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Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flautists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Valentín: The Master of the Flute in Latin Jazz.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important flutists in the history of Latin jazz, thanks to his technique, rhythm, and vast musical knowledge.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flutists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Born in the Bronx, New York, on April 29, 1952, to Puerto Rican parents from Mayagüez, Valentín grew up in a home filled with music. From the sounds of Tito Rodríguez and Tito Puente to Machito, the musical culture that surrounded him as a child was a major influence. Although he loved the bongos and congas, he joined a Latin group as a timbalero during his teenage years. He played in the “cuchifrito” circuit and in working-class dance halls in New York.

Dave Valentín’s life largely reflects the story of the children of Puerto Rican immigrants in New York who forged their own destiny through hard work, dedication, talent, and family support. In fact, the musician, composer, and arranger himself liked to say that “each person creates their own reality.”

A Legacy-Filled Career

GRP Records Pioneer: Valentín was the first artist to sign with the influential GRP record label, which allowed him to consolidate his career and spread jazz fusion and Latin jazz to a wider audience. He recorded 16 albums with the label, including titles like Legends, The Hawk, Land of the Third Eye, Pied Piper, In Love’s Time, Flute Juice, Kalahari, and Red Sun, among others. These works combine the intensity of Latin cadences with influences from pop, R&B, Brazilian music, and smooth jazz. For the musician, being signed by this multinational company represented “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Notable Collaborations: Throughout his career, he worked with major figures in jazz and Latin music such as Tito Puente, Manny Oquendo, Cano Estremera, Eddie Palmieri, Ricardo Marrero, Dave Grusin, and Patti Austin.
Awards and Recognitions:
- He earned a Grammy nomination in 1985.
- He won a Grammy Award in 2003 for his work on the album Caribbean Jazz Project, alongside vibraphonist Dave Samuels.
- He was chosen as the top jazz flutist by readers of Jazziz magazine for seven consecutive years.

Come Fly with Me (2006)

Dave Valentin - Come Fly With Me — Dave Valentin – Come Fly With Me

Dave Valentín always moved in the realm of fusion. His incorporation of smooth jazz elements, Latin influences, and the sensitivity of modern jazz made him a difficult artist to pigeonhole. Come Fly with Me is one of his most notable albums, as it focuses on a direct approach to Latin jazz. The majority of the songs are Afro-Cuban with a New York flair, without including funk or samba rhythms.

Driven by a formidable rhythm section that includes Robert Ameen on drums, Milton Cardona and Richie Flores on percussion, Luques Curtis on bass, and his friend Bill O’Connell on piano, the album overflows with power and elegance. Trombonist and arranger Papo Vázquez also participates on several tracks. The group’s rhythm is profound and the solos are filled with inspiration. Despite some less successful moments, Valentín’s innate sense of taste and melody shines brightly.

Album Credits

Musicians:

Dave Valentín (Flute)
Bill O’Connell (Piano)
Luques Curtis (Acoustic Bass)
Papo Vázquez (Trombone)
Chris Barretto (Tenor Sax #1)
Robert Ameen (Drums)
Milton Cardona (Percussion)
Richie Flores (Percussion)

Tracks:

Come Fly with Me
Twinkle Toes
Enciendido
Mind Games
If You Could See Me Now
Easy Street
Tu Pañuelo
House of the Sun
Song for My Brothers

Sadly, Dave Valentín suffered a stroke in 2012 that forced him to step away from music. He passed away in 2017. Despite his passing, his musical legacy remains a fundamental reference for flutists and lovers of Latin jazz.

Valentín El maestro de la flauta en el jazz latino

By:

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Rafael Vega Curry for the National Foundation for Popular Culture

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Pamir Guánchez, brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger.

Luis Conte: The Cuban-American percussionist who fuses Cuban son with global music

Luis Conte is a renowned Cuban-American percussionist who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His talent and versatility have led him to collaborate with an impressive list of world-class artists.

Luis Conte, the percussionist who fuses Cuban son with global music.

Born in Santiago de Cuba, Conte emigrated to Los Angeles in 1967. Throughout his career, he has been honored multiple times as “Percussionist of the Year” by specialized magazines like Modern Drummer and Drum Magazine.

