Search Results for: Latin Jazz

Takashi Nakazato

Asia / Japan / Tokyo

Takashi Nakazato, Multi- percussionist specializing in various musical genres.

Takashi Nakazato born in Asakusa, Tokyo is a multi-percussionist specializing in various musical genres.

He has performed with numerous well-known artists throughout his career, as well as performing with “The Lion King, The Musical” for five years.

Nakazato has toured most of Europe and Asia with the Jaribu Afrobeat Orchestra, Jazztronik, Fried Pride (Tokyo Jazz Festival etc) Kyoto Jazz Massive (North Sea Jazz Festival, Tokyo Crossover Jazz Festival etc) and toured China with the Online Game Orchestra (Ro Legend 2016)

Takashi has also toured Japan with famed pianist, Yukie Nishimura and toured Mala in Cuba.

He was the only Japanese percussionist to be hired for the gig. Takashi studied for a long while in Cuban, learning Cuban folklore and Bata under the wing of greats like Adonis Panter Calderon, Barbaro Yordany Crespo Richard (Osain Del Monte) and Angel Boraño.

He studied the Conga drum under Tomas “El Panga” Ramos, Edger Martinez and Joaquin Pozo.

His timbal mentor was Juan Carlos Rojas. He made Santo, Obatala, while in Cuba.

Nakazato has his own fusion band, Piecework, and is also a member of 10 piece percussion group, Orquesta Nadge! Nadge! And Ayumigos (Japanese and Cuban members of Latin Jazz).

Nakazato released his first album “Clandestina,” which included guests Luisito Quintero, Robert Quintero, Calixto Oviedo, Karl Vanden Bossche and Olí Savill. His percussion instruction book & DVD was published in 2014.

He is currently a member of the orchestra of maestro Jimmy Bosch ¨The Trombon Criollo de La Salsa ¨ and at the same time is an exclusive artist of the percussion instrument brand Gon Bops in Los Angeles California.

https://www.facebook.com/takashi.nakazato.75

Salsa: From New York to the world!

North America – United States – New York

Last February we actively participated in different activities in New York, promoted by different instances and always supported from the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum and The Johnny Cruz Show.

Johnny Cruz: We were part of the Somos Puerto Rico event, together with more than 25 artists and with the collaboration of La Boom, which allowed thousands of people to work for our island: Puerto Rico. There was a lot of music, and we were accompanied by artists such as Jova Rodríguez, Arlene, Roberto Vásquez, Anissa Gatners, Fernando Berniero, Alex Bautista, Jen Carrasco and Kevin Tapia, among others.

We also had typical food for sale and many initiatives aimed at saving so many lives in need. From this event we want to continue bringing families to the United States and they can be calm until they stop shaking in the south west of Puerto Rico. You are not alone!

In addition, we are working hard on a documentary about Frank Ferrer, always thinking of immortalizing figures that have consolidated Salsa in the world as a Latin genre of world projection.

Salsa, as you know, is a typically New York musical genre, the result of the influence of great Latin jazz musicians, and the existence of a youth of Latin origin born, or resident in New York, in slums where Salsa is the best expression, spiced up by the exile produced by the Cuban Revolution and the awareness of American racial minorities.

In 1964, Johnny Pacheco, a flutist of Dominican origin, and Jerry Masucci, a young businessman, founded the Fania label, which gave the old Latin labels, a more modern sense of Caribbean music. Musicians and singers of the previous generation were reinvented, but others were incorporated as a young Willie Colon, the Palmieri brothers, Eddy and Charlie; Papo Luca, Ray Barreto, Larry Harlow. And, there were also singers who put their voice to Salsa to tell stories of the street, daily or reflexive, that were the mirror of the life of the neighborhoods: Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto de Santiago, Andy Montáñez, the Ismaeles -Miranda and Ribera-, Justo Betancourt, Héctor Lavoe or Rubén Blades.

Johnny Cruz Salsa: From New York to the world!

The influence of the Cuban revolution had led composers and salsa musicians to become aware that it was necessary to compose songs that talked about what was happening in the streets from a critical perspective, giving way to a new salsa and foot reality for characters as Frank Ferrer started from folklore and protest to arrive at salsa mixing both concepts in an exemplary album: Yerbabuena. All this and much more can be enjoyed very soon.

