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Search Results for: Puerto Rico

Renzo Padilla “El Borincaico”

Latin America / Peru / Lima

Renzo Padilla (Renzo Antonio Padilla Reyes) was born in Barrios Altos in Lima, Peru, on July 12, 1979. In search of a better future, in 1993 his parents decided to travel to the city of Buenos Aires.

Renzo Padilla. At the age of 15, Renzo began his career as a backing singer with the “New Band Salsa” Orchestra. His time with this group was brief, because later he would join the Orquesta La Original, made up of Peruvian musicians based in Buenos Aires.

Renzo Padilla
Renzo Padilla
Photo of Renzo Padilla in concert
Photo of Renzo Padilla in concert

In the year 2000 he moved to New York City, fulfilling a dream that he thought was impossible. That same year he signed a contract with the Grupo Fuerza Juvenil, he participated for two years in this group that was nominated for the Billboard awards in 2002.

He meets the timbalero Jimmy Delgado and he offered him a project to record, so Renzo resigns from Fuerza Juvenil and decides to record with Delgado, his first single titled Salsa con Dulzura. After this recording he was invited to accompany the most renowned artists in the world of salsa, such as: Frankie Hernández, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Cano Estremera, Ismael Quintana, David Pabón, Roberto Roena, Marvin Santiago, Meñique, Ray Barreto. , Adalberto Santiago, Cuco Valoy, Junior González, Paquito Guzmán, Yolanda Rivera, Luigi Texidor, José Bello, Pedro Conga, Cheo Andujar, Anthony Cruz, Luisito Carrion, Maelo Ruiz, Tito Nieves.

Renzo Padilla in concert
Renzo Padilla in concert
Renzo Padilla
Renzo Padilla

Another of his dreams came true when he met the master Willie Colon, he was invited by him to perform a song by Hector Lavoe, in a New York nightclub. He was also invited by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico on several occasions.

In 2003, Ray Barreto and Adalberto Santiago met again, in which he participated as a chorister at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York.

Renzo Padilla in concert 2
Renzo Padilla in concert 2
Renzo Padilla on stage
Renzo Padilla on stage

In 2006 with bassist Ray Martínez he recorded his second album Alto Nivel, and recorded two songs with the Narváez Orchestra. In 2008 he sang with Jimmy Delgado at the Leyendas de la Salsa Concert, along with a lineup of artists such as Luis Perico Ortiz, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Lalo Rodríguez and Adalberto Santiago.

Renzo also sang in the second part of the Legends of Salsa Concert in tribute to Ismael Quintana, where Tony Vega, Luis Perico Ortiz, Lalo Rodríguez, Héctor Tricoche performed, among others.

In 2009 he was a soloist with the Lavoe All Stars Orchestra, made up of musicians from Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe, such as Professor Joe Torre, José Mangual, Jimmy Delgado, Eddie Montalvo, Reynaldo Jorge, Milton Cardona.

Renzo Padilla and the orchestra
Renzo Padilla and the orchestra

In 2010 he was called by the New York group “Our Latin Thing”, to share the stage with Victor Manuel.

On the other hand, Renzo began to develop his talent as a composer. One of his compositions Donde Esta Tu Amor was recorded by Puerto Rican singer Maelo Ruiz.

In 2014 he got together with Jacob Plasse to form the Melaza Group, in which all the songs are his. In that same year, he participated in the largest salsa group, the “Fania All Stars”, and also sang for the recording of the Narváez Orchestra’s album 65 Infantería.

In 2015 he participated as a backing vocalist and as a singer in the concerts of the piano emperor Eddie Palmieri.

Renzo Padilla singing in concert
Renzo Padilla singing in concert

In October 2016 he was part of the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra that traveled to Lima to perform a concert at the National Stadium. He has been a vocalist for Los Hermanos Lebrón.

In 2017 he had a successful tour of different cities in Japan. Currently he continues to sing in Lima and on tour around the world.

Renzo Padilla singing
Renzo Padilla singing

This talented Peruvian singer is considered one of the promises of salsa. He will continue in his rising career of success and international recognition.

