Search Results for: La Sonora Ponceña

Don Perignon Y La Puertorriqueña releases his new album ‘‘Classique et Savoureux’’

Today we welcome a friend of the house we have not spoken to in a long time, but who has a lot to tell. We are talking about bandleader and timbalero Pedro Luis Morales Cortijos, artistically known as Don Perignon, whom we have had the pleasure of interviewing after many years.

The artist and his orchestra La Puertorriqueña have released their latest album, ‘‘Classique et Savoureux,’’ which the Puerto Rican musician talks about in this conversation, among many other interesting topics regarding his personal life and career.

Don Perignon with a recognition — Don Perignon receiving recognition by the City of Los Angeles

A long-awaited reunion

When we were last in touch with Don Perignon, he was promoting his latest album, Demostrando A Tiempo, and, of course, much water has flowed under the bridge since then. After having released that album, the artist had many performances and quite emblematic events, such as the previous edition of El Crucero de La Salsa, which welcomed big names including El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, La Sonora Ponceña, and many more.

There were also some performances in Puerto Rico and travel to certain parts of the United States, such as Connecticut and New York. At the same time, they were already working on “Classique et Savoureux” and another production. With Christmas approaching, he and his team preferred to shove these projects aside for a while to leave center stage to Christmas music.

Arriving January, they finally got down to work to start the production without further delay. The premiere on digital platforms was held on January 23, and the physical release will be on February 13, but it does not end there, as they are also planning a second release on March 21, on the eve of Puerto Rico’s Día Nacional de La Zalsa. For the same date, vinyls are expected to be ready for collectors who want to buy them.

For the time of this interview, the music had already been recorded, and it was now the singers, including Alex D’Castro, Hermán Olivera, Josué Rosado, and Marcial Istúriz, who were in the studio recording their voices for the album.

Gilberto and Don Perignon — Gilberto Santa Rosa and Don Perignon

Why is the album called “Classique et Savoureux”?

With regard to the curious name he chose for his album, it was a whim of Don Perignon himself, who wanted to recognize and give thanks to the public of France and the French language, from which he adopted the name Don Perignon. The artist has been calling himself that for the last 40 years and has built his career on it. Although the name comes from a famous French champagne, he has never received any claims or lawsuits demanding that he stops using it, which is much appreciated.

In fact, he got to talk to the person responsible for introducing that champagne in a beverage company in Puerto Rico and understood that Don Perignon’s career and fame in no way damages the brand’s name and reputation.

Authorized biography

In addition to releasing his album, Don Perignon has also committed part of his time to engage in his authorized biography written by Puerto Rican author and International Salsa Magazine correspondent Bella Martínez. The book tells his story from his childhood to this day and includes the participation of the artist’s great friends and collaborators, including Andy Montañéz, Víctor Manuelle, and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Some members of his family and other important people in his life also took part in the biography.

In each and every stage of his life described in the book, music plays a fundamental role given that, in his own words, it is an enjoyment that he has never been able to see as work.

It is titled “La Salsa No Puede Morir, así dice Perignon”, and is now available through platforms such as Amazon. In addition, the cover was designed by Félix Disla, the image is by Alina De Lourdes Luciano, the introduction is by Jaime Torres Torres, and the editorial care is by Robert Tellez M.

Activities outside of music

Let us remember that Don Perignon was working as a bailiff at the Puerto Rico Department of Justice until April 2023, when he finally retired and was able to dedicate himself in full to music because he finally had time for it. He also pointed out that, should his health permit him, he will be involved in many other collaborations and projects with other singers who want to enter the Puerto Rican market, and he is happy to be able help them.

Similarly, he assures us that he leaves it all in Our Lord Jesus Christ’s hands, who will let him know that he can achieve all this.

Cover of the book — Cover of ”La Salsa No Puede Morir, así dice Don Perignon”

70th Anniversary of the Sonora Ponceña at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum

Major guests joined the historic Sonora Ponceña concert, which was held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to mark the 70th anniversary of the musical career of one of the most important orchestras in the salsa scene.

The concert kicked off with a performance by the virtuoso timbalero, singer, and orchestra director Manolito Rodríguez. His orchestra, La Zónika, set the venue on fire with refreshing versions of ‘Encántigo’, ‘Sin tu cariño’ (Without Your Love), ‘Nina’, ‘Antillana’, ‘Maestro de rumberos’ (Master of Rumba Dancers), and ‘Piano man’. It’s worth noting that Manolito was part of “La Ponceña” from 2004 until the end of 2007.

