latin jazz concerts in Aruba during its Carnival.

In February 1996 he traveled to Europe to perform in concert. A month later he arrived in Venezuela to perform in two concerts at the Poliedro. He produced a new recording for the RMM label, entitled “Café con leche y dos de azúcar”, and inaugurated his new orchestra on National Salsa Day, March 10, 1996 in front of an audience of more than 25,000 Salsa lovers.

In 1997 he produced for a Japanese record label “Sweet Basil”; a project featuring Yoshihito Fukumoto, former member of the famous Japanese orchestra La Luz, in a recording with ingredients of Latin jazz, R&B, salsa, rap, pop ballad and Brazilian rhythms.

He also produces for the Toshiba-EMI Limited label of Japan the compact disc “Bésame mucho” and for Sony of Puerto Rico “El cuarto Rey Mago”, a Christmas project by singer-songwriter José Nogueras for the multinational.

In 1998 he performs at Bellas Artes as guest artist of Lucecita Benítez. In the same way, he produces maestro Tommy Olivencia for the Polygram label and performs with his great friend, sonero Domingo Quiñones, in a series of concerts at Bellas Artes.

As the end of the century approaches, he releases an instrumental CD with bolero, cha-cha-chá, jazz/pop and salsa songs, entitled “Emociones”. It includes his versions of classics such as “Perfume de gardenia”, “Usted”, “Sin fe”, “Tu pañuelo”, “Silencio” and the Christian hymn “Cuán grande es él”.

With this release, Perico completes a discography that includes some twenty titles among which are “My Own Image”, “Super Salsa”, “One Of A Kind”, “El Astro”, “Sabroso”, “Sabor tropical”, “El isleño”, “Entre amigos”, “La vida en broma”, “In Tradition”, “Breaking The Rules”, “Vuelvo otra vez”, “At Valley Cottage”, “Acaban con tó”, “The Man, His Trumpet and His Music. .Are Back”, “La combinación perfecta”, “Café con leche y dos de azúcar” and “Luis Perico Ortiz – Éxitos Volumen I”.

Among other awards and recognitions, Perico Ortiz was named Best Salsa Performer in 1981 and Best New York Orchestra in 1982 by the Asociación de Cronistas de Espectáculos (ACE).

When he was just 10 years old Ismael Rivera was spying on him from a fence (HINT: THIS WORD COULD BE PUT IN ITS MEANING OR ASSOCIATION BECAUSE IT IS NOT A COMMON WORD FOR ALL COUNTRIES) near his rehearsal place in Tras Talleres. He approached him one day and baptized him “Perico” repeating with the battered trumpet he was assigned at the then fledgling Escuela Libre de Música de San Juan the notes of “Quítate de la vía Perico”, a song that would remain engraved in the history of popular music, and in his own.

“He told me, ‘They’re not going to call you Luis Esteban, they’re going to call you Luis Perico Ortiz and you’re going to be great,” he recalled of the second great memory of his musical beginnings. The first was in his home.

Chronological events of more and important interest:

1970-1976, works as a trumpet player, arranger, composer and producer for; Tito Puente, Machito, Mongo Santamaría, Tito Rodríguez, Fania All Stars (and all their artists), Velvet De Venezuela, TH Rodven and Johnny Pacheco.

1977, makes his first recording as a soloist under the Turnstyle label (subsidiary of Latin Percussion Corp.).

1978-80 establishes his orchestra. Wins “Diplo” trophy as best trumpet player in Puerto Rico. In New York during the Latin New York Magazine Awards in 1978 he is awarded the following trophies; Trumpeter Of The Year, Arranger Of The Year, Best Orchestra Of The Year and Musician Of The Year.

1981-87, recognition granted in 1981 by the Asociación De Cronistas De Espectáculos {ACE} as the best Salsa/Caribbean Music interpreter, which he shared with Julio Iglesias.

In 1982 he received another recognition by ACE as Best Orchestra of New York. During the summer of 1987 he writes and directs the Score for the movie “Mondo New York” in collaboration with maestro Johnny Pacheco.

