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Search Results for: Music Awards

“¿What have we achieved?” winner at the Global Music Awards

The Global Music Awards

The Global Music Awards gave a silver medal to the Fahed Miter and Rubén Blades’s video “¿Qué hemos logrado?” The event took place on January 21 in the city of San Diego, California. The announcement was made as usual through the Global Music Awards’ website, an organization that in 2021 will have 10 years since they started with the awards.

The work behind the video

The video is different from the ones we all frequently watch and instead offers something more experimental. The video’s director was Luis Safa, who used around 800 drawings made with Chinese ink and animated all of them, a task that took months to complete. On the other hand, Safa’s direction it’s not the only remarkable achievement, since the person in charge of the video production was the Latin Grammy nominee and winner of a bronze medal this year at the Global Music Awards, Jorge Castro.

"Qué hemos logrado" wins a silver medal. - Global Music Awards
“Qué hemos logrado” wins a silver medal at the Global Music Awards

The video production and direction are phenomenal, as are the touching lyrics of the song, which was composed by Fahed Miter. These lyrics intrinsically invite everyone to reflect, while they transmit a clear message in all their verses. In this song, Fahed Miter’s voice sounds soft, with a slight tone that perfectly matches the melody that accompanies it, but as if was not enough, the recognizable voice of the incredibly talented Panamanian musician, Rubén Blades, adds an even more sentimental touch.

Focusing on the music, it also has various merits that are worth mentioning, one of them is the outstanding talent of the musicians that participated in the song, such as bassist John Patitucci and pianist Lito Vitale, both world-class musicians. The arrangements of the song were made by Edín Solís together with Vitale himself, by working together they managed to create the perfect melody for the song. In Fahed’s words, the video is “a perfect marriage between music and images, and it was made thanks to the creative freedom of an excellent team”.

Fahed and Ruben Blades together. Global Music
Fahed and Ruben Blades together.

In regards to the video, the author of “piel adentro, corazón afuera”, has expressed that his intentions were doing something different from what is usually seen every day, and by watching the video, we can say that the objective was fulfilled; the result of all the work done is a very original video, one where the tone of the music, the animation of the handmade drawings and the lyrics of the song, manage to create a piece of art worthy of at least a silver medal at the Global Music Awards.

Using his Instagram account, Jorge Castro talked about the video too, while also highlighting how complicated 2020 was: “It is almost a prophetic video since although it was carried out before the global Covid-19 emergency, it fits perfectly for the times that we are living in right now. We must celebrate all the good things we have, but we cannot help but show empathy for the global suffering that this pandemic continues to cause.” I’m sure we will move forward with all of this.”

The 2026 NAMM Show Took Center Stage as Historic Gathering Celebrating the Future of Global Music Industry

2026 Show Marked 125-Year Anniversary of NAMM and Demonstrated Why the Global Music Community Gathers Every Year at The NAMM Show.

