Search Results for: Latin Music

How Birdland began operating and its role in Latin music

What is Birdland?

Birdland has been the place in which many of the most important New York’s stars of the show were born and has represented the beginning of many artistic careers that have achieved worldwide fame, so this spectacular venue deserves all the recognition and fame that it has accumulated over the years.

This is a jazz club that began operations in December 1949 in Manhattan and was closed for a few years until its reopening in 1986. What happened was that a second location of the same name was opened in Manhattan and was not too far from the land on which the original club operated. Today, Birdland operates at the same facility as the headquarters of the famous local newspaper The New York Observer in the past.

Stage at Birdland — Stage of the jazz club Birdland

Story about how the idea to create Birdland was born

During the 1920s, there were a lot of musicians who had to move to New York City because it was there that the biggest jazz movement of the moment was being produced. It could be said that the birthplace of the most famous jazz styles of the last decades was the Big Apple and its surroundings.

It was there where and when the musical career of Charlie Parker, affectionately known as Bird by most of his fans, emerged. Some time later, it would be this brilliant artist and talented saxophonist who would get one of the most popular jazz clubs in the city and the country in general named after him. This would be one of the many tributes received by Parker before and after his death in 1955.

Once Birdland was opened in the late 1940s, the saxophonist began performing there on a regular basis along with many other music legends of the moment such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Lennie Tristano, Maxie Kaminsky and many more. Although Birdland was named to honour Charlie, that did not keep the artist from having some friction with Oscar Goodstein, one of the founders of the venue, who said that Parker was constantly asking for too much money. As the story goes, this was the reason why the musician did not perform as many times as expected.

On the facade of the club, a neon sign could read Birdland, Jazz Corner of the World, making it clear what its customers would find once they entered the facility. Once inside, there was space for approximately 500 visitors and a full orchestra to lighten the mood that night. Birdland included a very long bar, spacious tables, stands with a wide variety of products, folding chairs, among other things. At that time, customers only had to pay a $1.50 fee to enjoy everything that the nightclub had to offer.

It went on to have so much prestige that it had among its visitors Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Gary Cooper, among other personalities from the entertainment world. It has taken so much popularity in those years that composer George Shearing dedicated one of his greatest creations entitled Lullaby of Birdland to it, which was also inspired by Charlie Parker as well as the name of the place.

Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane at Birdland — Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane performing at Birdland in 1951

The role of Birdland in Latin music

Just as Birdland contributed to the emergence of important careers in the jazz music scene, it also did the same with a good number of Latin music singers who saw this corner of New York as an opportunity to make their art known to other audiences. One of them was world-famous bandleader, composer and musician Tito Puente, who performed at the venue on several occasions and improvised many sets with Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton.

There is also the case of Tito Rodríguez, who made use of his great talent to record a spectacular live album entirely dedicated to Birdland and whose name was Live at Birdland. In addition, he featured incredible collaborations with great musicians such as Clark Terry, Al Conh, Zoot Sims, among others.

Another of the great Latin music artists who came to perform at this venue was Cuban bandleader, arranger and trumpet player Chico O’Farrill. The artist played and recorded at the club on a wekly basis about the time he already had his own orchestra called Afrocuban Jazz Orchestra. Arturo O’Farrill, worthy son of his father, also performs regularly at Birdland with his orchestra The Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Announcement about Tito Puente's concert — Announcement of Tito Puente’s show at Birdland in 1999

Maestro Mario Ortiz Jr. Living legend of Latin music, a musician out of series

Then professionally with Tito Allen and Gunda Merced (Salsa Fever).

In 1977 he started with his father at the Caribe Hilton Hotel accompanying local and international figures.

In 1979 with Willie Rosario with whom he recorded 3 albums. He directed the album Nuevo Horizontes which featured Gilberto Santa Rosa and Tony Vega.

In 1984 he started with Mario Ortiz y Su Orquesta with whom he recorded six albums.

