• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

International Salsa Magazine

  • Home
  • Previous editions
    • 2025
      • ISM / October 2025
      • ISM / September 2025
      • ISM / August 2025
      • ISM / July 2025
      • ISM / June 2025
      • ISM / May2025
      • ISM / April 2025
      • ISM / March 2025
      • ISM / February 2025
      • ISM / January 2025
    • 2024
      • ISM / December 2024
      • ISM / November 2024
      • ISM / October 2024
      • ISM / September 2024
      • ISM / August 2024
      • ISM / July 2024
      • ISM / June 2024
      • ISM / May 2024
      • ISM / April 2024
      • ISM / March 2024
      • ISM / February 2024
      • ISM / January 2024
    • 2023
      • ISM / December 2023
      • ISM / November 2023
      • ISM / October 2023
      • ISM – September 2023
      • ISM – August 2023
      • ISM July 2023
      • ISM Edition June 2023
      • ISM – May 2023
      • ISM April 2023
      • ISM March 2023
      • ISM February 2023
      • ISM January 2023
    • 2022
      • ISM December 2022
      • ISM November 2022
      • ISM October 2022
      • ISM September 2022
      • ISM August 2022
      • ISM July 2022
      • ISM June 2022
      • ISM May 2022
      • ISM February 2022
      • ISM January 2022
    • 2021
      • ISM December 2021
      • ISM November 2021
      • ISM October – 2021
      • ISM September 2021
      • ISM August 2021
      • ISM July 2021
      • ISM May 2021
      • ISM April 2021
      • ISM June 2021
      • ISM March 2021
      • ISM February 2021
      • ISM January 2021
    • 2020
      • ISM December 2020
      • ISM November 2020
      • ISM October 2020
      • ISM September 2020
      • ISM August 2020
      • ISM July 2020
      • ISM June 2020
      • ISM May 2020
      • ISM April 2020
      • ISM March 2020
      • ISM February 2020
      • ISM January 2020
    • 2019
      • ISM December 2019
      • ISM November 2019
      • ISM October 2019
      • ISM Septembre 2019
      • ISM August 2019
      • ISM July 2019
      • ISM June 2019
      • ISM May 2019
      • ISM April 2019
      • ISM March 2019
      • ISM February 2019
      • ISM January 2019
    • 2018
      • ISM December 2018
      • ISM November 2018
      • ISM October 2018
      • ISM September 2018
      • ISM August 2018
      • ISM July 2018
      • ISM June 2018
      • ISM May 2018
      • ISM April 2018
      • ISM March 2018
      • ISM February 2018
      • ISM January 2018
    • 2017
      • ISM December 2017
      • ISM November 2017
      • ISM October 2017
      • ISM September 2017
      • ISM August 2017
      • ISM July 2017
      • ISM June 2017
      • ISM May 2017
      • ISM April 2017
  • Download Salsa App
    • Android
    • Apple
  • Spanish

Search Results for: Latin Music

Alexandra Albán Manitas de Piedra baptized by Bobby Cruz

The percussionist christened by Bobby CruzStone Hand.

Alexandra Albán is the daughter of José Vicente Albán and María del Carmen Illera. She remembers the musical variety of her city of birth, Pasto. She admires the playing of Giovanni Hidalgo and Ray Barreto. He has recorded with José Aguirre’s group Kema, with flutist Néstor Torres, with Charlie Cardona, with Tony Sucar, with Bobby Cruz, with Alberto Barros in his Tribute to Colombian Salsa and recently recorded for Aymé Nuviola.

Born in the city of Pasto, Colombia, even as a little girl her musical talent started to show as she started her career as a trumpet player for different musical groups in her home city. Soon she was also singing and participation in national level competitions in which she obtained numerous awards.

The percussionist baptized by Bobby Cruz as Hands of Stone
Alexandra Albán Stone Hand

On the other hand, when she decided to travel to the city of Cali, she began her career as a percussionist, where she began to be part of different groups, thus strengthening her musical talent especially as a percussionist, Alexandra has had the opportunity to participate with artists such as Puerto Rican flutist Nestor Torres in his Latin jazz album which was nominated for a Grammy and Latin Grammy for best album in its genre, also participated in the song “Agua para beber” by Bobby Cruz.

