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Search Results for: Puerto+Rico

That’s how the Latin Grammys were

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy

As expected, due to the global pandemic situation that hit us this year, the awarding of the 21st edition of the Latin Grammy was held online. In this way, neither the public nor the red carpet had participation this year. Some creatives recreated them in their homes and took the opportunity to take their respective photography.

The gala was held in the city of Miami with headquarters in other cities in Latin America. Several of the artists’ participations were also carried out under this modality.

The musical presentations were opened by the J Balvin show, one of the great favorites of the night. Who also broke a Guinness record for more nominations, surpassing the title obtained by Calle 13 in 2011. To receive his gramophone, he was dressed in black and then appeared in white. He interpreted the song “Rojo” and dedicated it to those who have had to fight against the COVID-19 virus. Balvin has recognized that this situation has affected him seriously and he has been immersed in depressive pictures.

“My heart is crying,” Balvin commented.

To the surprise of many, his heart actually turned the color of blood. His suit was dyed through some internal mechanism but leaving a large red stain on Balvin’s suit. Really, it seemed like his chest was bleeding incessantly.

J Balvin bled in the stage of the Latin Grammys

“Music humanizes us” was the theme of this year’s meeting. With the singer’s presentation, many were stunned and very sensitive. What did you think of his form of expression?
Natalia Jiménez paid tribute to Julio Iglesias, while the great Hector Lavoe also received recognition. Ricardo Montaner, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro led the tribute.

Jesús Navarro, Ricardo Montaner, Victor Manuelle, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro gave life to the song ‘El Cantante”’ in homage to Héctor Lavoe. Each of the interpreters, from their respective rhythms, created a perfect harmony and joined in a very emotional show. They quickly went viral and comments on social media grew by leaps and bounds. The spectators were pleased by a presentation that moved fibers.

Winners of the night

Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandro Sanz, René Residente, Mike Bahía, Ricky Martín, Caminlo, Rosalía, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna, Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche, Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the winners of the night. The winners’ social networks were filled with videos of celebration and appreciation. A different night but full of many emotions!

In the Mejor Canción Tropical category, singer-songwriter Carlos Vives shone with his song “Canción para Rubén Blades”, in which Blades participated as a composer. Vives was excited, he did not hesitate to thank Rubén Blades for his support.
“This award with Rubén, congratulations to all the nominees, all the participants, Kany a very big kiss, thank you Sony, thank my entire team, our producers, the artists, Andrés Leal, thank you,” he said in the middle of happiness.

In his social networks he also wanted to dedicate his award to La Academia, his country, his people, each of his followers, his wife and his entire production team. He was also shown celebrating from home, together with family and friends.

In the Mejor Álbum de Salsa category, Grupo Niche shone. Album 40 is a tribute to the group’s musical trajectory. It is the first Latin Grammy that Colombian salseros receive, after having been nominated twice, in 2001 and in 2016.

“We have won the @LatinGRAMMYs for best salsa album for ’40’ our most recent musical production. With great emotion we say to you: Salseros and Nichistas of the world, infinite Thanks! Long live Latin music, salsa, long live the teacher # JairoVarela and long live Colombia!”, They expressed on their Twitter account.

The winning album was recorded for almost a year in studios in Miami, Cali and Puerto Rico. They wanted to maintain the musical guidelines of Jairo Varela and thus remember his roots, without losing his essence.

As Mejor álbum de Merengue/Bachata we have two winners, two Dominicans. A historical event that both celebrate with great fury. Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the lucky ones. They tied in one of the closest categories!

Two Dominican Winners
Both Dominicans won the Latin Grammy in the same category

Eddy Herrera has a long history in the genre, known as “El Galán del Merengue”. The followers of his career also celebrated this achievement, being the singer’s first Latin Grammy. “Eddy Herrera Ahora” contains some of his most recent songs.

“It is an immense joy that I also want to share with all my followers and lovers of my performances. Thank you for supporting me throughout these years where you have been faithful to my musical productions ”, he expressed.

The Dominican did not hide his happiness and dedicated himself to thanking those who have supported him during so many years of journey.

