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1 New artist Wito Rodriguez “I am distinct and different”

Norte America / Estados Unidos / Florida

Wito Rodriguez. “I am distinct and different”

Irwin “Wito” Rodríguez was born in Chicago to Puerto Rican parents and got his start in the musical field as a singer and musician. During his teenage years, he performed with a Rock and Roll band as a guitarist.

In 1968 Wito Rodriguez decided to move to “La Isla Del Encanto”, Puerto Rico, in order to search for his musical roots and experience the spicy sounds of his beloved Latin Ritmo.

His first encounter in the Salsa genre was with a Puerto Rican percussionist from the 60’s called “Chacón y su Orquesta”, where Wito learned all the Latin rhythms such as Guaguancó, Boogaloo, Mozambique, etc.

Chacón was his coach in Latin percussion instruments and Wito also fell in love with maracas.

Wito Rodriguez returned to Chicago in 1971 to join “Orquesta La Justicia” a local band that opened shows for artists such as: Ismael Rivera, Ray Barreto, Willie Colón, El Gran Combo and the legendary “Fania All Stars”.

Like many young men of that time, in 1973 Wito Rodriguez decided to join the United States Army and was sent to Europe.

During his stay in Germany, Wito Rodriguez took singing lessons with the Opera singer Barbra Sutton, and at the same time he created two bands with the names of “El Conjunto Sabor” and “La Sonora Antillana”.

These orchestras accompanied artists of the Salsa genre such as: Adalberto Santiago, Ismael Miranda, Tito Allen, Santitos Colón, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez and the queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz.

After his retirement from the army, Wito joined forces with German band leader Rudi Fuesers and created the European Salsa Orchestra “Conexion Latina”.

With Conexion Latina, Wito Rodriguez recorded two albums; “Calorcito” and “Un Poco Loco”.

He also had the great experience of recording two songs with the band of Director and Arranger Peter Herbolzheimer.

During the 80’s, Wito wanted to broaden his horizons by forming his own groups called “Wito Rodriguez y Orchestra” and “Wito Con Cache”.

Missing his family and friends, Wito “crossed the pond” to return to the United States to finish his Army career.

He never gave up his passion for music, a new big band sound was on his mind, and he returns to the spotlight with the Wito Rodriguez Salsa Jazz Orchestra under the musical direction of trumpeter and arranger, Gino Picart.

“What a wonderful world” or “What a Wonderful World” is his third album released in January 2015.

Although busy in 2016 with live performances, a new album had also been produced and recorded between South America Venezuela and Orlando, Florida.

The most recent production called “Como el Viento” will be released in 2017. This album contains a compilation of songs recorded over the years in Europe than ever for the Western Hemisphere. I hope you enjoy your first solo release… What a wonderful world!

In 2018 Wito released another CD called “The Best of Wito” which has a mix of all the songs that fans thought were the best and respected their preferences.

Wito also has four new singles that he has released from his new album, which will be available from February 2019.

Through the internet platforms you can find these releases.

Always and Forever, Soy Caribe, Yo No Te Echo La Culpa and Now and Forever are the ones that have been released so far.

“As a bilingual singer, I am blessed to contribute to the music industry in my songs, singing them in English and Spanish, unity through my music in a mix of salsa and R&B, etc.” Wito Rodriguez

In the year of 2018. Wito Rodriguez was blessed to be nominated at the Hollywood Music Media Awards (HMMA) in Los Angeles, CA in November 2018.

You can also see his certificate as an honoree at the Fox Music Awards USA, Miami in November 2018, who was nominated and honored for being the Army Veteran Salsero Singer.

The Chicago Salsa Congress was one of its great events in 2018.

In March 2019 his new bilingual production Soy Distinto Y Diferente came out with the song Soy Caribe already nominated at the Hollywood Media Music Awards on November 20, 2019 in Hollywood California.

