Search Results for: Latin Jazz

Miles Bould, Percussionist / Drummer

Europe / England / London

Miles Bould is currently MD and drummer for Shaun Escoffery

Miles Bould was born in London took up Saxophone and Clarinet at a young age and was strongly musically influenced by his father, a producer who had worked with such Jazz luminaries as Gil Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Tracey and Tubby Hayes – many of these great musicians went on to be family friends.

In particular Dizzy noticed Miles’ musical passion turn specifically to percussion at around 10 years old and set him on his path as a percussionist by giving him three of his touring congas.

At age 15 Miles was jamming and working in clubs playing various styles of music; predominantly Latin, Jazz, Funk and Reggae.

He then joined his first serious Funk band ‘Sava Jazz’. Through that followed a meeting with guitarist Dominic Miller (Sting).

Dominic took Miles under his wing and they toured and have done many sessions together over the years. He was also spotted by Robert Palmer who he then began recording and gigging with.

He then met Julia Fordham who was very instrumental in helping Miles get more connected in the session scene. She hired him to tour and eventually record with her.

He went on to record and tour extensively with a broad spectrum of artists, including Sting, Daryl Hall, Joe Cocker, Level 42, Cher, Eternal, The Lighthouse Family, Julia Fordham, Incognito, The Pasadenas, The Beloved, Suggs, Shara Nelson, Simply Red etc. as both a percussionist and drummer.

He also recorded a sample CD with fellow percussionist Danny Cummings called ‘The Rhythm of Life’ which has been used by artists including Pat Metheny, George Michael, Brownstone, NYPD Blue.

It has also been used by many film composers. This was followed by another 2 sample CDs, Audiovirus a loop break beat collaboration with Miles and Mike Westergaard called ‘Intravenous’ and another specific drum and percussion CD by Miles called ‘The Progression’.

He also gigged with his own bands ‘Goosebump’, a Funk Rock band signed to Warner Chappell, and ‘Peoplespeak’ A Fusion project – Steps Ahead used one of their compositions ‘Agitate the Gravel’ for their 1992 album Ying Yang. He toured extensively with Billy Ocean and went on to co-write the title song on his 2010 album “Because I Love You”

The next few years saw Miles recording albums and gigging with more artists including quite a broad spectrum of artists including Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Joan Armatrading, Jermaine Jackson, Valerie Etienne (Galliano) Desert Eagle Discs, Gerard Presencer, Shaun Escoffery, Brand New Heavies, Russell Watson, Morcheeba, Daniel Beddingfield, Dominic Miller, Nigel Kennedy etc.

His current band ‘USONiC’ were nominated for a MOBO award in 2011 for best jazz act with their album ‘EVOLUTION’, which features Scott Henderson and Scott Kinsey of Tribal Tech.

Miles has his own professional recording studio where he currently carries out drum and percussion sessions remotely (full equipment spec on request).

Miles is touring and has just recorded a duet album with Dominic Miller for ECM records called “Silent Light”.

Miles is currently MD and drummer for Shaun Escoffery.

Carlos David Suarez

North America - USA - Texas - Houston

Carlos David Suarez, Professional dancer, choreographer, instructor and musician

Art has been in his veins since he was born, and Carlos David Suarez has cultivated his artistic gift, going far and traveling the world teaching and learning

He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and grew up in the west of the city in the 23 de Enero, a well-known area to give birth and raise artists, athletes and talented people.

Carlos knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a musician (timbalero) … At 7 or 8 years old, his parents took him to the house of one of the best percussionists in Venezuela and from that moment he began his career in the art world.

Later, his mother could not take him to music classes anymore and unfortunately had to leave them aside, and continue with his primary studies. Although in one way or another, he was always connected with the stage and the dance. At school, he was part of plays, acts, traditional dances and everything related to the arts.

Years later, he started playing soccer, and soon realized that he was in love with the sport, and began training hard to thrive within teams.

One of his main strengths is discipline, so he applied it to both: art and sport. He came to play on good teams and was seen himself playing professionally outside of his native country.

“Yes, I always saw myself outside Venezuela, not because of any specific situation, but because as a child I saw myself traveling the world with music, art, or sports.”

Years later, when he was 14, his older brother took him to Imagenes Latinas, an incredible artistic dance school where he trained, and the only one he attended for at least 8 years. There he studied ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, hip hop, funky, Latin genres and above all; Salsa.

“I had great teachers who gave me the opportunity, seeing that desire to be a better artist every day, especially Arelis Guevara, owner and choreographer of the company”

After many efforts, sacrifices, study and, above all, hours after hours of rehearsals, Carlos become the first dancer of the professional company for three consecutive years. He traveled with the company to many national and international events, conferences and TV shows … South America, USA, Europe and Asia.