Once La Zónica had warmed up the coliseum stage, the Sonora Ponceña began to deliver its repertoire, which included ‘Prende el fogón’ (Light the Stove), ‘Ñáñara cai’, ‘Ramona’, ‘Boranda’, ‘El rincón caliente’ (The Hot Corner), ‘Tumba Mabó’, and ‘Las mujeres son de azúcar’ (Women Are Made of Sugar) sung by Daniel Dávila; ‘Como amantes’ (Like Lovers), ‘Como te quise yo’ (How I Loved You), ‘Sigo pensando en ti’ (I Keep Thinking of You), ‘Timbalero’—which allowed the timbal player to dedicate himself to the instrument with a spectacular solo, ‘Fuego en el 23’ (Fire in ‘23), and ‘Luz negra’ (Black Light) performed by Darvel García. In fact, shortly after Darvel performed ‘Como amantes’, he was in charge of welcoming the pianist, composer, arranger, and director of the Sonora Ponceña, Papo Lucca, who enjoyed the concert from the stage in a wheelchair.

Omar Ledée, uno de los invitados de la Sonora Ponceña Foto By Conrado Pastrano

The rotation of the repertoire allowed for a dynamic interspersing of performances by the guests whom the concert production granted access to the celebration.

With 90 years of sabor (flavor/soul) and salsa, Luigui Texidor, who left the Sonora Ponceña in 1973, returned smiling and grateful. Texidor, who recently received the welcomed honor of seeing his name mark the street leading to Colonia Las Flores in Santa Isabel, his hometown, sang ‘El pío pío’, ‘Bomba carambomba’, and ‘Noche como boca de lobo’ (Night Like a Wolf’s Mouth / Pitch-Black Night).

Sharing that same celebratory vibe, one of the most remembered voices of “Los gigantes del sur” (The Giants of the South), Yolanda Rivera, who was part of “La Ponceña” until 1982, was heard. Rivera proudly recalled her seven years as a member of the orchestra while thanking the invitation to the historic concert, where she performed ‘Hasta que se rompa el cuero’ (Until the Skin Breaks), a track that featured a powerful bongo solo.

Omar Ledée performed ‘Remembranzas’ (Remembrances), originally recorded in the voice of his father, the late and ever-remembered Toñito Ledée, whom Omar represented in a heartfelt posthumous tribute.

Another fan favorite of the Sonora Ponceña followers is Pichie Pérez, who joined the group in 1983 “in substitution of Miguelito and Yolanda.” The singer performed ‘Te vas de mí’ (You Leave Me) and the updated version of an emblematic track, which for the celebration was titled ‘Jubileo ‘70’ (Jubilee ‘70), and which Pichie himself describes as “one of ‘La Ponceña’s’ iconic tracks and the first unreleased track I recorded.” The vocalist was associated with the orchestra for three decades, from 1983 to 2013. Since his departure, he has been promoting his solo career, making this the first time in 12 years he was heard live with his “alma mater” orchestra.

Orquesta La Zónika de Manolito Rodríguez, abriendo el espectáculo Foto By Conrado Pastrano

Wito Colón, who left the Sonora Ponceña 15 years ago, arrived ready to sing ‘Hachero pa’ un palo’, ‘Vas por ahí’ (You Go Around), ‘Yaré’, ‘Yambeque’which interspersed a powerful tumbadora (conga) solo, and ‘Sola Vaya’ (Go Alone), the latter song performed with Daniel Dávila and Darvel García. The vocalist was hailed by concertgoers as “the champion of the night” for his vocal power, as well as his charisma before the ardent audience.

Undoubtedly, it was an unforgettable night.

Also Read: Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

Latin America / November 2025

Events – November 2025

BAILATINO
La Resistencia Salsera

Nov 15, 2025

Bajo La Matica
2102, Maracay 2103
Aragua, Venezuela
+58 414 444-9767 / 424 340-0730

$ 10

DIRECTORY OF NIGHTCLUBS
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Alberto Gonzalez talks about his book on Hector Lavoe and his experience with ‘‘El Jibarito de Ponce’’

As an artist, one of the most noble actions to be taken is to honor the great artists whose legacy inspired later generations, including those who pay homage to them today. Proof of this is the talented bandleader, composer, singer, and now author, Alberto González, whom we thank for sharing his story and various facets of his life with us, including his role as the author of a new book about “the singer of all singers,” Hector Lavoe.

Alberto and his book on Hector — Author Alberto Gonzalez with a version of his book ”Hector Lavoe and Associates”

Alberto’s initial interest in music

Alberto’s initial interest in music began with an aunt from Puerto Rico who went to live with him and his parents in Chicago. She loved the music of Raphael and Sandro, so her nephew listened to them practically every day and ended up falling in love with their music and how they sang.

Little by little, Alberto began to learn their songs and was unknowingly taking his first steps toward becoming a professional singer. However, it did not stop there; he also listened to the trio music that his parents enjoyed and eventually to the salsa albums that his older brother began bringing to the house. Those salsa albums really caught Alberto’s attention.

