Search Results for: Latin Music
Latin America / January 2024
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Musical history of Roosevelt Cordova ”El Presidente de La Salsa”
Just as the case of Cuba and Puerto Rico, Peru has also given birth to many salsa exponents worthy of being highlighted and one of them is the talented Roosevelt Cordova, artistically known as ”El Presidente de La Salsa”.
The sonero has a very interesting career behind him, so we decided to contact him and know a little more about his personal and professional life. Roosevelt responded by thanking us for the opportunity and finally, we were able to agree on a day and time to talk about issues of interest around his figure.
His taste in music since he was a child
As has happened with many other salseros, Roosevelt also fell in love with music when still a child, but without knowing at the time that this is what he would dedicate his life to later.
He always saw his family enjoying music at amateur level, which awakened in him a taste for this branch of art. However, his journey in this world did not begin with salsa, but with Peruvian waltzes and Creole music. It was not until he turned 17 that he became interested in salsa because an uncle of his signed him up for a contest called ”Buscando Un Sonero”, taking third place among 84 participants in total.
Thanks to his performance in the contest, he was proposed to join the orchestra Camagüey, but his father refused because of all the excesses that an artist must face and he considered that his minor son was not ready for that. On the contrary, he preferred his son to be interested in other activities such as sports and leave music for later.
In addition to this, the great references in which Roosevelt was inspired to follow his path have been El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Willie Rosario, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Héctor Lavoe, La Fania All Stars, among others.
Roosevelt in Los Angeles
It wasn’t until Roosevelt, at the age of 25, left for the United States that he could pursue his dreams and become the artist he dreamed he would be.
He did not initially plan to devote himself to music, as he simply wanted to progress in life like any other immigrant, but it was not long before he decided to take the bully by the horns and return his great passion. It is then when he recorded an entire Peruvian Creole music album, but soon left this genre to return to recording salsa.
This is how he began to seize every opportunity to participate in salsa orchestras to gain experience little by little.
The first group he belonged to was La Sonora Santiaguera, which he joined in 1998, but from then on, there were many others with which Roosevelt learned much of what he knows today as an artist.
One of the most important orchestras he belonged to was Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad. After all the experience gained so far, Roosevelt was encouraged to personally look for Johnny to talk to him at El Floridita, where El Conjunto Amistad performed weekly.
The artist told the leader of the group he was a singer and wanted a chance in his group. After hearing him sing with his musicians that same night, Johnny invited him over to his home to give him a cassette with all the songs he had to learn to work formally with them. Two weeks later, he was already making his debut with Johnny and El Conjunto Amistad. His entry into the group coincided with the farewall of the lead singer, something that was just perfect for Roosevelt.
Other groups
After leaving El Conjunto Amistad, Roosevelt continued his career and joined Ángel Lebrón y Su Sabor Latino, with whom he recorded a full album. Some time later, he joined Guapacha Latin Jazz led by the Venezuelan Gil Tower, with whom the Peruvian has an excellent personal relationship, despite having separated professionally.
In 2011, he became part of Conjunto Oye, which Roosevelt thinks is the best moment of his career because he was able to be himself within the orchestra and express his art with independence, something difficult in his previous groups. It was here that he had the growth he really needed to get ready and to take up greater challenges in the future.
Solo career
The information we found about his solo career revealed that Roosevelt went solo in 2019, but he corrected us by saying that, in reality, his first solo album ‘‘Un Nuevo Cantante” was recorded in 2018, which is when he really decided to open paths on his own.
Although he says he is grateful to all the bands he has played in, he also adds that there comes a point in life where every artist wants to build his own path when he already fulfil the conditions for that. In his case, he already had experience in singing, composing and creating useful contacts, so he gave himself the opportunity to try. The best thing is that his wife supported him at all times and, today, she continues to be his rock in whatever he sets out to do.
He also noted that he dreams of having his own orchestra someday and that it is important to have dreams in order to get where you want to be.
Roosevelt Cordova ”El Presidente de La Salsa”
When we wanted to know the origin of his artistic name, he laughingly told us that it is all abut his first name. Let us remember that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States and his last name coincides with the singer’s first name.
When someone approached him to ask for a picture and asked his name, he said he had the same name as former U.S. President Roosevelt. Since this situation constantly repeated, his wife proposed him to use this to create a stage name for himself. That is how ”El Presidente de La Salsa” was born.
