Search Results for: La Sonora Ponceña

Hector Maisonave Manager of the Greatest Salseros in New York.

60 years in the business in the “Salsa” music industry, Héctor Maisonave says: “I have not seen anyone who surpasses the talent of Héctor Lavoe”.

You have managed the careers of so many salsa luminaries, how do you consider Héctor Lavoe’s talent?

I saw in Hector a supreme talent, to this day I have not seen anyone who can surpass him.

Not only as an artist selling tickets, selling records, but also as a human being.

There is no comparison of any kind, no matter who the artists are that are current today, to this day there has been no one that can replace Hector Lavoe.

He continues to this day as the most successful artist in all aspects.

He has managed and catapulted the careers of stars such as Héctor Lavoe, La Lupe, La India, Ismael Rivera, Tito Rodríguez, Gilberto Santa Rosa, among others.

Héctor Maisonave says: "I have not seen anyone who surpasses the talent of Héctor Lavoe".I saw in Hector a supreme talent, to this day I have not seen anyone who can surpass him. Not only as an artist selling tickets, selling records, but also as a human being. — Hector Maisonave Manager of the Greatest Salseros in New York.

“I continue to derive satisfaction from my work, my main addiction,” said the Puerto Rican producer.

With almost 60 years in the difficult and no less unpredictable music industry, today, on his 81st birthday, the artistic promoter Héctor Maisonave looks back to see that nothing remains the same in the business, but even so, his “musician soul” does not allow him to give up.

He has been a faithful witness and an important part of Latin American musical history, as a tireless promoter of the salsa rhythm in every corner of the planet.

His resume is impressive; he has produced more than 6,000 events; he has managed and catapulted the careers of some 80 artists, including stars such as his namesake Héctor Lavoe, Tito Rodríguez, La Lupe, India, Ismael Rivera, Raphy Leavitt, Gilberto Santa Rosa and La Sonora Ponceña.

And his experience has been recognized on more than one occasion by the artistic world.

He has been a faithful witness and an important part of Latin American musical history, as a tireless promoter of the salsa rhythm in every corner of the planet. — Héctor Maisonave 60 years in business in the “Salsa” music industry.

In 2010, this veteran businessman received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Lincoln Center of New York, a distinction for his years in music production and management.

On that occasion, Diana Cortot, executive director of International Concert, the non-profit institution that presented Maisonave with the award, said that he was chosen because of the great help he has given to so many artists and his efforts to create a market for Latin music in the United States. “The Latin music industry, and salsa in particular, owes him a lot,” she said.

To this, the award-winning businessman, with the humility that has characterized him in each of his acts, simply said: “I don’t feel special, but privileged and honored”.

Born in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Maisonave was part of a great migratory stampede of Puerto Ricans who traveled to New York in the 1940s to escape poverty.

“It was here, in this city, where I took my first steps as a producer in the summer of 1950.”

Even at this age, memory remains one of his best attributes.

“I began to organize concerts in open spaces that attracted hundreds of people, who arrived in some buses that we arranged for the public, and they were like a kind of patron saint festivities in which transportation, food, dessert and dancing were offered… That was the beginning of everything,” he recalls while, suddenly, a special gleam begins to appear in his eyes.

That was the time when she discovered what her vocation was. But he also had to raise his voice, fight hard for his goals and defend his roots. He was even one of those who protested on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue so that the New York City government would grant him permission to hold a Puerto Rican parade.

Born in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Maisonave was part of a large migratory stampede of Puerto Ricans who traveled to New York in the 1940s to escape poverty. — Rafael Ithier “Director del Gran Combo” y
Héctor Maisonave

“There were many inconveniences that got in the way, but there are more beautiful memories that light up my mind when I think of the dreams achieved,” confesses the man who had the idea of organizing Latino shows aboard boats that crossed the Hudson River to Bear Mountain.

And aware that, as he says, “turning 81 is not an everyday thing,” he says he is very happy to continue fighting the battle. “I continue to get enormous satisfaction from my work, my main addiction,” said this industrious Puerto Rican with his usual good humor.

