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Search Results for: Latin Music

Dj. Elvis Abello “El de la Salsa Dura en Caracas”

Since 2021, he has been vice-president of the Olimpiada Salsera Internacional de Venezuela Foundation.

He was born on July 3, 1982, in the city of Caracas, with only eight years old, and led by the hand of his father Carlos Abello, his uncles, Hector Diaz, Jhon Abello, Ali Abello, would discover his love for salsa, surrounded by acetates, parties, and stereo.

At the beginning of the 89’s, at his grandmother Crucita’s house, the whole family and friends would gather to share and dance a good salsa, his father would place a plastic box so that it could reach the turntables since at that time his father used vinyl.

Elvis, feeling attracted by the rhythm, already knew some singers, looked for the songs and musicalized those parties, being this way his debut in the world of salsa.

He was born on July 3, 1982, in the city of Caracas, with only eight years of age, and led by his father Carlos Abello, his uncles, Hector Diaz, Jhon Abello, Ali Abello, he would discover his love for salsa, surrounded by acetates, parties and music equipment.
Elvis Alberto Abello Guerrero (El de la Salsa Dura)

In 1996, as a teenager, he began his foray into the music scene in the company of his friend and compadre Jesus Manuel Diaz Mendez, the product of brotherhood and the interest that united them mutually for salsa decided to venture into the world DJ, formed a mini-teque called “Eskpe Display”, They formed a miniteca called “Eskpe Display”, making it known in several popular areas of the capital, especially in the “Paramoconi Park” located in San Bernardino, Caracas, where the popular matinees were held, with a mixed audience from the west of the city, this project would give them the recognition of the dancers and salsa fans in several parishes of Caracas, for several years.

ELVIS, dedicated several years of his life influenced by his family, in this case by his cousins; Ivan Guerrero and Julio Fernandez, to collect discography of his favorite artists, such as: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ruben Blades, Lalo Rodriguez, Alex de Castro, Tito Allen, Luis Enrique, Hildemaro, Rey Ruiz, Roberto Roena, Cano Estremera, Domingo Quiñonez, Luisito Quintero, Orlando Poleo,Kenny Cruz, Pimi Cruz, Rafael de Jesus, Paquito Guzman, Tito Nieves, Celia Cruz, Oscar de León, Alfredo Naranjo, Marcial Isturiz, Pupy Santiago, Carlos de Castro, Yomar Caballo Mendez, Adalberto Santiago, Jhonny Colón, The Lebron Brothers, Natividad Martínez, Tommy Olivencia, Pete Conde, Sonora Ponceña, Orqueta Tokun, Orqueta O. S, Orqueta Pumaband, Orqueta Mulenze, Wichy Camacho, Pedro Brull, Dimensión Latino, among others. He was a faithful dancer at La Asunción, City Day, Rumbero, Status, Extremo Latino and a fan of the events organized by Betty Zapata together with Juan Carlos Ríos, such as La Noche del Bronx, Orquesta de Willie Rosario, Charanga 90, La Negramenta, Bobby Valentín, among others, always getting infected and betting on the salsa scene.

Thank you for being part of this project ? In this link you will find all the information: https://bailopinto.com/esta-salsa-me-gusta-dj-edition/ Guest Dj @elvisaag Best regards! Saul Delhom @bailopinto
Dj. Elvis Abello “Esta salsa me gusta – DJ’s Edition”.

During the stage of the beginning of the pandemic, a new boom was born for live broadcasts on Instagram Live and Facebook Live, being this an opportunity for Elvis Abello (El de la Salsa Dura) to work as a musicalize in the events of Salsa Dura, known in Venezuela as salsa guateque.

Hand in hand with great DJs such as; Manolo Mariño, Luis Flores, Ruben Arias, Jeferson Parra, Jesus Manuel Diaz, Dervy Palace, Zulay Millan, Susana Calderin, Augusto Felibertt, Edward Alberto, Francisco The Dj Latino, Alan Marriaga, Jaime Guanipa, Rey Salsamania, Edgar Mendoza, Carlos El Latino, Alfredo Lozada, Sol Graffe, Franklin Espinoza, Jheison Parra, Chachito Blanco, Junior Oriak, Kituku Sanchez, Roberth Hidalgo, Nery Jones, David Ferrer, Jesus Jaspe, Felix Valderrama, Andres Hernandez, Cesar Sonero, Jordan Moreno, each one of them, gives their best on stage so that the Salsera nights in Venezuela are of excellent quality.