 January 28, 2026 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, celebrated 125 years of NAMM at The 2026 NAMM Show — a powerful week that concluded on Jan. 24 and set the music industry’s narrative for years ahead. Featuring five days of incredible education, live concerts and special events, alongside three days of extraordinary exhibits and brand activations, this year’s show featured 1,650-plus exhibitors representing over 5,400 brands and more than 200-plus educational sessions for NAMM member communities.
The 2026 NAMM Show highlighted innovative music technologies, product introductions and trends that will shape the future of the music industry during a five-day-long platform for networking, connections and meetings that are critical for uniting and growing music makers globally.
“The 2026 NAMM Show once again delivered an incredible week of unity and energy for our global NAMM members, showcasing products, partnerships and networking for the entire music industry,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “NAMM continues to be the global stage for our industry to announce groundbreaking products, establish transformative partnerships and gain valuable education that drives success for our industry for the rest of the year.”
NAMM SHOW 2026 BY THE NUMBERS
  • 60,000+ show attendees, including 8,760+ international attendees from 122 countries, regions and territories
  • 1,650+ exhibitors representing 5,400+ brands, which is 25% more than 2025
  • Nearly 15,000 artists demonstrating and endorsing products and brands
  • 200+ education sessions with 550+ speakers
  • 1,600+ media, influencers and content creators reaching over 200+ million followers, which is 50% more than 2025.
NAMM SHOW 2026 SET LIST HIGHLIGHTS
Product Launches
The NAMM Electronic Press Kit, an online book of product and show announcements, tripled in size from 2025, with nearly 400 brands and companies using the platform to launch new products at The NAMM Show.
NAMM Global Media Day
Now in its third year, NAMM’s Global Media Day featured iconic brands spanning music, sound and entertainment technology categories to announce more than 500 ground-breaking products and business news to an exclusive media/creator/podcast-only audience of 750-plus guests.
NAMM Events and Awards Shows
Providing the platform for some of the industry’s best awards shows and live events, The 2026 NAMM Show saw sold-out crowds all week long, starting with the TEC Awards, followed by The Bass Awards Show, She Rocks Awards and The Parnelli Awards. Each show catered to a thriving professional community that gathered to honor the best of the best in each category.
Looking Back on NAMM, 125 Years Later
NAMM has been consistently guided by the best minds in the music business, who share a common desire to grow the industry and music making. Ever since 1901, NAMM leaders have come together, even as competitors, to ensure their association is helping the entire industry expand. The 125-year timeline is fully digitized and available to everyone on NAMM.org
NAMM’s Music for Life Honor Awarded to Industry Icon Rick Beato
NAMM presented globally acclaimed producer, educator, musician and YouTube creator Rick Beato with its highest honor, the Music for Life Award, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to music and commitment to inspiring music makers. In an exclusive Thursday morning Q&A with NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak, Beato discussed his early musical influences, the music products that have helped define his career and the future of the music business in the age of AI.
NAMM’s Grand Rally for Music Education 
NAMM rallied the industry around its mission Saturday morning, highlighted by magical moments with Grammy Award-winning artists Victor Wooten and Chad Smith. The session, hosted by John Mlynczak and Julia Rubio, brought the audience to its feet with inspirational performances, conversations and messages, as well as live performances from Roots of Rhythm.
The NAMM Foundation 
In honor of our 125th “NAMMiversary,” and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the NAMM Foundation — with a generous $125,000 matching donation from Chris Martin, past chair of NAMM — announced at the 2026 show a total of $250,000 in funds to give back.
The Return of NAMM NeXT Europe and New NAMM NeXT Latin America
Coming off the success of last year’s inaugural event, NAMM NeXT Europe will return and NAMM NeXT Latin America will debut in 2026. These NAMM NeXT events are one- to two-day leadership conferences that will gather our industry to focus on how we can grow the industry and address common challenges.
  SCORPIO, Reported and correspondent on the job at NAMM!
Bryan Astrachan, aka Scorpio, at the NAMM Show
Radio host and International Salsa Magazine correspondent Bryan Astrachan, aka Scorpio, at the NAMM Show

The 2027 NAMM Show is already in the works for January 26-30, 2027, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Booths with early bird rates and discounts are available now at NS27 Exhibit | NAMM.org

“I have worked with Gary since 2018 and I have been able to actively learn from his expertise as an engineer, host, programmer and now as the interim program director”

“Gary has always welcomed me with open arms and kindness”
He always supports Canto Tropical and our paths continue to cross as we support live music in all genres!  Scorpio
Gary baca and Scorpio at the NAMM
Gary Baca, KPFK, Interim Program Director & Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent, and Anchor

Gary Baca, aka G-Spot was born and raised in East Oakland. Baca began his radio career at KALX Berkeley before initiating his radio programming at KPFA Berkeley which then lead him to KPFK Los Angeles.