NMJ Animal Music Records LLC. [email protected]

PQ Promotions/Management Jenny Morales [email protected]

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Soneros Birthdays Party

Omara Portuondo, Ismael Rivera, Jimmy Bosch, and Luisito Carrión celebrate their birthdays this month

October is filled with talent and it’s that in this month a hurricane of brilliant artists of the Salsero genre was born, who have captivated us and have shown their Gift before hundreds of audiences around the world. These Latin Stars have bathed us in SABOR with their lyrics and infected with joy with their melodies. It for that, this month we celebrate their births and dance to the rhythm of the applause towards them. Happy Birthday, Soneros!

Omara Portuondo (October 29, 1930)

Omara was born in La Habana (Cuba). Her first encounter with music was at a very early age. Just as in any other Cuban home, the future singer and her siblings grew up with the songs which her parents, for lack of a gramophone, sang to them. Those melodies, some of which still form part of her repertoire, were young Omara’s informal introduction to the world of music.

She and her sister Haydee sang well-known American group “Los Loquibambla” and their style, a Cubanised version of the Bossa Nova with touches of American jazz, was known as “Feeling”. In their radio debut, Omara was introduced as “Miss Omara Brown, the girlfriend of Feeling”.

“Magia Negra” was her debut record released in 1959. It combined Cuban music with American jazz and included versions of “That Old Black Magic” and “Caravan”, by Duke Ellington. Later she joined one of Cuba’s most important orchestras, La Orchestra Aragón, with which she recorded several albums, such as the one she did with Adalberto Álvarez in 1984 and “Palabras and Desafíos” on which she was accompanied by Chucho Valdés.

However, Omara Portuondo catapulted to her well-earned fame was in the mid-1990s when she collaborated in the recording sessions for Buena Vista Social Club on which she sang “Veinte Años”.

She was the star of the third launching of the Buena Vista Social Club released in 2000 and she toured Europe, traveled to Japan, and performed in the USA and Canada.

Omara went back to the studio to record her second solo album “Flor de Amor” (World Circuit), which was produced by Nick Gold and Alê Siqueira, signals a change in direction in her career: it is an album marked by a more subtle sound and a richness of texture. Portuondo brought in a mixture of Cuban and Brazilian musicians for this album, and it is this factor which influences the particular style of the music.

Omara returned to Europe in 2004 to promote this album, performing at such illustrious venues as the North Sea Jazz Festival, Marble Hill House in London, Olympia in Paris and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. “Flor de Amor” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Tropical Record category and the 16th edition of the Billboard Latin Music Awards (2005); this album obtained the Tropical Record of the Year award.

Later, Omara released “Gracias”, the record that marks her sixtieth year in the music business and won the Latin Grammy Award for the Best Contemporary Tropical Album. It was a very special night as Omara was there to receive the prize in person and she also presented one of the awards, the first time that a Cuban artist has done this. The album was also later nominated for a Grammy in the Best Tropical Latin Album category.

After touring with the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club in Europe during 2010, “the girlfriend of Feeling” released the latest recording, Omara & Chucho (Montuno Producciones) in spring 2011. 14 years after their last joint album, they reunite once again to continue unravelling the thread of their first joint project, and show us their talents in the simplest, most unclad manner on a context that enables them to lay emphasis on some of the features that been characteristic of their music at various stages in their careers.

Omara will also tour with the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club later in Europe and the U.S.

Ismael Rivera (October 5, 1931 – May 13, 1987)

Puerto Rican singer and songwriter contributed to the dissemination of the island’s native rhythms such as the Bomba and Plena, and he was one of the first standard-bearers of the Salsero movement of the decade, the reason for he was called “El Sonero Mayor” and also known for others by the nickname “Maelo”.

In 1952 he was hired as a singer for the Lito Peña’s Orquesta Panamericana with which he became known and reaped his first hits: “La vieja en camisa”, “La sazón de la abuela” and the most popular “El charlatán”, a song in Plena rhythm that was widely heard through the Puerto Rico’s local radio stations.

Two years later he left this group to join the Combo de Cortijo with whom he popularized “El bombón de Elena” by Rafael Cepeda Atiles, and as well as performed on Puerto Rican television in the “El Show del Mediodía”.

