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“Trayectoria de Clásicos” – Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago

North America / United State / New York

Johnny Cruz releases his new Salsa album “Trayectoria de Clásicos” with Adalberto Santiago to the musical arena

The famous Timbalero and musical producer presents a CD tribute to all the Puerto Rico and the world’s Soneros, along with one of the most privileged voices of Latin music and Fania All-Stars’ vocal ex-leader: Adalberto Santiago.

"Trayectoria de Clásicos" - Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago — “Trayectoria de Clásicos” – Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago

Johnny Cruz “El Señor del Timbal” launches his second historical compilation “Trayectoria de Clásicos” directed to all the Salseros lovers of the whole world, which can relive in a single album ten great classics of this tropical genre in the interpretation of the vocal versatility most famous of six decades, Adalberto Santiago.

This four-years recording album involved more than 20 Latin music personalities, including: Jason Villamar, Louis Perieda and the special guest: Richi Ray (Piano), Rubén Rodríguez and Freddy Rivera (Bass), Johnny Rodríguez, Pedro Segundo and Luisito Rodríguez (Bongos), Eddie Montalvo and Erick Vélez (Congas), Jerry Rivas and Luisito Rodríguez (Three), Nelson Jaime Gazu (Trumpet), Johnny Cruz (Timbales), Moisés Noguera (Trombones), Freddy Miranda (Baritone), Jerry Rivas, Adalberto Santiago and Frankie Vásquez in the choirs and Adalberto Santiago as Leader Vocal.

Each track of this Salsa flagship CD was chosen with special attention for being emblems of the salsa movement of the 60s, 70s, and 80s popularized by great artists and orchestras, such as: Fania All-Stars, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Cheo Feliciano, Tommy Olivencia, Adalberto Santiago, and Justo Betancourt.

“Trayectoria de Clásicos” comes with the differentiating touch of musical arrangements of extreme sonority concerning their original compositions. “Anacaona” (1971) by Cheo Feliciano with the Fania All-Stars, “El Swing” (1965) and “Un Verano en New York” (1975) by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and “Hipocresía”, the work of the Cuban master: Adalberto Álvarez are interpreted by the legendary vocalist Adalberto, who at 82 years of age keeps his voice intact and dominates a wide range of tones. This former member of the Chuíto Vélez orchestra, Ray Barretto, Típica 73 and Los Kimbos has one of the most prominent careers in the music industry, which has allowed him to share stage and recording with almost all the world-famous Salseros.

In this Salsa compilation, the New Yorker Cruz, also included the six singles: “Planté Bandera” (1975) whose original composition is Tommy Olivencia, “No hago más Na” (1973) belonging to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, “Pa’ Bravo Yo” (1972) by Justo Betancourt, and “Imposible ha de Ser” (1977), “Más Sabroso” (1985) and “Mañoño” (1973) with Típica 73 by Adalberto Santiago.

Undeniably, it’s an album that was worth every year of waiting. “Trayectoria de Clásicos” is of incomparable quality and a super Salsera production highly recommended.

Waiting for the big concert in the city of New York for all lovers of the genre this year!

Release: 2019

Label: Cruz Music Inc.

“Salsa music means everything to me. It’s a passion that goes hand in hand with my culture and roots… I have been playing it for 40 years as a musician and love it dearly”. Johnny Cruz

Johnny Cruz “El señor del Timbal”

The New Yorker musician, CEO, businessman, audio engineer, producer and broadcaster of radio and television, Johnny Cruz since 20 years ago has had one of the most important programs of the five counties of the city of New York dedicated to Salsa, “The Johnny Cruz Show”. This program seeks to enhance the genre, raise awareness and make a difference to what has already been established with interviews with Salsa Mainstays and emerging artists. “The Johnny Cruz Show” is already part of the New York Latino culture and you can enjoy it on public access television every Saturday from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM and also through www.mnn.org and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT-nQee0t_uiDvUGlyh5dA

Likewise, Cruz is also the host of the digital radio program “Galería de la Salsa” dedicated entirely to this tropical rhythm, concentrating on the biggest hits of all times and salsa styles, as well as presenting outstanding live interviews. “Galería de la Salsa” is broadcasted all over the world online at www.miradio.fm.us

This humble, sincere, and successful multifaceted artist told us that among his plans are to make great concerts in his hometown and the rest of the world.