1988-93, during 1988 produces, arranges and conducts Barry Manilow. Hey Mambo” project. In 1988 opens his own production company, Dialen Promotions Inc.

It is the first Puerto Rican company to offer multiple services in the area of production and recording with its own Analog/Midi recording studios.

Through his involvement with his company, Luis is involved in the advertising area producing, composing, sound engineering and arranging jingles for Radio and Television as well as Videos and Film Scoring.

Some of his accounts were: Heublein Spirit Group (Smirnoff Account), Castor Advertising (McDonalds), Uniworld Advertising (Kodak), Max Mambru Films, Blaze Productions, Johnn Casablanca/Elite Modeling (Film Scoring & Music Composition/72 minutes), Polaroid, HBO, Channel 47 Television Campaign-“Contigo Siempre” and many more.

1993, returns to his homeland, Puerto Rico, and immediately establishes his new company, Luis Perico Ortiz Productions Inc.

1994, establishes production relationships with Disney Corp, Buena Vista Television (California), There Goes The Neighborhood and Quincy Jones Office. For Disney Corp.

Produces part of the music for the television special “Navidad En Las Americas”. For the Quincy Jones Office, he produced segments for the historic “Summit of the Americas” event for 34 presidents and dignitaries of the Western Hemisphere. These projects were televised to hundreds of countries simultaneously.

1995, performs Artistic Tour of Colombia (RMM “The Perfect Combination”) where he performed a total of four concerts to over 250,000 people.

Opens with his Jazz-Latino group the “Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest ’95. Will make his next recording (Salsa) with his orchestra at the end of 1995.

1996, presents lectures, workshops and Latin Jazz concert in Aruba during its Carnival, February goes to Europe for concert, in March will perform in Venezuela for two concerts at the Poliedro, produces his latest production “Café Con Leche Y Dos De Azúcar” under RMM Records & Video Corp, inaugurates his new Orchestra at the National Salsa Day, March 10, 1996 in front of an audience of 25,000 Salsa lovers.

1997, produces for the Japanese label Sweet Basil an American project (Latin Jazz, R&B, Salsa, Rap, Brazilian Music, Pop Ballad). Artist: Yoshihito Fukumoto (Former musician of the famous Japanese orchestra “La Luz”).

Establishes a new recording division within his company {LPO Productions Inc.}. It is identified as “Suave Instrumental”.

As his first work he releases his first compilation of hits (Luis Perico Ortiz EXITOS volume 1) with the voices of Roberto Lugo, Billy Carrión and Domingo Quiñones.

Produces for Toshiba-EMI Limited (Japan) a CD. Title: “Bésame Mucho”. Produces for Sony José Nogueras (Proyecto Navideño 1997).

1998, performs at Bellas Artes as guest artist for Lucesita Benítez. Produces the master Tommy Olivencia for the PolyGram label.

Performs with his great friend Domingo Quiñones in a series of concerts in Bellas Artes, produces an instrumental CD containing songs of the Bolero, Cha-Cha, Jazz-Pop and Salsa genre, the CD is titled “EMOCIONES”.

Concert and reunion of all its main singers at the Luis Muñoz Marín Amphitheater during the Bacardi World Salsa Fest ’98.

In the year 1999 during the month of January “Perico” visited his second homeland, Panama, where he had the opportunity to perform a concert with the pleasant company of Panamanian musicians and Roberto Lugo on vocals. Exquisite! During the month of March he performed with Arturo Sandoval in a regal concert, it was the first presentation of both of them in Panama.

It was the first presentation of both in Puerto Rico, because they had already performed together in the United States and Europe (NorthSea Jazz Festival * Holland).

In the month of May he performed in the Tributo Histórico a Héctor Lavoe as a guest artist.

“Perico” begins his move from secular music to Christian music serving the Lord, establishes himself as Musical Director of the Levittown Church of the Nazarene in January, establishes the foundation and direction of the Harmony School of Music, opened his recording studio (SUAVE Recording Studio) for the development of his record label “Suave Instrumental” and to attend the needs of other Christian record companies in relation to external productions.