Llegó La Navidad
Currently, Roosevelt is currently promoting his new Christmas song ”Llegó La Navidad” of his own authorship. The idea of composing the song came from his wife and daughter, who insisted that it was time for him to release music written by himself.
So, he started the writing with the chorus and, from there, continued with the rest of the song. This is a technique he uses regularly when composing, as he ensures that people always remember the chorus more than the rest of the lyrics, so he always strives to have a catchy chorus that stands out in the public’s mind.
Read also: We bring trombonist Félix O. Rodriguez from Santurce to ISM
Juan Valdez Byte Dominican musician, arranger, composer and singer-songwriter.
Juan Valdez Born in San Juan de la Maguana on June 24, 1962. Son of Mrs. Martha Ramona Ybert and Mr. Jose Ignacio Valdez (Kiko), he is the eldest of 6 siblings (all musicians).
He started in his father’s band (also a musician) La Gran Dimensión, he was the first saxophonist of the municipal music band of his town where he studied solfeggio and saxophone with maestro Plinio Feliz. Later he studied piano at the school of fine arts of the same town.
Juan Valdez Ybet at the age of 19 he moved to Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, where he became a pianist and arranger for the Rosario Brothers Orchestra, Aramis Camilo, Alex Bueno, Sergio Vargas, Alex Mansilla and Canaveral, pianist for Juan Luis Guerra and 440, then director and arranger for Luis Diaz, Michel El Buenon, Asdrubar, Felix Manuel, Big Bang Congreso del Bolero, Felix De Oleo, Jaqueline Estevez, Anthony Rios, Camboy Estevez, Homenaje a Felix del Rosario, among others.
He was also Director of the Television Programs: Buen Provecho with Yaqui Nuñez, Viceversa with Mariela Encarnación and Georgina Duluc, En Resumidas Cuentas and Sábado de Corporan.
Juan Valdez Ybet he has participated as a pianist in concerts and studio recordings with Aramis Camilo, Alex Bueno, Sergio Vargas, Luis Diaz, Michel El Buenon, Asdrubar, Felix Manuel, Felix De Oleo, popular concerts, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional conductor Jose A. Molina, Grupo Cañaveral, Wilfrido Vargas, Fernando Villalona, Sandy Reyes, Henry Garcia, Grupo Licuado de Crispin Fernandez, Maridalia Hernandez, Milly Quezada, Juan Luis Guerra, Andy Montañez, Paquito Guzman, Tito Gomez, Zacarias Ferreira, Eddy Herrera, Hermanos Rosario, Kaki Vargas, Hector Acosta y Toros Band, The New York Band, Grupo Ilegales, Manuel Tejada, Jorge Taveras, Rasputin, Pablo Martinez, Marcos Hernandez, Luis Miguel del Amargue, Aniversario Telemicro, among others.
He has made Musical Arrangements (Orchestrator) for: Aramis Camilo, Alex Bueno, Sergio Vargas, Luis Diaz, Michel El Buenon, Asdrubar, Felix Manuel, Felix De Oleo, National Symphony Orchestra, Placido Domingo Jr, Grupo Canaveral, Wilfrido Vargas, Fernando Villalona, Sandy Reyes, Henry Garcia, Milly Quezada, Zacarias Ferreira, Olga Tañon, Manny Manuel, Mayra y Celines, Placido Domingo Hijo, Hermanos Rosario, Kaki Vargas, Hector Acosta y Toros Band, The New York Band, La Coco Band, Grupo Ilegales, Rasputin, Pablo Martinez, Jailine Cintron, Grupo La Linea, Premios Casandra, Primera y Segunda del Merengue, Que Viva El Merengue, Dimanchy, Conjunto Quisqueya, Giselle, Isha, Pakole, Manolé, Yanfourd, David Kada, Shadow Blow, Vakero, Gingers for Brugal, Coca Cola and Pastas La Famosa.
Juan he is also a professor of Piano and Popular Latin Orchestration at the National Conservatory of Music (CNM) since 2001 to date. He has been nominated for the Cassandra Awards since 1987 until the last Sovereign Awards.
Recognized by the green valley foundation in his town, by the city council and the syndic.
Recognized by the Grammy awards as an arranger and musician.
Arranger:
The Rosario Brothers: El Chicharron, Buena Suerte.
Aramis Camilo: Nena, Si la Ven, El Alicate, Hellow, Al Maestro Con Cariño, La india, A La Talalala, I Will Always Love You, Si Yo Pudiera (Salsa), Ya Te Digo Adiós.