Lately, his schedule has been as active as ever. From April to date, he has organized concerts for Grupo Mania and Tito Rojas (both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); José Alberto, “El Canario”, and Andy Andy at Six Flags New England, Springfield, Massachusetts, and next month he will be in charge of the presentation in Panama that salsa singer India has scheduled.

Source: Frank Manuel Orellana Rosas

Article of Interest: Richie Bonilla Management is a Latin Music booking and Managing Agency

Vicente “Little Johnny” Rivero Conguero, Percussionist, Producer, Composer and Band Leader

“Tell me your name in leather, Little Johnny, Little Johnny” Hard Strike.

Conguero, percussionist, producer, composer, and conductor, Little Johnny Rivero has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific.

Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Rivero was attracted to Latin jazz and the sounds and rhythms of the New York area rumberos as a child.

At age 10, Johnny began practicing percussion and joined his school band.

Conguero, percussionist, producer, composer and bandleader, Little Johnny Rivero has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. — “Tell me your name in leather, Little Johnny, Little Johnny.”

Shortly thereafter, he took dance lessons, which eventually led him to stage performances with the bands of the time at such famous venues as the Manhattan Center, Colgate Garden, Copacabana, and the Palladium.

At age 14, Rivero joined Orquesta Colón, the youngest Latin band in New York City, and recorded two albums with them.

Shortly thereafter, he took dance classes, which eventually led him to perform on stage with the bands of the time in such famous venues as the Manhattan Center, Colgate Garden, Copacabana, and the Palladium.

In 1973, Rivero moved to Puerto Rico with his parents and joined Sonora Ponceña in 1974.

After playing bongos with them for a year and a half, he switched to congas, which rekindled the love he had for the instrument as a child.

Rivero attributes the rhythms and professional direction he learned from Quique Lucca and his son, Papo Lucca, as qualities that have made him what he is today.

During the 16 years that Rivero played with La Sonora Ponceña, he traveled all over the world and made 18 highly respected albums with them.

Rivero has recorded with producers such as Eddie Palmieri, Brian Lynch, and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

In May 1997, Rivero shared the stage with his inspiration and idol, José Mangual. Rivero’s credits also include work with Charlie Palmieri, Dave Valentín, Rubén Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montanez, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ray Barretto, Patato Valdez, Changito, Tata Guines, John Santos, Sergio George, Bebo Valdes, Paquito D’Rivera, Tito Puente, and many other artists.

Rivero’s first solo effort, “Pasos Gigantes,” was well-received by critics and music fans.

He wrote and produced all the songs on that CD, showing off his skills as an arranger and musician.

He is currently working on his next CD, “Music in Me”, his first Latin Jazz album, which will include musicians, Brian Lynch on trumpet, Zaccai Curtis on piano and keyboards, Luques Curtis on bass, Louis Founche on saxophone, Andrei Matorin on violin, Ludwig Alfonso on drums, and Anthony Carrillo on bongo and bata drums.

Currently, Rivero is traveling internationally with Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri.

He also continues to record in-studio sessions and perform with many of the most respected acts in Latin music, including his own band.

Percussionist Johnny Rivero presents the album "Golpe Duro", with his band El Cartel de Nueva York. — Percussionist Johnny Rivero presents the album “Golpe Duro”, with his band El Cartel de Nueva York.

Legendary conguero, percussionist, producer, composer and bandleader Little Johnny Rivero is proud to present his latest album, Golpe Duro, with Anthony Almonte.

From New York and after moving to Puerto Rico, he spent sixteen years with the Sonora Ponceña band and recorded eighteen highly respected albums.

He has played with many of the biggest and most respected names in Latin music, including nine-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri.

During that same time, Little Johnny formed his salsa band and his Latin jazz band and continued to teach percussion at Kennedy High School in the Bronx, NY. It was there that Anthony Almonte, a high school student at the time, would become one of his music students.

Little Johnny has always had a passion for writing music and over the course of four years since his last album, he was inspired to write once again. He set out to create a danceable album that would highlight the roots of Son Montuno, Guaracha Mambo, and Latin jazz.

The only thing missing was a singer. In a rehearsal, his friend and colleague Jeffery Lopez mentioned that there was a talented “new guy” on the block. He came down, and here he was, Anthony Almonte from Kennedy HS. As they say “the rest is history” and the result of their collaboration is Little Johnny’s latest album, Golpe Duro.

