Search Results for: Latin dance world

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes. From combat to Beats

North America / USA

After participating in the largest military coalition in the history of the United States, Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes has shown that the phrase “If you dream that you can achieve it” is totally true. Dreams are achievable with perseverance, dedication and talent, qualities that this dreamy Sonero has, who will launch his record label soon for all Salseros lovers who support the new blood of the Salsa.

Edwin was born in Trujillo Alto (Puerto Rico) in 1974 and when he was 19 years old, he began his artistic career, playing and doing concerts of Plena (Folkloric Puerto Rican Music) in his hometown. Five years later “El Calvito” Reyes enlisted in the US Army in order to give a better future to his family, after a terrible work accident in his previous job (He was an Electrician).

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes - Photo — Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes – Photo

During this year of change (1997) Edwin had his first opportunity in front of the American public as vocalist leader in a consolidated orchestra in these lands, “Papo salsa and his Tumbao” in Fort Stewart Army Post, GA, thanks to the expert eyes of Víctor Paris and Mr. Godreau, “Papo Salsa”.

From March 2003 to 2007, Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes went to combat four times in Iraq and once fought in Afghanistan, but he always felt the need to help relieve the stress of all the soldiers who were in those circumstances like him. In this way he created Saturdays of Salsa in combat for which he received help in the first instance from an U.S. civilian specialist in communications, Mr. Pérez, who contributed a large part of the necessary sound equipment to carry out this incredible idea at the beginning.

Later, Edwin with his percussionist and DJ skills in 2005 returns to Iraq but this time better prepared to carry out the Saturdays of Salsa parties during the fight. During this year he had his first performance in front of a crowd of soldiers and civilians accompanied by an orchestra of 14 musicians live, among which were: the Puerto Rican and master pianist José Pomales, Willie Báez, Julio De La Rosa, and Javier Solivan, among others …

Everyone playing outdoors in the main dining room at Camp Liberty where the stage was. From this success, the band continued its touches until 2007 in this warlike country with an orchestra of more than 15 pieces: Piano, Bass, Trumpets, Trombones, Tenor Sax, Conga, Timbale, Bongo / Bell, Drums, Vocalists and a sound master, with which this wonderful orchestra made a total of 25 presentations. “We were flown like true artist, in helicopters from one base to another, to just perform and then return back to our original base… Playing at Saddam’s Palace (a true palace made of concrete and marble) was the highlight. Also, at Camp Slayer where the biggest dancing crew gathered was an adrenaline rush for us… All with the help of great people who really felt like I felt; boost our own moral in combat!” told us Edwin.

In parallel to his military career, “El Calvito” Reyes participated in the Latin Music Orchestra in the city of Savannah, GA, “Ron con Anís” by the dead musician David Mercado and of which in 2006 he would be its owner under the new name “Orquesta con Clase” reaching objectives such as: leading the Latin American Services Organization (LASO) Festival in Savannah with more than 6,000 attendees; They were the “Guests of Honor” for the Fiesta Atlanta Festival at the Olympic Centennial Park in Atlanta, Georgia, performing in front of 10,000 people. Also, they served as the backup band for: Salsa Legend, Larry Harlow, the 2011 Hotalanta Salsa Congress, and many more.

In 2011 he is part of a selection of elite musicians of the U.S. Army to form a Latin music band called “One & Only” idea of creation by The Army Marketing & Research Group (AMRG) and carried out by the musicians Carlos Negrón and Albert Sánchez. This band, similar to U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors sang Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and other Latin rhythms for the entertainment of their audience. During his tenure in this band he performed at the annual conventions of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which is the largest nonprofit organization in America. He helped many Latinos obtain millionaire scholarships, he was master of ceremonies on three occasions contributing with his knowledge on “The importance to stay positive and reach that goal” and “How the army life will impact your life”.

From 2012 to 2016, he was the Official in charge of the Ensemble. He achieved the inclusion of more musicians to the group including female talent. He had the privilege of meeting political figures such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Ricky Rosello (current Puerto Rico’s Governor), as well as acting in front of world-renowned stars such as: his idol Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Tito Nieves, Jennifer Lopez, and many luminaries of the country’s Hispanic television.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes, leader, visionary and humble was also the host of a radio show called “My Salsa Show” in WHCJ 90.3fm at Savannah State University. From there derives his nickname “El Calvito”, thanks to one of his fellow broadcasters of the station and since then he is known as Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes by all his fans.