2000, during the beginning of the year Perico further strengthened his commitment with Harmony School Of Music, he released four (4) of his catalog recordings in digital format, they are: Sabroso, Sabor Tropical, El Isleño, In Tradition, with the voices of Domingo Quiñones and Roberto Lugo.

In addiction he released his first solo album, My Own Image originally under the Turnstyle Records label, to Martin Cohen company (Latin Percussion) in digital format.

Perico has just finished his most recent production with guests such as: Domingo Quiñones, Bobby Valentín, Papo Lucca, Cachete Maldonado, Endel Dueño, Elías Lopés, Rafi Torres and much more,the project titled Jamming and released under the AJ RECORDS label.

One of the most important moments in his life was the birth of his first granddaughter ISABEL ANNA, born March 31-2000.

2001, Perico currently serves as Producer and A&R Director for AJ Records (sister company of Casa De Los Tapes), he just finished the production of Tommy Olivencia 40th Anniversary/LIVE.

New projects to be finalized: Ray Barreto {50 Aniversario} & La Ganga. Perico receives for the production Jamming a nomination for the TU MÚSICA awards. He has just produced two (2) productions for the territory of Japan. The artist is Rie Akagi and the genre is JAZZ.

2002, wins the TU MÚSICA award for best Christmas production. Produces “RAY BARRETO LIVE-50 Aniversario”, “Lunna Bohemia”, Los 100 Años de Andy Montañez en Vivo from the Bellas Artes in Santurce, Rie Akagi (Japan) & a music score for a Japanese cartoon.

2003, produces the “Puerto Rican Masters” for TV special and DVD.

2004, produces the first Salsa Gospel Festival, serves as music producer of the show and music producer of the DVD, cultivates his duties as a teacher for the Conservatory of Music in the area of the first Bachelor of Jazz and Caribbean music.

He teaches a Latin Jazz Combo course and a Master Class for the development of musical language, self-esteem, form, analysis, composition and interpretation.

Produces the tribute show to Marvin Santiago before his death. Also produced the DVD, the artists produced were the Puerto Rican Masters, Domingo Quiñones, Oscar De León, Victoria Sanabria, Prodigio & Andy Montañez among others.

Musical production of Objetivo Fama Christmas show & Christmas CD-DVD of the group for UNIVERSAL MUSIC.

2005, produces, arranges and composes the soundtrack for Jacobo Morales’ most recent TV film, “Pa’ Eso Estamos”.

He also produces the CD-DVD of the film achieving an exquisite and aggressive Sound Track work.

For the second consecutive year he is designated as one of the musical producers of the long awaited Christmas work of Banco Popular. He is selected by the program HUELLAS MUSICALES to make a retrospective of his musical contribution.

2006, currently very active with the development of the Jazz and Caribbean Music Department of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.

Visits Columbia College in Chicago to give Master Classes and concerts with Jon Faddis, Eddie Gómez and the faculty of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.

Travels to France to participate in the Toros & Salsa Festival in Dax during the month of September 9-11. Produces flutist Rie Akagi for Japan.

2007, Perico is officially appointed as Artist in Residence by the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico for the department of Jazz and Caribbean Music, along with the same position are exercising the Masters Eddie Gomez and David Sanchez.

March 18 begins the world tour with his Salsa orchestra, his original singers Rafael De Jesus and Roberto Lugo, his Latin Jazz Big Band and his Latin Jazz Combo, as an important part of his tour, in addition he will be giving Master Classes to Universities and Colleges to work closely with the future musicians of our genre… Latin Music.

2008 Maestro Luis Perico Ortiz is invited to be the Keynote Speaker during the Forty-Fifth Graduation exercises of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.

A great honor for “Perico” since he is a former student and his dream was to see Latin music and Jazz studied at the Conservatory. If Pablo Casals could see it….