Website: Little Johnny Rivero

Article of Interest: Eddie Palmieri: A Memorable Career

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery and its role towards salsa

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery and Latin music

The Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is one of those places where every salsa lover in New York should visit since there is plenty to see here. This museum has all kinds of items donated by many renowned artists or relatives of some who had passed away. This collection of valuable possessions has resulted in a set of priceless objects that will bow anyone visiting the facilities of such a special institution out of water.

The Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery, also known as Spaha Salsa Gallery, can be defined as an institution of a cultural nature whose main purpose is to serve as a reminder of how great our culture is, especially our music. Both residents and visitors of East Harlem, New York, can learn about the salsa genre and its roots as long as they desire. All thanks to a lot of tools, information and many initiatives with which those interested will know all kinds of interesting facts about salsa first hand.

Another of the great objectives pursued by this place is the quest for knowledge about Latin music and the artists involved to offer it to anyone who decides to visit its facilities. That is why both its president Johnny Cruz and the team that helps him have been responsible for creating an inclusive and diverse gallery in which you can appreciate how far Hispanic talent has come by the hand of its top stars.

Johnny Cruz with Viti Ruíz — Johnny Cruz while receiving Franklin Ruiz’s jacket from Viti Ruíz, his brother

Role of the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture

The role played by the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture is very important, since these institutions are the ones that manage to arouse the interest of the inhabitants of Harlem and other nearby sectors towards one of the most representative musical genres of Latinity. This has made many other cultural institutions to use this gallery in order to awaken a higher interest in its own activities, which shows extensive cooperation between those who seek to promote anything Latin-related at all costs.

Fortunately, our work is not that complicated to carry out because too many tourists visit New York every day and many of them know that this city was the birthplace of the biggest salsa movement in history, so they are always looking for cultural sports in which you can find information about this set of rhythms and how it emerges in the public arena.

Instruments donated by La Sonora Ponceña — Some instruments donated by La Sonora Ponceña

Who Johnny Cruz is

Johnny Cruz is the founder of the Spaha Salsa Gallery, but there are many other facets by which this talented Puerto Rican is known in the entertainment industry. Cruz is a famous musician and record producer who has worked and make friends with a wide number of artists from all genres, by providing him with the platform to create a true sanctuary for Latin music lovers.

One interesting fact about the museum is that it is located on the plot where a hardware business owned by Johnny’s father used to function, which was made into something completely different thanks to the genius of his son long after. Today, that place contains several of the most invaluable objects in the history of salsa and whose relationship with some of the greatest figures of the genre is legendary.

Link to the official website of the Spaha Salsa gallery: spahasalsagallery.com

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

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Great conversación with conductor and timbalero Sammy Deleon

How Sammy Deleon’s career began to flourish

There have been uncountable artists who have lifted Latin music around the world, and one of them has been conductor Sammy Deleon. This American of Puerto Rican parents was born in Lorain, Ohio, on August 18, 1961, and grew up in the same county with his 14 brothers. He started his professional career with the Trio Puerto Rico when he was just 13 years old, after which he was already beginning to demonstrate his incredible musical skills.

While it is true that neither of his parents were musicians, Sammy recalls with affection his mother while she used to sing at home and his father used to play the Puerto Rican cuatro during the Christmas season to celebrate the occasion to the sound of parrandas typical of the Island of Enchantment that were created for the occasion.

This musician greatly enjoyed the work of Tito Puente, with whom he later developed a great friendship and an excellent working relationship. That happened on one night when the King of Timbales was playing a concert in Lakeview Beach. Deleon made his way to the stage, greeted the timbalero, wanted to talk to him and asked to play with him. After doing some soundtracks and a unique display of talent, Puente accepted to let him play and together they shone on stage by making one of the biggest dreams of Sammy a reality.

After that, he ended up playing with Puente in his hometown, Orlando, New York and Puerto Rico. After many years, the same would happen with Tito Puente Jr. who would also take into account this musician’s talent for his shows.

Sammy Deleon with his timbales — Sammy Deleon playing the timbales in one of his concerts

Deleon has shown diverse musical abilities throughout his career, but without a doubt, he has been successful in percussion, more than in any other. Likewise, he has dedicated much of his time and effort to exploring Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms, resulting in a style that is unlike many other artists of his kind.