Among the artists his brother listened to were Eddie Palmieri, La Sonora Ponceña, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Willie Colón, and the one who would become his greatest inspiration, Héctor Lavoe.

Eventually, his brother became a professional trumpet player and played with various salsa orchestras in Chicago. Since he always heard Alberto singing songs at home, in 1979, he suggested that he audition for a new band of young salsa musicians his manager was putting together. For the audition, Alberto was tasked with learning and singing the popular Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe song “Voso.”

Fortunately, his audition was a great success, and Alberto was asked to join La Típica Leal 79. The story behind the band’s name is interesting: Carlos Caribe Ruíz, the manager of the group, decided on the name Típica Leal because most of the members of his previous band, La Juventud Típica, decided one day to quit; they left him. For that reason, he decided to create a new band, and he made sure to add the word “Leal” (loyal in English) to the band’s name. His hope was that the new band, made up mostly of teenagers, would be loyal and not leave, just like the previous band did.

Sometime later, Alberto would go on to sing with a band called La Inspiración Latina, and he also worked briefly with Orquesta Yambo. In 2001, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began working with Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad, becoming one of their main vocalists and traveling the world with them and the band.

Alberto and Johnny Polanco — Alberto Gonzalez playing with Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad

Orquesta Salsa Caliente

When he left Johnny Polanco’s group, Alberto finally felt ready to form his own group, and that is how Orquesta Salsa Caliente was born. He has been leading the band for many years now and has even traveled with the band to Africa and Bermuda.

Over the past few years, Alberto has concentrated mainly on his work as an author. While he continues to perform, his primary focus has been on his debut book ‘‘Hector Lavoe and Associates.’’

Alberto’s Hector Lavoe Experience

In 1979, after auditioning and doing well with the song “Voso,” 15 year old Alberto officially became a member of La Tipica Leal 79.Caribe, the band’s manager, then asked him to learn a few more Hector Lavoe (and Willie Colon) songs. Since Hector was his favorite singer, he gladly learned the songs. Since his voice was somewhat similar to Hector’s, his bandmates began to affectionately call him “Baby Lavoe.”

In the fall of that same year, Alberto learned that Héctor and his orchestra were going to be performing in Chicago. Once he found that out, he asked Caribe to please take him to see Héctor, and, if at all possible, to introduce him to Héctor. Thankfully, he did get to go to that show, and he did meet Héctor. It was during that show, and during one of Héctor’s breaks, that he was able to take a photo with his favorite singer. Alberto still cherishes that photo to this very day. That night, he realized that Héctor was a “man of the people” due to his humility and how he treated others. The photo and his experience with Héctor were some of the main reasons why he decided to write a book about Lavoe. Over the years, many have criticized Héctor and have focused primarily on the negative aspects of his life. Sadly, many people are not familiar with the other side of Héctor, the humble, generous, and kind side of Lavoe. They will learn more about that side of Héctor in the new book.

Well, about a year and a half after first meeting Héctor, La Típica Leal 79 was booked to open for Celia Cruz and Héctor Lavoe. That show would take place at one of the most acclaimed dance halls in the city, where many of the greatest salsa artists performed over the years. That night, Alberto was able to share another conversation with Héctor, and he also took another photo with him. Héctor was generous with his time; he was kind and very accommodating. That’s something that Alberto never forgot.

This and other experiences are documented by the author in the book. Alberto actually interviewed about sixteen of Héctor’s former musicians, and eight of them are featured in the book. You’ll learn about their musical experiences, and you’ll be able to read about their experiences with “El Jibarito de Ponce,” Héctor Lavoe. These are the musicians that are featured: Gilberto Colon Jr., Eddie Montalvo, Jose Mangual Jr., Louie Romero, Eric Matos, Ray Feliciano, Danny Rosado, and Chino Núñez.

Alberto called the book “Héctor Lavoe and Associates,” and that title was somewhat inspired by Willie Colón’s 1978 compilation album “Willie Colón and Associates.”

Alberto and Salsa Caliente — Alberto Gonzalez and his orchestra Salsa Caliente

A few Lavoe stories from the book

Among the many anecdotes that can be read in the book, Alberto told us one in which, on one occasion, a couple of Héctor Lavoe’s musicians had their vehicle broken into, and all of their instruments were stolen. When Héctor found out what had happened, he bought them new instruments and told them not to worry about paying him back. He did not charge them a penny.

Here’s another story. During a show, one of Héctor’s trumpet players accidentally dropped his trumpet on the floor and damaged it beyond repair; the instrument was unplayable. What did Héctor do? Héctor gave him $1,000 to go buy a new trumpet and, once again, didn’t charge him a penny.