“My legacy rests on what I have created like the SPAHA Salsa Gallery, my radio show, my TV show and all of my musical productions. I hope future generations look at my work here and are inspired to continue the Salsa tradition”. Johnny Cruz

Johnny Cruz Timbal: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028301633677

Adalberto Santiago:

https://www.facebook.com/adalberto.santiago.1401

Balazo Destacado:

Johnny Cruz releases his new Salsa album “Trayectoria de Clásicos” with Adalberto Santiago

Eduardo Paim: The Father of Kizomba

Eduardo Paim, the creator of the musical genre called Kizomba, is well-cherished in the Latin Dance community for being one of the most influential musicians in Latin music history. He is internationally renowned as the godfather of Kizomba music.

Born in Angola in the 1980s, Kizomba music is a blend of Kilapanga, Semba, and Angolan Merengue. Semba is the traditional Angolan music. As compared to Semba, Kizomba has a more sensuous rhythm. It’s slower and more romantic than Semba. As the principal language of Angola is Portuguese, therefore Kizomba songs are mostly sung in Portuguese. Coming from the Bantu term “Kimbundu”, Kizomba means fiesta or party. The forefathers of Kizomba are Eduardo Paim and his band SOS that he founded in 1982.

Eduardo Paim

Though it was the album “Luanda minha banda” Eduardo Paim made his successful debut with, his real breakthrough is considered “Do kaiaia” which was his second recording in 1992.

This album exceeded 50,000 copies. Later on, he released the album “Kambuengo” which was a great success too. “Ka-Ne-La” “Rosa baila” and “Chindu a tempo” are still on the top of the list of his popular songs.

The father of Kizomba, Eduardo Paim, calls himself “the precursor of Kizomba”. According to him, it was in the early 80s that the process of creating Kizomba started. There were two groups, namely SOS and Afro Sound Star (ASS). The use of kilapanda (type of music and dance from Angola. It is related to semba and kizomba, two other popular genres of Angolan music) as a reference style by the group Afro Sound Star inspired him a lot. Moreover, traditional African music such as Semba also contributed to his inspiration for the development of a new music genre. Today, kizomba is danced worldwide.

Just like everything else in this world, Eduardo Paim also had his ups and downs in his journey to music. Having said that, a time came when his schedule was just reduced to one show per year from six shows a month! At this point, he dreamed to build up his own record studio, and started working for it. And yes, he succeeded in earning a name as a producer in Angolan music industry. He named his studio “EP Studios”. Being a producer, he supported many Angolan singers of the new generation. With his release of the album “Maruva na taca” he made his comeback to the music industry in 2006.

Eduardo Paim with Paulo Flores

Though it was the album “Luanda minha banda” Eduardo Paim made his successful debut with, his real breakthrough is considered “Do kaiaia” which was his second recording in 1992. This album exceeded 50,000 copies. Later on, he released the album “Kambuengo” which was a great success too. “Ka-Ne-La”, “Rosa baila”, and “Chindu a tempo” are still on the top of the list of his popular songs.

Many musicians of the new generation of Angolan music participated in his album “Maruva na Taca”. Yuri da Cunha, Nancy Vieira, Paulo Flores, Big Boss, and Bonga are to name a few. He also released his new cd “Etu mu dietu” a long period after “Maruva na taca”. You can keep yourself updated about his shows and releases by subscribing to Eduardo Paim Official Channel on YouTube.