Luis Conte has been the percussionist for some of the biggest names in commercial music, including James Taylor, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Madonna, Sergio Mendes, Ray Charles, Pat Metheny, Beck, Shakira, Sade, and Herb Alpert.

In this first HD-Audio Latin recording, his talent, along with that of pianist David Garfield and the recently deceased bassist Dave Carpenter, comes to life through the magic of 96 kHz/24-bit, 5.1 channel surround sound. The music is mixed to maximize individual musical lines and timbres. Bob Stuart, the founder and chairman of Meridian Audio, described the sound as “incredible,” adding that it was one of the best recordings he had ever heard.

The difference lies in the use of new technology, strict adherence to signal purity, and a willingness to experiment with instrument placement. Finally, you have the opportunity to hear authentic HD-Audio with performers who know how to create wonderful music.

Being a percussionist is like being a geographer. These instruments come from all over the world: Africa, Brazil, Colombia, the Middle East. I try to cover everything.

Luis spent the first 15 years of his life absorbing the rich musical heritage of son and carnaval. “Life in Cuba is about enjoying it, and music is fundamental to that lifestyle,” says Luis. “Music is almost like food for Cubans.” Immersed in the music of his native Cuba, Luis also developed a passion for rock & roll, R&B soul, jazz, and The Beatles.

At age 15, in search of freedom, Luis emigrated to Madrid, Spain. He soon had another opportunity to travel, this time to Hollywood. In California, Luis stayed with a cousin and attended Hollywood High School, where he played guitar in numerous rock bands during his teenage years.

After high school, Luis met John Monteallegre, who reconnected him with Cuban drumming at L.A. City College. By age 18, Luis had a strong interest in drumming and took every opportunity to play and learn, drawing inspiration from a deep well of rhythm he absorbed during his youth in Cuba.

David Garfield’s mission is “I make music.” And “make music” is what he does, as a world-renowned keyboardist, producer, and composer. Whether it’s jazz, rock, funk, or world beat, he is the creative force behind the production of numerous internationally acclaimed recordings.

Conte is a renowned Cuban-American percussionist

After studying music at Ohio State University, the late Dave Carpenter started his professional career playing with three jazz giants: Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Woody Herman. More recently, Carpenter was part of drummer Peter Erskine’s trio, which also included pianist Alan Pasqua. A veteran of the Woody Herman and Bill Holman big bands, he also worked with Bill Perkins, Jack Nimitz, Herb Geller, Herbie Hancock, Jack Sheldon, Al Jarreau, Bill Cunliffe, Jan Lundgren, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, and Richard Stoltzman, among others.

As sought-after in Los Angeles studios as he was in clubs, Carpenter has an extensive list of recording credits. He participated in more than 200 recordings and composed dozens of themes and scores for television and film.

Sadly, Dave passed away from a heart attack in June 2008. The music world lost a truly wonderful musician and person. The premium DVD-Audio/Video discs from AIX Records are two-sided: one side is an interactive DVD-Video disc, and the other is a DVD-Audio disc (which requires DVD-Audio compatible equipment for playback).

The sound of this recording brings these incredible instrumentalists into your listening space. The HD audio surround mixes immerse you in the musical interplay with a full-range frequency and dynamic response. Discover how good Latin jazz can sound! When I’m asked at trade shows what my favorite discs are, I always include The Latin Jazz Trio.

Dave Carpenter, Luis Conte & David Garfield – The Latin Jazz Trio (2002-R2018)

Tracks:

Luisongo
Doña Olga
Memories Of Rio
Mujaka
Song For My Father
Future Generations
Pools
Rumba Del Cielo
Kumbisa / Cuba

Musicians:

Dave Carpenter (Bass)
Luis Conte (Percussion)
David Garfield (Piano)

Recorded at the Zipper Auditorium at The Colburn School of Performing Arts, 2000.