These are just a few of the many stories regarding Héctor Lavoe that you’ll be able to read in the more than 400 pages of the book. The book will be officially launched in the coming months. For more information, please visit: www.hectorlavoebook.com.

Alberto and Hector in Ponce — Alberto Gonzalez next to the statue of Hector Lavoe in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Trumpeter Davián Raúl Launches Solo Career with “Despierta Salsero” Album

Davián Raúl has released his debut production, Despierta Salsero, available now in digital format and on CD. The young Puerto Rican salsa artist is currently on a promotional tour for the album.

Davián Raúl is no stranger to the salsa scene. He’s been playing the trumpet since he was ten years old, starting with the Banda Sinfónica de Toa Baja. He eventually became a trumpeter for Sonora Ponceña, thanks to the support of Papo Lucca, director of “Los Gigantes del Sur.” To reach his current position, Davián Raúl pursued an education in Music Education and Performance, with the trumpet as his primary instrument. He is a graduate of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and is currently a music teacher at a school in Comerío, Puerto Rico, where he mentors students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

Trumpeter Davián Raúl launches his solo career with the album Despierta Salsero.

Before joining one of the most important and iconic salsa orchestras—one that heavily emphasizes the trumpet’s sound—Davián was a trumpeter for the orchestras of Nino Segarra, Primi Cruz, Osvaldo Román, and Anthony Cruz, to name a few. He was also part of Conjunto Chaney shortly before auditioning for La Ponceña. During his time as a backing musician, he traveled the world, playing his instrument in major venues and gaining the experience necessary to make his leap. Davián Raúl makes his debut as a solo singer with Despierta Salsero, bringing a solid hard salsa proposal aimed at satisfying the taste of true salsa aficionados.

Album Details

The album features 10 tracks encompassing hard salsa, romantic salsa, rumba, bolero, and son. The recording includes: ‘Al que nace pa’ salsero,’ ‘Tengo que marcharme,’ ‘La campana’ (a song dedicated to Cali, Colombia, known as “the salsa capital of the world”), ‘Ahora me extrañas,’ ‘Coño, despierta salsero,’ ‘Mientras me sigas necesitando,’ ‘Mi salsa no muere,’ ‘La pachanga,’ ‘Te traigo el son,’ and ‘Ten compasión.’ The orchestration was arranged by Raúl Berríos Raymundí, with arrangements by talented musicians such as Ramón Sánchez, Ernesto “Tito” Rivera, Ángel “Pajay” Torres, and Andy Guzmán. Nine of the ten compositions are original works by Raúl Berríos Raymundí and Irvin Raúl Berríos López. The tenth track, ‘Mientras me sigas necesitando,’ is a renowned song by the celebrated Camilo Sesto.

Musical Production and Guest Artists

The musical execution was handled by a carefully selected group of great Puerto Rican and international musicians. The congas feature “Pequeño” Johnny Rivero, Kachiro Thompson, Gadwin Vargas, Charlie Padilla, and Sammy García. Japhet Rodríguez, Pete Perignon, Edwin Clemente, Pablo Padín, and Diego Camacho play the timbal. Alexandra Albán, Luisier Rivera, Javier Oquendo, and Richard Carrasco perform on the bongos. Richard Bravo is on drums, while Raúl Berríos Raymundí, Sergio Múnera, Ricardo Lugo, Ramón Vázquez, and Pedro Pérez provide the rhythm on bass. Andy Guzmán, Ramón Sánchez, and Carlos García play the piano. The trumpet section showcases David “Piro” Rodríguez, Angie Machado, Jesús Alonso, Marito Ortiz, Dante Vargas, Pedro Marcano, Yoandy Vera, and Davián Raúl himself. José Berríos Raymundí and Irvin Raúl Berríos López contribute on trombones. For the choruses, the voices of Carlos García and Jorge Yadiel Santos alternate with those of Raúl, Irvin, and Davián himself. The sound engineering team responsible for mixing and mastering included Papo Sánchez, Andy Guzmán, and Rolando Alejandro. With this impressive lineup, Davián Raúl, one of the youngest members of the Berríos dynasty, makes his debut, confidently declaring that “salsa is still in control.”

Davián Raúl released his first production available in digital format and on compact disc, Despierta Salsero.

Endorsements

Recently, “El Caballero de la Salsa,” Gilberto Santa Rosa, endorsed Davián Raúl’s debut production via a video clip shared on social media. Santa Rosa stated, “Davián Raúl is a tremendous young talent whom you must listen to… so that true salseros know there’s plenty of salsa for a long time to come. Davián Raúl: Go for it!” In response, Davián Raúl commented on his Facebook page, “Infinite thanks (…) for making this dream possible. You didn’t just give me space, you gave me an opportunity worth gold! This is just the beginning… and may the salsero awaken throughout the world!”