In addition, Maestro Perico is commissioned by the Autonomous Municipality of Carolina to be the Musical Advisor and Artistic Director of the new PLAZA GIGANTE DE LA MÚSICA to be inaugurated on June 28, 2008 and the International Jazz Festival of Carolina 2008 to be held on August 15 & 16, 2008.

2009, he is invited to be the Musical Advisor of the Carolina School of Fine Arts, in addition he works professionally as Artistic Director of Special Events for the Municipality, he visited for the first time the country of Peru where he performed at the acclaimed festival Chimpum Callao in front of an audience of 42,000 people.

2010, this year is emblematic for Luis as he celebrates his 50th anniversary in music. In January he was honored during the 40th Anniversary of San Sebastian Street with the San Sebastian Award for his achievements along with Roberto Roena.

He visited the Lehman College in New York where he performed in concert with Rafael De Jesus and Roberto Lugo.

Produced and directed the 6th Carolina International Jazz Festival. Performed with Paquito D’ Rivera, Mario Grillo, Tito Puente Jr., Tito Rodriguez and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

In November he visits New Mexico for the first time invited as Guest Artist of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, he was invited by Dr. Mariano Morales, in addition he performed with Mariano’s group for a Jazz concert and a Master Class at the University of New Mexico, a historic event.

2011, Luis Perico Ortiz serves as coordinator of the 3rd Bolero Festival in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Guest artists throughout the two days of activities during the month of April were Lourdes Robles, Nydia Caro, Elías Lopés, Braulio, Lilly y su Gran Trio & Trio Los Condes.

During the month of August, Luis becomes the Artistic & Musical Director of the 7th Carolina International Jazz Festival.

The festival is dedicated to the PIANO. The invited artists were Mariano Morales, Luis Marín, Ángel David Mattos, Yan Carlos Artime & Michel Camilo.

Luis performs the second day of the festival with his Big Band and a group of great artists as guests of his orchestra.

December 2 Luis performs as Artistic & Musical Director for the long awaited Carolina Christmas lighting. Artists of the stature of Tony Vega, NG2, Pedrito Guzman, Juan Velez and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico share with his orchestra a historic evening at Christmas in Carolina.

On December 23rd after almost a year of arduous musical creative work, Luis was the composer (11 songs), arranger (9 songs) and Artistic & Musical Director of the most important concert of his career, the Inaugural Concert of the Carolina Children’s Museum, He conducted a Symphony Orchestra (43 teachers) with a Chorale of 30 voices (youth and children) and a corps de ballet of a total of 56 dancers from the School of Fine Arts (Chorale and Dancers), he had the collaboration of teachers Cucco Peña (3 arrangements & 1 composition) & Frankie Suárez (1 arrangement).

2012, served as coordinator of the 4th Bolero Festival of Carolina, Puerto Rico, the artists invited throughout the two days of activities during the month of April were: Escuela de Bellas Artes de Carolina, Tato Díaz & Dream Team Trio, Las Divas Del Bolero: Mayra Mayra, Jaqueline Capó & Awilda, Paquito Guzmán, Carmín Vega, Orquesta de Elías Lopés, Ramoncito Rodríguez y Los Andinos, Pijuan y Los Baby Bommer Boys, Chucho Avellanet &Lissette.

In August he becomes the Musical Artistic Director of the 8th Carolina International Jazz Festival with the special participation of Arturo Sandoval.

In December, as usual, he returns to produce for Carolina the long awaited Christmas Lighting. The artists were; Ebac, Plenealo, Luis Perico Ortiz Orchestra, Ismael Miranda, Moncho Rivera, Claudio Prodigio, Henry Santiago, Henry Santiago, and many others.