After his stay in the company, he decided to take other roads, take his own path and do new things. It was part of a ballet where he made musicals and all kinds of varied shows. He learned a lot about other disciplines such as tap, flamenco, nationalist dance, tango; and even a little acting.

He was in the ranks of this ballet for two years and then took his path as a soloist. For the first time, he had the opportunity to travel outside his country; to Miami.

“I was working on famous nightclub shows; then I went to Los Angeles to work with another dance company that I was in for a short time and then I went to Panama. ”

He worked for a short time in Panama; he returned for a short time to Venezuela, and moved to Casablanca, Morocco, where he worked in Salsa and Bachata shows. After two years, and to continue evolving in his artistic career, he decided to go to Europe. He arrived to the city of Amsterdam, Holland, where he was doing shows and workshops at congresses as a soloist.

Soon, he moved to Germany to pursue his dance training … He lived in Germany for two years, worked at various dance schools, and began to expand his horizons, making himself known at Salsa conferences throughout Germany, Europe and Africa. Then after another job offer, and pursuing more dreams and learning, he moved to Milano, Italy, where he lived for a couple of years and the opportunities to go to conferences and festivals were multiplying, giving classes and workshops in Europe, Africa and the United States.

At the time of this interview, Carlos is based in the United States completing art projects with other companies.

“I have had the joy of playing as a musician, and working with excellent companies, dancers, famous awards and great artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Pitbull, Chino & Nacho, El Gran Combo de PR, Los Adolescentes, among others. .. ”

Carlos Suárez continues to study, train and learn more and more from this career, which in his opinion is infinite to learn. He continues to work as an instructor, choreographer and dancer, doing shows at many festivals, giving his best at every step, respecting his work, image, integrity and ethics.

Get to know Carlos David Suarez more closely

International Salsa Magazine (ISM): Define in 5 lines, who is Carlos Suarez?

Carlos Suarez (CS):

A person who respects everyone, considering that we are equal, and each one has a different knowledge, talent and strength. A person who aspired, fought and achieved his dream of being an artist, despite all the experiences. Lover to be able to help and teach everyone. Someone who always gives all the support and love to his family and friends. Very disciplined with himself and with his students.

ISM: What do you enjoy most about your profession?

CS: Being able to get to know many countries, cultures, new people, and above all, being able to inspire others to believe in a discipline such as art.

ISM On what platforms and upcoming events (face-to-face and virtual we will see you)?

CS: To see me on platforms or social media, you can go to my Instagram: @casu__ or my Facebook page: CaSu – Dance & Beats. On these two platforms I always leave all my videos of classes, shows, workshops, musicals, etc. Right now due to the pandemic I do not have specific information on where I will be presenting myself, but if you follow me on the social media, you will know just when I know it.

ISM: How do you see yourself in 5 years?

CS: Good question …

I still see myself exercising my career as an artist and dedicating myself much more to music, which is one of the things that I’m most passionate about, and I haven’t had the opportunity to dedicate myself 100%. I see myself as an even more trained person and with much more knowledge, I also see myself dedicating love to a family and above all … I see myself being happy without hurting anyone.

ISM: What is your advice for those young people who, like you, are fighting for their dreams in the dance world?

CS: My advice is to never let anyone make fun of your dreams, nor do you make fun of the dreams of others … I believed, I bet on myself, and I won … I am the artist I wanted to be and I still have a long way to go, but all this does not come alone … It is a process that costs a lot, studying, preparing, always staying mentally and physically fit, learning languages so that they can defend themselves in the world and, above all, be people who love and respect their work … Art.

Mauro Mosquera Singer and Composer from Medellín Colombia

Mauricio Esneider Mosquera (Mauro Mosquera) was born in the city of Medellín and has composed songs for various artists such as El Combo de las Estrellas, Pipe Bueno, John Alex Castaño, Diego Galé, among others.

He has been part of great orchestras as a singer and some are: El Grupo Niche, Fruko y sus Tesos, The Latin Brothers, La Sonora Dinamita, Orquesta Metal Puro de Ecuador.

He has also recorded choruses with Los Gigantes del Vallenato, Hevert Vargas, El Grupo Niche, Olga Tañon, for different artists of Codiscos y Discos Fuentes, Los Grandes de la Salsa Volumen II, Maité Hontelé, etc.

As a soloist he has recorded three albums and has been contracted by: Manizales, Pereira, Bogotá, Pasto, Cali, Quibdó, Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Los Angeles California, New York, Dallas, Utah, Montreal, Toronto, Quebec.

He is currently producing music for national and international Salsa artists and national popular music.

He has been invited as a singer to important events with the Symphony of Pereira in several opportunities, with the Symphonic Band of the University of Antioquia and with his Swing Orchestra he has performed in Medejazz, in the Fair of the Flowers and in the municipal parties of Antioquia.