Gary is an American radio veteran and cultural tastemaker who currently.
In previous radio programs, Baca’s featured presentations have included interviews with Lisa Lisa, Rick James, Morris Day & The Time, George Clinton, Boy George, Tito Puente, Macy Gray, Roger Troutman & Zapp, Bootsy Collins, WAR, James Brown and Cameo, Rakim, The Commodores, Buddy Miles, The Doors, Earth, Wind & Fire, Johnny Mathis and Carlos Santana.
Now celebrating over 30 years of radio programming, he is also a concert emcee introducing such acts as Ice Cube, Cameo, Cypress Hill, DJ Quik, Too Short, E40, Tierra, Malo, The Dramatics, Rappin 4Tay, Sheila E. & Rhythm Tribe.
KPFK 90.7 FM’s Pocho Hour of Power provides a smartly satirical look at political issues facing Latinos in America. Co-hosted by cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, filmmaker Esteban Zul, comedian’s Jeff Keller, Paul Vato, and producer Gary Baca the show brings its raucous brand of satire.
*Gary has a history of discovering artists, hosting community TV, and teaching radio skills.
KPFK, Interim Program Director: Manages Programing for KPFK.DJ & Host:
Global Village (Tuesday’s 11am-
1pm) The Pocho Hour of Power
(Friday’s 3-4pm) Welcome 2 the
Dawn (Saturday 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) Co-Host and produce La Raza radio Thursdays 3-4pm
Gary Began his career in radio in the late 80’s at KALX in Berkely
KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM
Santa Barbara,
93.7 FM San Diego, 99.5 FM
Ridgecrest & China Lake *ONLINE @ KPFK.ORG
Studios located in Glendale, CA
Transmitter high atop Mt. Wilson
With 110,000 watts of power
 
Scorpio and Rafael Feliciano
Scorpio with Rafael Feliciano, “Soul Sauce”
Born out love and respect for the unique musical sounds created by latin jazz legend/vibist Cal Tjader, this collective of pro players recreate the exact musical arrangements Tjader wrote and recorded for today’s audience. From original hits such as “Soul Sauce(wachi-wara)” to versions of jazz standards like “Speak Low”, this band will entrance an audience with its exotic, soothing sound which fuses afro-cuban and brazilian rhythms with modern jazz classics.
The band features Peter Burke on vibes/percussion, Ramon Banda on timbales, Rafael Feliciano on congas, Joe Rotondi on piano, and Ross Schodek on bass. There is usually a surprise guest appearance added to each show as well, making each performance a special occasion.
“I have had the pleasure of attending several “Soul Sauce” presentations at a variety of venues including Roscoe’s in Long Beach  and I have always been impressed with their professionalism, talent , respect & love for the music they play live”
Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent and Anchor
Musicians at The NAMM Show
Some musicians at The NAMM Show
Gabrielito at The NAMM Show
Gabrielito Y La Verdad at The NAMM Show

Gabriel Gonzalez, also known by his stage name Gabrielito, is a multi-talented artist whose career spans decades of film, music, videos, commercials, theatre and live-performance concerts. Internationally recognized for movie roles from his childhood work in Mexican cinema to cult classic films as well as countless mainstream commercials, tours and stage productions, Gonzalez captivates audiences with his dynamic stage presence and larger-than-life vocals that make each performance a memorable experience.

He began his career in show business at the age of seven appearing in numerous top grossing films in Latin America featuring the Latin Orchestra La Sonora Santanera and famed comic Resortes. At eight years old, he recorded his first album. Gonzlaez has toured and shared billing with some of today’s most iconic artists across Mexico, Cuba, and the U.S. including Camilo Sesto, Lalo Guerrero, Juan Gabriel, Los Van Van, QUETZAL, Cubanismo, Lila Downs, Los Lobos and many more.

Most notably, he toured with the Tony award-winning musical, In the Heights by acclaimed composer Lin-Manuel Miranda as a principal character of the 2011-2012 North American National Tour. Gonzalez’s latest projects include working in the Salsa community with bands such as Boogaloo Assassins and the Los Angeles-based La Verdad.

La Verdad is the premier West Coast Latin music ensemble. A collective of world-class musicians embodying the truth of the Los Angeles Latin experience, the group is led by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez. La Verdad’s traditional and original repertoire spans the scope of Latin American route music including Salsa, Cha-Cha, Boogaloo, Latin Soul and much more.