Since the year 2021, he is vice president of the Olimpiada Salsera Internacional de Venezuela Foundation, this foundation works to project the different DJs and Musicalizadores existing in the whole world, through digital platforms, such is the case of Instagram and Facebook, in the same way the foundation delivers donations in order to help those most in need.

Since October 26th of this year, Saul Delhom and bailopinto.com publishing house, has invited Elvis Abello and several DJs to participate in the digital project called, “Esta Salsa me Gusta- DJ^s Edition”. The book contains a selection of songs associated with tastes, stories, and anecdotes told by each of the interviewees. It is worth mentioning and taking advantage of the essence of this book that talks about the melody as an anchor in certain moments of life; Elvis recalls moments lived with his daughter Madeleine Abello with the song “Al Pasar Los Años” by the Mulenze Orchestra, and his son Samuel Abello, with the song “Y Vuelvo a Fallar” by the same orchestra.

DJ Elvis Abello, for his professionalism, creativity, and charisma, has led him to be recognized as “El De la Salsa Dura”, in various clubs and discotheques in the capital.  At the present time, Resident DJ of Café Latino, in the city of Caracas and Director of EA Productions; taking the best Salsa events throughout Venezuela.

Facebook: Dj. Elvis Abello

Article of Interest: Saúl Delhom “Esta Salsa me gusta” one of the things I like the most is to learn, create and share

Preparence is close to the Panama Jazz Festival 2022.

From January 10 to 15, the Panama Jazz Festival 2022 will be held, this being this 19th edition, which will take place both virtual and face-to-face activities, so that the Biosafety regulations of the Ministry of Health will be met (“No cloth” masks and gel), where they are informed that to enter all events they will be asked for the card and QR code 100% vaccinated with a minimum of 14 days and 12-year-olds must present a negative Covid test 24 hours before.

It will be held at the City of Knowledge Athenaeum, where every day except for Wednesday (12) from 7 pm at the National Theater there will be a Gala night with Danilo Pérez and Kurt Elling, however the other days will be presented:

  • Monday (10): Panamá Connections and Mayra Hurley.
  • Tuesday (11): Borderlands Trio e Idania Douman.
  • Thursday (13): Global Messengers and Pz533-Global Jazz Womxn.
  • Friday (14): Antonio Hart and Solinka.

This year the festival of this edition will be dedicated to Frank Anderson born in Panama, Bocas del Toro on January 24, 1929, in Panama he met and played with many Cuban musicians; In New York, he played piano and directed several recordings by Vicentico Valdés and worked with other artists such as Marcelino Guerra, Polito Galíndez, Arsenio Rodríguez, Andrés Andino and Yomo Toro, Israel López “Cachao”, Clark Terry, and in 1950 he founded his own big band, the musicians were members of the Duke Ellington and Count Basie orchestras. In the 1970s he became musical director and accompanist for many Broadway plays such as Purlie, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, A Raisin in the Sun, Eubie !, The Wiz, and Guys and Dolls. He also recorded on the discs of those works.

In 2009 he was recognized by the New York State Senate for his musical contributions, particularly his role as organist in various Brooklyn churches and his most recent recording is Ochosi Blues (2015) by Benjamin Lapidus and Kari-B3 where he is accompanying with the organ. in its unique style and unmatched flavor that combines Caribbean music, jazz and more in a very personal way. Anderson currently maintains his residence in Brooklyn.