By: L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Israel “Cachao” López, a Cuban musician and composer, has been hailed as “the Inventor of Mambo”

Sheila E. A drummer with a Latin heart

European Union

Guided by the forces of family, faith, and music, Sheila E. has made a name for herself as one of the most talented musical icons over the decades. With a fearless nature and a passion for sharing her gifts with others, Sheila truly follows the beat of her own drum. She touches the lives of so many, with her dynamic music career at the heart of everything. Sheila’s eagerness to share her music, openness as an author, and fire for her ministry make her such a relatable, inspirational figure for people of all ages.

Born into a musical family, Sheila Escovedo (Sheila E.) has been driven by an inner rhythm her entire life. As a young girl, she was immersed in the diverse music scenes of the Bay Area-influenced and inspired by her percussionist father Pete Escovedo; musical uncles Coke Escovedo, Alejandro Escovedo, Mario Escovedo, and Javier Escovedo; and godfather Tito Puente. Growing up in the Escovedo household, musical instruments were for everyone. “Nobody cared as long as you could keep time (or have a good time),” she writes in her memoir, The Beat of My Own Drum.

“The idea to record another solo album was actually spawned while I was writing the autobiography”, recalls Sheila E. “I realized that some of the experiences I was writing about should be songs. That’s when I also began looking back at songs I’d written several years earlier and forgotten about, but whose themes needed to be talked about in the book. Both fed each other”.

As the musical half of Sheila E.’s storied life and career, Icon pulsates from start to finish with colorfull fusions of the pop, R&B, funk, rock, Latin and jazz influences that shaped her unique style.

“The 16-track set opens with the soaring “Butterfly,” the first of four interludes that subtly yet powerfully illuminate the versatile talent behind the music. “Butterfly” reflects part of the journey in my book,” explains Sheila E., nicknamed butterfly by a family friend. “It’s who I am as a person. I always wanted to fly, to be the first female astronaut on the moon. It’s me running track, running free. That’s how I play.” The album takes off from there, with most songs produced live, specifically solos, in one or two takes. “I’m used to playing live,” says Sheila E., who also produced the project. “Why would I punch in my soul?”

She unleashes that soul on feisty first single, “Mona Lisa.” Drawn from Sheila E.’s Latin roots, the track vibrantly chronicles a story about a woman who never lost sight of her dream: to perform. That’s just one of several potential singles on Icon. “Fiesta” opens with guest rapper B. Slade’s teasing declaration, “Just drop that beat on that.” T

hen the hot club jam powers up as Sheila E. drums out an infectious beat throbbing with intensity-“Can’t nobody rock a party like Sheila E.,” raps B. Slade-before closing with her coquettish laugh. A mid-tempo downshift yields the feel-good track “Lovely Day.” Its message about focusing on the bright side of life takes the song on a surprising turn as it morphs into a gospel/funk vibe reminiscent of Sly Stone.

Joining Sheila E. on her musical reverie are two singular storytellers in their own right: singer Ledisi and pioneering rapper MC Lyte. The latter’s signature edgy flow spices up the saucy themed “Nasty Thang,” while outlining the drama and glamour that often com¹es with a life in the music industry. Ledisi adds a poignant touch to “Girl Like Me,” an honest, empowering message about surviving abuse.

An abuse survivor herself, Sheila E. originally penned the song to perform with her 2007 female band C.O.E.D. (Chronicles of Every Diva). Rounding out Icon is a new version of the funky tour de force “Leader of the Band.” The song features Sheila and the E Family (father Pete and brothers Juan and Peter Michael) as well as Prince, on piano. “I love playing this song,” says Sheila E., “so I re-recorded, while still leaving a little room for Prince. It’s about how I was influenced by my pops [the legendary Pete Escovedo] and [songwriter/producer/ musician] George Duke.

That a female can be in charge and bring it just as hard.” Icon ends as it begins with another moving interlude, “Now Is the Hour.” A duet featuring Sheila E. and her beloved “moms,” Escovedo matriarch Juanita, the clip dates back to Sheila E.’s childhood. Family, faith and music were guiding forces for Sheila E. growing up in the Bay Area. In addition to percussionist dad Pete, the Oakland, Calif. native counts former Santana member/Azteca founder Coke Escovedo, solo recording artist Alejandro Escovedo, The Dragons front man Mario Escovedo and from The Zeroes Javier Escovedo as uncles

Fellow Latin star Tito Puente was her godfather. In addition to being weaned on Latin jazz and Motown, Sheila E. was exposed to a diverse array of Bay Area acts and artists. Those influences ranged from the rock of Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead to the R&B/pop of the Pointer ¹Sisters and the funk of Tower of Power and Sly & the Family Stone. “I used to sit on the corner outside of the local community center with Twinkies and 7-Up listening to Tower of Power, Sly and Larry Graham rehearse,” recalls Sheila E. “The sounds of the Bay Area molded me.”