“ … I play Timbales, Conga, Bongo, Bata, Campana and all minor percussion… I ask not to be considered a master percussionist, as I’m learning the craft of all, but so far I have mastered the playing and singing simultaneously.”

This Sonero, percussionist has composed several songs and has made numerous covers. “You are My Wife” (2016) with arrangements by Castor Ugarte was his first composition with lyrics inspired by his wife.

His most recent single “Mi Tierra Querida”, al Son de Bolero, (2018) showed that doing what he loves has been one of his best keys to his resounding ascent in this career. This composition of the “Virtuoso de la Salsa” Rey Torcat with arrangements of the same Edwin with Eric Maldonado (Owner and Master Engineer at Paris Recording Studios, Tampa, FL) and on the piano, Adam Perez, has been a symbol of hope for all Puerto Rican emigrants based in the U.S. “Mi Tierra Querida” was awarded by the Akademia Music Award for Best Song back in April 2018.

“Mi Ritmo se llama Zalsa” is a theme that he launched this year and invites the dancers to perform their best steps on the track with its fast paced. Lyric by Rey Torcat, produced by Eric Maldonado, and with the participation of: Archie Pereira (piano), Kevin Pagan (Bass), Luis Chafalote (trumpets), José León (trombones) and Ricardo Rodríguez (saxophone Bari). This song currently ranks # 1 in Salsa Tune in Barcelona, Spain, based on the Record Pool of “Gussi DJ” on Tune in Radio.

“Soneros de Sangre Nueva” is another song of his authorship and the third that works in conjunction with Rey Torcat. In this single they share together the interpreters: Josean Rivera “El Nuevo Amolador”, Edwin Lebron “Xtraordinario”, Nandy “El Sinsonte” (Conquistador Del Elemento) and Gumbay Navedo (Carmen Sol). Also, the musicians of great trajectory, such as: Banny Maldonado, Grammy Winner, (Timbales), Edwin “Pirulo” Reyes (Congas) and Kokoand Take (Bongo / Bell) and in the choirs the Lead vocalist of the legendary CORPORACION LATINA, Edgardo “Bambino” Otero participated in this hit. Similar to his two previous unreleased tracks “Mi Tierra Querida” and “Mi Ritmo se llama Zalsa”, “Soneros de Sangre Nueva” has had a great acceptance and support from the public knowledgeable appreciative about the new Salsa representation worldwide.

The covers “Ya te Olvide” (2017) original song by the successful Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solis, recorded in the state of Kansas with arrangements by Carlos Ugarte and “RAN KAN KAN. Just for the King”(2009), tribute to Tito Puente under the production of one of the best percussionists, David Lugo with different choirs, Xilofono or Marimba, Trombones, and solos by Conga and Timbal, have screened” El Calvito “Reyes at the top of the most outstanding relief Soneros Salseros today.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes performing at the concert

With 25 years of musical experience and more than 10,000 presentations around the world, Edwin has stepped on the best stages including the World Peace Festival at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul (South Korea) in front of 82,000 people. He also had appearances in more than 20 Salsa Social events in many clubs throughout the peninsula, participated in the Salsa Beach Festival in Pusan and in two Asia Salsa Congreses with the master trombonist’s band, Greg Peña.

“Salsa is my therapy,

Edwin, who currently resides in Palm Coast, Florida, and after 22 years of service in the U.S. Navy and retired as Chief Warrant Officer, is preparing his debut album to be released in 2019 and doesn’t discard in the future to continue working on behalf of Hispanic communities around the world as a motivational coach, always bringing optimism and hope for a better future for the Latins.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes - A New Design - Made with PosterMyWall — Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes – A New Design – Made with PosterMyWall

All his music can be downloaded NOW on all digital platforms.

For more information, please visit www.ElCalvitoReyes.com or follow him in all his social networks as Edwin El Calvito Reyes.