For this month of March, Puerto Rico will organize the 1st World Salsa Collectors Meeting and of course we will be there representing New York with the Salsa Museum (SPAHA Salsa Gallery Museum). From March 7th, at least 15 organizations of this type of collector from seven countries will exhibit their collections of the Caribbean genre.

The collectors meeting will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, in Miramar, under the theme “La Salsa se baila así” and will be free admission. It will be attended by collectors from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and several cities in the United States.

That day will be the official release in LP format of the album “Mario Ortiz, 55 Aniversario”, nominated for the last edition of the Latin Grammys.

The event includes memorabilia exhibitors of legendary salsa artists such as Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, Roberto Roena o la Sonora Ponceña, as well as the Museo de la Salsa de Puerto Rico or the Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular.

Pieces from the Jairo Varela Museum, renowned deceased Colombian musician, whose orchestra Grupo Niche is still active and triumphing around the world will be presented. The writer Daniel Nina, will give a lecture about Salsa, and Puerto Rican dancer Tito Ortos will talk about the history of salsa dancing. We can enjoy live music with the group Cubaneo 54, and a great closing with the several times awarded Big Band of the Free School of Music of San Juan, directed by Professor Manuel García. See you there!

As always, remember that Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029. Open free to the public all Thursdays & Fridays from 4 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 8 pm. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

Johnny Cruz - Spaha Salsa Gallery — Johnny Cruz – Spaha Salsa Gallery

Also, The Johnny Cruz Show, the #1 Salsa Show on television on all 5 Boroughs of New York on CH67. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505. [email protected].

By Johnny Cruz Correspondent, New York City, New York

Rolando Sanchez

USA / Hawaii / Honolulu

Rolando Sanchez: Percussionist, Singer, Composer, Producer and leader is the best selling Latin American artist in Hawaii

Rolando Sanchez Percussionist – Singer – Songwriter – Producer, leader of Hawaii’s Premiere, longest running, bestselling Latin recording artist from Hawaii.

In this Site you will experience the history and achievements of this musical Family called “SALSA HAWAII” for over 20-years, performing, recording, touring and just sharing the love and ALOHA of our Latin Music Wolrdwide.

With CDs sold Worldwide and the number of awards and accolades from press, government, musical organizations, community organizations, locally, nationally and Internationally.

HONOLULU TROPICAL

Celebrating 20 years of Latin Music in Hawaii Rolando Sanchez Salsa Hawaii Singer, Songwriter, Percussionist (timbales-congas-bongos-drums) Recording Artist, and Producer. Born in Masaya, Nicaragua, to a musical, artistic family; his father, an accomplished songwriter, pianist, and singer.

His mother also played piano and sang as with most of his immediate family. His musical influence began at a very young age playing drums with neighbourhood kids emanating the music of the time (i.e.: Beatles, Trini Lopez, Paul Anka, etc.).

In his early teens he began listening to more Latin music styles, which formed the basis for his music today. The bands that influenced him at the time were Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Billo’s Caracas Boys, Sonora Matanzera, Sonora Santanera, Daniel Santos, and a Nicaraguan band Los Satelites del Ritmo.

Rolando Sanchez playing drums in concert

In the late 60s, the family relocated to San Francisco, California where he grew up and truly realized that music was to be his life. The music scene in the Bay Area at this time was very diverse. He delved in all the different styles.

During that time, Latin music was beginning to blossom and all kinds of Latin-style bands such as The Aliens, Latin Bloods, Los Beamers, Bandido, Unidad 77, and Limbo began to play in and around the Bay Area.

Cesar’s Club was THE place to be to experience the best Latin musicians (Pete and Coke Escovedo, Roger Glenn, Luis Gazca, Pablo Telles, Victor Pantoja, performing live.

That’s when Rolando Sanchez realized his passion for Latin music and particularly Timbales. Then it happened! Santana Band came out and proved to be the biggest inspiration for all Latin musicians in the Bay Area (the world) including Rolando. It seemed that Latin bands were coming out of the woodwork: Azteca, Malo, Sapo, Dakila, and Salsa De Berkeley to name a few. He played with different bands in San Francisco’s Latin music scene and shortly thereafter, decided it was time to start his own band called SOLAR; they played a mixture of Latin rock and Latin jazz fusion

Rolando Sanchez and his brother Mario (still playing congas with Bay Area bands) were also some of the guys hanging out at Dolores Park in the Mission District playing congas and timbales along with such notables as Raul Rekow, Karl Perazzo, Chepito Areas, Carlos Badia, John Santos, and many other well-known Bay Area Latin percussion artists of today.