Ángel Canales the Legacy Perico Macoña

Angel Canales is an icon of Salsa, one of the performers who despite his early retirement, his music is still frequently played in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Panama among others, his legacy has impacted many generations of musicians and producers, who admire his ideas, his rebelliousness, his daring when choosing arrangers and musicians, breaking patterns and schemes.

Perico Macoña - MAuro Masquera Ft. Budu — Perico Macoña – MAuro Masquera Ft. Budu

“Perico Macoña”, the voice of Mauro Mosquera from Colombia and the urban touch with Budu from Venezuela.

This musical project was born with the idea of showing this legacy to new generations, keeping the essence in the arrangements and without trying to imitate him, each performer gives a new personality to the songs, a production full of special guests, directed by the young talent Irving Manuel, the first promotional cut was presented in November 2019 in the voice of Rafu Warner with the classic “Hace Tiempo”.

Beginning in 2020 the recordings continued until the whole project and the recording of the guests was delayed due to the pandemic, although not with the same speed several musical sessions could be finished and thanks to today’s technology that allows us to record from a distance, the second single of the production entitled “Perico Macoña” was completed, the voice of Mauro Mosquera from Colombia and the urban touch with Budu from Venezuela, achieving a mix between the classic sound and the current.

These two songs are available worldwide on all digital platforms and of course on YouTube. Throughout the year, the new cuts of the production will continue to be presented, seeking to bring together a strong group of guests who, with all due respect, will take this musical legacy to new generations to last for many years to come.

Mauro Mosquera Singer and Composer from Barranquilla Colombia.

By: Diana Maria Ruti – Miami Correspondent for International Salsa Magazine

Yaroldy Abreu Robles is one of the talents of the new generation present in Cuba

Yaroldy Abreu Robles was born on February 22, 1977 in Sagua de Tánamo, Holguín, Cuba.

Excellent percussionist and arranger. Among the many talents of the new generation of Cuban experts in Cuban rhythms of French-Haitian origin and knowledge of Afro-Cuban folklore, Yaroldy is an imaginative and expressive percussionist, with great technique and virtuosity, with an original style.

Yaroldy Abreu Robles es uno de los talentos de la nueva generación presentes en Cuba

A member of a new batch of Cuban percussionists, he stands out for his genius and mastery, to hear him play is an enjoyment for the senses.
He radiates vitality and joy, his hands seem to fly and at the same time caress the drums causing a magical and contagious effect on those who listen to him. He is currently one of the members of the Maestro Chucho Valdés Quintet.

He grew up in an environment rich in traditions and with his grandmother he learned about the activities of Tumba Francesa de Bejuco.

This is an association of solidarity that preserves and enhances the folklore of French-African-Caribbean origin through cultural recreational meetings, and especially the celebrations organized by the slaves of Haiti.
He is not a great connoisseur of the Yoruba culture, he is not a believer, but he feels attracted by the symbolism and the music of the magic Afro-Cuban religious cults.

He began studying guitar as his first instrument at the Casa de la Cultura. Then at the age of nine he began classical percussion at the Escuela Vocacional de Arte de Holguín and in 1996 he entered the ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte) in Havana, where he graduated in 2001. Sound in the whole range of percussion of academic character and those of the Afro-Cuban tradition.

Yaroldy Abreu Robles Pintura por la Artista Inés Garridos

The first band where he played was called Son de Sagua, in which he played guitar with a mixed repertoire. His debut was with percussion, bongo in several groups and then with a wider range of instruments.

He began working with the group Piapá, doing experimental percussion, and a classical percussion quintet.

Also with dance music groups such as Pupy and Los Que Son Son and others. In 1997 he became a professional with Maraca and Otra Visión internacional, in 2000 he joined Irakere and in 2001 he joined the quartet of Chucho Valdés, the great protagonist of Cuban music in the last forty years as composer, director and discoverer of talents.
Among the young Cuban percussionists who continue to renew the grammar and pronunciation of the Afrolatino tumbadora in jazz, one of the most influential names is the thirty-one Yaroldy Abreu, whose point of reference is the work of the great immortal masters such as Chano Pozo, Tata Güines, Mongo Santamaría, Jorge “El Niño” Alfonso and Miguel “Angá” Díaz.

Discography in which he has participated
Yaroldy Abreu Robles

Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura – New Cuba Sound Año 2009

Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura 2010

Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura Remixed 2010

Chucho Valdés & The Afro-Cuban Messengers 2013

Larry Harlow ”El Judío de la Salsa”: innovative and irreverent

A set of innovative ideas

Recorded live on January 16, 1974 at Sing Sing Prison, listeners will immediately discover that the musicians actually came to play from the first note. In a recent conversation, Harlow considers this album to be one of the best of his career and tells how the enthusiasm of the audience positively affected the performance. This was the only Latin album to be recorded in quadraphonic format. The basic concept was similar to today’s surround sound systems, but the way to achieve the four audio channels changed in terms of format.