So it’s no surprise that after such a music-immersive childhood, the gifted drummer/percussionist began amassing an impressive string of credits playing not only with her dad but also with pioneering talents like George Duke, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and Herbie Hancock. Following a Bay Area gig in the late ’70s, Sheila E. met Prince backstage.

Their Purple Rain recording sessions-including her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City”-morphed into launching her solo career that same year. Debut album The Glamorous Life spun off the Grammy Award-nominated top 10 hit of the same name plus a second top 40 single “The Belle of St. Mark.”

Between her ’80s tenure as drummer, songwriter and musical director for Prince’s backup band, Sheila E. released three more solo albums (Romance 1600, Sheila E. and Sex Cymbal) and scored two more classic hits with “A Love Bizarre” and “Hold Me” a romantic ballad. After taking some time away from the spotlight, she then decided to tap into her Latin Jazz roots and under the name E-Train, released (Writes of Passage and Heaven).

Sheila E.’s fierce, dynamic verve onstage has made her a major concert draw since the ’90s. Along the way, she has acted in several films (“Krush Groove,” “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane,” “Chasing Papi”) and launched various music projects (E Train, The E Family). Adding to her arsenal of credits such names as Ringo Starr (as a member of Ringo Starr’s All Star Band in 2001, 2003 and 2006), Gloria Estefan and Beyoncé as well as performing on the 2012 Academy Awards with pop hitmaker Pharrell Williams and composer Hans Zimmer.

She was the first female Music Director for a late night talk show (“The Magic Hour” with Magic Johnson) and received an Emmy® nomination as Musical Director for “Fiesta Latina – A Performance at The White House.” Sheila E. was recently among the rost¹er of stars chosen to perform at the Kennedy Center Honors whose 2013 honorees included artists Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana. Away from the spotlight, music doubles as a source of healing and giving back for Sheila E. In tandem with the city of Oakland, she staged the first annual “Elevate Oakland” benefit concert in February of 2014.

A host of Bay Area artists and other acclaimed musicians performed at the city-donated Fox Theatre. The goal: to raise funds to improve student academic achievement and attendance through music and arts programming. But this isn’t Sheila E.’s first time giving back. Between gigs, she has also crisscrossed the country, speaking at schools and colleges, shelters, church organizations, music classes and clinics about music’s effect on her life and career. “Sharing music in any way I can is my ministry,” she ¹says. And that was part of the inspiration for penning the autobiography “The Beat of My Own Drum.” Several years ago Sheila E. publicly acknowledged she was an abuse survivor

“The book was the beginning of the healing,” says Sheila E. “I’d talked about the abuse in my ministry and addressed it in some of the song lyrics I’d written. But it was challenging to sit down and really write about it in detail for the book. But through pain comes realization, understanding and the opportunity to help others overcome those challenges.” After ringing in 2014 in concert with Sergio Mendes on New Year’s Eve at Disney Hall, Sheila E. is now ready for her Icon debut.

Sheila E. Icon

With no Google or YouTube artist script to follow back then, she says her career drive was propelled by one thing: “I just did it because I loved it. And that’s what Icon represents. I started all this as Sheila Escovedo then became this persona named Sheila E. Now Sheila E. and Sheila Escoved¹o are the same person, still making music that comes from the heart.”

Somos Latinos in Mexico

Latin America / Mexico / Ciudad de Mexico

Somos Latinos is a company based in Mexico that has specialized in the production and organization of salsa music events since 2006. We had the opportunity to speak with the General Director, Omar Gonzales, who told us that he is an Audio Engineer. Before starting the company “SOMOS LATINOS,” he worked for another company providing services to most of the international singers or musical groups that came to the country. He also mentioned that he has always liked the salsa genre, even though it’s difficult to find since it’s not the country’s native music. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t small to medium-sized groups of “Salsa” followers.