Eduardo Paim, the father of Kizomba, has given birth to such a music genre that knows no borders. Known for having a sensuous, slow, and insistent rhythm, Kizomba is danced not just in Angola but also in other African countries and in USA and Europe as well. Moreover, Kizomba is also gaining a lot of fame in China, especially in cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO-PNPuF1K6eNSed203RMQ

https://www.facebook.com/EduardoPaimOficial/about

Israel “Cachao” Lopez Sobrado in fame and respect in the seventies was dedicated to maintain the tradition at the highest level

“Cachao Dos” for the year 1977.

It will be enough to mention the name of this celebrity to open a whole range of creativity and genius embodied in what is considered a cult discography.

Since 1931, the year in which he started musically as a member of the Havana Philharmonic Orchestra, the precocious Israel would give a foretaste of the talent he had and that, as time went by, would be consummated hand in hand with his right-hand man and musical accomplice, Orestes “Macho” López, his older brother.

Certainly, music was impregnated in the DNA of the López family, a generating machine of musicians by tradition, something that Lázara Cachao, Israel’s niece and daughter of his deceased younger brother Orlando “Cachaito” Lopez, reaffirms: “The tradition of being musicians comes from the grandparents and great-great-grandparents, all the Cachao are musicians”.

Regarding his transcendence, he and his older brother Orestes are said to be the creators of the Mambo, a rhythmic variation of the Danzón and a genuine musical expression that would mark a before and after in Latin music.

However, and as it is known, this contribution would change its clothing and would reach worldwide popularity when it reached the hands of another “inventor” born in Matanzas, Cuba, named Dámaso Pérez Prado, who as it is known, gave it another treatment and musical twist reaching surprising popularity.

“Cachao”, after a 31-year stay with the Havana Philharmonic Orchestra, decided to leave Cuba, settling for many years in New York City.

As it is understandable, his presence in this city was more than important for the musical guild and music fans.

He was nothing less than one of the managers and protagonist of the famous Jam Sessions recorded by the Panart whose presence was capitalized among many others by Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez and Eddie Palmieri.

From the first one we could say, a whole school, a musician with a deep knowledge of his double bass and creator of his own style, bow in hand, and as a prolific composer, with approximately three thousand compositions together with his brother “Macho” López.

The years in New York were musically very good for Israel Lopez as well as in Las Vegas and finally Miami, where he lived until his last days.

Making a discography of him is quite a task and a challenge. However, after his arrival, I remember with great pleasure his collaboration for the album Latin Explosion by Joe Cain and his orchestra in 1964, where among others, Listen dos Trompetas and Mungo, Mungo Baby stand out.

Esta es mi Orquesta, theme/performance of Tito Rodriguez’s musicians emulating what Stan Kent and his Big Band did, or those performances as special guest in the famous Descargas at The Village Gate Live and Tico All Stars, among many others.

In the seventies, Cachao, with his fame and respect, dedicated himself to maintain the tradition at a supreme level, and from that period, punctually 1977, Cachao will present two epic works, the first one entitled Cachao y su Descarga Vol. 1 and then Cachao Dos, both recorded for Salsoul Records under the production of René López and Andy Kaufman.

The latter contains only a total of five tracks, but they are well fulfilled in their purpose of maintaining a fierce defense of the rhythms that Gran Cachao has been proclaiming for years.

This album, like everything else recorded by the double bass player, is genuine and of supreme quality, something that is due to Israel’s responsible and dynamic character, something that the leader Julio Castro can attest to, having not only known him personally but also having worked with his orchestra La Única, which arrived in NYC for a prolonged stay of a little more than half a year.