Harlow took advantage of new technology and recorded the live album live an 8-channel RCA unit and mixed the recording by spinning on a chair surrounded by four speakers. The Fania sound was created by New York musicians who added swing and a distinctive musical sensibility to Cuban son and other Spanish-speaking Caribbean genres. In the process, they twisted the music into something totally new. “Live in Quad” provides an opportunity to hear that musical transformation, as the main part of the music from this concert consists of compositions by Arsenio Rodriguez.

In the 1950s, Harlow made several visits to Cuba, where he followed and became friends with Rodriguez. Back in New York, he had the opportunity to play with his idol and eventually dedicated an full album to him. For Harlow, the piano is overdubbed and interacted with a harpsichord, simulating the union of the tres and the piano made by Arsenio. This album sounds as exciting and fresh as it did 32 years ago. “Señor Sereno,” Harlow’s big hit with Ismael Miranda, opens the album. Junior Gonzalez, who debuted with Harlow in Hommy, gives us his own version. On a personal level, this performance is an example of the Fania sound: great orchestral work, swing and energy.

More details about the album

Also from Hommy, the song “Gracia Divina” grows in intensity with Tony Jiménez’s brilliant rhythmic fills over Harlow’s guajeos and the powerful swing of the horn section. Justo Betancourt’s gifted voice stars in the treatment given by Harlow to “Mayari” by Compay Segundo. “Jóvenes Del Muelle” is another Cuban classic, arranged by the great Barry Rogers. The arrangement and playing evoke classic ensembles while still sounding modern. Here we listen to trombone solos and a tasty bass solo by Eddie Guagua Rivera.

To date, Harlow is best known for his version of “The Wallet.” This arrangement by Sam Burtis in a masterclass. Notice the Lilí Martínez’s influence in Harlow’s solo, followed by fine trumpet solos and another violin solo by Lewis Kahn. “Tumba y Bongo” was originally composed for Arsenio’s rhythm section (Kila, Quique and Chocolate). This arrangement by Mark Weinstein highlights an exciting hand-to-hand between Pablo Rosario and Tony Jimenez, who delights the audience when he raises his drum in the middle of the solo.

“Suéltala” provides a framework for Júnior González’s soneos while offering exciting solos by Reynaldo Jorge and Nicky Marrero. “Arsenio”, the theme song of the dramatic album Harlow recorded in tribute to his musical hero, gets the matancero flavor of Justo Betancourt with Tony Jimenez standing out with another great solo. In “Descarga Final,” Harlow unleashes the creativity of the members of his orchestra and the singers exchange soneos in a friendly hand-to-hand. Guagua offers another impressive solo while the percussionists are meant to steal the show.

Credits:

Ralph Castrella – Trumpet

Charlie Miller – Trumpet

Junior Gonzalez – Maracas

Larry Harlow – Piano, Harpsichord

Reynaldo Jorge – Trombone

Pablo “El Indio” Rosario – Bongo, Cowbell

Anthony “Tony” Jimenez – Congas

Nicky Marrero – Timbales

Eddie “Guagua” Rivera – Bass

Lewis Kahn – Trombone, Violin

Lead Singers – Justo Betancourt, Junior Gonzalez

Choir – Adalberto Santiago, Larry Harlow, Ralp Castrella

Master Of Ceremonies – Paco Navarro

Producer – Larry Harlow

Engineer – Bernie Fox

Assistant Engineer – Randall Shepherd

Mixing – Good Vibration Studios, N. Y. C.

Recorded Live – Sing Sing, January 16, 1974.

Arrangements – Louie Cruz (“Señor Sereno,” “Gracia Divina”), Larry Harlow (“Mayari,”, “Descarga Final”), Barry Rogers (“Jóvenes del Muelle”), Sam Burtis (“La Cartera”), Mark Weinstein (“Tumba y Bongo”), Charlie Camilleri (“Suéltala”), Bobby Valentín (“Arsenio”)

Original Album Cover – Gary Mason

Metal Graphic Art From Original Album – Charlie Rosario

Devised used by Harlow — Device used by Harlow to record the album

Señor Sereno
Ismael Miranda

Garcia Divina
Larry Harlow / Jenaro ”Heny’’ Álvarez

Mayarí

Jóvenes Del Muelle
Sabino Peñalver

La Cartera
Arsenio Rodríguez

Tumba Y Bongó
Arsenio Rodríguez

Suéltala
Arsenio Rodríguez

Arsenio
Larry Harlow / Ismael Miranda