Scorpio with Gabrielito
Scorpio with Gabrielito

“I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing Gabrielito for several years and I have grown to love & respect his music”

I have had numerous conversations with him regarding community uplift activities and his love for his family and children!
“Gabrielto has impressed me with his ongoing support of public radio especially Canto Tropical and Alma Del Barrio and live music”
Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent and Anchor
Scorpio and Max at the NAMM Show
Scorpio and Max from La Verdad
Pictures of NAMM
the stands of the NAMM Show
People shopping in the stands of the NAMM Show
Instruments at The NAMM Show
Some instruments at The NAMM Show

 

Humberto Ruiz Jr, Musician at The NAMM Show
Humberto Ruiz Jr, Musician
Musicians on stage at the NAMM Show
Some musicians on stage at the NAMM Show

MOLENNON BUSES IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS WITH FREE EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES, AND HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES TO PRODUCE AUDIO, VIDEO, AND DIGITAL MEDIA PROJECTS.

THE OFFICIAL NAMM SHIRT
THE OFFICIAL NAMM SHIRT

THE JOHN LENNON EDUCATIONAL TOUR BUS IS A NON-PROFIT MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIO.

 

MUSIC AND VIDEO CREATION

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit mobile production studio.

MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIOS

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit mobile production studio.

MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIOS

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit mobile production studio.
Read also: Manhattan Latin Music by Jon Horn

Bryan 'Scorpio' Astrachan

Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez was a master of the Baby Bass and was instrumental in its popularization within Latin music

Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy” (1927-2002) was a renowned bassist and a key figure in Latin jazz and salsa. He was known for playing both the upright bass and electric bass.

Roberto Bobby Rodriguez was a master of Baby Bass and played a decisive role in its popularization within Latin music
Roberto Bobby Rodriguez was a master of Baby Bass and played a decisive role in its popularization within Latin music

He worked with legendary artists and bands such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, Tito Puente, and The Alegre All Stars. Born in Tampa, Florida, to Cuban parents, he is often associated with the Baby Bass, a type of electric upright bass.

The Baby Bass is a specific type of electric upright bass developed by the Ampeg company. It has a distinctive sound and is very popular in Latin music, especially salsa.

Many famous bassists in the genre, including Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy,” are known for playing this instrument. With its deep, percussive tone, the Baby Bass helped define the sound of salsa music.

In summary, the connection between Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez and the Baby Bass is that the famous bassist, Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy,” was a master of the instrument and was instrumental in its popularization within Latin music.

“Big Daddy’s” Career and Legacy.

The son of Cuban and Puerto Rican parents, Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy” was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 2, 1927. His talent left a lasting mark on the performance of both the upright bass and the electric bass.

He began his career in New York at the age of 17 with Machito and His Afro-Cubans, where he replaced Julio Andino. He participated in recordings with Chico O’Farrill, Dizzy Gillespie, Cal Tjader, Eddie Palmieri, Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaría, Joe Cuba, Eric Dolphy, the Alegre All Stars, and Tito Rodríguez. His most important and enduring collaboration, however, was with Tito Puente.

Rodríguez’s involvement with Puente’s band resulted in a catalog of countless tumbao basslines. He occasionally had the opportunity to lead the band with a solo, loaded with highly creative melodic improvisations.

On the 1990 album, Goza mi Timbal, the track “Ode to Cachao” features a large number of Bobby Rodríguez’s solos. In addition to being a tribute to Israel López, this track is a showcase of “Big Daddy’s” immense virtues and is considered one of the most unforgettable solos in Latin jazz. This partnership remained active from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Roberto Bobby Rodriguez Big Daddy was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 2, 1927
Roberto Bobby Rodriguez Big Daddy was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 2, 1927

The nickname “Dedo Gordo” (Fat Finger) was given to him for his way of playing the electric bass, with a thick sound—something that in American musical circles is called a “groove.” According to experts, his technique was meant to emulate the sound of the Ampeg Baby Bass.

One characteristic he was always recognized for was his unique ability to play the clave rhythm with his foot while performing on the bass. His musical experience always made him seem like a contributor with a jazzy style.

On July 29, 2002, after a life full of resounding successes and an impressive legacy, Bobby Rodríguez passed away in New York.