In 2016 she was invited to be part of the jury at the salsa world cup in Cali, Colombia.

In 2018, Maestro Milton Salcedo invites her to record one of the songs (Sombrero de Yarey) of his album Swing 80, where she recorded all the percussion and was also nominated for a Latin Grammy.

In 2019 the master Mario Ortiz invites her to record in his production “50 Aniversario” in the theme (Budo) which was also nominated for the Latin Grammy, and the singer Albita Rodriguez also invites her to record in one of the themes of her album “Acústico” nominated for the Latin Grammy.

Some artists Alexandra has worked with. Maelo Ruiz , Tito Nieves , Jerry Rivera , Luisito Carrión , Ray Sepúlveda , Ray de la Paz, Henry Fiol, Orquesta Mulenze, Tito Gómez (R.I.P), Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz (special guest percussionist), Roberto Blades, Cano Estremera (R.I.P) among others.
The percussionist baptized by Bobby Cruz as Manitas Hands of Stone

In 2020 she was called by the renowned producer Motiff, to record a project of the Artist Arthur Hanlon, production called “Piano y Mujer” where she had the opportunity to record Percussion, Artist like Kany Gracia, Natalia Jimenez among other Artists, participated in Piano y Mujer.

Some artists Alexandra has worked with. Maelo Ruiz, Tito Nieves, Jerry Rivera, Luisito Carrión, Ray Sepúlveda, Ray de la Paz, Henry Fiol, Orquesta Mulenze, Tito Gómez (R.I.P), Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz (special guest percussionist), Roberto Blades, Cano Estremera (R.I.P) among others.

She has also had the opportunity to work and record with Alberto Barros’ tribute to Colombian salsa, a group that won 2 gold records for sales in Mexico.

Anecdote with Bobby Cruz and the nickname he gave you as Manitos de Piedra (Little Hands of Stone)

Since she was a child her beginnings in music were not long in coming, she began her career as a trumpet player in different groups in her hometown, she also ventured into singing where she was winner of national competitions, including the singing contest of the house of culture of Nariño, where she won first place.
Alexandra Albán Born in the city of Pasto, Colombia

The Manitos de piedra thing was when the master Bobby Cruz invited me to record a CD with a song called Agua para beber. Bobby Cruz wanted some quinto solos and wanted me to do them, he calls me, I record them, and my surprise when I listen to the final product and in the middle of the solo he tells me Alexandra Albán, Manitos de piedra, hahaha. That song hit in Puerto Rico and Miami. Once I went to a concert dedicated to Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz in Puerto Rico, and people asked me if I was the aforementioned Manitas de piedra. For them, that’s my identification.

 He admires the playing of Giovanni Hidalgo and Ray Barreto.
I am from Colombia

Research Sources

Diana Marie: Correspondent for International Salsa Magazine in Miami, Florida

International Salsa Magazine

https://www.soultonecymbals.com/artist/alexandra-alban

 

By: Diana Marie Correspondent International Salsa Magazine in Miami, Florida

 

Home

Let’s meet the Pharaoh of Salsa, who is he? Oscar D ‘Leon .

Biography of Oscar D ‘Leon

Óscar Emilio León Simosa, was born in the populous Antimano parish in Caracas -Venezuela, on July 11, 1943, known in the artistic world Óscar d ‘León, son of Carmen Dionisia Simoza and Florentino Padrón. However, he did not recognize him at the time of birth, so the marriage of Carmen Simoza and Justo León decided to take care of the child.

From an early age, little Oscar enjoyed the popular parties that were held in Antímano and listened to the music of great orchestras such as La Sonora Matancera, the Billo’s Caracas Boys Orchestra, the Matamoros Trio, and two of his greatest musical inspirations, Celia Cruz. and Benny Moré.