Video: https://youtu.be/XMRTsFvpT0A

The Dudamel | Father and son

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Oscar Dudamel, the father of Gustavo Dudamel, director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Simón Bolívar Orchestra of Venezuela, has been a musician for many years. Every Friday and Saturday, he receives applause from the public in the place where he plays the trombone since a small stage with “La Otra Banda de Dudamel” the Agraz ensemble, a salsa group whose main course is the songs of the duo made famous by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón.

Dudamel Padre e Hijo — Dudamel Father and Son

On Sundays, Oscar Dudamel has to be on the other shore and applaud standing up, as parents do, swollen with pride at the talent of their son who, with baton in hand, conducts a world-renowned Symphony Orchestra and if he think about it, his musical vein germinated from the brass bands of charanga, salsa and guaguancó.

After 10 at night it is difficult to find a place in “The Temple of Salsa”, the tickets are not sold out, but the tables and the best stalls of this place located on 7th Street that crosses Bolivar Avenue in Maracay, there fanatics and amateur dancers meet. of salsa and logically admirers of Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

Oscar Dudamel on the trombone is accompanied by Charly Guzmán, a talented young man who, at just 18 years old, shows the gifts of his voice; Oswaldo Agraz (musical director, piano and backing vocals), Gerardo Vargas (bass), Vicente Guzmán (timbale), Júnior Narváez (bongo), Diego Camus (conga and backing vocals), Ventura Prieto (trombone) and Johan Figueroa (alternate trombone). It is about the same format, instruments and identical distribution (the trombones next to the vocalist) of the orchestra that captivated him.

And it is that music often also enters through the eyes, as Oscar Dudamel says, who knew he wanted to be a trombonist when he saw Willie Colón at La Feria de la Alegría holding his instrument while puffing out his cheeks, in that In this way, it is known that the first approach of the today brilliant, young and valued Orchestra Director Gustavo Dudamel to music, was not appreciating the Tchaikovsky that he likes to conduct so much, on the contrary, it was appreciating the music that came out of the trombone of his beloved dad.

The previous June, Oscar paid homage to Hector Lavoe as usual, for commemorating years of his death. “Héctor Lavoe died on Monday, June 29, 1993 at 11:45 in the morning”, an event that he remembers with the accuracy that sad events mark, but despite the pain, with satisfaction and pride, he mentions that his son Gustavo de Only 29 years old, before entering the stage he repeats a special ritual: “Before entering New York to direct, someone asked Gustavo: ‘“Master, what are you listening to? Tchaikovsky? and Gustavo replied: ‘No, Tito Rodríguez because he gives me swing'”.

If someone were to say that Gustavo Dudamel owes a debt to Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe for his vocation as a musician, he would not be wrong, or acknowledge his father, who has often referred that his son’s versatility is due to the fact that he always listened to popular and classical music. . “I listened to more salsa than Beethoven, that’s why it has so much rhythm,” he says with a laugh.

“I am his number one fan. He fulfilled the goals that I, due to various circumstances, could not fulfill, he made the dream that I wanted come true. He has reached where I would have liked”, reveals the father, who sees in his son an extension of his, “ .

In a life marked by music, a soundtrack for falling in love could not be missing. It was during the visit of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico to Barquisimeto in the late 1970s that Oscar noticed Solange Ramírez, his wife and Gustavo’s mother; Today, 30 years later, when Falsaria sounds in Maracay, the song leads him to remember that indelible moment.

Gustavo Adolfo, as his mother calls him, began playing the güiro before he was four years old; later he would build his own battery out of biscuit tins and safety helmets.

Dudamel Padre e Hijo photo — Dudamel Father and Son photo

Gustavo received his first knowledge of music from his father, who was then a trombonist with the Lara Symphony, who had plenty of passion to play and lacked patience to teach. He wanted to be a trombonist, like his father, but his small arm could not reach the instrument.

“I imagined that Gustavo was going to be a musician,” he says. “I told him: ‘You have to be the best or among the best and never lose your principles or forget where we come from.'”

At the age of seven Gustavo played the timpani with La Banda Actual and at the age of nine he arranged for this salsa orchestra in which Oscar played for 16 years and with which he met again after many years.