His band gained popularity and started playing the circuit where he met and befriended such artists as Pete and Sheila E. and Master Armando Peraza who helped develop his affinity for percussions.

While playing in the Bay Area, SOLAR was billed with bands like Azteca, Azuquita, Sapo, Cal Tjader, Cesar’s All-Star Band, Willie Bobo, and others.

After their break-up, he formed the band SUNSMOKE together with his uncle, Freddie Velasquez, who had just returned to the Bay Area from touring the country with the Phil Driscoll Band. SUNSMOKE quickly became well-known in the Bay Area and they toured the west coast and Canada where they opened for blues master B.B. King and performed at the Canadian Rock Festival with bands from all over the world.

After a couple of very busy years, including recording some demos for major record labels, they broke up and Rolando spent some time in Los Angeles checking out the music scene there. Upon returning to the Bay Area, he joined MESSIAH, one of the hottest Funk/Gospel/Rock/Disco bands. Their single, “Get up on Your Feet and Dance”, became a hit in the International disco scene. MESSIAH then went on to Japan where they enjoyed instant success and toured for 4 months. Shortly after their return, the band broke up and the Rolando Sanchez Band was born. Composing and writing his own material, Rolando released his first single cassette with two original songs, “She’s the Lady” and “Cold Hearted Woman”.

She’s the Lady” was made into a music video shown on local stations on both east and west coasts at the very beginning of the MTV movement. It featured some of the Bay Area’s nest musicians including vocalist Jo Baker (Elvin Bishop Band). After being in the Bay Area for nearly 20 years, Rolando felt the need for a change of pace in his life. In 1984, he visited his sister in Hawaii and the rest, as they say, is history.

Not long after arriving in Honolulu, Rolando decided to make it his home and the place where he would throw his musical fate to the wind.

His very first musical engagement in Honolulu was at the Waikiki

Shell with one of Hawaii’s hottest singer/songwriters of that year, Mr. Audy Kimura, in celebration of 25 Years of Statehood. This made it all the more clear to him that he was in the right place.

Great news from New York!

North America / USA / New York

In this edition (Johnny Cruz) I would like to tell you about the memorable career of my good friend Nicky Marrero, whom I esteem and consider to be one of the best timbaleros in the world and who has been an inspiration to many artists of different generations, even today. Also, Nicky is about to turn years this month.

Born in the New York Bronx, the great percussionist and timpani teacher Nicholas Marrero

Known to all as Nicky Marrero, of Puerto Rican roots, came to the world on June 17, 1950 and grew up among musical instruments such as the maracas, güiros, and the guitars through his family. His born talent led him to start studying the drums, but he was seduced by the sounds and influence of Tito Puente and Willie Bobo.

His musical debut was with Orquesta Caribe. There has been speculation about his first recording at age 15 with Willie Colón’s band, but that recording was not released. His first published recordings, in which he participated as timpani player, were the albums El Malo and The Hustler, by Willie Colón, recorded in 1968 for the Fania Records label in LP format. He was invited to participate in a single titled Descarga de Dos Pianos with Charlie Palmieri and Louie Ramírez.

In 1968, Nicky Marrero worked with Eddie Palmieri’s band; That same year, he took part in the recording of the Champagne album, released by the Tico Records label. He has participated with maestro Eduardo Palmieri in fifteen albums between 1968 and 2018, most of them very successful.

In fact, with albums The Sun of Latin Music and Unfinished Masterpiece, they won the Latin Grammy Award. Nicky Marrero is one of the best timbaleros in the history of Latin music; in 1973, he replaced Orestes Vilato in the Fania All Stars of Pacheco and Masucci, with which he made tours, presentations and concerts playing the timpani in many countries of the world.

Nicky Marrero’s gigantic musical career has allowed him to participate in the most important Fania recordings; there are around 25 musical productions in which the imprint of his timpani, his bongo and his bell with La Fania All Stars has been registered.

Not only Latin music and Latin Jazz have had the participation of the Bronx timbalero, other musical genres such as Jazz, Rock, Funk, Soul, World, Country, Stage & Screen; have also had the participation of the portentous timbalero. The most important groups of Latin music, as well as the greatest musicians and singers of Salsa, have had the participation of this prodigious musician.