“I am extremely grateful to the entire production team, as well as my fans, who are always the impetus to keep going. To achieve this magnificent product, we had, as in other opportunities, the dedication of one hundred percent of our great team, who gave themselves with the charisma, vocation and professionalism of always, an essential symbol of our artistic productions ”, said Eddy Herrera.

For his part, Daniel Santacruz will fondly remember the day that “Larimar” made him the recipient of his first Academy Award. After several nominations, his long-awaited moment finally arrived. In fact, his brother Manny Cruz was also among the nominees.

Even though he was born in the United States, he is of Dominican descent and grew up on its streets. He learned about its culture, its influences and is very proud of its roots.
“Grateful to God, to the Recording Academy and to all those responsible for participating in this important production that represents the sacrifice of many years of career and effort,” expressed the artist.

Santacruz was also part of the singers who entertained the meeting. He appeared from Boca Chica, Dominican Republic to the rhythm of “Larimar”, the promotional song for his album.
The young Dominican posted a video on his Instagram account where he is very happy. He thanked his family, wife, mother and his brother Manny Cruz. To its engineers, musicians, fans and manager. As well as his country, the people who listen and dance bachata, merengue and all his followers. Long live the Dominican Republic!

The event was one of total innovation and, surely, it will become a starting point for other awards. Of course, the dedication and effort on the part of the organization cannot be denied; as well as the artists involved, all left their hearts on stage and showed that better times are to come. So be it!

The Legends: Tribute to Billo’s

North America / United States

Tribute to Billo’s. How was made?

Legends was conceived between April and September and it is already a reality! The album that is making people of all ages dance.

The record label JN Music Group is recognized for enhancing the work of Latinos in the United States. The company has 37 years of experience in the market and is chaired by Juan Hidalgo and Nelson Estévez, producers of Latin music in its different genres. Both have set themselves the goal of promoting other genres because “not everything is reggaeton”.

Adrián Frometa, grandson of the remembered Luis María Frometa “Billo’s”, is the new Director of the orchestra and was in charge of the negotiations around the album.

Great tropical artists participated in the tribute to Billo’s
Artists like Milly Quezada, Karina and Oscar D’León participated in the Billo’s album

“Los Legendarios” was conceived as a nice reminder of the musical career of maestro Luis Frometa. The proposal was born in these months of quarantine and the invited artists did not hesitate to participate. Different exponents of tropical music came together to enhance the work of the Dominican artist.

“For us as a record label it is an honor to make this tribute album that maestro Billos deserved it for a long time, the artists we have contacted are excited to participate in what we are sure will be the end of the year album”, commented Nelson Estévez owner by JN Music Group.

The project aroused great interest from fans around the world; and from now on it is considered the “album of the year”. A few days after its premiere, the views on YouTube have exceeded ten thousand visits. “Sigan bailando”, performed by Milly Quezada, reached forty thousand views.

Established artists such as Tito Rojas, Oscar D ’León, Wilfrido Vargas, Carlos Vives, Milly Quezada, Eddy Herrera, Karina, Alex Bueno, Charile Aponte, Sergio Vargas and Don Fulano; they were in charge of giving life to the remembered songs.

A closing of the year that arrives in style, under the musical production of Remil Cobi Renna and Victor Pabon.

“Tres Perlas”, performed by Carlos Vives, “De qué me sirve el cielo” by Karina, “El Brujo” by Don Fulano, “Por encima de todo” by Óscar D ‘León, “Sigan bailando” by Milly Quezada and “ Caminito De Guarenas” by Alex Bueno, are some of the video clips that are already on the different digital platforms. The cover is accompanied by an illustration by Luis Frometa and the interpreters.

The initiative took place during the long days of the global pandemic, where many artists and producers took the opportunity to exploit their creativity, generating new materials; and pleasantly surprising the fans. The album was recorded between Miami, New York, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

“Tres Perlas” was very famous in 1971. In this case, Carlos Vives was in charge of bringing it to life. It is the beginning of a job well thought out and done with the heart. It has an animated audiovisual work where Vives and the remembered Frometa are observed. There are also three ladies, symbolizing “Santa Marta, Barranquilla and Cartagena”, present in the song.