Gustavo decided on the violin, an instrument that adjusted to his size, and at home, father and son had the habit of studying while walking. There were times when one would bend down for the other to pass, so that the slide of the trombone and the bow of the violin would not trip over each other. However, popular music and academic music finally made their own meeting.

Oscar does not shake his hair, but he inflates his lungs with force and from that mouth-to-mouth breathing with his instrument, he manages to get the best out of it…. The father speaks of his salsa orchestra with the same pride that the son (Gustavo) does of his classical musicians.

Toñito Laya

Latinoamerica / Venezuela / Caracas

On this occasion we have the privilege of meeting the new Venezuelan talent Toñito Laya (singer), son of Maestro Antonio “20 DEDOS” Laya, who was one of the most significant conga players in the Venezuelan salsa movement in the 1980s, director of the “ Banbankere Orchestra” of Petare with two musical productions; giving him more than enough reason to grow in Latin music, such as “el Son”, “la Rumba“, “la Guaracha”, “el Danzón”, “Boogaloo”, “la Timba” and “la Salsa” being This is the beginning of his artistic and musical career.

Starting in the 90s, he (Toñito Laya) entered the Bigott Foundation where he had the opportunity not only to learn the various rhythms in Afro-Venezuelan percussion, but also developed as a dancer in one of the most important groups in Venezuela when it comes to popular traditions. “Vasallos del Sol”, eventually becoming “Vasallos de Venezuela” in 2016, where he had 16 concerts, productions, albums and national and international tours; Colombia, Mexico, United States, South Korea and Japan, among others.

In 2006, a project called “Comprehensive School of Latin Tradition Dance 100% Tumbao” began, where many dancers were trained in the Cuban Salsa Casino genre, combining this training with Venezuelan traditions, making them understand that traditions come first. Venezuelans. Then they participated in the most important events and competitions in Venezuela, they even became Latin American Champions of “CUBAMEMUCHO 2009” in the city of Caracas-Venezuela, thus managing to represent the country in the grand final to be held in the city of Munich-Germany, 2010.

He also tells us that in 2009, they were invited to participate in a new project but this time not to dance, but to “sing” in a group that by then had no name but a particular genre such as “Son Cubano” . From that moment Toñito began his musical career to develop in a somewhat unexpected way, he was a founder and assumed the commitment of being in charge of this group as one of its leading singers for more than 7 years, where the themes arose: To me that, La Ruñidera, Bilongo, El Jamaiquino, I hear a drum, among others; They were part of his first musical repertoire.

With two record productions together with the already structured band “La Séptima Bohemia” he consolidated his musical career as a singer, going through a training process with different teachers and vocal coaches such as: Ronald González, Fanny Olano, Gustavo Gerardo and Marcial Istúriz, among others. others, who would help him develop in the middle of music.

National tours, award nominations and concerts allowed him to share the stage alongside large-scale national and international groups such as: Francisco Pacheco, Canelita Medina, Alexander Abre y su Habana de Primera, Manolito y su Trabuco, El Septeto Santiaguero, José Alberto “El Canario” to mention a few. Toñito records for the year 2012, the song “She takes me”, a song that in turn would be the title of the second album becoming an icon of parties, dances and social events not only in Venezuela but in many salsa and salsa dancing countries. casino in the world.

In the year 2016 Toñito Laya arrives in Aztec land to embark on a new path, he begins by residing in the city of Cancun-Mexico to sing in some local groups and participate in various projects such as: Los Panas.com, La Formula Perfecta, Grupo Swing Latin among others.

This new stage as an artist prompts him to consider a new musical challenge but this time as a solo singer with a well-defined and focused vision, his pleasant experience as a dancer motivates him to dedicate his first promotional single “ABRE QUE VOY”, this being the complement of an orchestra, for the musicians and their singers “EL BAILADOR”.