Alex Bueno: Como Nadie (lyrics, composition and arrangement), Soy Rebelde, Una Lagrima Por tu Amor, Nuestro Juramento, Quien Soy Yo Sin Ella, Número C.
Quien Soy Yo Sin Ella, Número Cero.
Sergio Vargas: Marola, La Ventanita, La Pastilla, Bamboleo, Perla Negra, Se Acabo, Me Muero, El Merengue Se Baila Pegao, Dias de
Junio, Yo Soy, Muele, Maquina Olandera, Dudas, Por H o por R (Composicion y Arreglo), Perfume de Rosas, En Esta Casa Humilde, A Dar Amor, Tu Vacilandome, Tu Ausencia, Causas y Azares, Lejos, Ciclon, Que No Halla, Mas Fronteras, Amor De A Ratos, Que Linda, Mujeres, Dile Mas, Baile ae, Si Volvieras, Palo Palo, Eres Tu, Ramona, Musica para la fiesta, Soy Sergio, Ay Ombe, El Dolorcito, Jugue sin saber, Aunque mal paguen ellas, Magia, Sin Ella Sufro, Llore Llore, Lucerito.
Benny Sadel: Que pasará, Te He Prometido, Mis manos en tu cintura (Arrangement and Chorus), Homenaje a Wilfrido, Rompamos El Contrato, Quiero Ser, Por Que Yo Quiero, En Esta Navidad, Por Ti, Un Mal Sueño, Así Es La Vida, Yo Te Daba Amor.
Wilfrido Vargas: El Baile Del Perrito, Por La Plata Baila El Mono.
Fernando Villalona: Yo Soy Aquel, Sin Ti, Que Chuleria, Hoy Le Pido Al Señor, No Te Rindas (Bachata).
Rubby Perez: I Must Do It.
Eddy Herrera: Carolina, Callejón Sin Salida, Vete, Dueno De Nada, Desde Que Te Conoci, Lo Tiene Todo.
Hector Acosta (El Torito): Menos Que Nada, Sin Tu No Me Quieres, Déjala, Si Me Recuerdas (Salsa).
New York Band: Quien Piensas Tu Que Soy, Me Quedé Con Las Ganas.
Pochi y La CocoBand: Olvida Las Penas.
Diomedes: Balsie, Las Estrellas Brillaran, El Negro Chombo, Locos De Amor (Karen Records).
Kaki Vargas: Los Mosquitos Puyan (Complete Album), No Cojas Sola Pa Allá, El Hombre De Mamá, Muchachita De Los Limones, Arisleyda, Mampote, among others.
Also Read: Betsy Colombian Salsa, Bolero and Son Cubano Singer
Héctor Martignon has been one of the most sought-after pianists on the Latin jazz scene in New York
New York based-, Colombian born Hector Martignon has composed, orchestrated, produced, performed and recorded music in a wide spectrum of genres, from Classical and Crossover, to Jazz and World Music, to Rock and Pop.
His five albums as a leader, two as co-leader (MOZART’s BLUE FANTASIES and BACH’s SECRET FILES) as well as his work on over a hundred albums, scores for five feature films, three Broadway Musicals and multiple other projects, showcase his wide-ranging area of expertise.
After several nominations as a sideman, two of his five solo CDs were nominated for a GRAMMY Award (REFUGEE, 2008, and SECOND CHANCE, 2010).
He arranged and performed parts of the score of Ang Lee’s OSCAR-nominated movie EAT, DRINK, MAN, WOMAN.
His first professional recording was at age 18 (Mikis Theodorakis’s “Canto General”) while one of the most recent was on legendary rock band CHICAGO’s latest production, the Latin-tinged “EXITOS”.
He has written symphonic orchestrations, performed and recorded by the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and compositions like ABRE LOS OJOS, CIERRA LOS OJOS, commissioned and premiered by the MUSICA DE CAMARA STRING ORCHESTRA at St Patrick’s Cathedral in April 2011.
Hector Martignon is currently working on a first CD with his BANDAGRANDE Big Band + String Quartet as well as an album with selections out of a series of 7 solo piano recitals at the Ludwigsburg University of Education (Germany), where he conducts a “compact seminar” on Classic Music-based improvisation every November.
As a requested sideman he has toured the world with such greats as Paquito D’Rivera, Ray Barretto, Gato Barbieri, Steve Turre, Don Byron, Tito Puente and was featured pianist with Max Roach’s PROJECT AMERICA at the 92 St Y.