Remembering the golden age

The singer is remembered for his great successes, as well as his great love for Colombia and Venezuela.

Luis María Frometa was the founder of Billo’s Caracas Boys and, for years, he remained at the helm. Starting in the 1960s, they became more famous in Colombia. He took part in family gatherings and renowned events.

Even Pablo Escobar himself, a remembered drug trafficker from that country, wanted to have him in some of his celebrations. In fact, he came up to thank her himself after he sang for his mother’s birthday. However, his children claim that he was not aware of who the hiring was for and if he had known, he would not have wanted to make an appearance.

The Billo’s also had the opportunity to appear at the Bogotá Modelo Prison, after Carlos Orjuela, Frometa’s friend, was confined in one of his cells. The singer did not hesitate to visit his friend. However, he did not allow it. He looked for excuses to prevent me from visiting that place. This was not an impediment for Frometa who ended up showing up at the facilities. For him, they too had the right to enjoy his music. Those who accompanied him affirmed that the energy was incredible and everyone enjoyed the presentation.

The group had great talents such as: Memo Morales, Cheo García, Felipe Pirela, Manolo Monterrey, José Luis Rodríguez, Rafa Galindo, Víctor Pérez and Nelson Henríquez.

Luis María Frometa Pereira, was born in the capital of the Dominican Republic, on November 15, 1915. He got his nickname for a phrase he used very frequently, he called any route that came his way Billo. He started in music from a very young age. Represented the Santo Domingo Symphony and the Firefighters Orchestra Band. So he walked through some small bands, until he reached his first big break. Venezuela was one of the first countries to receive him with open arms and where he was presented for the first time under the name “Billo’s’ happy boys ”´; ignoring the demand of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, dictator who led his country.

Even when the band disintegrated, Frometa remained in Venezuela. Going through difficulties, economic downturns and a disease that took him away from the stage. However, he returned in style and was consolidated in the memory of those who enjoyed his songs. The contracts did not stop arriving and thus were the beginnings of a band that celebrates 80 years of musical trajectory.

A tribute to history

This is why this 2020 will be a celebration for the issues that moved masses and passed from generation to generation. “Legends” consists of twelve songs and ten originals by the group.

The idea is that Billo’s remains in the hearts of his fans. After 80 years since its creation and some 100 productions are still valid. His repertoire has always been the most varied; It ranges from boleros, guarachas, porros and Dominican merengue. Also, of Caribbean music.

Milly Quezada, a Dominican merenguera with a Colombian heart, was one of the special guests. In charge of interpreting “Sigan Bailando” and was very enthusiastic.

“What I consider to be one of the most contagious and joyful tropical songs that best defines the happy and fun spirit of Latin Americans and especially of us, the Caribbean, who carry the rhythm in our blood. Definitely, the greatest and most important contribution of the Billo’s Caracas Boys was the presentation, diffusion and positioning of the Dominican merengue, which he transmitted with such musical and literary quality, as well as other Caribbean genres that belong to all of us, ” said Quezada.

Carlos Vives also premiered his album song: “Tres Perlas”. He confessed himself a fan of the teacher Fometa and, for this, he is very excited.

“If there is a legendary orchestra, it is Billo’s. I want them to enjoy it, to mourn it, because I know that many will do it, and that the youth discover a great figure in music that is not only from Dominicans, Venezuelans and Colombians, but from all of America ”, said the artist through from your Twitter account. “Participating in this album is as if I had won a prize, I don’t know what, but I feel like a prize,” said Vives.

Legendarios is now available on different digital platforms under The Orchard Music label (on behalf of J&N Records, LLC). Do not miss it!