“ABRE QUE VOY” is the result of the work of talented and renowned Venezuelan musicians who give an important plus to this Musical production of “Maurice Melo”, this first single is created, performed by Toñito Laya, in the company of the Venezuelan talent of the following musicians:

Piano and arrangement: Joel Uriola.
Bass: Jesús Torres “Mandinga”
Percussion: Yomar Méndez “Caballo”
Trombone: Jhonal Rivero.
Trumpet: Edward Platter.
Baritone sax: Michel Peña.
Choirs: William “Wywy” Buznego, Carlos Guzmán and Ramfis Fajardo.
Recorded in the studio: A Tempo Records by Heyzer Cabrera.
Mixing and Mastering: Heyzer Cabrera. Caracas – Venezuela 2018

If you want to meet or contact Toñito, you can follow him through:

Correo: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonito.laya
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUkjU7SFnPc_W-XJDlMMzRg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonitolaya/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/negrolaya

La Candela Salsa Orchestra has a new album titled “On Time”

Europe / Peru

After the worldwide success of their previous work on the best dance floors, the Candela Salsa Orchestra makes a new foray into the sound of legendary sextets like Joe Cuba’s, seasoned with the characteristic sound of the vibraphone. The DJs at conferences and salsa parties, who support Candela’s work worldwide, have had a lot to do with this success, such as:

Members of the new musical theme On Time - Candela Salsa Orchestra — Members of the new musical theme On Time – Candela Salsa Orchestra

DJ Pablo Bat (Spain), DJ Hugo Leite (Portugal), DJ Chino (Colombia), DJ Momo (Japan), DJ Lasse (Norway), DJ Antonio La Conga (NYC), DJ Mauri (Holland), DJ David Muñoz ( Germany), DJ Toni (Switzerland) or DJ Andrea Martini (Italy) among many others.

With this new work, La Candela promises not to leave lovers of a pure and authentic sound focused on the dancer, where there is no shortage of montuno, mambo, guaguancó, pachanga, boogaloo and danceable Latin jazz.

On Time - Candela Salsa Orchestra Members — On Time – Candela Salsa Orchestra Members

The album, which is produced by Batlei Productions and with the collaboration of Canarian musicians, such as Manuel Ángel Lorenzo “Mangüi” and the “Original Big Band”, makes a nod and at the same time a tribute to the great dance bands of the 50s, the golden age of the prestigious Palladium in New York.

After the success achieved in the last edition of the Benidorm Salsa Congress, the most important congress held in Spain, this year they repeated the visit once again last Thursday, July 13, where they officially presented this new album, which has been recorded at Arena Digital under the direction of sound engineer Juan Carlos Hernández.

Presentation "On Time" Benidorm (Photo by Alfil Photography) — Presentation “On Time” Benidorm (Photo by Alfil Photography)

In a very short time and leaving from the Canary Islands, La Candela has been able to carve out a niche for itself within the salsa scene worldwide. Their music can be heard from Australia to California, passing through such exotic places as Taiwan, Malaysia, India, etc. With the new album, they intend to establish themselves in this market and make different presentations that are already closing both in Spain and in the rest of Europe and America.

La Candela is made up of: Rafael “Richie” Rodríguez, voice; Fonsi Rodríguez, piano: Alejandro Fuentes, bass: Jordi Arocha, vibraphone; Fran Martín, congas; Alberto Martín, timpani; José Brito, bongo and bell. A band that mixes experience with youth, which provides a fresh and different sound for the dancer. Without a doubt La Candela is here to stay “On Time”.

The album is now available on the digital music platform CDBaby.com and soon on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, etc. It will also be available very soon in CD and vinyl format at www.cucumpa.com

More information on Facebook: lacandelasalsa

Front Pagedisco On Time - Candela Salsa Orchestra — Front Page
disco On Time – Candela Salsa Orchestra

Papo Lucca. The Giant of the South

Latin America / Puerto Rico

Papo Lucca born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on April 2, 1946, Enrique ‘Papo’ Lucca began playing the piano at age 11 with his father’s orchestra. Initially, La Ponceña played versions of tropical hits of the moment by bands like Cortijo y su Combo and La Sonora Matancera.