Mario Ortiz Jr. studied at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music.

From 1991 – 1994 he traveled extensively with Juan Luis Guerra.

Mario Jr. has participated in recordings for Gilberto Santa Rosa, Tony Vega, Oscar de Leon, Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Tommy Olivencia, Andy Montañez, and Willie Chirino among others. He has accompanied artists such as Juan Gabriel, Raphael, Donna Summers, Gloria Estefan, Rocio Durcal, Julio Iglesias, José Luis Rodríguez, Frank Valli, Vic Damone, among other international artists.

His albums 45 Aniversario (2010), 50 Aniversario (2014), and 55 Aniversario (2019) have been nominated for a Latin Grammy. For the past 23 years, he has worked in the public school system as a music teacher in Miami, Florida.

The late musician Mario Ortiz opened the doors of the artistic world to figures such as salsa singer Gilberto Santa Rosa. His contributions as musical director, instrumentalist, and arranger marked the careers of many artists, who did not hesitate to donate their talent for the making of the album Mario Ortiz All-Star Band, as a tribute to his 45 years of career.

Mario Ortiz, the son, summoned musicians and singers who shared with his father at a time when salsa was at its peak in the 1960s and 1970s.

The musician also managed to bring together Cheo Feliciano, Tony Vega, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ismael Miranda, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Roberto Roena, Andy Montañez, Elías Lopés and others in this record production.

“We recorded a tribute album, based on my father’s 1963 orchestra. Everyone told me that this group was ahead of its time. Some time ago, Gilberto gave me the LP On the Road (the orchestra’s first album), and that inspired me to make the record.

The first person I called was Elías Lopés and he told me to call everybody and that I would be surprised. And so it was because everyone was willing”, explained Mario Ortiz, son, in a press conference, attended by about twenty artists who recalled the times of the 60s and 70s.

The creator of the project said that the album contains 16 songs and an introduction featuring the original music of the All-Star Band, which became the first Puerto Rican orchestra to play at the Palladium in New York, where figures such as Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez, and Frank “Machito” Grillo performed.

She mentioned that in the last track of the album, El Cid, she “played” the trumpet with her father thanks to technological advances.

Musical director Elías López and singers Gilberto Santa Rosa and Cheo Feliciano agreed that this production served as a pretext to recall anecdotes they lived together with the musician, who died on November 4, 1999.

“He was the only artist I have ever seen doing arrangements without piano and listening to other music on the other side. He had the virtue of concentrating and producing something well in advance,” said Elías Lopés.

“I had the joy of knowing Mario for a long time because he and Marito used to pick me up to go to school. I have always said that he is my dad in music…He told me to study because the music was a hobby, but when he realized my interest, he gave me that first opportunity,” commented El Caballero de la Salsa, adding that Mario Ortiz “was an outstanding musician and represents the heart of the career of many of us”.

Mario Ortiz, son, summoned musicians and singers who shared with his father at a time when salsa was at its peak in the 1960s and 1970s. — Mario Ortiz Jr.

Mario Ortiz All Star Band includes songs such as Chinita, with Gilberto Santa Rosa; Se acabó el bembé, with Ismael Miranda; Rumberito, with Bobby Cruz and Roberto Roena, and others.

Source: Primera Hora, Puerto Rico. By: Jaime Torres Torres

At the age of 64, trumpeter Mario Ortiz was a man brimming with health and life. Death took him by surprise on November 4, 1999.

Thus came down the curtain on one of the most brilliant careers in Puerto Rican salsa and jazz.

His wake was attended by practically all the musicians of the country to bid farewell to the virtuoso trumpet player, accomplished arranger, and experienced orchestra conductor.

His son Mario Jr. inherited part of his arrangements because the maestro was so generous that he gave his music to his friends and colleagues. To commemorate his memory on the 10th anniversary of his passing, Mario Jr. celebrates his father’s contribution to salsa and Latin jazz with the historic recording “Tribute”.