For the last 10 years, he has managed to conduct his own group Sammy Deleon Y Su Orquesta, with which he has had many of his successes in his career so far, one of them the respect and admiration of a vast multicultural audience that is always seeking innovation in the music which they hear.

During these years, he has managed to capture the attention of many DJs, dancers, and Latin music lovers thanks to his hard work and the enormous energy invested in each of his musical productions. Contigo Y Sin Ti and Baila Que Baila have been a gift to the ear on dance floors crowded with people of all musical tastes and different levels of skills in relation to dance and choreography.

Everything he learned during his career has also been benefitial to other musicians, as Sammy uses his knowledge to mentor would-be percussionists who want to follow in his footsteps and those of the most acclaimed musicians in history. Unquestionably, a noble task for those who, at a certain point, had the same dreams.

Sammy Deleon and his people — Sammy Deleon Y Su Orquesta

Interesting and emotional conversation with Sammy Deleon

A very good morning to all of you. This is Karina Garcia, North American director for International Salsa Magazine. I am very happy today because we have a very special guest. This is none other than Sammy Deleon who is a composer, timbalero, and musician with a long-standing career. How are you, Sammy? How are you feeling today?

I’m very well, thank you. I’m very well, thank goodness. From here in Cleveland, Ohio.

All right, Sammy, could you tell me what pushed you to go into music? What inspired you? What did you decide to take this path and why did you chose percussion?

Well, the one who put the music on was my father. Gumersindo Deleon was the one who started all this. I say he was a frustrated musician because his time was not very good, but slowly, he taught me and my two brothers Puerto Rican jibaro music when I was a little boy. Two years went by and one of my brothers was 15 years old, the other one was 14 and I was 13 when my brother taught us salsa when it was a boom in New York. That is how we started playing percussion on our own, since no one taught us.

We listened to music every day and from there started singing in church choirs with trios, ensembles, jibaro music and, little by little, we kept going up, up, up. That is when my older brother Roberto, who was a timbalero before I do, saw that I were interested in the timpani than him while he was dedicated to the conga and my other brother Micky was dedicated to the bongo. Then the three of us were rehearsing almost every day and my dad said that we were too loud when playing percussion. Years passed and my brother Roberto moved to Florida, my brother Micky moved to Kansas City and I were alone here.

I have been playing since I was 13, starting with the Trio Puerto Rico and, later, I started playing with a group called Conjunto Nabori with music by Cheo Feliciano and we were doing it with vibraphones, congas, timbales and so on. From there, we joined an orchestra called Charambo (meaning charanga and mambo) where I stayed for 10 years. Next thing after that, the orchestra was going to break up, another merengue group called Orquesta Marquis was being created when merengue was in full swing in the 90s. After being part of that orchestra for five years, we had a problem with the director, so we fired him and changed the name to Orquesta Impacto Nuevo where I stayed for 10 years. After burning the CD, we went to Florida to promote it and, after that, a few things did happen and I decided to go back to Ohio.

We created a group under my own name, so it was called Sammy Deleon Y Su Orquesta with which we have worked for almost 25 years now. We have joined many different singers. When we were in the Charambo Orchestra, we performed with Tito Puente, Adalberto Santiago, Chivirico Dávila, Vitín Aviléz, Conde Rodríguez, Luisito Carrión, Tito Rojas, Tony Vegas and many more. We played with Ismael Mirando for over a year and I won several awards in the city as Legend of the year and it was a big thing. I use an orchestra composed of 18 musicians and played mambo created by Tito Puente and Los Mambo Kings.

Remember that I come from a big family in which we were 14 siblings, 8 sisters and 5 brothers. The oldest was a DJ for many years and the one who brought salsa here in the 70s and 80s. I also had the joy of playing with the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico two years ago because their timbalero got sick, which is why I had the opportunity to play with them a couple of times while he was getting better. We have played in Buffalo, Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles and many other places.

Sammy Deleon at the Jazz Fest Cleveland — Sammy Deleon performing at the Jazz Fest Cleveland

All right, Sammy. Everybody knows very well your admiration for Tito Puente before you even became a famous musician. In fact, I remember seeing an interview with you in which you recount an anecdote of how you met and played with him.