The International Artists to participate are:

  1. Kurt Elling Dúo with Danilo Pérez “Secrets are the Best Stories”:
    Renowned for his unique combination of robust swing and poetic acumen, two-time GRAMMY winner Kurt Elling secures his place among the world’s leading jazz vocalists. The New York Times proclaimed him the “most prominent male vocalist of our time.” Over a 25-year touring and recording career, he has won 3 Prix du Jazz Vocal, 2 German Echo Awards, 2 Dutch Edison Awards and been nominated for a GRAMMY Award fifteen times. He has had a 14-year career at the top of DownBeat’s Critics and Readers polls, and has won twelve Jazz Journalist awards for “Male Vocalist of the Year.”Elling’s voice is instantly recognizable, embracing listeners with her warm, rich baritone and navigating the four-octave range as a virtuoso improviser and compelling storyteller. The Guardian has named him “some kind of superpowered Sinatra” and “one of the great jazz vocalists of all time.”
  2. Kris Davis and Bordeerlands Trio with Eric McPherson, Stephan Crump:In Borderlands Trio, the collective efforts of bassist Stephan Crump, pianist Kris Davis, and drummer Eric McPherson have luck on your side. In less than a year their chemistry is unusually deep. The title of their album Asteroidea is the Latin term for starfish, a creature capable of regenerating parts of itself, in turn related to the trio’s ability to constantly develop new landscapes. The word starfish evokes notions of both the ocean and outer space. “Gravity, magnetism, constellations, nature. With this band, we are always expanding and contracting, recontextualizing what surrounds us and heading towards the instantly inevitable. ” Crump comments.Asteroidea is a treatise on immediacy and a deep dive into the spectrum of responses to any gesture. Its rhythms are always transforming, its drama has wacky moments, and its creators are just getting started.
  3. Antonio Hart:He studied jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston with Bill Pierce, Andy McGhee and Joe Viola. Of his friendships in Berklee, Roy Hargrove stands out, with whom he spends three years traveling the world and recording the first three Hargrove albums. During these years on the road, Hart completed a master’s degree at Queens College where he learned from teachers Donald Byrd and Jimmy Heath, who also produced the artist’s second recording ‘Don’t You Know I Care’.With his 1997 release, Impulse Records’ ‘Here I Stand’, he earned a Grammy nomination for ‘Best Jazz Instrumental Soloist’ and additionally participated in more than 100 guest recordings. Since its inception, Hart has recorded eight CDs as a leader. The latest JLP Jazz Legacy productions, ‘Blessings’.The artist balances his time as a full professor at Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, with touring with his bands, The Dave Holland Big Band and The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band.
  4. El Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI):It is a musical performance program designed to foster creativity and musical mastery across various musical disciplines, with pianist and composer Danilo Pérez as its founder and artistic director.The BGJI provides a comprehensive contemporary music environment where students have the opportunity to explore their creativity to the highest level possible, advance the power of music as a tool for the betterment of society, and connect musical creative thinking with the environment. natural.
  5. Global Messengers:Directed by Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez, Global Messengers draws its unique spirit from the culture and experiences of its members, who come from Palestine, the United States, Greece, Jordan and Panama, with varied musical traditions and instrumentation to match. They are committed to the ancient practice of building community through rhythmically rich and melodically exciting music.* Danilo Pérez piano
    * Farayi Malek voice
    * Vasilis Kostas laouto
    * Layth Sidiq violin
    * Naseem Alatrash cello
    * Tareq Rantisi percussion
  6. The New England Conservatory (NEC):It was founded in 1867, being the oldest independent music school in the United States. Since its opening it has played an important role in the musical life of Boston and the world. Its mission is to provide a more rigorous education at the level of musicians of all ages and parts of the world. Additionally, we have teachers who encourage individual excellence in a welcoming community.NEC works for music to have an important place in people’s lives and for rigorous education and excellent recognition. Beyond the study of music, NEC teachers help explore the historical and social frameworks that support our musical traditions.
  7. PS-533:It is the number of a class called “Musical Performance and Social Activism” for the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Master’s Program at Berklee College of Music. The PS refers to the department of “Performance” and 533 refers to an upper level class open only to graduate students. Patricia Zarate, a teacher of this class, organized this group in 2022 to present the Global Jazz Womxn (women and dissidents) that stand out as alumni and of the program. The letter “S” was changed to “Z” to reflect the change from a school environment to a professional environment led by Zarate.