Special artist Victor Manuelle

2013, after 6 years of recording absence, Maestro Luis Perico Ortiz makes one of the most ambitious and complex productions of his career, inviting a handful of friends he makes TIEMPO DE AMAR, collaborating with Luis, Ruben Blades, Andy Montañez, Alex De Castro, Jose Juan Hernandez, NG2, Victoria Sanabria, Ismael Miranda, Jose Nogueras, Danny Rivera, Prodigio Claudio, Giovanni Hidalgo, Rie Akagi and the Ernesto Ramos Antonini APPAOS Symphony Orchestra, also a battalion of the best musicians from Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Cuba, 8 recording studios (Puerto Rico, United States and Japan) represented by excellent engineers perform the recording of this epic work, composers: Luis Perico Ortiz, José Nogueras, Victoria Sanabria, Juan José Hernández, Yan Carlos Artime, Prodigio Claudio and Luciano Quiñones, arrangers: Luis Perico Ortiz, Iván Rodríguez and Luis García.

A dream come true, the sale of this epic was donated in its entirety for the benefit of children with cancer through the San Jorge Children’s Foundation. The production took nearly a year to complete.

Luis Perico Ortiz serves as coordinator of the 5th Carolina Bolero Festival in Puerto Rico.

The artists invited during the two days of activities during the month of April were: Escuela de Bellas Artes de Carolina, Máximo Torres, Iris Chacón, Lalo Rodríguez, Pete Bonet, Rafael José, Meñique and the Orquesta de Elías Lopés.

In August produces the 9th Carolina International Jazz Festival with the participation of: bEscuela De Bellas Artes de Carolina, Alex Ayala Trio,

Edwin Clemente 3D ZONE, David “Piro” Rodríguez, Justo Almario,

Luis Perico Ortiz Latin Jazz Big Band and guests.

In November he travels to Venezuela for two Jazz (Big Band) concerts as special guest of the famous Venezuelan trumpet player Yturvides Vilchez.

He returns in December to produce the Christmas 2013 Christmas Lit with the participation of EBAC, Barreto y su Plena y su Orquesta with his guests: Papo Sánchez, Pedro Brull, Domingo Quiñones and Victoria Sanabria, in addition the closing was in charge of Joseph Fonseca.

2014-2020, “Perico” continues as advisor and Artistic Director of Special Events for the municipality of Carolina.

Discography of Luis “Perico” Ortiz

My Own Image, Sello Disquero Tunstyle
Super Salsa, Sello Disquero New Generation
One Of A Kind, Sello Disquero New Generation (GOLD)
El Astro, Sello Disquero New Generation
Sabroso, Sello Disquero Perico Records #320 (GOLD)
Sabor Tropical, Sello Disquero Perico Records #330
El Isleño Sello Disquero Perico Records #340
Entre Amigos, Sello Disquero Collector Series #527
La Vida En Broma, Sello Disquero Perico Records #350
In Tradition, Sello Disquero Perico Records #360
Breaking The Rules, Sello Disquero Perico Records #370
Vuelvo Otra Vez, Sello Disquero DPI Records #400
At Valley Cottage, Sello Disquero Polystar (Japan)
The man, his trumpet and his music are back, Sello Disquero DPI Records #410
La Combinación Perfecta, Sello Disquero RMM-SONY (Artista Invitado y Arreglista) (Platinum Sales Award)
Café Con Leche Y Dos De Azúcar, Sello Disquero RMM Records & Video Lanzamiento Mayo 1996
Luis Perico Ortiz Éxitos Volumen 1, Sello Disquero Suave Instrumental # 197
Emociones, Sello Disquero Suave Instrumental # 198
Luis Perico Ortiz Éxitos Volumen 2, Sello Disquero Suave instrumental # 1982
Jamming, Sello Disquero AJ Records
Déjalo Entrar (artistas invitados, Alex De Castro, Domingo Quiñones y Roberto Lugo), Sello Disquero Suave Instrumental
Cristo Esta En Victoria, Sello Disquero Suave 2507
Tiempo De Amar (2013) Suave 6388

Luis Perico Ortiz is considered one of the most important exponents of Tropical Music worldwide.

Companies

Dialen Publisher

Dialen Promotions

LPO Events. P. S. C.