He began his musical career relatively late, at 28 years of age, after having carried out two jobs totally unrelated to music, such as taxi driver and mechanic; He was educated academically as a surveyor, but never practiced that profession.

Oscar D' Leon
Oscar D’ Leon Photo

Oscar learned to play bass empirically, his innate talent for music was so extraordinary that it allowed him to earn a position in one of the orchestras that played in a renowned nightclub in the city of Caracas. There Oscar also did the choirs, but he did not interpret any song as a soloist.

His life changed when the lead singer of the orchestra was absent from one of the presentations and Oscar proposed to fill that vacancy and he did it in a great way, so much so that he received the approval of all those present.

In 1972, the owner of “La Distinción” told him that he would dispense with his services, since he would require an orchestra of higher quality and experience. Oscar offered his group to the owner of the premises, although he did not have it. It was here that D ’León went, together with the trombonist César Monges, from door to door looking for some musicians with whom he considered he could put together a group with which the venue could get out of trouble. It is there where they meet the percussionists Elio Pacheco and José Rodríguez, the trombonist José Antonio Rojas (Rojita) and the pianist Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte (who would later be replaced by Jesús Narváez). At this moment the project to create the Latin Dimension is accelerating.

They premiered on March 15, 1972, in a rehearsal at the home of “Culebra” Iriarte in La Guaira and debuted in “La Distinción”. In that same 1972 the orchestra recorded their first full-length album and obtained their first hit, the song “Pensando en ti”. This first success led them to be hired to participate in the Maracaibo carnival festivities. We must emphasize that Víctor Mendoza was the one who suggested using his stage name as “Oscar D´León”. There were many songs that Oscar hit with the Latin Dimension, “Llorarás”, “Taboga”, “El Frutero”, “Mi Tierra”, among many more.

In 1976, at the highest point of popularity, Oscar D’León confronted differences with the rest of the members of the group, for which he separated from the Latin Dimension and formed his own orchestra; “La Salsa Mayor” recording his first LP titled “Con Bajo y Todo”.

After some legal problems that momentarily led him to remain briefly detained and deprived of liberty and to be questioned in the media, he decided to change his image and presence, dispensing with the qualifier “El Diablo de la salsa” that had been given to him in Panama.

In 1986 he relapsed into acting, this time in the Venezuelan film “Hell is sure.” Later, he began his international leap, taking his music to countries such as Japan and to stages such as Madison Square Garden in New York, the Poliedro de Caracas and the Teresa Carreño Theater. At this stage, he alternates and records with those who had been his youth idols: Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente.

He also presented himself as the companion for singers of the new salsa generation who was part, like him, of the label belonging to Ralph Mercado “RMM”: La India with whom he would record the song “Hazme el amor” or José Alberto “El Canario” with who would record “The flavor arrived.”

Oscar D' Leon Photo
Oscar D ‘Leon smiling for the photo

Oscar D´León has received numerous awards and honors. In 1996, with the album “Sonero del Mundo” in collaboration with the Cuban musician Willy Chirino makes him obtain the nomination for the Grammy.

On March 15, 1998, the city of New York honored him by naming that date as Oscar D’León Day.

On December 20, 2009, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a Caracas clinic after suffering a heart attack in Martinique, from which he recovered after undergoing catheterization.

On November 21, 2013 he received the Latin Grammy Award for Excellence for his musical career, thus recognizing the impact of his performance in the world, also that same year he would receive the Grammy Award.

Today, Oscar continues to delight us with his wonderful musical talent …

Anacaona Areito de Anacaona ‘Golden Flower’

Anacaona was the last princess of the Caribbean and protector of the Taino people.

“Anacaona, areito de Anacaona”, sang Cheo Feliciano before a heated crowd at the Cheetah club in New York late on 26 August 26, 1971.

It has been more than 50 years have passed and the chorus from the pen of Tite Curet Alonso resounds as if it were yesterday. But who was Anacaona?

Anacaona or Anakaona. (1474-1503)1 was an aboriginal Taino chieftain of Bohío Island. She governed the Cacicazgo of Jaragua after the death of her brother Bohechío. She was condemned to be hanged by Governor Nicolás de Ovando.