The National Artists to participate are:

  1. Solinka: better known as Solange Arias, she was a public servant in the 1950s, working as a secretary in the Ministry of Education of Panama, has a beautiful voice and is very attractive, so a Cuban agent convinced her to be a singer of professional sauce. In those years, men dominated the salsa genre, which is why Solange was not successful at first. It was in Peru that she became a sensation as a salsa presenter, so much so that one journalist wrote that her performance was as brilliant as an “Inca sun,” a nickname she adopted as her stage name, changing the c to a k. Later he found success in his native country and signed a contract with a record company, traveled a lot and won the first prize at the Valparaíso international song festival.
  2. Idania Dowman: She has a privileged and unmistakable voice that has transcended throughout her 27-year career. Daughter of the renowned Panamanian calypsonian Lord Byron. She publicly began in the Church where she was director of the Archdiocesan Choir of Panama and was part of Jazz Effects of Panama with Reginal Boyce. Today he has two groups of his own: The Emotions and Cache. He shared projects with Billy Herron, as he believes in the generational sharing of culture. He has represented Panama in Peru, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Colombia, the United States and Dubai. She was recognized by receiving a Doctorate in Art from the United Graduate College and Seminary International (United States) for her career in ART, MUSIC AND CULTURE; by the National University of Panama in 2012 and 2014, and awarded the Golden Star Awards of the distinguished VIP Diplomática magazine of Peru in 2019.She is recognized for her virtuosity in each of her presentations, for maintaining her Afro jazz essence and being a defender of Panamanian culture.

    She is recognized for her virtuosity in each of her presentations, for maintaining her Afro jazz essence and being a defender of Panamanian culture.

  3. Panama Connections: Group made up of professors and scholarship students from the Danilo Pérez Foundation, under the premise of “community and sharing”, Panama Connections explores the creative possibilities between Jazz and its links with Pan-African and Caribbean folklore, from its compositions originals, arrangements and adaptations are focused on this fusion.
  4. Mayra Hurley: Singer, film and television actress, and broadcaster. The Panamanian singer-songwriter is inspired by her multicultural roots that are expressed in all her artistic expressions, from funk, salsa, to rock n’roll, each show is a live experience with Caribbean flavor. In his more than 10 years of experience in musical theater, he has worked under the artistic direction of Bruce Quinn and Edwin Cedeño and has participated in works such as Jesus Christ Superstar (2005), Cabaret (2006), A Chorus Line (2008), Peras en el huerto (2006-2012), Little Shop of Horrors (2010), en la guerra y el amor todo se vale (2011) and Hairspray (2013).He made his film debut in the acclaimed film Historias del canal (2014), presented in the official IFF Panama selection and at international film festivals in Spain, the United States, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada and Jamaica. In 2019 he participated in the Panamanian film Escribiendo el General by Oscar Faarup and in 2021 he won the Panama positive award in the category Positive Artist.

Buy your tickets through https://panamajazzfestival.com/ or if you want to have other information, follow the following accounts:

  • WebSite: https://panamajazzfestival.com/
  • Facebook: @PanamaJazzFesti
  • Instagram: @PanamaJazzFestival
  • Twitter: @PanamaJazzFesti
  • Correo: [email protected]
  • Telefono: +507 317-1466

From La Cuarta to the world, the National Afro-Caribbean Festival puts us in touch with our essence

Bella Martinez “La Escritora Irreverente de la Salsa” en Cuarta de Ponce from Puerto Rico the Island of Enchantment.

Ángel “Papote” Alvarado, who is also a composer, percussionist, vocal leader, and founder of Grupo Esencia, manages culture by fertilizing our Afro-Caribbean roots every year, making sure to bring the National Afro-Caribbean Festival to Ponce’s La Cuarta neighborhood, where he grew up.  Usually, the event takes place in June of each year.  However, this year -due to the global health emergency brought on by the pandemic that still threatens us- the iconic annual festival was held from November 19 to 21, 2021 at its usual venue.

On Friday the 19th November 2021 and coinciding with Puerto Rican Day, Angel “Papote” Alvarado kicked off the festivities to usher in the 22nd edition of the festival that each year makes the neighborhood the center of our Afro-descendant culture.