His joy of teaching has made him a requested guest-lecturer and performance teacher in music faculties and academies in several countries of Europe, Japan, North- and South America.
Hector wrote an instructional book on Latin piano commissioned and published by Hal Leonard, the SALSA PIANO BOOK.
Martignon’s abilities as a pianist have always been enriched by his interest in varied musical genres.
He paid for his studies of classical piano and composition at the prestigious Freiburger Musikhochschule in Germany by performing with the best Afro-Cuban and Brazilian bands of Europe, backing stars like Celia Cruz and Ismael Quintana on their European tours, and recording with Tata Güiness and Arturo Sandoval.
At the same time he was attending seminars of contemporary composition with masters like Gyorgi Ligetti, Luigi Nono and Karl Heinz Stockhausen.
He also performed classical music in recitals and concerts in Germany, Italy and his native Colombia, specializing in Chopin, Bach and Debussy.
One of his latest endeavors has been a Jazz-Classical crossover project, co-lead with star virtuoso trumpeter Joe Burgstaller, in which the music of the classics, from Bach to Ellington is re-created in a chamber-jazz setting, to be enjoyed on their two releases, “Mozart’s Blue Fantasies” and “Bach’s Secret Files”.
Living in Brazil for a one-year love affair with that country and its music, Martignon soon became a requested studio musician and worked for star producer Carlinhos Brown.
Since relocating to New York City, Martignon has been one of the most sought-after pianists on the Latin jazz scene.
He’s toured North and South America, Europe, and Asia with the bands of Mongo Santamaría, Gato Barbieri, Steve Turre and Don Byron, who had him record in his latest CD.
He was featured pianist with the bands of Tito Puente, Mario Bauzá, Chico O’Farrill, Paquito D’Rivera, and Max Roach in his “Project America.” Most notably, Martignon was pianist for the late Ray Barretto’s various ensembles.
During his eight-year association with Barretto, his contributions as pianist, arranger, and composer were fundamental in shaping the sound of the now famous New World Spirit Sextet.
One of his last collaborations with Barretto, “My Summertime,” was a favorite nominee for a Grammy award. Martignon’s versatility has also made him extremely active in the film and television industries.
Besides playing all piano parts, he arranged and produced many parts of the score for the Oscar-nominated film “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman” by Ang Lee and performed the piano and keyboard parts for many movie scores (i.e., “Gloria”, “Relativity”).
He is composer of the original music of two feature films, one of which, “Septimo Cielo”, won international awards. He also collaborated in the production of many Broadway musicals (“Chronicle of a Death Foretold”, Paul Simon’s “The Capeman”, “Selena Forever”) as conductor, arranger, and co-composer. In the fall of 2003 Hector visited Slovenia and Russia to collaborate with singer-songwriter Vitaly Osmsçko’s first symphonic CD.
The Russian Philharmonic Orchestra recorded in Moscow the orchestrations written by Hector.
As a composer, producer and arranger of TV and radio music his record is no less impressive. In 2001 he landed two spots for HBO Latino, and one for Coca Cola.
HECTOR” S FOREIGN AFFAIR In 1998 Martignon performed with his quartet “Foreign Affair”at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s famed annual festival “The Next Wave” on a triple bill with Tito Puente’s “Top Percussion” and Don Byron’s “Music for six Musicians”.
This proved to be a turning point for him and his ensemble, which evolved from the strictly acoustic trio sound of the first two CDs to a more eclectic and electric quartet sound.
The new configuration that evolved from that memorable concert started a series of concerts and recordings, with guitarist Mark Whitfield, Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and Cuban drummer Horacio “Negro” Hernández.
This quartet performed and recorded live during a weeklong stint at New York’s famous Birdland.
The group has also performed on BET television festivals, at jazz clubs in Manhattan, and made various appearances in clubs and open-air festivals in his native Colombia and in Europe.
Martignon’s third solo project, to be released in the fall of 2003, is not only a reflection of the group’s new musical direction but also of his interaction with other world class musicians.
Eddie Gomez, Jeff Watts, Mathew Garrison, John Benitez, Dafnis Prieto, Willard Dyson have all made their unique contribution to this, Martignon’s new sound of Jazz.
Hector Martignon never fails to surprise, challenge and delight us. Stay tuned and get involved in this affair.
Site: Héctor Martignon
Also Read: “El Sol de la Música Latina” el primer premio Grammy para el histórico disco de Salsa Eddie Palmieri