Thank you. You brought up a very cool issue. One time, Tito Puente came here to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1979. There was a big concert in Lorain, where I was born and raised. He played during the day, and at night, we went to watch him at a well-known jazz club. There, a friend of mine offered to give me 20 pesos if I was going to play with him, to which I replied yes. So I went to the stage, made a hand gesture, said give me a break and I do not think he heard me. However, he looked at me and told me to get close to him. When I was up on the stage, he said look at me, listen and don’t touch anything yet. That is when he did something, I did the same and we are continuing to do so. That was the last song on his set. He took me into his dressing room, asked me where I was from. I told him I was from Loraine, Ohio.

He asked me who taught me to play and I told him I was just self-taught. He said no way!, and can you read music?, to which I answered no, but that I was learning to do it. Then, he told me that I had a great future in front of me and to keep playing the timbales because that is an instrument that requires a lot of strength to be played because it is not like a 4-drum battery. So basically, he told me to move on because I was going to have a good future in front of me. He died several years later, but I played with him a couple of times here in Cleveland, New York, Orlando, and Detroit, Michigan.

After his death, I met his son, Tito Puente Jr. who came to Cleveland. I conducted an orchestra composed by 17 musicians, he played all of his father’s songs and we had a good time. When he comes in October, I have to provide him with the group again. Playing with Tito Puente was one of the best moments I have ever had.

You commented in that interview and now that it was memorable for you to play with Tito Puente. Apart from that, what other memorable experience could you mention?

There is an experience I had in 2016 when I won the jazz salsa and legend award. I was labeled a legend – imagine that, me a legend! Since when am I a legend? That took me by surprise when I got the prize. I am still shocked (crying). I didn’t expect that award because other musicians have had more years of trajectory than me.

When the lady called me and said me what’s going on, I asked her if she was sure of what she was saying and she answered yes. After hanging up the phone, I sat down and cried because I did not expect this. I had to call my family and explain to them what was going on. The day I got the prize, my whole family was there with me. To this date, it still shocks me because it was a very special day for me. I pray to Him not to cry again because these things enter my heart.

How does it feel to be on a par with your idols? How does it feel to play with them and to see the road you have taken?

It has been amazing to accompany artists such as Tito Puente or Tony Vega, who are on another level and I am trying to get there. I’m already old man and coming up on 60 years old, but I still have a way to go and try to pull ahead step by step. I’m going to make it, but it was an honor to play with all those legends. We have opened up for many groups such as La Sonora Ponceña, La Mulencia, Luis Henrique and so on. I will never forget those days and times.

Sammy Deleon and Bobby Valentin — Sammy Deleon next to Bobby Valentin

I understand that you have been responsible for training young people who wish to become percussionists, is that right?

Yes, we are working with guys from Ohio to teach them about salsa, percussion, instruments and many other things. There are many who leave, but there are always two or three who stay on. Right now, we’re teaching kids all about salsa, which I love to do because I will not last long around here.

In what way has teaching contributed to your career? What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your students?

I learn that you have to be humble in life. When those boys go home and tell their parents that I’m teaching them, many of the family members want to come see what their kids are doing here. So I am working hard to see that they are learning only positive things and using their time well. What if they will be able to make good money and even become professionals about this in the future?

How do you think these young people perceive your music?

Many young people opt for Reggaeton, which is what is fashionable, but I give thanks that I have achieved that two or three young people stay with me to learn. They want to learn to play the bongo, the conga, the timbales, and other things. I always look for more of them to get them interested in salsa.

Sammy Deleon playing the timbales and posing before the camera — Sammy Deleon posing before the Camera while playing the timbales

What do you do outside the recording studios and off the stage?

I love sports. When there is a basketball or football game (my favorite) that I want to see, there is no one to stop me from watching it.

Do you practice any of them?

Basketball, but I am too old for that. I used to play a lot, but I don’t do it anymore.

What advice do you have for young people who want to devote themselves to music in the context of this pandemic?