With great emotion, I congratulate and greet my friend Richard Román for the 25th Anniversary of Radio Salsa Superior, I wish him and his team many successes to continue his work in the world of music. The celebration will be virtual, given the circumstances, but stay tuned because many surprises come. The marvelous Salsa Superior team transmits day by day from Miami at salsasuperior.com/radio.

I want to congratulate my great friend Rafael Ithier and all the musicians of the Gran Combo on their 58th anniversary. Keep reaping successes and being part of the salsa tradition of those who love this genre. For many more years dancing to the rhythm of the Gran Combo of Puerto Rico.

I also want to highly recommend Eddie Montalvo’s new CD: Señor Tambó. The great percussionist of the Stars of Fania and Six of the Solar delights us with a production that has ten songs in collaboration with prominent salsa exponents of the old and new school. A tribute to Rubén Blades with the participation of the Gaitanes. The musical production was in charge of Pedro Bermúdez and also has the musical arrangements of Carlos Torres and Chino Núñez. The production is available on all digital platforms and in traditional CD and Vinyl formats.

Last but not least, It is an honor for me to invite you to tune in to my new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com: Salsagallery. Great music, artist interviews and much more made with love for you all. There is the link: https://live365.com/station/a77973

For now, it will not be possible to open to the public the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029, but you can see the entire exhibition with more than 200 articles through our social media. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

At the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum we are happy to affirm that New York City is preparing to resume its activities little by little. We hope to have more news and soon as we can return to normality.

Remember not to leave your homes unless necessary, stay safe and stay home until the authorities tell us to. Health is first.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505. [email protected].

By Johnny Cruz, ISM Correspondent, New York, New York City

Luis Conte: A great percussionist respected all around the world

Luis Conte is recognized as one of the most respected and prolific percussionists in contemporary music. Famous and respected around the world, this Cuban artist has backed acts such as James Taylor, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Shakira, Aretha Franklin, Céline Dion, Selena and hundreds more.

The Grammy winning musician Luis Conte known for flawless technique and an unparalleled ability to seamlessly incorporate Latin percussion and world drumming into popular music. He is a master of percussion instruments such as the cajon, congas, timbales, bongos, clave, cowbell, shakers, maracas, pandeiros, and guiro. In addition to Latin and World rhythms, Luis teaches Hip-Hop, Electronica, Jazz, Reggae and many other styles.

Conte is originally from Santiago de Cuba, where he grew up surrounded by the most authentic traditions of traditional popular music and the strong rhythmic presence of the music from Santiago. Living in Santiago he could see and hear the Santiago conga, the carnivals, the street rumbas. His father took him to events. He also remembers the Santiago trova. There was always music in his house and his father’s troubadour friends played. To all this he attributes a lot of his way of playing and interpreting all forms and styles of music.

Very young he emigrated to Spain and then to the United States, there he settled in Los Angeles. In this city he began his musical career as a guitarist in various rock groups. Later he developed his talent on drums and percussion at Los Angeles City College, he quickly became one of the most respected percussionists internationally.

Conte proved himself versatile musically, at the age of 18 he began to move in the musical circle, and by 1973, he was playing regularly in local clubs. He quickly became a busy studio musician, and throughout the 1970s, he played in the Latin Jazz band Caldera. His first tour was in 1974 with The Hues Corporation, they had a hit titled “Rock the Boat”. From there everything continued, always making new contacts and relationships with musicians and, since then, he has worked with countless artists and recorded on more than 2,000 albums.

Some of Luis’ musical influences :

All the drummers that play in Carnival in Santiago
Tata Guines
Mongo Santa Maria
Papin
Patato Valdez
Armando Peraza
Francisco Aguabella
Airto Moreira

His live performance and touring career took off when he joined Madonna’s touring band in the 1980s. To date, Conte has built an extremely successful career including a run composing and playing in ABC TV’s Dancing with the Stars band, among dozens or hundreds of other tv and film projects.

His debut as a bandleader came in 1987, when he released La Cocina Caliente, which included a Latinized version of Chopin’s “Susarasa”. Conte also played percussion on the Pat Metheny Group release ‘We Live Here’, in 1995, on the Pat Metheny ‘From This Place’, in 2020 as well as I Mother Earth’s first two albums Dig (1993) and Scenery and Fish (1996).