Address

San Juan Valley

Plaza Bohío SJ 19

Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. 00976

Contacts:
(787) 602-0048

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luis_perico_ortiz_official

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

https://www.luispericoortiz.com/

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Orchestras: Salsa and Latin Jazz (from Combo to Big Band)

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Compositions

Trumpet Recording and Recording Producer

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How to cite this article:

Ruiza, M., Fernández, T. and Tamaro, E. (2004).

Biography of Luis Perico Ortiz.

In Biografías y Vidas.

The online biographical encyclopedia. Barcelona (Spain).

Retrieved from https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/o/ortiz_luis_perico.htm

El Astro, Sello Disquero New Generation — Luis Perico Ortiz “El Astro”

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Alexandra Albán Manitas de Piedra baptized by Bobby Cruz

The percussionist christened by Bobby CruzStone Hand.

Alexandra Albán is the daughter of José Vicente Albán and María del Carmen Illera. She remembers the musical variety of her city of birth, Pasto. She admires the playing of Giovanni Hidalgo and Ray Barreto. He has recorded with José Aguirre’s group Kema, with flutist Néstor Torres, with Charlie Cardona, with Tony Sucar, with Bobby Cruz, with Alberto Barros in his Tribute to Colombian Salsa and recently recorded for Aymé Nuviola.

Born in the city of Pasto, Colombia, even as a little girl her musical talent started to show as she started her career as a trumpet player for different musical groups in her home city. Soon she was also singing and participation in national level competitions in which she obtained numerous awards.

The percussionist baptized by Bobby Cruz as Hands of Stone — Alexandra Albán Stone Hand

On the other hand, when she decided to travel to the city of Cali, she began her career as a percussionist, where she began to be part of different groups, thus strengthening her musical talent especially as a percussionist, Alexandra has had the opportunity to participate with artists such as Puerto Rican flutist Nestor Torres in his Latin jazz album which was nominated for a Grammy and Latin Grammy for best album in its genre, also participated in the song “Agua para beber” by Bobby Cruz.

In 2016 she was invited to be part of the jury at the salsa world cup in Cali, Colombia.

In 2018, Maestro Milton Salcedo invites her to record one of the songs (Sombrero de Yarey) of his album Swing 80, where she recorded all the percussion and was also nominated for a Latin Grammy.

In 2019 the master Mario Ortiz invites her to record in his production “50 Aniversario” in the theme (Budo) which was also nominated for the Latin Grammy, and the singer Albita Rodriguez also invites her to record in one of the themes of her album “Acústico” nominated for the Latin Grammy.

In 2020 she was called by the renowned producer Motiff, to record a project of the Artist Arthur Hanlon, production called “Piano y Mujer” where she had the opportunity to record Percussion, Artist like Kany Gracia, Natalia Jimenez among other Artists, participated in Piano y Mujer.

Some artists Alexandra has worked with. Maelo Ruiz, Tito Nieves, Jerry Rivera, Luisito Carrión, Ray Sepúlveda, Ray de la Paz, Henry Fiol, Orquesta Mulenze, Tito Gómez (R.I.P), Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz (special guest percussionist), Roberto Blades, Cano Estremera (R.I.P) among others.

She has also had the opportunity to work and record with Alberto Barros’ tribute to Colombian salsa, a group that won 2 gold records for sales in Mexico.

Anecdote with Bobby Cruz and the nickname he gave you as Manitos de Piedra (Little Hands of Stone)

Since she was a child her beginnings in music were not long in coming, she began her career as a trumpet player in different groups in her hometown, she also ventured into singing where she was winner of national competitions, including the singing contest of the house of culture of Nariño, where she won first place. — Alexandra Albán Born in the city of Pasto, Colombia

The Manitos de piedra thing was when the master Bobby Cruz invited me to record a CD with a song called Agua para beber. Bobby Cruz wanted some quinto solos and wanted me to do them, he calls me, I record them, and my surprise when I listen to the final product and in the middle of the solo he tells me Alexandra Albán, Manitos de piedra, hahaha. That song hit in Puerto Rico and Miami. Once I went to a concert dedicated to Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz in Puerto Rico, and people asked me if I was the aforementioned Manitas de piedra. For them, that’s my identification.