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ISM December 2020

December Cover Edition 120

Banners Wishes you Merry Christmas

Thanks to the artist Fiorenza Gorini

Kizomba

Kizomba and the protagonism of the woman in dancing

Triangle Trade

Role of the Triangle Trade in the birth of Cuban rumba

Tips for dancing

Tips for dancing salsa with style and elegance

Albert Giorgio Giovanni DJ

From Italy Albert Giorgio Giovanni DJ. Lindo Salsa and Bachata

Los angeles salsa and its origins

Los Angeles salsa and its origins

Latin rymtms preferred by europeans

Latin rhytms preferred by Europeans to learn to dance

Everything you need to know about terraxa

Everything you need to know about tarraxa

What makes sesual bachata so popular

What makes sensual bachata so popular

Alfareros

“Alfareros” launches “Guerrera”

Jorge Celedon

ISM: Meet Jorge Celedón

Angel Bonne

Ángel Bonne He was part of Juan Formell’s Los Van Van Orchestra, and collaborated with the impressive Irakere band of maestro Chucho Valdés

Harry Fraticelli

Harry Fraticelli Virtuoso on guitar, requinto and bass Music for All Occasions

pirisila orchestra

ISM : Pirisalsa Orchestra

Hanny the voice if Cuba

Hanny the Voice of Cuba for the world

Domi Dance

You know “Domi Dance” Online

Villariny Salsa

Villariny Salsa Project from Puerto Rico

Jessi Uribe and Americo

Jessi Uribe and Americo

Jimmie Morales

Jimmie Morales a conguero for the history of Afro-Caribbean music

Ephemerides

ISM magazine back cover

What makes sensual bachata so popular

Why sensual bachata is popular

With the passage of time, music has undergone such a big transformation that it looks no longer as what it was a few decades ago. Just as new musical genres with very modern rhythms have emerged lately, the old ones have continuously adapted to consumers’ changing tastes of this era. Such is the case of bachata, which has progressively succumbing to the sensual fashion that has spread to a good part of current genres. 

Nowadays sensual bachata has gone on to become one of the favorite musical styles for both young and not so young. The best proof of this is that each day there are more radio stations and nightclubs that include in their repertory this music to appeal to the public who support it. 

What has made sensual bachata become so famous? 

This genre from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico has always stood out for its waste of romanticism and sensuality, which has made it very famous in the rest of the world. One of the most important characteristics of bachata is the deep connection that should exist between the members of the dance couple in order to infect the audience with magnificent energy and an intimacy out of this world. 

Sensual bachata has become one of the favorite variants for most people, which has expanded enormously thanks to a large number of dancers who have dedicated themselves to seeking new horizons and setting aside traditional styles from previous years. This style has had plenty of promoters, which was the reason it has become so popular in a pretty quick period of time. 

The role of women in sensual bachata 

Why sensual bachata is so popular
Young couple dancing sensual bachata

Without any doubt, women have acquired a leading role in bachata in recent years as it is the female part of the dance that performs the most sensual movements of the choreography. On top of this, there are a more or less intense touch of eroticism and a very vivid interpretation of the music to give the result that the dancers are looking for. After professional dancers started adding these ingredients to their choreographies, there was the emergence of a set of rhythms that reinvented itself and won the support of the public. 

One of the reasons why sensual bachata has gained so much popularity lately is the role played by women during the dance. 

This genre shows us a woman who should be able to take advantage of all her femininity and be very sure of herself at all times. Every part of her body must move to the rhythm of the music without neglecting the load of eroticism needed at any time. 

The best of all this is that every day there are more and more women who want to bring out this sensual side that all women have, so they choose to enroll in dance classes where they are taught to dance these types of rhythms in a professional manner or not so much. A large part of these classes is aligned toward learning delicate body movements, cadence, and much more. 

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Orestes Vilató is one of the most influential figures in the world of Latin percussion

The Cuban multi-percussionist, Orestes Vilato, is undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in the history of Cuban drums known as timbales.

He is one of the most influential figures in the world of Latin percussion.

He was born on May 4, 1944 in Camagüey, Cuba, and currently resides in San Francisco, California in the United States.

He has worked with many of the best exponents of Cuban popular dance music and Latin jazz, from José Antonio Fajardo and Israel López (Cachao) to Rubén Blades and Carlos Santana.