Oscar D'Leon - Somos Latinos in México — Oscar D’Leon – Somos Latinos in México

One day, he decided to create his own office with the idea of doing something—promoting “Salsa.” Starting in 2007, they took a chance and organized their first event. After some time, the famous singer Tony Vega came to the country and gave him the opportunity to produce his first event there. Thanks to its success, “Somos Latinos” became his exclusive office in Mexico. One of their biggest successes was an event they organized with the salsa artists N’Klabe and NG2, who were known as “The Pioneers of the Future of Salsa.” The salsa fans who attended the event applauded like never before, as it was a world-class show.

Somos Latinos in Mexico - Roberto Blades and Viti Ruiz — Somos Latinos in Mexico – Roberto Blades and Viti Ruiz

The company currently has 10 years of experience and is known for:

An extensive roster of artists.
A solid reputation for event production, recognized as a reliable and trustworthy production company, earning the confidence of the public, their clients, and the artists they promote and represent.
Broad knowledge of musical genres and an excellent team trained for massive events.
Having the necessary equipment and infrastructure for event production (stages, audio, backline, lighting, voltage generators, giant LED screens, and other technology to create top-level shows).

Omar also mentioned that to celebrate their anniversary, they created the “Somos Latinos International Salsa Festival,” their most important event, which has been held 8 times in different parts of Mexico, such as “Mexico City,” “State of Mexico,” and the “State of Veracruz.” In the latter, they participated as organizers and suppliers for the fourth edition of the Boca del Río International Salsa Festival 2014, the world’s largest salsa event, which takes place over 4 days (with an average attendance of 120,000 people per day). This event has earned the State of Veracruz recognition as the world capital of salsa.

Upcoming Event

On July 14, 2017, the event “Roberto Blades & Viti Ruiz #EntreAmigos” will take place at the “La Maraka” venue located at Mitla No. 410, Esq. Eugenia, Col. Narvarte, 03023 Benito Juarez, Mexico City, Mexico.

If you want to get to know them and learn more, you can contact them through:

Website: http://www.somoslatinosmexico.com/eventos.html
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: +52 (55)5082-9580 / +52 1 5523281427
Instagram: @somoslatinos
Twitter: @somoslatinos
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channerl/UCzNWbZ7HyIPxE5tmkrwIRag

The Perfect Salsa Alignment - Somos Latinos in Mexico — The Perfect Salsa Alignment – Somos Latinos in Mexico

Unity, The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson

North America / USA /

Unity, The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson is a testament to the power of music and one man’s indomitable spirit. The passion project of Peruvian-born, Miami-raised producer / multi-instrumentalist / arranger Tony Succar, Unity features more than 100 musicians, such Latin superstars as Tito Nieves, Jon Secada and Obie Bermudez and the mixing magic of Jackson’s legendary engineer Bruce Swedien in the first ever Latin album salute to The King of Pop.

Fueled by his relentless commitment, quiet determination and passionate faith in the loving message behind much of Jackson’s music, Succar has spent the last four years carefully creating Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson. He overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles, turning each roadblock into a stepping stone to take the project to new heights. In the process, he married Jackson’s timeless pop and R&B tunes, such as “Thriller”, “Bilie Jean”, and “I Want You Back” to his glorious salsa and tropical rhythms, creating innovative, vibrant arrangements that snap to life with exhilarating energy.

“American funk, soul, jazz – all those styles that were influencing Michael – were inspired from African music”, Succar says. “Same with Afro – Peruvian music, Cuban music. These songs were meant to be. Their original flavor lends itself to these Latin rhythms”.

Succar, 28 grew up listening to his parents play Jackson’s music, and by 13 had begun his own music career. He started on piano and segued to percussion, graduating with a degree in jazz performance at Florida International University in 2008. But it wasn’t until after the superstar’s untimely passing in 2009 that Succar, who earned his Master’s in Jazz performance from FIU in 2010, took a deep dive into the music and the man.