The only advice that I can give to someone who wants to learn to play music is to study, learn to read music, and choose an instrument before learning to play others. Many young people want to play many instruments at the same time, but they don’t master one. You have to master an instrument before trying to learn to play others.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Sammy Deleon

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Ralph Irrizary, a well-known percussionist, is considered one of the most “Swing” timbaleros in the world.

“Music has made me a more complete person, it’s part of who I am, I think I would be a miserable person without music, it’s a tremendous art, a language I feel very comfortable with”.

A well known percussionist, he is considered one of the most Swinging timbaleros in the world, possessing a particular style that has allowed him to leave a distinctive touch in the groups where he has participated, as far as the interpretation of the timbal is concerned.

Born to Puerto Rican parents in New York’s Harlem Latino, Ralph is a self-taught musician who learned the trade by listening to his brother’s records and the music of his idols in nightclubs, where he used to sneak in when he was 16.

His first experiences with professional Latin music took place in Puerto Rico, where he had the opportunity to share the stage with renowned bands such as La Terrífica, El Gran Combo, and La Sonora Ponceña, among others, for three years.

He has a particular style that has allowed him to leave a distinctive touch in the groups where he has participated, as far as the interpretation of the timbal is concerned. — Ralph Irrizary USA / Brooklyn / New York

He then returns to New York where he begins to play with local groups. In 1978 he met the maestro Ray Barretto, with whom he began a fruitful and productive working relationship that would result in five extraordinary record productions.

This particular percussionist considers that music is an important part of his life, so much so that he has stated that “Music has made me a more complete person, it is part of who I am, I think I would be a miserable person without music, it is a tremendous art, a language with which I feel very comfortable”.

Ralph has recorded with important figures of the show, such as: David Byrne, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Earl Klugh, Juan Luis Guerra, Cachao, Celia Cruz and Yomo Toro, although he is mostly recognized for his musical relationship with Ruben Blades and Seis del Solar, a group of which he was part for 13 years, recording and performing internationally.

His musical contributions have also been fundamental. Although he does not consider himself a composer, he has composed for some salsa singers.

He also wrote a rap that he sang on a record by Seis del Solar; the song is entitled “Entrégate”. In addition, in Timbalaye’s first recording, he wrote the lyrics for “Raza Cósmica”. He has also contributed to the group’s arrangements. He even participated in the recording of two Latin jazz albums made by Seis del Solar.

He is currently one of the most sought-after musicians and has continued to work on commercials and soundtracks for film and television.

His charisma allowed him to develop an unexpected career as an actor: he performed in The Mambo Kings playing the role of Pito Fernández.

He has also participated in films and documentaries, Cachao, Como Mi Ritmo No Hay Dos, with Andy García, The Roots of Rhythm with Harry Belafonte and The Life and Times of Rubén Blades.

In 1996 he participated with Tito Puente in the show Master Timbaleros, presented in New York. This historic concert was the culmination of 26 years of dedication, practice and love for music. Puente noted on that occasion:

“Ralph is a star of the future who has never forgotten his Latin roots. His group is a marvel.

Among his most recent projects is a recording at Birdland for a compilation to be released by RCA Records. — This talented percussionist considers that his priority is to make sure that the audience is satisfied with what they have heard.

This valuable percussionist began to feel the need to record something in his own style, taking care of what is his premise in his musical work: “I have always said that one should play with the same quality in front of 10 or 5,000 people.

When the sound is perfect, there is a lot of rapport and you kind of rise six inches off the floor when that happens. I think that’s called swinging with intensity.

Hence his next step was the founding of the group “Timbalaye”, a septet with a strong big band sound.

The group combines contemporary Latin jazz with various tropical rhythms: timba, songo and traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms, bomba, cha cha chá and son montuno.

Their innovative sound has allowed the group to perform weekly in New York. In October 1997, Ralph and company performed with >Batacumbele> in a historic concert at Hostos College.

Among their most recent projects is a recording at the Birdland for a compilation to be released by RCA Records.

Among its members are Oriente López from the Afro-Cuba group, Arturo Ortiz from Rubén Blades and Juan Carlos Salas from the famous Venezuelan group Guaco. Timbalaye is considered the most select band in Latin Jazz.

This talented percussionist considers that his priority is to know that the public will be satisfied with what they have heard: That is my mission, to bring joy to the people.

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