Anacaona means ‘Golden Flower’ in the Taino language. She was a Haitian princess of Taino origin who was born in the year 1474 at Bohío, as it was dubbed by its inhabitants and then divided into two Caribbean countries: the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Anacaona was the last princess of the Caribbean and protector of the Taino people.
Anacaona Areito de Anacaona

After the death of her brother Bohechío, Anacaona would take over as cacique to rule the Chiefdom of Jaragua. She had a natural talent for poems, which she sang in the areitos, dances, and songs with which the Taino Indians celebrated their festivities and religious rites.

Anacaona received Christopher Columbus on his first voyage at Christmas 1492. She felt admiration for the new knowledge and skills of these people to solve day-to-day challenges.

Those led by Columbus established a settlement in the new territory, which they called Christmas Town. It is said that this was the first building of the Spaniards in America.

But harmony would not last for long. The abuse on the natives began, especially women who were mistreated and raped without hesitation.

Anacaona would not accept the oppressive tyranny and persuaded Caonabo, her husband, to destroy the settlement where the invaders were based.

Anacaona in the Taino language means 'Golden Flower'. She was a Haitian princess of Taino race who was born in the year 1474 on Bohío Island, as its first inhabitants baptized it and which would later be divided into two Caribbean countries: the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Anacaona was the last princess of the Caribbean and protector of the Taino people.

Christopher Columbus left the territory and, upon return in November 1493, he found Christmas Town destroyed and its more than 43 men killed. It was an affront. Anacaona escaped and became an Indian of a captive race, as the song goes. But her freedom would not last long. After an intense search, she was captured and bound to hang in 1504.

The Tite Curet Alonso’s ‘Anacaona’

Tite Curet Alonso composed ‘Anacaona’ without knowing who she was. The song written from one day to the next would be included in the album “Cheo” (1971) of Vaya Records. The label sought to re-launch Feliciano’s musical career, who had stayed away from the stage as a result of the rehabilitation for his drug addiction.

In an interview posted on Youtube, Tite says that he was inspired by a Lecuona Cuban Boys orchestra’s song (recorded in the 1930s) and baptized it with that name in honor of the Cuban girl group Anacaona.

After the death of her brother Bohechío, Anacaona took over as caciqueca, governing the Cacicazgo de Jaragua. She had a natural talent for poetry, which she sang in the areitos, dances and songs with which the Taino Indians celebrated their festivities and religious rites.
Anacaona or Anakaona. (1474-1503) was an aboriginal Taino chieftain of Bohío Island.

He says he tried to “make up a mystical story” about Spanish and Indian slaves. When composing, Curet did not know he was telling the true story of the Haitian princess who fought against the Spaniards in the early years of the discovery of America.

After the release of the album was released, which was well received by the public, Curet visited a priestess who knew the life of Anacaona and had heard the song in the voice of Cheo Feliciano. After knowing the story, Tite was greatly impressed.

The woman informed the composer that it was the Taíno ancestors who inspired his pen in each verse.

“But how is it possible that you wrote that song? Now you have to make a song for Caonabo and I will tell you why: because from a certain generation upwards, you are a descendant of Caonabo and Anacaona”, said the priestess.

It did not take long for Tire Curet to publish his tribute to ‘Caonabo’, the Indian fighter who, like his wife Anacaona, fought against Spanish oppression. The song was included in his production as a singer-songwriter entitled “Aquí estoy con un poco de algo” (1975).

The Cheetah concert on August 26, 1971, gave rise to the salsa boom and allowed several young talents to make history. Moreover, it opened the way for composers like Tire Curet Alonso, who with songs like ‘Anacaona’, created the soundtrack of Latin American soul.

Images courtesy of Museo Taino Anacaona

https://www.museoanacaona.com/

Dominican Republic

 

Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela Quality and Tuning in the Fania All-Star Machinery

Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela, Instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and world-class reader.

 Héctor Zarzuela, known in the entertainment world as ‘Bomberito’, passed away last Thursday, January 7 at the age of 84 in New Jersey, USA.