At the end of the ‘50s, they were presenting their shows at the prestigious New York club Palladium Ballroom, where they contributed to making popular the tropical rhythms imported from the island with great hits such as “El negro bembón”, “Maquinó Landera”, “Tuntuneco ”, and others.

Ismael Rivera’s triumphant career was interrupted in 1962 for paying four years under the laws of Puerto Rico for possession of narcotics. Then, after recovering his freedom, Ismael formed his musical ensemble “Los Cachimbos” and immersed himself in the nascent Salsero movement to which he contributed two classics such as “Dime por qué” y “Mi negrita me espera”.

In the mid-70s “El Sonero Mayor” became the ambassador of Salsa throughout America, working for the record label of the genre Fania, and triumphing with emblematic songs such as “De todas maneras rosas”.

In his facet as a composer, he wrote very notable pieces such as “Besito de Coco” (famous song by Celiz Cruz), “El incomprendido”, “Arrecotín, arrecotán”, “El que no sufre no vive”, y “Mi libertad eres tú among many others.

In his last years, he suffered a throat cancer that caused him to lose his voice and he died as a result of a heart attack. R.I.P MASTER!

Jimmy Bosch (October 18, 1959)

Jimmy Bosch was born in 1959 (New Jersey, U.S.). He is a world-renowned Trombonist, composer, singer, and bandleader in the world music genres. He has been performing professionally since age 13. Jimmy’s first two solo CDs, “Soneando Trombón” and “Salsa Dura” established him as the Ambassador of the Salsa Dura movement. He ignited this movement by combining old school quality salsa arrangements with a modern NY aggressive edge and socially conscious lyrics. “El Avión De La Salsa” demonstrates and solidifies his commitment to dancer centered music, while “A Millón” is the title of Jimmy’s 4th solo record released.

Appearing in over 100 recordings, Bosch “El Trombón Criollo de La Salsa” has garnered at least 10 Grammys and has toured with his orchestra, his sextet or as a solo artist, as well as with: Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, Willie Colon, Manny Oquendo y Libre, FANIA Allstars, and the list goes on.

Jimmy has been featured throughout the world in major venues and festivals, including; Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center (NYC), Celebrate Brooklyn (NYC), Montreal Jazz (Canada), Madison Square Garden (NYC), Sydney Opera House (Australia), Barranquijazz (Colombia), El Poliedro and Teresa Careña (Venezuela), and many other important places.

Luisito Carrión (OCTOBER 26, 1962)

A native of Arecibo in Puerto Rico, Luisito Carrión has been singing since he was 13 years old. He began his career as a Salsa artist with the Orquesta Kafe, Orquesta La Nativa and Grupo Concepto Latino.

In his first performances, he sang along with Celia Cruz, Adalberto Santiago, and Santitos Colón. Later on, he was a member of Salsa Fever together with Julio “Gunda” Merced, were several hits come from: “Renta de Amor” and “Señores ahí va Julián”. Afterward, he joined the Bobby Valentín Orchestra, where he sang songs, such as: “El Señor de las Señoras”, “Ramos de flores”, “El Gigoló”, “Tributo de Cali” and “Como lo hago yo”. In his evolutionary process, Luisito joined the Orquesta Don Perignon where he sang “La Fuga” and later with the Sonora Porceña, where he performed songs, such as “Yaré” and “A Comer Lechón”.

In 1997, he recorded with Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound “Mi música 1997”. At the end of the 90s, Carrión began his career as a soloist with the record company MP Records with Julio “Gunda” Mercéd and Rafael Bodo Torres, which led to hits, such as: “Sin tu amor”, “La Chica Más Popular”, “Nadie Como Tú”, “Porque”, “Amiga Mía”, “Muriendo”, “Como Ave Sin Rumbo” and “Para Ser Real”. Nowadays, Luisito Carrión is one of the best Puerto Rico’s Soneros bringing on “Histeriaaaa…” in his fans.