Ambiguities with the Name Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez.

The name “Bobby Rodríguez” has been used by several artists within the universe of Caribbean music.

One common source of confusion is the flutist, clarinetist, and saxophonist from Manhattan, Robert “Bobby” Rodríguez, who founded the group “La Compañía.” His date of birth has not been confirmed.

Another point of confusion is the common misconception that “Big Daddy” began his career with the Marcano Quartet. The truth is that the quartet featured Félix Manuel Rodríguez, who, in the early stages of his career at age 17, also went by the name “Bobby Rodríguez.” He would later adopt his famous stage name, Bobby Capó.

A third artistic namesake is Dr. Bobby Rodríguez, a trumpet player born in Los Angeles, California, who is also a teacher and author of the book, ABC’s of Brass Warm-Up. He has been nominated for a Grammy and has received awards as an educator.

Roberto Bobby Rodríguez Big Daddy (1927-2002)
Roberto Bobby Rodríguez Big Daddy (1927-2002)

The list of names similar to Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez becomes much longer if you search for homonyms of his given name. For example, there is Roberto (Reimundo) Rodríguez, a trumpet player from Cienfuegos, Cuba. He co-founded the orchestra Los Jóvenes Estrellas de Cuba and became a member of the Fania All Stars. He also appears in the documentary Nuestra Cosa Latina. In 1982, he founded the group Los Rodríguez with his sons, Roberto Jr. and Willie.

His son, Roberto Rodríguez Jr., is another homonym we encounter in these musical paths.

Continuing with more homonyms, there’s the Cuban trumpet player Roberto Luis Rodríguez, who is the father of the currently famous trumpet player Roberto Juan Rodríguez, also Cuban, but who moved with his Jewish family to Miami at the age of nine. He has played with top artists such as Joe Jackson, Julio Iglesias, and Paul Simon.

 By: Diego Aranda (Audiokat)

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Los Mejores Salseros del Mundo

Also Read: Bobby Valentín, the King of the Bass in the Fania All-Stars Machine – The Mind of a Master

Sammy Figueroa is an exceptional percussionist known for his versatility and for playing in a multitude of musical styles

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948. He is the son of bolero singer Charlie Figueroa, whom he never knew, as his father passed away at the age of 32.

Sammy moved to Puerto Rico as a child to live with his grandparents and escape the Bronx’s gang violence.

Sammy Figueroa is an excellent percussionist who has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles
Sammy Figueroa is an excellent percussionist who has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles

At 18, he started his professional career with bassist Bobby Valentín’s band. Throughout his career, he has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles and contributing to nearly 400 albums, ten of which are platinum.

He has collaborated with major pop artists like David Bowie, Chaka Khan, and Mariah Carey, as well as with distinguished jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, and George Benson. In 1977, he became a founding member of the Latin rock fusion group Raíces.

In 2001, Sammy Figueroa moved to South Florida and formed his own group, Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion. His albums And Sammy Walked In and The Magician were nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album.

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career

His 2023 album, Searching for a Memory / Busco Tu Recuerdo, is a tribute to his father. The project, produced by his wife, Rachel Faro, with whom he has also co-produced other albums, allowed Sammy to reconcile with his father’s legacy. On this album,

Sammy sings on a record for the first time and transforms his father’s classic boleros into modern Latin jazz arrangements. The album was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the “Best Jazz/Latin Jazz Album” category.

Sammy Figueroa has received numerous awards, including two Percussionist of the Year awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), two Drummie Awards for Best Hand Percussion, and a Best Percussionist award from the Jazz Journalists Association.

Discovered by jazz flutist Herbie Mann, Figueroa became a well-known session and studio musician, touring and recording with The Brecker Brothers, Average White Band, Morrissey – Mullen, The Mahavishnu Orchestra John McLaughlin, and Miles Davis.