Repertory

Ko Wo Ko Wo: (Guiro): Julito Collazo

Israel “Cachao” López: Contrabajo

Julito Collazo: Vocal, Chekere, Conga

Mario Muñoz “Papaito”: Campana

Diane Cardona: Coro

Marcelino Guerra: Coro

Héctor “El flaco” Hernández: Coro

Zunny López: Coro

Frankie Rodríguez: Coro

Fela Wiles: Coro

Jóvenes del Ritmo: (Danzón): Israel López

Israel “Cachao” López: Contrabajo

Julián Cabrera: Congas

Gonzalo Fernández: Flauta de Madera

Oswaldo “Chihuahua” Martínez: Timbales

Charlie Palmieri: Piano

Rolando Valdés: Guiro

Cuerdas:

“Pupi” Legarreta: Violín

Alfredo de la Fe: Violín

Eddie Drenon: Violín

Yoko Matsuo: Violín

Carl Héctor: Violín

Patricia Dixon: Cello

Centro San Agustín: (Danzón-Cha): Israel López

Israel “Cachao” López: Contrabajo

Carlos “Patato” Valdés: Congas

Gonzalo Fernández: Flauta de Madera

Lino Frío: Piano

Rolando Valdés: Guiro

Nelson González: Tres

Mario Muñoz “Papaito”: Percusión

Alejandro “El negro” Vivar: Trompeta

Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros: Trompeta

Rafael “Felo” Barrios: Coro

Roberto Torres: Coro

Trombón Melancólico: (Descarga): Israel López

Israel “Cachao” López: Contrabajo

Manny Oquendo: Timbales

Charlie Palmieri: Piano

Barry Rogers: Trombón

José Rodríguez: Trombón

Andy González: Campana

Frankie Rodríguez: Percusión

Gene Golden: Percusión

Milton Cardona: Percusión

Rafael “Felo” Barrios: Coro

Roberto Torres: Coro

Chambelona (Popurrí de Congas): Neri Cabrera

Israel “Cachao” López: Contrabajo

Julito Collazo: Bombo

Lino Frías: Piano

Mario “Papaito” Muñoz: Percusión

Oswaldo “Chihuahua” Martínez: Percusión

Virgilio Martí: Percusión

Eugenio “Totico” Arango: Coro

Rafael “Felo” Barrios: Coro

Cachao

5 best places to dance in Barcelona

Europe - Spain - Barcelona

5 best places to dance in Barcelona

We tell everything you need to know about it

Everyone wants to seize time when they travel, so we save you the search and show you the 5 places where you can go dancing salsa, bachata, merengue and all those vibrant tropical rhythms.

Europe cannot resist the swing of Latin music, dance and guaguancó!

1.- Antilla Salsa Barcelona

Antilla Salsa Barcelona is a discotheque specialized in Latin Music, the best option for your nights of Salsa in the city. Pass by the discotheque and share with us our happiness, our rhythm and our unique atmosphere. Approach to discover the musical selection of our DJs: salsa, bachata, kizomba, merengue, rumba, cha-cha-cha, casino wheel… They see and enjoy all our activities: exhibitions by renowned dancers, Free workshops and the collaboration of the Salsa-boys… Come and enjoy our unique and special environment!

Their school organizes the courses quarterly, and in the summer it also offers Intensive Courses and free Workshops for those who want to take advantage of their vacation period. Their School of dance receives pupils of all levels and for the different specialties and rhythms, too.

Address: Carrer d’Aragó 141, 08015 – Barcelona

http://www.antillasalsa.com

www.antillaescueladesalsa.com

2.- Mojito Club

Mojito Club is offering three salsa-nights a week and has one night completely dedicated to Cuban music. If you want latino music, salsa or bachata, Mojito Club is the place to go! On Fridays & Saturday the club is 100% an international latino music club. You will also find orchestras playing live music that you can strut your moves to. The club is very popular and might be busy on Fridays and Saturdays, so arrive early! Mojito Club is the reference of Salsa, Bachata and Latin music in Barcelona. The classic Mojitos and an international cocktail bar and the restaurant will not leave you indifferent!

Sundays is student’s day! If you are a student of their dance school, Sunday is your day. Enjoy discounts with your VIP card and wardrobes for FREE. If you don’t know how to dance, they have their own Salsa School where you can learn from the first steps to the most advanced movements.