Omar Negron

USA / Florida / Tampa

Omar Negron, The Virtuoso of Trumpet and Percussion

Omar Negron was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 3, 1972. Music came into his life as a family legacy.

From the age of 3 he began to play percussion “las pleneras y el bongo”, guided by his maternal grandfather, his paternal grandfather who was also a musician and cuatro player and his grandmother who sang Puerto Rican trova.

At the age of 7, he entered the Carolina School of Music where he learned to read music to interpret it in percussion, which he had already mastered.

The first witnesses of his talent were his classmates at the Angel Ramos de Country Club elementary school in San Juan P.R, where he was part of the central show in several of the school activities, in some of them even imitating the singer Oscar de León. .

At the age of twelve, while attending his regular studies, he was alternately accepted at the Ernesto Ramos Antonini Free School of Music in San Juan.

There he began to study Trumpet since there was no room for percussion.

However, the percussion teacher allowed him to be part of his class, so he (Omar Negron) studied Trumpet and Percussion simultaneously.

Proven his talent, Omar Negron had the opportunity to be part of the School’s dance band, where he began playing Bongo and years later he would play Trumpet.

He was part of some talent competitions where he ranked first as a singer.

Upon graduating from the Escuela Libre de Música, Omar Negrón received the Rafael Hernández medal for his versatility playing different instruments, including his voice.

His musical career

At just 16 years old, Omar Negron makes his first professional recording as a singer, thanks to an opportunity he received from Mickey Cora and his Cabala Orchestra, where he was able to record and perform the songs: “Wanting to Live With You” and “We Will Always Be Friends” .

In 1990, Omar Negron was recruited by the Conjunto Chaney after the departure of the singer José Cheo Andújar.

A year later he made his first recording with the Ensemble, in the production entitled “Somos Amigos” where he performed the song “En Trance”.

Omar made three more productions with the Chaney Ensemble under the Hit Makers record label, but unfortunately none were released.

In 1994, Chaney made a recording with the Musical Production label, entitled “La Escuela de la Salsa”, where Omar recorded the songs: “I’m back”, “Impulsos”, “I fell in love”, “You are the vice”, ” Gaining Sensuality”, among others. This production earned them several awards including a Gold Record and an ACE Award.

It was a season of success and presentations in Europe, the United States, Central America and South America.

In 2004 he was invited by maestro Willie Rosario to be part of his orchestra after the departure of singer Rico Walker.

Opportunity that he enjoyed for three years and allowed him to gain experience as a son player and interpreter of many of his hits.

However no new recordings were made during that season.

In 2013 he launched himself as a soloist with the song: “No Son Juguetes”, composition and arrangement by Frank Poupart, a song that was widely accepted among the fans of romantic salsa in Puerto Rico, the United States, the Canary Islands, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia. among others.

Then he recorded the song by Ricardo Montaner and Jorge Luis Chasin “Bésame” which made him the winner of two Fox Music Awards in the city of Houston, Texas.

The same theme was placed number one on the Italian and Swiss tropical music radio charts.

A year later, he recorded “Waiting for you” written by Jesse Villareal and arranged by the great experienced arranger Tommy Villarini.

This single allowed him to open doors in countries like Belgium, Turkey, and Germany in addition to the United States, Central and South America, especially in Panama where his music is well accepted.

In 2016, with much more accumulated experience and with the help of a new work team, Omar Negron launches his new single entitled “Por Si Mañana”, composed by Jorge Luis Piloto and arranged by Ramón Sánchez.

This song is the Salsa version of the ballad recorded by the well-known Colombian group Mojito Lite.

Veruska Verdu

Latin America / Lima / Peru

Veruska Verdu “The only formula to keep the Salsero genre alive is to give support and credibility to the next generation”

Despite her youth, Veruska Verdu knows where she is going, without forgetting the roots where she comes from, this young woman has an interpretative strength and intensity that made her be considered by Peruvian critics as “The new Voice of Venezuela”, we do not doubt it , sings salsa and bolero very well, in addition to strolling through Afro-Venezuelan rhythms. In Venezuela, we enjoyed many of his presentations with the different orchestras with which he worked, and we witnessed how he left his soul in each one of his presentations and performances.