Born June 3 in the city of Moca, Dominican Republic, where he began his musical studies, played with several local groups and then moved to the capital city in which he played with

different orchestras. Then in the early 60’s, he decided to emigrate to New York City.

Shortly after arriving in New York, he entered the world of salsa and began working with local orchestras, and later with those that made up the famous Fania All-Star in which he remained for many years.

Hector "Bomberito" Zarzuela Instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and world-class reader.
Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela Quality and Tuning in the Fania All Stars Machine

The former member of the band Estrellas de la Fania, was one of the most important personalities of salsa thanks to his great talent and participation with renowned groups and artists of the salsa world, among them the Fania All-Stars (1971-1976 / 1979-1988 / 1994), Cheo Feliciano (1973 / 1977 / 1993), Ismael Rivera y sus Cachimbos (1975-1978), Héctor Lavoe (1975 / 1981) and Ray Barretto (1979 / 1987-1990).

He worked with fellow trumpeter Luis “Perico” Ortiz for many years, being an extraordinary quality and tuning session and responsible for innumerable hits of different singers.

The name Hector Zarzuela earned a lot of respect for his beautiful songs as an instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and world-class reader.

His list of artists with whom he recorded is enormous, here are some of them: Pete Conde, Johnny Pacheco, Héctor Lavoe, El Canario, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Rivera, Tony Vega, Celia Cruz, Grupo Niche, Victor Manuel, among others.

Traveling the world with all these artists, from Latin America to Africa, Japan, Australia, leaving legions of admirers in his wake and a great example to follow.
In 1980, he recorded with an orchestra formed by him, a production entitled “Merengues con Caché”. At that time, he was also with the group “Africando”.

In 1980, he recorded a production entitled “Merengues con Caché” with an orchestra which he has created. Around this time, he was also in the group “Africando“.

He traveled from Latin America to Africa, Japan, and Australia with all these artists, collected legions of fans, and set a great example to follow.

He also dabbled with some merengue groups, especially The New York Band, La Gran Manzana, etc. His career in merengue groups is not extensive, after all he has lived in New York City for many years, making him a living example of Constancy and Determination.

Lovingly called Bomberito, we know nothing about the reasons for this nickname, but he is highly known this way.

Zarzuela was a well-mannered, quiet temperament, respecful person when relating with others, and very responsible person in carrying out his work.

Man with a noteworthy trajectory in growing quality and respect by becoming one of the great figures abroad of our musicians.

Héctor Zarzuela deserves a predominant role in the pages of our history.

He was one of the greatest trumpeters of all time, always being the first trumpet in the ensembles.

He belongs to the highest elite group of musicians of the same instrument. The maestros Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Elias Lopes, Kito Velez, Orlando Pabellon, Rafael Labasta, Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, Puchi Bulong and other great figures that make up the trumpet legends of the trumpet in salsa.

Trumpet

The trumpet is a wind instrument, which belongs to the family of brass instruments and is made of metal alloy.

The sound is produced by the vibration of lips on the part called mouthpiece from the air column (air flow).

Commonly, it is usually tuned in 9′ B ♭, that is to say, one tone below the tuning written on the staff, although there are also trumpets tuned in F, C, A and E, – flat-.

The musician who plays the trumpet is known as trumpet player or trumpeter.

Mechanism

The trumpet is made of brass tube doubled in a spiral of about 180 cm long, has several valves or pistons, and ends with a bellmouth weir, which receives the name of bell or pavilion.

The first two thirds of the tube are practically cylindrical, which gives it a loud and bright sound, whereas the cornet and the flugelhorn, which have a conical tube and produce a softer tone.

The remaining third is a conical tube, except in the last 30 cm, where the tube is widened to form the bellmouth weir.

The caliber is a complex series of turns that besome smaller in the mouthpiece receiver and larger just before the start of the bell. Careful design of these turns is critical to the intonation of the trumpet.