He is one of the most influential figures in the world of Latin percussion. He was born on May 12, 1944 in Camagüey, Cuba, currently resides in San Francisco, California in the United States
Orestes Vilato is one of the most influential figures in the world of Latin percussion

During the 1950s, the Vilato family moved to New York, the world capital of salsa, where the young Orestes would rise to fame as an innovator of his beloved traditional instrument, “Los Timbales.

While living in New York City for 25 years, Orestes was intimately involved with many musical organizations that played key roles in shaping the course of Latin music around the world.

Among the many groups were: Fania All Starts (founding member), Ray Barretto, Tipica 73 (founding member), Los Kimbos (founder-director), Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Rivera, Joe Cuba, Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, La Lupe, Celia Cruz, Rolando La Serie, Chico O’Farril, Lionel Hampton, Los Chavales de España, Cal Tjader.

Other artists he has recorded or worked with include: Winton and Bradford Marsalis, Paco De Lucía, Whitney Houston, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Cachao, Andy García, Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Paquito de Rivera, Dave Valentín, Mongo Santamaría, Armando Peraza, John Santos, Rebeca Mauleon, Giovanni Hidalgo and Raúl Rekow.

In 1980 he moved from New York to San Francisco, California, where he worked with Armando Peraza, in the band of Chicano rocker Carlos Santana.

He later recorded with American jazzmen Bobby Hucherson and Buddy Montgomery, and with Cuban percussionist Luis Conte.

He also works with Jon Santos’ Batachanga Orchestra and Machete Ensemble.

He is one of the most influential figures in the world of Latin percussion. He was born on May 12, 1944 in Camagüey, Cuba, currently resides in San Francisco, California in the United States
Orestes Vilató Born May 12, 1944 in Camagüey, Cuba

In 1992 he recorded with Israel López (Cachao) as well as with Cuban percussionist José Luis Quintana (Changuito).

In 2009 he recorded his production entitled Orestes Vilató ?- Its About Time, with a repertoire in the style of Salsa, Latin Jazz, Descarga.

In 1981, Mr. Vilato moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he continues to reside with his family.   From 1980 to 1989 he recorded and toured with Carlos Santana’s renowned band.

Orestes was nominated for a Grammy in 1995 (Latin Jazz category) for his CD, Ritmo y Candela con Patato y Changuito. In 2009 his solo CD Its About Time was nominated for a Latin Grammy.

Orestes has recorded several film soundtracks including  Our Latin Thing, Mambo Kings, Carlito’s Way, Steal Big Steal Little, The Bird Cage, Dance With Me, Just A Ticket, Things To Do In Denver and The Lost City.

He has been a special guest artist at multiple jazz festivals around the country and in Puerto Rico, including the San Jose Jazz Festival.   He has performed and taught at numerous music conservatories including the Berkeley School of Music, UCLA, the University of Fresno, Stanford University, as well as many conservatories abroad.

Orestes was honored at the Yerba Buena Garden, Monterey and San Francisco Jazz Festivals.

Orestes’ style is one of the most imitated and emulated among recording artists.

Orestes Vilató It's about time
Orestes Vilató It’s about Time

Credits
Acoustic Bass – Carlitos Puerto Jr.
Backing Vocals, Handclaps – James Zavaleta
Bass – René Camacho
Bongos, Cowbell – Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez
Co-producer, Timbales, Bongos, Lead Vocals, Cowbell, Cajón, Guiro, Maracas, Claves, Handclaps, Backing Vocals, Music Director – Orestes Vilató
Congas – Joey De León
Engineer [Assistance] – Joshua Blanchard
Engineer, Mixed By – Jimmy Branly
Executive Producer – Camerina Campillo, Ralph Campillo
Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Justo Almario
Lead Vocals, Handclaps, Backing Vocals – Adonis Puentes
Mastered By – Peter Doell
Piano – Alberto Salas
Piano, Arranged By, Handclaps, Backing Vocals, Music Director – Rebeca Mauleón
Producer [Associate] – Manolo Santana
Tres, Acoustic Guitar – Ramón Stagnaro
Trumpet – Luis Eric González*, Sean Billings

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.