His greatest musical influence has been Celia Cruz and Oscar de León in terms of the salsa genre, and in the Afro-Venezuelan genre he admires Betsayda Machado and the Experimental group “Vasallos de Venezuela”. She tells us that, “in her family there are no musicians”, her grandmother and grandfather were rumberos and she believes that the musical vein comes from there, thanks to her grandparents, and to have the unconditional support of her parents and relatives, who have helped him get to where he is.

From Afro-Venezuelan music to salsa, from Barlovento to Caracas, from Venezuela to internationalization, this is how her career goes, in constant growth and evolution, nothing stops her from demonstrating her artistic quality and continuing to establish herself in this tough market.

Barlovento has a rich folk manifestation, all this mix of rhythms is in Veruska’s blood, therefore, she likes rumba, partying, music.

“What a black rock, how does she get into the rumba”

Veruska Verdu - Photo — Veruska Verdu singing in a concert

How were your musical beginnings?

“In my town of La Balsa, in the Panaquire parish, it was there that I began to sing music of the Afro-Venezuelan genre, thanks to Professor Adrián Méndez, I began to participate in the “Canta Claro” Festivals, in the cultural activities that were held, They invited me and I went, I had great support from my teacher, my school teachers, my family and the residents of the town”.

“I continued with my popular singing training at the high school, I participated in the high school voice representing my municipality Acevedo and the high school where I studied, I met my guide teacher Richard Rivero, who invited me to participate in the Afro-Venezuelan music group “Ritual Negro de Barlovento”, where I had the opportunity to travel and learn more about this beautiful genre that identifies us as Venezuelans”.

After this beginning, how was your evolution?

“I went to Caracas to work with other groups, among them are; Drum Show from Venezuela, Caña y Miel, Autochthonous from La Vega, Freddy Madera, Grupo Cosecha, Grupo la Calenda, among others”. “I received an invitation from some friends whom I love Miroslava Torres and Fernando Mozas very much, they encouraged me to join the Venezuelan Orchestra “Simón Bolívar”, I took them at their word, I auditioned and stayed, I participated for a time with the orchestra, I learned much more of our genre, stepped on stages that I had no idea I could step on”.

“Then my singing teacher Corina Peña motivated me to participate with the “Latino Caribeña Simón Bolívar” Orchestra, thank God I auditioned and I also stayed.”

Tell us about your time with the “Simón Bolívar” Latin Caribbean Orchestra?

“The teacher Alberto Vergara saw my interest in belonging to the orchestra, just that day the Venezuelan lyrical singer Iván García was arriving, who was going to sing in a musical project called “Negrísimo”, the teacher gave me the opportunity to be participated. of this great concert with García”.

“Later came more concerts with the orchestra, many learnings with maestro Vergara, for me he is number one, he is super important in my life, he helped me open my senses towards the music of the Latin Caribbean genre, love it, respect it, I give it thank you for giving me the opportunity to belong to the orchestra, for being part of the row of singers”.

“With the “Latino Caribeña” Orchestra, I stepped on incredible stages just like with the Afro-Venezuelan one, but here it was another level, another feeling, feeling the euphoria of the public that likes salsa, moving so many people, transmitting to so many people, thanks to the orchestra many people have known me and support me”.

So the “Simón Bolívar” Latin Caribbean Orchestra has been a springboard for his career.

“Of course, it has been the showcase to show the gift that God gave me, to all those who value this beautiful feeling and support me, I must thank all the teachers, all those who have been there for my musical growth, the orchestra It will never cease to be present in my career, in my present, in my future, I will always be grateful for it, thanks to it I met the teacher Alfredo Naranjo and his Guajeo, who took me into account to participate in his project”.

How did you feel working alongside Alfredo Naranjo?