Address: Carrer del Rosselló, 217, 08008 Barcelona

http://www.mojitobcn.com

3.- Habana Club

Habana Club is both a dance club and a restaurant in one. Go there for a delicious meal with live music or show off your rhythm and moves on the dancefloor. The club is located in the district of La Barceloneta and is very popular. You’ll definitely enjoy the view! The party in Habana Barcelona consists of a large number of live shows that will make you enjoy music, quality and harmony of your audience to the fullest. A place where you can enjoy a full night, with exquisite dinner, dances with our entertainers and the best tropical cocktails and mojitos in Barcelona.

Address: Passeig de Joan Borbó, 74.

4.- El Bombón

El Bombón is the portal to the Caribbean in the heart of Barcelona. Salsa, latin soul, merengue, caribbean food and cocktails. The best Caribbean tapas in Barcelona and the best music. Amazing cocktails and amazing food!! Really good dancing music but not enough space to dance, so try to go to monday to friday.

Address: C. Mercè, 13 bis, Barcelona.

https://www.facebook.com/bombonbarcelona/

5.- Dio Club

The party for students and partners of the Seven Dance dance school.

It is a magnificent space in the neighborhood of Gracia that has 2 spacious dance halls and that on Thursdays and Saturdays you can go dancing salsa, bachata and kizomba as long as you have your school membership card. You can get your card completely free at the door or by contacting them previously. On Fridays and Sundays you can go dancing ballroom dancing or swinging. It is advisable to check the schedule before going to dance. A lovely place to practice any type of dance offered there, plenty of space, comfortable ventilation and a bar as god commands.

Address: Carrer del Perill, 10 08012 Barcelona

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dio-Club/544345925626341

Steven Brezet. The Dutch influenced by African percussion

Europe / Holland / Róterdam

Steven Brezet. The Dutch influenced by African percussion

Through his mother’s interest in African dance, Steven Brezet grew up hearing African percussion. At the age of six he attended a gig at Podium Grounds in Rotterdam, where he watched Senegalese percussionist Aly Ndiaye Rose play a duo show together with Lucas Merwijk. Ndiaye Rose played on five drums at once, fascinating to such a little boy, and so began a lifelong love of percussion.

Right then and there, he asked his mother for lessons and they set up classes with Aly Ndiaye Rose.

Steven took djembe lessons with Ndiaye Rose and soon began expanding to other percussive instruments, including sabar, congas, bongos, timbales, timbal and others.

He worked on his skills as a musician not only by taking many different classes, but also by traveling to countries with different musical styles, including Senegal, Guinea, Curacao, Maroc and Brazil.

This broadened Steven’s musical passion from African percussion to include Brazilian and Latin music.

At home in the Netherlands, Steven played with people of many nationalities, of learning by playing in the streets.

Venezuelan percussionists Roberto Quintero and Orlando Poleo inspired him in this genre and taught him the importance of practice and structure.

Combining this methodological approach to percussion with practical, street-wise learning makes Steven’s technique remarkable and the broad range of instrumental knowledge adds impressive depth.

Currently, Steven is recording and touring with the band KOFFIE, but for the past two years he has also performed with bands like Banda Magda (USA), The Re:Freshed Orchestra (NL), The Bill Laurance Group (UK) and Grammy Award winning band Snarky Puppy (USA).

Steven can be heard on the Snarky Puppy album We like it here for which he recorded as a guest musician in Kytemans studio.

This work with Snarky Puppy led to broad recognition, while the KOFFIE album Huntu gave way to performances at many music festivals, bringing Steven’s percussion sounds to a wider audience. Jazzism described Huntu as outstanding album.

These projects and collaborations made Steven into the versatile percussionist he is today. Steven values innovation and tries to mix different styles and rhythms throughout all his musical endeavors.

At the moment Steven is recording his own music. A salsa album will be upcoming in the end of 2017.

And finally Steven will release his first album which was recorded in Kytopia Utrecht. It is a mix of Afrobeat and Funk.