He has also appeared with Blondie, Sonny Rollins, David Sanborn, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, George Benson, Chet Baker, Stanley Clarke, Grover Washington Jr., Al Jarreau, Lena Horne, Joe Williams, Mark Murphy, Mike Mainieri, Néstor Torres, Chico O’Farrill, Mike Stern, Chuck Loeb, Bobby Watson, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Rubén Blades, Eddie Palmieri, Bobby Valentín, Tania Maria, Mariah Carey, James Taylor, Dr. John, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Celine Dion, Blues Traveler, Natalie Merchant, David Lee Roth, Hall & Oates, Joe Cocker, Rickie Lee Jones, Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Grace Jones, James Ingram, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, and many others.

Some of the R&B hits he is featured on include Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” Luther Vandross’s “The Night I Fell In Love,” and Ashford & Simpson’s “Solid (as a rock),” as well as most of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards’ hits on the Chic and Sister Sledge record labels.

Michel Camilo wrote the song “And Sammy Walked In” in his honor, and it was also recorded by Giovanni Hidalgo. Two of his CDs, And Sammy Walked In and The Magician, have been nominated for Grammy Awards in the “Best Latin Jazz Album” category. Figueroa hosts a Latin jazz show on WDNA-FM in Miami, Florida.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948
Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948

If you’re not very familiar with Sammy Figueroa’s work, you can try an experiment with this album: listen closely to see if you can guess what his instrument is. In a medium-sized combo, what instrument seems to take center stage? The answer: it’s impossible to guess, which says something about Figueroa’s maturity as a leader.

It’s also surprising to see how pared down his forces really are this sextet sounds like a big band. (Spoiler alert: he’s a percussionist.) It also says something about him that the term “Explosion” is a misnomer for his band. There are no pyrotechnics, no crazy tempos, and no wildly layered rhythms here.

But there are some very impressive horn arrangements (check out “Cha Cha Pa’ Ti” and the lovely “Cuco y Olga”), along with some of the sweetest, most tender ballads to appear on a jazz album of any genre in recent years (“Queen from the South” and “Zuliana” are the best examples).

For a percussionist acting as a bandleader, giving this kind of sustained, loving attention to compositions that only make a tenuous use of his talent is further proof of Figueroa’s taste and maturity. Let’s hope Figueroa keeps going in this vein. Rick Anderson.

Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion – Urban Nature (2011).

Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion - Urban Nature (2011)
Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion – Urban Nature (2011)

Tracks:

  1. Gufillo (Silvano Monasterios)
  2. Urban Nature (Gabriel Vivas)
  3. Latin What? (Michael Orta)
  4. Zuliana (Silvano Monasterios)
  5. 7th Door From The Left (Silvano Monasterios)
  6. Cuco y Olga (Nicholas Martines)
  7. Cha Cha Pa’ Ti (Gabriel Vivas)
  8. Queen From The South (Silvano Monasterios)
  9. Funny Talk (Gabriel Vivas)

Musicians:

  • Sammy Figueroa (Percussion)
  • Silvano Monasterios (Piano)
  • Gabriel Vivas (Acoustic bass)
  • John Michalak (Sax)
  • Alexander Pope Norris (Trumpet)
  • Nomar Negroni (Drums)

Guest Musicians:

  • Ed Calle (Sax)
  • Mike Orta (Piano)
  • José Gregorio Hernández (Percussion)

Website: Sammy Figueroa

By:

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Also Read: Carlos “Nene” Quintero comes from a family of musical prodigie

Israel “Cachao” López, a Cuban musician and composer, has been hailed as “the Inventor of Mambo”

Born in Havana on September 14, 1918, and passing away in Coral Gables, Miami, on March 22, 2008, Israel “Cachao” López, often known simply as “Cachao,” was a Cuban musician and composer.

Israel Cachao López musico y compositor cubano, ha sido definido como el Inventor del Mambo
Israel Cachao López musico y compositor cubano, ha sido definido como el Inventor del Mambo

He became a legend in Cuban music with his masterful handling of the double bass and was renowned for his performances in mambo and Latin jazz.

His talent earned him two Grammy Awards (in 1995 and 2005), a Latin Grammy in 2003, an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He has been described as “the inventor of mambo” and is considered a master of descarga (live improvisations).

He began by playing various instruments until he settled on the double bass, which allowed him, as a teenager, to join the Havana Philharmonic Orchestra, where his father and older brother also played.