Hector "Bomberito" Zarzuela Instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and first class reader.
Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela Quality and Tuning in the Fania All Stars Machine

 

Home

Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

Life is fun. Dare to live it

Bella Martínez was born in Puerto Rico. She is a graduate of Natural Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She lived in the state of North Dakota as a member of the United States Air Force. She completed her master’s in Health Services Administration and Quantitative Methods at Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

In 2016 she published Schizophrenic: Imaginary Episodes from a Different Life. In 2020 she wrote Insurrecta: Schizophrenic Chronicles of an Indomitable Life from Ediciones Scriba NYC. She maintains contact with her followers through the blog Life is beautiful, dare to live it. Her mission is to inspire Spanish-speaking people around the world to live life to the fullest.

Her writings have been published in several international literary anthologies, including: Divina, la mujer en twenty voices by Ediciones Scriba NYC -awarded at the International Latino Book Awards 2019, in Los Angeles, California- and in various editions of the poetry book Siglema 575, of minimalist poetry, Ediciones Scriba NYC. If you want to know more about Bella, you can do so by visiting Bellamartinezescribe.com or through her pages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

Bella Martinez led a pretty fun life
Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

Bella Martinez I lead a pretty funny, sometimes complicated life; although I try every day to simplify it. I’ve even thought that one day I could be a minimalist…. Sure, in my own way; like everything else. I almost forgot to mention that I’m a vegan and a salsa dancer who dances until she collapses.

I should add that I love music that allows me to dance and express what is otherwise impossible to write or draw. In short; I dance salsa, I cook, I write and I dare to face whatever life brings me.

My mission is to inspire Spanish-speaking people around the world to dare to live a unique life because as I titled my blog: “La vida es bella…. Dare to live it”; I believe that life is to be lived the way you want it to be lived, doing good without looking out for others. I invite you to take a look at my blog .

I post about dance, music, beauty, fashion, vegan cooking, literature and everything else I can think of. Well, at least that’s the intention.

As for my narrative; and according to my great friend of always, Dr. Lopez Feliciano: “Through humor, and the narrative of the transgenerational transmission of the tribe, core values such as freedom, truth, integrity and fidelity are exposed.

The schizophrenic chronicles unveil an imaginary world in which cats, heifers, lice, mice are personified; and shoes, brooms, cars, keys and paper dolls are animated. The approach to reality is fantastic spun with ideas of references that are only experienced by an untamed life.”

And I say, “I expose in my memoirs through wacky stories and mocking the harsh daily reality of an ordinary routine; visiting stamps of my memories and nostalgically longing for the peasant activities of my ancestors whom I remember daily. You can’t help but fall in love with my picturesque narrative…”

The memories of Jimmie Morales comes to us from the pen of Puerto Rican writer Bella Martínez. In this new proposal by Martinez, she herself reported that: “it details the memoirs of the conga player who made his way into the world of salsa to become one of the most influential percussionists in the genre he has dedicated his life.”

From the pen of Puerto Rican writer Bella Martínez comes: A Conguero for History, The Memoirs of Jimmie Morales.
Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer
Life is fun. Dare to live it

The official launch of this daring text in which the author stresses the importance of our music and the influence that Puerto Rican performers have had throughout the history of salsa beyond our shores was on Thursday 19 November 19 2020.

This launch coincided with Puerto Rican’s Day. The list of contributors Bella counted on during drafting included the maestro Willie Rosario, who wrote the prologue, and the most prolific soloist of commercial salsa: Gilberto Santa Rosa, who wrote the introduction and the back-cover text. The virtual presentation of Un conguero para la historia was sponsored and streamed through the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña.

The text is available in paper form through the following links:

Amazon.com – Global:

Un conguero para la historia: Las memorias de Jimmie Morales (Paperback).

Walmart.com:

Un conguero para la historia, Las memorias de Jimmie Morales (Hardcover).

The book is also available at:  – Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, Old San Juan – Puerto Rico.