“I was able to transcribe the arrangements that I didn’t have and thus confirmed what the musicians at the wake were saying in terms of his music being ahead of its time. With the help of Lenny Prieto, Ernesto Sánchez, and Tito Rivera I was able to decipher what Papi did in terms of harmonics and rhythm,” said Mario Jr.

In “Tribute” Mario Jr. recorded without alterations the orchestrations and arrangements of “A quitarse”, “Yaré yaré”, “Chinita”, “Move”, “Se acabó el bembé”, “Mambo infierno”, “Güiro y pandereta”, “El soplo”, “Rumberito”, “Que bonito es Puerto Rico”, “Maina” and others.

“What I did to make them sound more harmonically updated was to extend the duration with more participation of the singers and with additional solos and moñas,” he explained.

Coining the name “All Star Band”, as his father’s group was known during the 1960s, Mario Jr. brought together a core of the most respected soneros and instrumentalists in salsa.

On “Tribute”, arguably the Afro-Antillean music album of the year, Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montañez, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Tony Vega, Chico Rivera, Pedro Brull, Tito Allen, Primi Cruz, Anthony Cruz, Ismaelito Rivera and Bobby Cruz joined their talents.

And, representing the musicians, he recruited as soloists Papo Lucca, Bobby Valentín, Richie Ray, Elías López, Roberto Roena, and others.

None of the artists were paid, out of respect for Mario’s memory and in reciprocation of their friendship.

“It’s incredible. Elías was the first one I told to do this. He was so happy that he suggested I call everyone who knew Mario. And Gilbertito quickly said yes because his first recording was with Papi.”

The presentation of “Tribute”, in honor of the forty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the All-Stars Band, was held yesterday at the Alquimia Bistro Restaurant in Condado.

The album, a Zamora Music Group production, will be distributed by Sony Music. The first single is titled “Chinita” and is performed by Gilberto Santa Rosa.

“Sony is interested in my project because Gilbertito interceded on my behalf. He wanted to release it with his label Camínalo, but he thought it would have more possibilities with a multinational”.

Mario Ortiz y Su Orquesta "Ritmo Y Sabor" 1985 — Mario Ortiz y Su Orquesta “Ritmo Y Sabor” 1985

Source: https://www.radioelsalsero.com/2009/09/se-viene-la-mario-ortiz-all-stars-band.html

Articles of Interest: Celso Clemente Torres is considered one of the best sounding bongos in the world

By: Diana Marie International Salsa Magazine Correspondent

San Francisco as the capital of Latin music for three days

What the San Francisco SBK Congress is about

San Francisco SBK Congress Logotype in 2021

Throughout the United States, there is a number of Latin music events have been taking place and their main purpose is to inspire artists and dancers from all over the world to visit those cities and show everyone present how talented they are. Burlingame Village, California has certainly not been left out.

For the third consecutive year, the organizers of the San Francisco Salsa Bachata and Kizomba Congress have invested all their energy in providing one of the greatest Latin festivals that attendees have ever seen. Having had two extremely successful and widely attended previous editions, Those responsible for organizing the congress come back with a lot of very talented guests who are more than eager to share their dancing skills with those who wish to learn.

We are talking about a large group of instructors from several countries who are ready to give spectacular workshops and shows on the most popular Latin genres of the moment such as salsa, bachata, and kizomba. All this is accompanied by great parties and social gatherings where students will be able to put into practice what they learn during the three days of this great experience.

These workshops will be accompanied by fabulous shows where some of the best DJs will liven up the atmosphere, making use of a repertoire as diverse as it is lively. Of course, all the music used will be entirely based on the genres that will be taught during the dance classes.