“Cachao” left Cuba in 1962 with a long list of successes and stated in a 2007 interview that if it weren’t for his compatriot and colleague Dámaso Pérez Prado, “mambo would not have been heard worldwide.”

Israel Cachao López nacido en La Habana, un 14 de septiembre de 1918 y falleció en Coral Gables un 22 de marzo de 2008 en Miami
Israel Cachao López nacido en La Habana, un 14 de septiembre de 1918 y falleció en Coral Gables un 22 de marzo de 2008 en Miami

His first stop was Madrid, where he stayed for a year before emigrating to the United States. In the U.S., he resided in New York City, Las Vegas, and Miami.

López also played acoustic bass with his brother, the multi-instrumentalist Orestes López. They literally composed over 3,000 songs together and were highly influential in Cuban music from the 1930s to the 1950s.

They created the “nuevo ritmo” (new rhythm) in the late 1930s, which transformed the danzón by introducing African rhythms into Cuban music, ultimately leading to mambo.

He won several Grammy Awards for both his own work and his contributions to albums by Latin music stars, including Gloria Estefan. In 1995, he won a Grammy for Master Sessions Volume 1.

In 2003, he won a Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album alongside Bebo Valdés and Patato for El Arte Del Sabor. He won another Grammy in 2005 for his work ¡Ahora Sí!

His nephew, Orlando “Cachaíto” López, became one of the pillars of the famous Buena Vista Social Club.

Cachao performed with artists such as Tito Puente, and his music has been featured in films like The Birdcage and the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

The Actor Andy Garcia produced a documentary titled Cachao… “Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos” in 1993 about his music. He also shared stages with Celia Cruz and her husband Pedro Knight, as well as with trombonist Generoso Jiménez.

Leyendas de Nuestra Musica Latina Pacheco, Puente y Cachao
Leyendas de Nuestra Musica Latina Pacheco, Puente y Cachao

His last musical collaboration was with Gloria and Emilio Estefan on the singer’s album titled 90 Millas.

López passed away on the morning of March 22, 2008, in Coral Gables, Florida, at the age of 89, due to complications following kidney failure.

Cachao y Su Ritmo Caliente – Monte Adentro (2000)

Tracks:

  1. Monte Adentro (Cógele el golpe) (A. Castillo Jr.)
  2. Goza Mi Trompeta (O. Estivill)
  3. Guajeo de Saxos (E. Peñaver)
  4. Estudio en Trompeta (I. López)
  5. Gozar Timbero (O. Estivill)
  6. Trombón Criollo (O. Portillo)
  7. Malanga Amarilla (S. Contreras)
  8. Controversia de Metales (I. López)
  9. Descarga Cubana (O. Estivill)
  10. Pamparana (A. López)
  11. Sorpresa de Flauta (O. Estivill)
  12. Oye Mi Tres Montuno (A. Echevarria)
  13. La Floresta (O. López)
  14. Avance Juvenil (B. López)
  15. Redención (O. López)
  16. Descarga Mambo (D.P.) 

Musicians:

  • Israel López “Cachao” (Double Bass)
  • Guillermo Barreto (Timbales)
  • Tata Güines (Tumbadora)
  • Rojelio “Yeyo” Iglesias (Bongos)
  • Gustavo Tamayo (Güiro)
  • Alejandro “El Negro” Vivar (Trumpet)
  • Armando Armenteros (Trumpet)
  • Generoso “El Tojo” Jiménez (Trombone)
  • Oreste López (Piano)
  • Enemelio Jiménez (Alto Sax)
  • Emilio Peñalver (Tenor Sax)
  • Virgilio Lisama (Baritone Sax)
  • Richard Egües (Flute)
  • Niño Rivera (Tres)
  • Roliyo y Reyes (Chorus)

Recorded in Havana, 1957-1958

Cachao y Su Ritmo Caliente - Monte Adentro (2000)
Cachao y Su Ritmo Caliente – Monte Adentro (2000)

 

The tradition of being musicians comes from grandparents and great-grandparents, all the Cachaos are musicians.

By:

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

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

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