In the late 1960s, Papo became the orchestra’s musical director, beginning a profound transformation that would eventually establish la Ponceña as one of the most progressive groups in the history of Afro-Caribbean music. Papo’s orchestrations were bold, experimenting with elements of jazz, rock, and Brazilian music. Representing the authentic spirit of Puerto Rican salsa, his piano solos were velvety, displaying elegance, restraint, and infinite swing.

During the mid-’70s, La Ponceña began to enjoy unprecedented success with critics and the public. The band recorded for the Inca label, which eventually became part of the Fania empire. Papo was invited to arrange and play on sessions for the company’s biggest artists, including Johnny Pacheco, Celia Cruz and Cheo Feliciano. He also recorded and toured with the Fania All Stars.

This compilation pays tribute to the art of Papo Lucca through 14 classic songs recorded between 1967 and 1981. Although Lucca has recorded as a solo artist and also collaborated with a multitude of salsa stars, it is his work with La Ponceña that best expresses the clarity of his vision.

The music we make has to make people happy, as well as make them dance. That’s what it’s all about, says Lucca from her home in Puerto Rico. When the public can dance, no matter how complicated the music is. The first theme that this genre had was to divulge the things that happened in the different communities, as if it were a newspaper.

Our journey begins with two fiery songs from the beginnings of La Ponceña: “Hachero Pa’Un Palo” and “Fuego En El 23” are versions of songs by Cuban Arsenio Rodríguez. La Ponceña always had a soft spot for Puerto Rican folklore, but she also found inspiration in the golden age of Cuban music.

The precise moment in which La Ponceña becomes a mature orchestra in total control of its aesthetics can be found in the six songs from the Musical Conquest/Conquista Musical and El Gigante Del Sur albums. Launched on the market in 1976 and 1977 respectively, they represent the pinnacle of the salsa movement.

These songs combine a musical skill that approaches virtuosity with deep lyrics and a generous sense of humor. “Ñáñara Caí” is a hilarious narrative of pure magical realism, describing a world where everything is turned upside down (my favorite phrase: I saw a cow/Hit with Pacheco). Also included in Musical Conquest, “El Pío Pío” achieves the perfect cross between Afro-Cuban rhythm and contagious pop. This hit is a mandatory part of all La Ponceña concerts.

The opening theme of the El Gigante Del Sur album, “Boranda” seems to offer a salsa version of progressive rock. Its lyrics contain an important sociopolitical message, and the sophistication of its arrangement is a slap in the face for all those who believe that this music is only for dancing. “Soy Tan Feliz” combines bolero climates with an electric piano solo that recalls the psychedelic sound of jazz-rock from the ’70s. “Noche Como Boca ‘E Lobo” creates a tasty collision between salsa fever and Brazilian rhythms.

Lucca was not alone in his mission to reinvent the rules of Puerto Rican dance music. It was also benefited by the prowess of some of the best instrumentalists on the island. Furthermore, his instinct for choosing singers was always irreproachable.

Some of the vocalists of la Ponceña that appear here are Tito Gómez, who would later find fame with the Grupo Niche de Colombia; the inimitable Luigi Texidor, who gave a sense of placidity to all the songs he performed; and Yolanda Rivera, who added variety to the band’s sound with her unique timbre.

One of Rivera’s happiest moments is included here: Coming from 1980’s Unchained Force, Johnny Ortiz’s “Borinquen” is a soulful anthem to Puerto Rico, blessed with a sinuous melody and subtle instrumental arrangement–one of Rivera’s happiest moments. transcendental within the Ponceña canon.

The golden days of salsa are a distant memory in the new millennium, but Papo Lucca hasn’t stopped shining. Perhaps precisely because he continues to record new music, he refuses to idealize the past when I ask him what his favorite album with “La Ponceña.”

The last one, the most recent, he explained in his characteristically introverted tone. All the albums are very important in the career of the orchestra. They all fulfilled their mission at the time, which was to reaffirm the previous one. That’s the way to maintain a pool after 50 years.

The teacher was a little more direct when I asked him about his favorite concert of all time.

It was my first concert with the Fania All Stars at Madison Square Garden, back in 1974, he said. All the stars of the Fania were still alive. A few years later we played in front of 47,000 people in Cali. My knees always shake before I go on stage, but this time they shook a little more.