Conte has toured as part of James Taylor’s “Band of Legends.” He has also played alongside such famed musicians as Alex Acuña, Jaguares, Larry Klimas, and David Garfield, both as a bandleader and a sideman.

Luis Conte was part of Phil Collins 1997 “Dance into the Light” tour and 2004 “First Farewell Tour”, performing in both of them Afro-Cuban percussion and adding more depth into the concert songs. He also performed during The Phil Collins Big Band tours in 1996 and 1998 and again during the Phil Collins Not Dead Yet tours 2017/2018. In 1999 Conte collaborated in Maná MTV Unplugged project.

The cinema has also had the collaboration of this great artist who has participated in the recording of the soundtracks of well-known titles of contemporary filmography such as Transformers (1 and 2), The Lost City (Andy García), Hankock, Rain Man, Mission: Impossible, The Italian Job, among others.

He transmits his knowledge

Knowledge is nothing if it is not shared so that more people can progress and grow music, and Luis Conte knows it. For this reason he began the following initiatives.

Luis Conte has created an extensive repository of world percussion lessons. Students in the percussion course have unlimited access to a collection of guided, high quality percussion lessons and an extensive library of play-along tracks.

In addition, it has its own line of drumsticks and instruments supported by Meinl Percussion and the company of instruments of Zildjian. Has launched its line of congas, drums and shakers that was unveiled at the NAMM Show (2005).

Conte has the Guide to Latin Percussion Vol. I in its 2nd Edition, with the aim to help you become a well-equipped percussionist capable of performing comfortably in the most common musical situations within the Afro-Caribbean/Brazilian spectrum.

Proud to be Cuban

Luis Conte has always shown a deep love for his country. He carries his name with pride wherever he goes. In 2009 he had the opportunity to return to Cuba and it was a dream come true.

In an interview he stated: “When I returned to Cuba I realized that it had not been complete, my heart was missing something and that was to be back in Cuba, I am already whole.”

Conte listens and always tries to be aware of what is happening musically in Cuba. Cuba is a source of music.

He eagerly awaits the opportunity to travel to Cuba and be able to play with the great interpreters of the island.

For him, the Cuban is in the field with its royal palms, the sea breeze, the beaches, the mountains of the East, cane, tobacco and rum… the rumba, the changüí, the danzón, the mambo, the son, the tres guitar, the tomb, the bongo and the harpsichord… the maracas and the güiro. Always affirms: “Cuba is Cuba!”

Luis Conte’s Discography

In addition to having participated in countless albums for various artists, many of them worldwide success, Luis Conte has his own discography, among which is:

La Cocina Caliente, Denon Records (1988)
Black Forest, Luis Conte, Denon Records (1978, Realización 1989)
The Road, Luis Conte (1995)
Cuban Dreams, Luis Conte, Rounder Records (2000)
Dvd Luis Conte Signature Congas, Meinl
Dvd Live At Pas, Luis Conte
Dvd Studio Percussionist, Luis Conte (2003)
Dvd The Latin Jazz Trio, Luis Conte, David Garfield, David Carpenter.
A Coat Of Many Colors, Wolds Drummers Ensemble, Summerfold (2006)
Marímbula, Luis Conte, (2007)
Dvd The Ultimate Drummers Weekend, 10th Anniversary, Dave Weckl Band (2010)
En Casa De Luis, Luis Conte Bmf Jazz (2011)
Our World in Song, Wu Man, Luis Conte Y Daniel Ho. Wind Music International (2014)

Deserved awards

Luis Conte’s genius stems from his ability to integrate the powerful rhythms of his native Cuba with the American necessities of American pop music. His long and varied career has included numerous awards.

“Percussionist of the Year” – Modern Drummer Reader’s Poll (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)

“Percussionist of the Year” – Drum Magazine (2007, 2008, 2009)

“Studio Percussionist of the Year” – Drum Magazine (2007, 2008, 2009)

Nominated for the 2015 Grammy Awards in the category of “Best Music Album in the World” for Our World in Song, Wind Music International (2014).

From 2018, is the Cultural Ambassador of Instituto Latino de la Música (ILM).

New plans are coming

For this 2020, Conte had a tour scheduled with James Taylor, but the dates have been postponed and are being rescheduled to 2021, so no one will be left wanting to see his magnificent presentation

” I really don’t know how I got started playing. As far back as my memory will go, I owned a drum. It’s like asking someone how long they’ve been breathing.”