This year, the festival paid tribute to Willie Rosario, Ottoniel Vélez, Jesús Chu López and Héctor Pochy Gastón.

Bella Martínez
Ángel “Papote” Alvarado with Willie Rosario during the tribute to Míster Afinque

The musical offerings on Friday 19 included:  Los Cimarrones, Robert Burgos and Descarga Zasón in addition to the stellar Míster Afinque. Willie Rosario’s orchestra has delighted with its unique compact format and has remained active for more than six decades under the direction of maestro Rosario himself, whom the salsa dancer keeps at the top of his preference within the environment that groups only connoisseurs.

The closing of the first night of the festival was preceded by the impeccable performance of the Willie Rosario Orchestra, a well-deserved tribute to the longest-serving bandleader in the salsa sound. Afterward, the author of the authorized biography of Mister Afinque -Robert Tellez- praised Maestro Rosario with some moving words.

It is worth mentioning that journalist Robert Tellez, who is also known as "the one who knows the most about salsa" traveled from Colombia to Barrio La Cuarta in Ponce to be part of the festival and specifically to accompany the artist who is the subject of his work "Willie Rosario, el Rey del Ritmo" during the tribute.
Willie Rosario with his biographer: Robert Téllez

Afterward, “Papote” Alvarado thanked Robert for his support to Afro-Caribbean cultural activities and presented him with a commemorative poster of the 22nd edition of the festival.  The poster contains a photo by a photographer who stands out as one of the most committed cultural connoisseurs of the salsa scene: Conrado Pastrano.

It is worth mentioning that journalist Robert Tellez, who is also known as “the one who knows the most about salsa” traveled from Colombia to Ponce’s Barrio La Cuarta to be part of the festival and specifically to accompany the artist who is the subject of his work “Willie Rosario, el Rey del Ritmo” during the tribute.  Maestro Rosario made us laugh when, in his usual serious and firm tone, he affirmed, microphone in hand, that he was grateful for the tribute, and at the same time said that he deserved it.

From La Cuarta to the world, the National Afro-Caribbean Festival puts us in touch with our essence
From La Cuarta to the world, the National Afro-Caribbean Festival puts us in touch with our essence

 

On Saturday 20, the following were presented: Boricua y de Mayagüez, Tribute to Héctor “Pochy” Gastón and Jesús López, Ángel “Papote” Alvarado and El Grupo Esencia, Roberto Roena’s Apollo Sound with Carlos Santos and Tito Cruz singing. On Sunday 21, the stage was decorated with Ausuba, Bambalué, Homenaje a Ottoniel Vélez, Guayacanes de San Antón and Abran Paso, with Pichíe Pérez and Rafy Santana singing.

This 2021 would have been the 23rd edition of the festival.  However, the 2020 edition was canceled.  In a stoic manner, the team in support of the persistence of the president and founder of the Comité Pro Nuestra Cultura – “Papote”- who has the unconditional support of William Rodríguez Thillet did not give up so that this 2021 edition would be achieved. Following all the rules that the COVID-19 protocol demands, the public was able to enjoy a luxury show.

Willie Rosario Orchestra
Willie Rosario Orchestra

Security and parking added comfort and convenience to the event.  The festival featured, as usual, a display of artisans and kiosks, with the best of Puerto Rican fritanga.

For more than two decades, which are easy to say but are twenty-two struggles for the benefit of culture and its permanence, Angel “Papote” Alvarado has kept our Afro-Latin culture afloat, beyond the border of the southern pearl. Congratulations!

Lots of good energy, health, and success to this musician and cultural manager who carries on his shoulders an invaluable legacy.  As for the rest, we look forward to the next edition of this unmissable festival that takes place every year.  In the meantime, let’s follow the transcendental feat of his Grupo Esencia.

Bella Martinez and Conrado Pastrano
Bella Martinez and Conrado Pastrano

 

By: Bella Martínez

Photos: Conrado Pastrano

Article of Interest: Raymundo “Ray” Barretto Pagan was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 29, 1929.

Ray Barretto, Giant Force

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala is a native of Humacao, Puerto Rico.