Some women dancing at the San Francisco SBK Congress — A group of women dancing at the San Francisco SBK Congress

What about the pandemic and costs

Although the previous editions were a resounding success and the organizers do what they can to make attendees wonder, it is also true that they are facing the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused all of us to rethink our lives and projects rill things get better. As a result, the congress team has had to make a large package of changes in order to ensure that everyone who wants to attend the event feels safe and secure at all times. After ensuring that everything will be under control during the three days of the festival, they started the sale of tickets and reservations for rooms at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

According to the websites that offer information on the San Francisco SBK Congress, the cost of tickets may vary from $30 to $210 depending on what each pass includes. It was also reported that there will not be any refund, so ticket sale is final. It is expected that the sale is carried out throughout the month until Friday, October 31, when purchases will no longer be accepted.

The dates scheduled for the congress will be 19, 20 and 21 November of the current year and the lucky ones to attend will have the opportunity to live with people from many other parts of the world, which makes this event a unique and unrepeatable experience.

People dancing at the San Francisco SBK Congress — People doing warm-up before dancing at the San Francisco SBK Congress

For more information about the festival, please visit the official website www.sfsbkcongress.com. Here you will find all kinds of important information about tickets, costs, genres, instructors, guest DJs, location, and much more.

The role of the Spaha Salsa Gallery in Latin music

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery y música latina

La Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery es uno de esos lugares que todo amante de la salsa en Nueva York debería visitar, ya que hay mucho que ver aquí. Este museo cuenta con todo tipo de artículos donados por numerosos artistas de renombre o familiares de algunos fallecidos. Esta colección de valiosas posesiones ha dado como resultado un conjunto de objetos invaluables que dejarán fuera del agua a cualquiera que visite las instalaciones de una institución tan especial.

La Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery, también conocida como Spaha Salsa Gallery, se puede definir como una institución de carácter cultural cuyo propósito principal es servir como un recordatorio de lo grande que es nuestra cultura, especialmente nuestra música. Tanto los residentes como los visitantes de East Harlem, Nueva York, pueden aprender sobre el género de la salsa y sus raíces siempre que lo deseen. Todo gracias a una gran cantidad de herramientas, información y muchas iniciativas con las que los interesados conocerán de primera mano todo tipo de datos interesantes sobre la salsa.

Otro de los grandes objetivos que persigue este lugar es la búsqueda del conocimiento sobre la música latina y los artistas involucrados para ofrecerlo a todo aquel que decida visitar sus instalaciones. Es por ello que tanto su presidente Johnny Cruz como el equipo que lo asiste se han encargado de crear una galería inclusiva y diversa en la que se puede apreciar hasta dónde ha llegado el talento hispano de la mano de sus máximas estrellas.

Johnny Cruz tocando los timbales — Johnny Cruz, director de la Galería Spaha Salsa

Papel de la Galería Spaha Salsa en la difusión de la cultura latina

The role played by the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture is very important, since these institutions are the ones that manage to arouse the interest of the inhabitants of Harlem and other nearby sectors towards one of the most representative musical genres of Latinity. This has made many other cultural institutions to use this gallery in order to awaken a higher interest in its own activities, which shows extensive cooperation between those who seek to promote anything Latin-related at all costs.

Fortunately, our work is not that complicated to carry out because too many tourists visit New York every day and many of them know that this city was the birthplace of the biggest salsa movement in history, so they are always looking for cultural sports in which you can find information about this set of rhythms and how it emerges in the public arena.

Instruments donated by La Sonora Ponceña — Some instruments donated by La Sonora Ponceña

Who Johnny Cruz is

Johnny Cruz is the founder of the Spaha Salsa Gallery, but there are many other facets by which this talented Puerto Rican is known in the entertainment industry. Cruz is a famous musician and record producer who has worked and make friends with a wide number of artists from all genres, by providing him with the platform to create a true sanctuary for Latin music lovers.

One interesting fact about the museum is that it is located on the plot where a hardware business owned by Johnny’s father used to function, which was made into something completely different thanks to the genius of his son long after. Today, that place contains several of the most invaluable objects in the history of salsa and whose relationship with some of the greatest figures of the genre is legendary.