– El Candil Library, Ponce – Puerto Rico

– Laberinto Library, Old San Juan – Puerto Rico

– Pure Sound, Bayamón – Puerto Rico

– RZayas Music, Juana Días – Puerto Rico

– The Bookmark, San Patricio Plaza – Puerto Rico

In the following text, fro-Antillean music researcher and Colombian journalist Robert Téllez Moreno, who is a biographer of Ray Barretto and Willie Rosario, summarizes what the reader will find in the memoirs that the conga player Jimmie Morales shares with his followers through the voice of Bella Martínez:

Percussionist Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The son of Puerto Rican parents and owner of a natural talent, he developed an interest in music when as a child he listened to groups such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

As from 1967, Jimmie and his family settled in Puerto Rico, from where his connection with Afro-Caribbean music emerged, after having listened to various Cuban, Puerto Rican and New York conga players such as Ray Barretto, Patato Valdez, Candido Camero, Mongo Santamaria, Johnny ‘Dandy’ Rodriguez, Milton Cardona and Eddie Montalvo, among others.

His first approach to the instrument occurred when his neighbor, Rubén Beltrán allowed him to play congas at his home. Later, he joined the youth group ‘La Justicia’ , with which he began to work permanently, while having his own instrument given away by his father.

After three years of work with ‘La Justicia’, Jimmie Morales joined Beto Tirado’s ‘La Predilecta’, in which he remained until he joined Tito Allen’s orchestra to work as a conga player until 1978, when he received an invitation from the maestro Willie Rosario, ‘Míster Afinque’, to join his orchestra in place of Papo Pepín.

According to Jimmie Morales, during those eight consecutive years, he lived his most formative stage, and what he considers his “formal training in the music industry”. This happened when he was a member of Willie Rosario’s orchestra, which was one of the greatest institutions of the salsa movement.

With Willie Rosario’s orchestra Jimmie Morales participated in the productions: ‘El Rey del ritmo’, ‘El de a 20 de Willie’, ‘The Portrait of a Salsa Man’, ‘Atízame el fogón’, ‘The Salsa Machine’, ‘Nuevos Horizontes’, ‘Afincando’ and ‘Nueva Cosecha’.

In 1986, Jimmie Morales joined Gilberto Santa Rosa’s nascent orchestra ‘El Caballero de la Salsa’, participating in multiple recordings and traveling the world.

At the same time, Morales began an impressive career as a top-level studio musician. He received credit for hundreds of recordings of such artists as: Lalo Rodríguez, Oscar León, Paquito Guzmán, Eddie Santiago, David Pabón, Héctor Tricoche, Edgard Joel, Marvin Santiago, Tito Rojas, Rey Ruiz, Ismael Miranda and Frankie Ruiz, the latter, with this latter he participated in all his solo albums.

As an accompanying musician, Jimmie Morales has appeared as an accompanying musician on hundred of recordings of great figures such as: Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Juan Luis Guerra, Tito Nieves and Jerry Rivera, among many others.

In 2010, as a leader of his own proyect, Jimmie Morales released ‘El Tumbao’ with the songs “Píntate Los Labios María” popularized by Cuban guitarist of the Buena Vista Social Club Elíades Ochoa and arranged Louis Cruz, who was Ray Barretto’s pianist in the 70s. The recording also includs “The Continental”, a jazz standard, arranged by seasoned José Madera, who was percussionist and arranger for Tito Puente’s orchestra for more than 30 years.

Recently, Jimmie Morales has contributed with his talent to the recordings: ’40… y contando en vivo desde Puerto Rico’ by Gilberto Santa Rosa, an album that captures one of the most emotional nights of the recent tour of the ‘Caballero de la Salsa’ and ‘Opus’, the eighth album by singer Marc Anthony, and recorded at Art House Society and Criteria Studios in Miami under the direction of multi-Grammy Award winning pianist and producer Sergio George.

Jimmie Morales, continues his commitment to music, from the area of pedagogy, sharing his experience and knowledge through workshops and clinics provided to young people from different countries, who have a genuine interest in music.

Bella Martínez: Amazon

Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

 

Home

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 216
  • Page 217
  • Page 218
  • Page 219
  • Page 220
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 227
  • Go to Next Page »

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.