His beginnings in music date back to his fifteenth year, performing as a trumpet player and director of the student group “Combo Estudiantil”.

At the age of sixteen, he began as a professional trumpet player in the Orquesta Panamericana, Willie Rosario, and Willie Rodriguez.

In the early 70’s the bassist and first director Jesús “Chuy” Castro founded the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra. Chuy was studying medicine and decided to dissolve the orchestra.

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala, is a native of Humacoa, Puerto Rico.
Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights of the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

This new stage and for six consecutive years the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra accompanied all the Fania Records artists that visited the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, among these famous stars were: Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, Vitìn Avilés, Santitos Colon, Ismael Miranda, Héctor Lavoe, Paquito Guzmán and others.

By 1983 Luisito incorporated to his orchestra the quoted singer Tito Rojas “El Gallo salsero” as lead vocalist, from that moment the history changed. Puerto Rican Power became one of the most powerful orchestras in the salsa scene.

At the end of the 80’s, it became the stellar orchestra when it joined the cast of the record label Musical Productions (MP).

It was so successful that later the company decided to launch Tito Rojas as a soloist.

His time with Musical Productions and the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra spanned 9 years where he recorded great and important productions such as: Puerto Rican Power, Con más Poder, Con todo el Poder, El Da más Poder, and Poderoso pero Diferente.

Tracks such as “Noche de Bodas”, “Quiéreme tal como Soy”, “Juguete de Nadie”, “A Donde Irás”, “Emergencia de Amor”, and “Quiero Volver Contigo” have taken him around the world with his music.

The release of the album Con todo el Poder, in 1992, had a monumental impact on the public, the song “A dónde Iras?” led them to obtain local and international awards such as La Campana de Oro, El Combo de Oro, El Buho de Oro, Diplo’s, Paolis, Tu Música and nominated to the prestigious Billboard Awards.

In 1999 he became part of the record label J&N Records.

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!
In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights to the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

He continues with his overwhelming success with the productions: Men in Salsa, Wild Wild Salsa, Salsa Another Day and Éxitos Más, spreading with intensity the songs “Tu Cariñito”, “Me Tiene Loco”, “Doctor”, “Si Pero Na”, “Pena de Amor”, “Cuando me faltas Tú”, “Mi Mujer es un Policía” among others.

Another important production for the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra was “Salsa of the Caribbean”. a conglomerate of rhythm and flavor that got everyone dancing.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala takes another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording “Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…¡30 años de Power! A compilation of his most acclaimed live hits available in DVD and CD formats, this tour of famous songs includes 13 tracks including: “Quiéreme Tal Como Soy”, “Noche de Bodas”, “¿A dónde Iras?”, “Tu Cariñito” and Juguete de Nadie”.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala took another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording "Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power...¡30 años de Power!
“Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…30 years of Power!

His next musical work under the Latin Word Records label entitled A Otro Nivel! with the musical direction of maestro Julio “Gunda” Merced with his hit “Tengo Miedo” in the voice of the legendary Jose Feliciano.

The production shined with the participation of the outstanding voices of Fania’s Niño Bonito Ismael Miranda, Javi Marrero, Kittin Santiago, and Luisito Ayala Jr.

For 2014 and Luisito Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power returns with a masterpiece of modern Puerto Rican salsa entitled “Somos el Poder” is a mix of romantic and danceable material that sets a standard in the tropical genre.

That said the album highlights the common threads of salsa with a lot of swing and a Big Band sound, the first single titled “Dímelo Tu” in the youthful voice of Joshua Marcell, has become an anthem in Puerto Rico.

Marcell and the other singers Norberto “Gazu” Millón and Luisito Ayala Jr. come in with a new outfit and a new style for the group.

Another highlight of this album is the stellar posthumous tribute to Luisito’s son Braulio Ayala with Tony Vega, Tito Rojas, Ismael Miranda, Pedro Brull, Tito Nieves, and other salsa stars.

Once again Ayala presents us with a production of great variety and commercial appeal… ¡Somos el Poder!

For 2019 Ayala and the Puerto Rican Power bring us their most recent production titled 40 años de Poder.