He admires the playing of Giovanni Hidalgo and Ray Barreto. — I am from Colombia

Research Sources

Diana Marie: Correspondent for International Salsa Magazine in Miami, Florida

International Salsa Magazine

https://www.soultonecymbals.com/artist/alexandra-alban

By: Diana Marie Correspondent International Salsa Magazine in Miami, Florida

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Raymundo “Ray” Barretto Pagan was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 29, 1929.

Ray Barretto, Giant Force

Son of Ramón Barretto and Dolores Pagán, born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; he belongs to the generation of Puerto Ricans who grew up in New York and are known as “neoyoricans”: children of Puerto Ricans who did not know the Island.

His father leaves home and returns to Puerto Rico when Ray is barely six years old, leaving his mother, Doña Lola, alone to raise her children Ray, Ricardo and Cecilia. His childhood and part of his youth were spent between the streets of Spanish Harlem and the Bronx, listening to Latin music in the morning and jazz at night.

“My mother fought hard to keep us away from drugs and crime. She rented a room in the apartment to feed us. And as I recall, popular music was an escape for her from the reality of poverty and strengthened her spirit to keep fighting,” Ray recalled.

In 1946, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the army and was sent to Europe, where he curiously began his career as a jazz percussionist, performing officially at the Orlando Club GI, in Munich, Germany, in one of those jam sessions, a point of discovery for many great figures of music.

Regarding his performance in Germany, Ray comments: “That was an inspiration of the moment! There was an old banjo with old strings, I had listened to Chano Pozo through his records with Dizzy Gillespie, and I had that desire to play, to imitate Chano.

I took the banjo, went up on the stage and started to play by hitting the snare drum. Miracle the musicians didn’t throw me off the stage! But then they told me: ‘you have talent, you must go on and try to improve yourself’.

So when I returned to the United States, I bought my first drum and started looking for any place with live music to improve my technique by listening and watching how the musicians played, not on record, but live”.

Bella Martinez “La Escritora Irreverente de la Salsa” (Virginia, USA) is pleased and privileged to provide International Salsa Magazine with a worldwide release of her most recent publication and English translation of the book Ray Barretto, Giant Force.

Raymundo "Ray" Barretto Pagan was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 29, 1929. — Ray Barretto, Giant Force

The availability in English of this work, assists in the diffusion of Latin culture within the English speaking public. This was made possible thanks to the rigorous research and literary skill of Colombian author Robert Tellez, as well as the linguistic precision of Puerto Rican translator Ronald Vazquez.

This year, 2021, marks fifteen years since Ray Barretto left the earthly congas and five years since Colombian journalist Téllez Moreno released Ray Barretto, Giant Force.

On April 29th of this year, on the occasion of Barretto’s 93rd birthday, the Colombian author presented the translation of the aforementioned work, published in collaboration with Be More by Bella Martínez.

Like the work originally written by Téllez Moreno in Spanish and published by some publishers in 2016, this English version by the Puerto Rican translator gathers in a chronological and rigorous way the musical work of the also known as “Manos Duras”.

The book highlights Barretto’s beginnings in jazz and his influential career in salsa, collecting 11 Grammy nominations.

Ronald masterfully translates into simple, readable English the same journalistic narrative that Téllez constructed using testimonies gathered from those closest to Barretto.

After Barretto’s death in February 2006, Annette “Brandy” Rivera and the friend of the musician who is the subject of the book, George Rivera, shared with the author their memories of various moments in Barretto’s career.

Ray Barretto, Giant Force, was a virtual activity that was transmitted from Casa Norberto in Plaza Las Americas.

The presentation was moderated by journalist and writer Jaime Torres Torres, the independent editor in charge of the translation project, Bella Martínez, translator Ronald Vázquez, music professor and researcher Elmer González, author of the prologue to Ray Barretto, Giant Force, and the author of the book, Robert Téllez.

Research Sources by:

Bella Martinez

Andrés Campo Uribe “Contributor to Herencia Latina”.

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