“With Maestro Naranjo I got the proposal to do my first concert, which was called “Caminando”, this was in the Experimental room of the “Bod Cultural Center”, he likes things to go well, he left me a great learning to work with his side”. “The concert was super nice, I had as a guest Alfredo, my godfather Rodrigo Mendoza and my great brother musician par excellence and multi percussionist “Patatín” Guacaran, I also had the opportunity to meet Edgar “Dolor” Quijada, Soledad Bravo and Rafael “The “Chicken” Brito”.

Your career has been constantly on the rise, how has your time in the different groups been?

“I participated in a project called “Ellas son Boleros”, with Anais Torrealba, Gisela Guedez, with professor Corina Peña, I was with all those bolero ladies in Venezuela, this was under the production of David Peña “Zancudo”. “On the other hand, Carlos Padrón was there, he called me to participate in the 10th anniversary of Rumberos del Callejón, I feel very happy, because Domingo Quiñones, Maelo Ruiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Fernando Borjas, Memo Arroyave, Gonzalo Díaz participated there. , wow!, a lot of people who have years of experience and I am like the puppy of the project, and look, however, Carlos believed in my talent and made me be part of his production”.

“I was with the Sopranos for a while, on the album that won the Pepsi Music Awards (Decade), my choirs are out there, with Sonero Clásico del Caribe, a Son institution in our country.”

How have you felt taking on these challenges?

“It has been tremendous, to have the support of some tremendous musicians who are legends, “Nene” Quintero, the pianist par excellence Pedro Pérez, very cool, in all those groups that I have been thanks to the projection I had with the Latin Caribbean Orchestra and my commitment day by day to all this”.

Apart from singing, do you play any instrument?

“I had a short time at the Bigott Foundation, they taught me certain things to learn to compose, I like to play the guitar, and now I am dabbling in the bass”.

From Afro-Venezuelan music to salsa, how was that transition?

“We are not very far away, remember that Afro music its main root is the drum, just like in the Caribbean genre, in salsa, the root is the percussive, the blows, the leather, the key, the swing, that taste, that sense of enjoying what you do, rather the Afro-Venezuelan genre helped me a lot because of the free way of singing.”

“I feel freedom when singing salsa, because I learned in Afro-Venezuelan music how to improvise, to have that ability, I have enjoyed it, in some shows I remember any verse from some party or ass e` puya and singing salsa I say it, it is “cheveroski” as they say around here”.

Did you ever think that being so young you would be next to many who have years of musical career and are already recognized in this medium?

“I never imagined it, it is a blessing from heaven, I am just starting out on the path of music, I still have a long way to go, God has given me the blessing and joy of being able to share the stage with El “Pollo” Brito, Edgar “Pain” Quijada, Alfredo Naranjo, Francisco Pacheco, meeting Betzayda Machado, being with Sonero Clásico, Canelita Medina, I feel happy that in my short time I have met wonderful people and been able to share the stage with them, just like here in Peru”.

What do you think of the support for national talent in Venezuela?

“It has been excellent, I feel that right now they are giving credibility to the successor generation, it is very important to give support, it is the only formula for the genre to remain alive, credibility must be given to the one who is being born and has the ability to make music”. “In Venezuela they have given the artist great support.”

You continue to be “Enchanted with life” despite the regrets…

“If everything was placed on a silver platter, there would be no achievements, the greatest satisfaction is hard work and discipline, I am living my experience that seems spectacular to me, I am enjoying my moment, I am learning things that I did not know in its entirety, I am maturing as an artist and as a person.

“All things go through a moment of difficulty, we must always highlight the good things.”

Its jump to Peru a market that is in the musical arena, the critics baptized it as “The new Voice of Venezuela”, What do you think of this?

“I am grateful that in Peru they have that appreciation of me, it feels super good, on each platform that I mount I will give my best, my tricolor goes with me upstairs.”

How has the receptivity of the Peruvian public been?