Para el año 2019 Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power nos traen su producción titulada 40 años de Poder.
Para el año 2019 Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power nos traen su producción titulada 40 años de Poder.

Contact:

Mambiche Records

Luisito Ayala Tel: 787-649-4440

Email: [email protected] / Wed: www.puertoricanpower.com

Article of Interest: Celso Clemente Torres is considered one of the best-sounding bongos in the world.

Salsa Escrita, the Salsa Column of Barquisimeto presents Cheo Valenzuela

Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”

We are pleased to have as a special guest in our salsa column, one of the vocalists possessing a unique, admirable, and respected quality of interpretation, which has stood out in our country and abroad, bringing his flavor and swing with great professionalism and hierarchy. We are talking about Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”, born in Cantaura, Anzoátegui state, on January 24th.

At the age of 7, he moved with his family to the city of Caracas, settling in one of the most popular parishes: La Pastora. Welcome Cheo to Salsa Escrita, “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto” and International Salsa Magazine, www.SalsaGoogle.com.

Thank you, friend and professor, Carlos Colmenárez, for giving me the opportunity to be present in this tribune of our Afro-Caribbean music, which serves us to make known our talents and musical projects and thus be able to interact with its assiduous readers in Venezuela and around the world.

Salsa Escrita, la Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto presenta a Cheo Valenzuela
Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”

Cheo, to begin with, we would like you to tell us how were your beginnings in music? Carlos, at the age of 14 I began my career as a salsa performer and with time I was called to join quite renowned orchestras.

Such as Cheo? I belonged to the Latin Dimension, then Oscar D’León called me and I was at his side with his orchestra; later I joined “Nuestra Orquesta la Salsa Mayor”; later I was called by “La Sonora Antillana”; then I joined the groups: Rumbero Menor, Venezuelan Master Orchestra, Orquesta Los Latinos, among others. Nowadays I have my own salsa orchestra “Cheo Valenzuela y su Orquesta” and also my own bolero group, called “Cheo Valenzuela y su Ensamble”.

Excellent Cheo, we really admire your work, which has been persevering and over the years, continues to rise steadily, with national and international projection. Yes, Carlos, let me tell you, apart from thank you for inviting me to your salsa column, that I launched myself into the market as a soloist some time ago and I currently have two musical productions, the first one entitled “Cheo Valenzuela and his Orchestra is you”.

Cheo Valenzuela
At the age of 7, he moved with his family to the city of Caracas.

This CD is made up of traditional salsa, romantic salsa, bolero, son, and ballads. Dear salsa lovers and consistent readers, let me tell you that Cheo, every time he gets on stage, shows off all his musical talent with total stage control, since he is a sonero, backed by multiple experiences acquired in his presentations, both in Venezuela and in the different countries he has visited.

Cheo, what can you tell us about your current musical situation? Professor Carlos, at present I am presenting for the consideration of all music lovers the new promotional theme that is part of my second musical production, which is called “Salsa Buena”, a theme of my authorship, with musical arrangements by the Venezuelan pianist, trombonist and singer Mauricio Silva, which we hope will be to the complete satisfaction of all of you. Of course, it will be a success, my friend Cheo, because your productions always carry an indisputable quality seal. By the way, what are your digital platforms and contacts? You can get me as Cheo Valenzuela in all social networks, you can also do it by email: [email protected] and Valenzuela [email protected] and for bookings by phone +58 424 1044822 and +58 416 6388420.

At the end of the interview, let me say that it was an honor to have you in Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto” and wishing you continue to succeed inside and outside our country so that we all enjoy Cheo Valenzuela “El Sonero de la Dulzura”.

A thousand thanks, Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for your unconditional friendship and for giving me a space in your column through International Salsa Magazine, also predicting successes in bulk and that you continue to support us in order to make our productions and presentations known, very soon in the name of God. Bendiciones Carlos and counts with the friendship of Cheo Valenzuela “Con Dulzura” and a lot of salsa…!

Remember not to leave your house…! Until next time and let’s keep on saucing!

Article of Interest: Eliel Rivero, “The Shaman of the Trombone”

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.