Migdalia Sanchéz joins Johnny Cruz and his programme

Migdalia Sánchez, director of Latino 99 FM

Recently, it has been reported that Migdalia Sanchez, director of the radio station Latino 99 FM, has decided to broadcast the programme hosted by Johnny Cruz at the same time so that all its listeners can enjoy the talent of the entertainer and his exciting interviews. The Johnny Cruz Show will be broadcasted on Saturdays from 9 to 10 p.m.

Enlace al sitio web oficial de la galería Spaha Salsa: spahasalsagallery.com

Por: Johnny Cruz corresponsal de International Salsa Magazine en la ciudad de Nueva York, Nueva York

Richie Bonilla Management is a Latin Music booking and Managing Agency

Celebrating 60 years as a Personal Manager – Booking Agent and Promoter

This agency has been organizing events throughout the United States, Europe, South, and Central America. It has been organizing events for more than 50 years in Japan.

For a period of 50 years, Richie Bonilla has been a force that has contributed to the continuous growth of the Latin music industry. He has been directly responsible for the success of many of our biggest names in the Latin business.

In 1962 Richie Bonilla signed an unknown artist named Pete Rodriguez. As a result of his effort and contant dedication, Pete Rodriguez became the hottest recording artist of that time and one of the all-time drawing artists. He was crowned “King of Boogaloo”

Celebrating 60 years as a Personal Manager - Booking Agent and Promoter — Richie Bonilla Management is a Latin Music booking and Managing Agency

During the same period, Richie Bonilla signed another unknown artist, a young boy, 17 years old who had only one LP to his credit. Once again because of his persistence this young artist named Willie Colon is now a living legend.

The stories of his accomplishments are endless. Other Boogaloo/Salsa artists which had success under Richie’s guidance and management were Hector Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Ismael Rivera Mongito El Unico, Victor Aviles, Eddie Santiago, and Frankie Ruiz.

During the Boogaloo era in the early ’60s, Richie Bonilla management company was the main booking agency in New York City, He also managed the hottest artists of that period. They were Ralfi Pagan, Pete Rodriguez, Orq Flamboyant, TNT Boys, La Conspiracion, Orq Colon, Joey Pastrana, King Nando, Ralph Robles, Ray Jay, Lat-Teens, Willie Colon with Hector Lavoe, Johnny Zamot, Kako y Su Combo, Joe Acosta, The New Generation, Landy Nova, Sonora Borinquen, Latin Souls, including merengue bands like Primitivo Santos, Eddie Bastran, Dominica and Hugo Perez.

In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Bonilla Management controlled 90% of the music going to Panama for the carnivals and other national holidays. Other countries in which he was successful in developing prior to the Fania Era were Venezuela, Curacao, Aruba, Martinique, Guadalupe, St.Thomas, and St. Cruz.

When Richie Bonilla opened his booking agency in 1962, during that time very few orchestras were traveling out of the United States. He was one of the first promoters to bring salsa music to places such as Chicago, Ohio, Boston, Washington, Philly, Connecticut, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Larry Harlow "El Judio Maravilloso" y Richie Bonilla — Larry Harlow “El Judio Maravilloso” y Richie Bonilla

Richie Bonilla has always been available to anyone who needed help, advice, or encouragement. Vitin Aviles has always thanked him for giving him the confidence needed to go out as a soloist. Orchestra Broadway’s first trip to Venezuela was booked by Richie. Ralph Mercado’s first trip out of the country, to Curacao as an agent for Eddie Palmieri, was also booked by him.

Jelly Bean Benitez’s first DJ booking at a club was also done by Richie Bonilla. When Pete Rios, the original founder of Latin New York Magazine, only had visions of such a magazine, Richie Bonilla took him by the hand and introduced him to everyone in the industry, including Izzy Sanabria.