“It is not easy to arrive in a country and start from scratch, however, it is a matter of continuing to work, to continue showing what we are made of and to make good music, to do a job like a ant, things have flowed in a very good way, I have participated in productions of the master Tito Manrique, Manongo Mujica, I met the people of a group that I greatly admire Peru Negro, they play Afro-Peruvian music, I did concerts with Carlos Mosquera, a super singer, incredible, a blessing from heaven.

“The support of the Peruvian public is always present, what should Veruska do, continue working constantly, I must thank you for having been very receptive to the work that I am doing.”

In Peru they also have payola?

“In the whole world there is payola, this market is managed like this, salsa, merengue, joropo, tango, pop, jazz, reggaeton, you have a good product, but many times you have to “encourage” the person to show it.”

How do you see the salsa movement at the moment?

“It is a good time to continue highlighting our genre, we are in the here and now, ah! which is not the same as in the past, those times do not compare, for me this is a super excellent moment, many people are doing their work, Víctor Cardona, Carlitos Padrón, Pumaband, La Latino Caribeña, right here in Peru, how many new artists they have, all these people have been promoting salsa”.

Tell us about your solo career.

“It has not been easy, but I continue to give my all, thanking the people who have supported me even without knowing me, I must thank Mr. Alberto Vale who has joined this Veruska project and tells me; -black let’s go forward, everything will be fine, -let’s do this, that-”.

Your first musical production “Fusion -Venezuela – Mundo”, which musicians participate in it?

“Sabrosito Así”, is the promotional theme, we wanted to make a very cool fusion, which was reflected there, thanks to Juan Carlos Linares who gave us all the support to materialize this single and that people knew it, I had excellent musicians; Mario Pasmiño as Musical Director, in addition to Patatín Guacaran, Gisel Brito, Gray Peña, Aarón Cabrera, Ángel Peña, Jeison Ascanio and Darwin Latan”. “This experience was great, beautiful, in the Velvet studio.”

Define yourself in one sentence

“Feeling and rumba, I like the alegríadera”.

Venezuela in one sentence

“Good people, hardworking, like my people none.”

Translated by: Thisby Ferrara

By Eiling Blanco, Correspondent for Latin American

Will Phillips

North America / United State / Los Angeles

Will Phillips is an endorsee of Gon Bops Percussion & also endorses products from Innovative Percussion and Timbra Top Percussion.

Will Phillips born and raised in Texas and having relocated to Los Angeles, Will Phillips is rapidly gaining a reputation as an in-demand percussionist.

Captivated by Brazilian music, he’s spent extensive time living in Brazil studying with Brazilian masters and deepened his knowledge of the style.

Will has also recorded on a number of TV jingles during his time in Brazil. Inspired by this deep experience, Will now enjoys the continual journey of adapting Brazilian percussion to all styles of music.

In 2011

Will was presented with a Latin Grammy Certificate of Nomination for his performance on Claudia Brant’s album “Manuscrito”.

He has appeared on TV mega-hits like The Voice, American Idol, and MTV Brazil and was the house percussionist for the 2010 American Music Awards Red Carpet Gala.

He has recorded and performed with some of today´s finest artists, such as will I am, Ellis Hall, Persian superstar Googoosh, Michel Teló multiplatinum selling Brazilian artist, Academy/Grammy Award-winner Jamie Foxx, NBC´s The Office/original member of The Grass Roots, Creed Bratton and many more.

Phillips has toured extensively around the world and feels blessed to have worked with musicians who are not only a constant source of inspiration, but also who he counts as friends.

Renowned percussionists Luis Conte, Kevin Ricard, Michael Shapiro, Adam Topol, Randy Gloss and Jimmy Paxson have all sung Will’s praise, considering him to be one of LA’s up-and-coming percussion artists.

Some of Will’s most recent projects include playing on a recording project featuring Jackson Browne and Ozomatli entitled “Como Ves” and a soon-to-be released album from Andrea Day.

He also been touring with American punk rock band The Offspring. Will Phillips is an endorsee of Gon Bops Percussion, having a Signature product with them, and also endorses products from Innovative Percussion and Timbra Top Percussion.