Unity, The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson - Flyers — Unity, The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson – Flyers

“That’s when I became a fanatic, memorizing all his lyrics” he says. “He was an amazing singer. I started analyzing every single detail”.

As Succar pored through Jackson’s material, revisiting songs like “Man In the Mirror”, “Earth Song” and “They Don’t Care About Us” – all of which are reimagined on Unity – he came to a realization: “Michael wasn’t only a musician, he was a spiritual person. He was speaking to people’s hearts through his music. He was a true role model and leader, not only in the music industry, but life in general”, he says.

Concurrent with his discovery, Succar arranged a salsa-infused version of “Thriller” for a Halloween party at Miami’s legendary, now closed Van Dyke Café. The reaction was so immediate and overwhelmingly positive to the performance of this new arrangement, that Succar recorded a version in his bedroom with his band, posted in online and gave away copies. Djs started playing the track and Succar began getting requests from around the world for a full album of Latin – flavored Jackson songs. “That sparked it”, Succar says. “I was such a fan. I felt like I had to do something”.

He launched a Kickstarter campaign and raided more than $10,000, which allowed him to record basic tracks and the idea and harmonious ideal of Unity was born. “The one thing that stood out in Michael’s usic was love. The reality was unity,” He says. “I also wanted the title to stand for something: a real marriage between Latin roots and American pop culture and to help keep Michael’s legacy alive”.

Part of keeping Jackson’s legacy alive meant incorporating elements of the original production in each of his fresh renditions for Unity. “Even the horn lines, I would transcribe them from Quincy Jones’ produtions and then apply them to the arrangement in a different way,” Succar says. “The essence of every song was respected. I gave it my best to create this very thin line between what Michael did with his production and what I brought to the project”.

As Succar proceeded, an astounding number of coincidences buoyed the project. Succar’s initial plan was to record the album with one vocalist, soulful Broadway veteran Kevin Ceballo, but as Succar finalized the arrangements, the idea of a compilation album cae to him. The first artist he reached out to was legendary salsa singer Nieves. He heard nothing back for months . Then, one day in the studio someone suggested Nieves fo “I Want You Back”. Succar explained he’d had no success contacting Nieves.

It’s turned out a studio visitor knew Nieves, called his manager, sent Nieves an MP3, and within 10 minutes, Nieves was on the phone asking when he should come in to record his vocals.

Nieves became the project’s godfather, bringing in other Latin stars, such as India and Jean Rodriguez. “If it weren’t for Tito, I would never have been able to develop this into what it is, “Succar say. “He really opened the doors for me”. Nieves even brought in his son, Tito Nieves Jr. to duet on the album closer, an emotional take on “You are Not Alone”.

As the project progressed, Succar sought out Secada, but once again, was running into walls. He had switched to a different studio and the recording engineer just happened to have worked wih Secada and upon hearing Succar’s story, gave Succar the singer’s direct email. Secada immediately replied that he wanted to record “Human Nature,” his favorite Jackson track.

But there was more to come. Succar contacted Swedien about mixing some tracks, but failed to get a yes after more than a year’s effort. He met his engineer Nick Valentin through a mutual friend, who piped up that he’d been Swedien some music and next thing Succar knew, he’s sitting beside his hero at Swedien’s ranch as Swedien mixed “Earth Song” and “Smooth Criminal. “He was the cherry on top,” Succar says. “When we were mixing, he would put up the original Michael songs and put on our remixes to compare and contrast. He mixed the tracks on the same Harrison 32C model console he mixed ‘Thriller’ on”.

The groundbreaking album, a joint project between Universal Music Classics, Universal Music Latin Entertainment and Universal Music Mexico, embodies Jackson’s spirit of harmony and bringing diverse cultures together through music.

Members of Unity, The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson

Where there once was nothing but a dream, Succar now sees unlimited possibilities. Not only will there be a tour to support Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson, but he is considering future Unity projects that could salute the music of other timeless artist, such as the Beatles or the Bee Gees, filtered through a Latin musical lens. “Unity is going to become a movement,” he says. And given how far Succar’s come already, who could possibly doubt him?