After the first Latin awards night was discontinued, Richie Bonilla sponsored a Latin awards night at the Cheetah Club in 1972 at his own expense, because he felt it was important to recognize our Latin artists and give them credit for their accomplishments.

Willie Sotelo, Richie Bonilla y Rafael Ithier

During the early and late 50’s the Bronx was the birthplace of the Salsa(Mambo). Most of the best musicians and future name artists resided in the Bronx and so did Richie Bonilla. He started promoting salsa dance parties in the apartments and finished basements. Then he graduated to ballroom dances such as Hunts Point Palace, Club Cubano Inter-Americano, Tropicana, Calgate Gardens, New Terrance Gardens, and Bronx Casino.

During the ’60s there were very few bands residing in Puerto Rico. Richie was the connection for the New York bands to travel to Puerto Rico. They would perform for all of the graduation dances, Fiestas Patronales, Secretary Day, and club dates all over the island. He was one of the first persons to promote Salsa music in Puerto Rico with two associates, Alby Diaz and Fernando Lopez.

During the exotic period of salsa music, He signed another unknown artist named Eddie Santiago and promoted him to stardom, managing his career for 3 years. During the same period, he also managed and booked Frankie Ruiz and Lalo Rodriguez.

Then in 1989 history was made again, Richie discovered Orquesta De La Luz, an all-Japanese Salsa orchestra residing in Toyko, Japan.

ORQUESTA DE LA LUZ -¡Salsaludos De La Luz! — In 1989, history was made again, Richie discovered the Orquesta De La Luz.

Some of his friends in the salsa industry had told him that he was wasting his time with this attraction and once again because of his dedication to commitment and devotion to Latin music, Orquesta De La Luz‘s success all over the world is well documented.

Because of Orquesta de La Luz popularity and his influence in creating a Japan Salsa Festival.

Japan has been a great market for our artists and record sales. Richie was directly responsible for the following artists performing in Japan: Marc Anthony, Tito Nieves, Jose Alberto, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Los Hermanos Moreno, Milly Jocelyn y Los Vecinos, The New York Band, Ernie Agosto y La Conspiracion, David Cedeno, Elemento 10, Joe Cuba, Carmen Jimenez, Stacey Lopez Dancers, Cubarama Afro-Cuban Jazz Band, Crissy I-cee, Alexa, and DLG.

In recent years Richie has been promoting legendary artists and orchestras such as Israel “Cachao” Lopez, The Machito Orq, and Cubarama Afro-Cuban Jazz Band (formally the Mario Bauzer Orq). His dedication of keeping the Old Big Band School alive is because having knowledge of strong musical roots will always maintain the growth of our Latin music.

To name some of the many awards that Richie has received for his love, dedication, and contribution to the Salsa Latin music industry are:” THE UNITED NATION PEACE MEDAL” for promoting Orquesta de La Luz , who drew all different kinds of nationalities under the same roof in concert halls all over the world. Also, Mayor Dinkins Proclamation contributed to improving Latin relationships in NEW YORK CITY.

President Clinton’s Commendations letter, keys to the City of Cartagena, and recipient of the “SALSAWEB’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” at their Second International Convention. Also “DR. SALVADOR F. SOLA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” in 2000, ALBERT TORRES WEST COAST CONGRESO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in 200I and in 2002 he was also inducted into THE INTERNATION LATIN HALL OF FAME “SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD”

2006 New York Salsa Congress

Life Time Achievement Award

Received at the New York Hilton Hotel

2007 Received the Honor to be inducted as

One of the Musketeers in the French organization

“Compagnie Des Mousquetaires D’ Armanc”

during the “Temp Latino Festival” in

Vic Felesac, France

Richie Bonilla has always conducted himself with honor and integrity and has brought style and grace to our industry. He is quick to flash a warm smile and a strong handshake to his friends, associates, and clients.

Richie feels that no matter the problem Latins must hold their heads up high in order to see the right direction to pursue.

Contact: 917-699-4641

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

International Salsa Magazine

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