Orestes Vilato

North America / USA / New York

Orestes Vilato. Cuban Multi-Percussionist.

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

Orestes Vilato
Orestes Vilato

During the fifties, the Vilato family moved to New York, salsa capital of the world, where young Orestes would rise to fame as an innovator of his beloved traditional instrument, “Los Timbales”.  While living in New York for 25 years, Orestes was intimately involved with many musical organizations that played seminal 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 Espana, Cal Tjader.

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

Orestes Vilato - Photo
Orestes Vilato – Photo

In 1981, Mr. Vilato moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where he still resides with his family.   From 1980 to 1989 he recorded and toured with the renowned Carlos Santana Band.

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

Orestes has recorded several movie sound tracks that include:  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 in multiple Jazz Festivals around the country and Puerto Rico including the San Jose Jazz Festival.   He has performed and taught at numerous music conservatories including The Berkeley School of Music, UCLA, Fresno University, Standford University as well as many conservatories overseas.

Orestes was given tribute at Yerba Buena Garden, Monterey and San Francisco Jazz Festivals.

Photo of Orestes Vilato
Photo of Orestes Vilato

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

Elizabeth and her Timbales

Latinoamerica / Colombia / Cali

Elizabeth

Latin percussionist born in Cali, Colombia. Since she was little she felt passion for music, singing, dancing and playing percussion. At the age of 17, she was invited by her cousin to a rehearsal and since she saw the Timbal she knew she had to undertake ‘the conquest for him’.

Elizabeth and her Timbale
Elizabeth and her Timbale

The first orchestra with which he worked was called Tumbadora, made up of women. Three years later she joined the Canela Orchestra, made up of 13 women and internationally recognized. Thanks to the tutelage and trust of percussionists from the most important groups in Colombia, such as Grupo Niche, Orquesta Guayacán, la Identidad and others, she was able to move forward and thus demonstrate that women, with effort, passion and dedication can conquer any instrument of percussion.

Photo by Elizabeth
Photo by Elizabeth

Elizabeth has had the opportunity to travel the world and share the stage with renowned artists such as Gilberto Santarosa, Andy Montañez, la Sonora Ponceña and the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. With the latter two, he had the opportunity to share Timbal solos at the Bacardi Salsa Congress in Puerto Rico.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

She recorded on the first album of Grupo Kemade Colombia directed by one of the most important musical producers in Colombia, José Aguirre, former director of Grupo Niche, Son de Cali and Yuri Buenaventura. In the educational field, Elizabeth founded the Percussion Academy in Cali which she directed for four years. In it children and adults received instruction.

Elizabeth at the concert
Elizabeth at the concert

Elizabeth has been based in Tampa, Florida for four years, where she develops as an independent musician. There he has shared the Timbal with renowned musicians such as Chago Martínez (timbalero and musical director of Víctor Manuelle), La India, Isidro Infante, Ramón Sánchez, Jerry Rivera and Michael Stuart. He is currently part of the Sol Caribe Orchestra.

Photo 2 of Elizabeth
Photo 2 of Elizabeth
Photo 2 of Elizabeth with her timpani
Photo 2 of Elizabeth with her timpani

Elizabeth has always proudly played the Timbale LP ‘Stainless Steel’, model Tito Puente. In her own words “I’m happy with my Timbale! I feel safe, calm and I love its sound”.

Elizabeth practicing with her Timbale
Elizabeth practicing with her Timbale
Elizabeth on stage
Elizabeth on stage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/elisabethtimbal/posts/?ref=page_internal

 

Great Christmas salsa songs and their stories

Christmas is a time of joy where one of the most important elements is music, so we believe this is the best opportunity to feature some of the best Christmas salsa songs that we can remember. Here are the most cheerful songs in Latin music to listen to during the most beautiful time of the year.

Aires de Navidad by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

”Aires de Navidad” is a great song which is part of the Christmas album ”Asalto Navideño Vol. I” from 1971. In the same year, Lavoe and Colón were already making preparations to record an album entirely dedicated to the festivities, indeed, they already had some songs recorded, but they knew that there were still details to finish. 

Then, Héctor asked musician Roberto García to join the project that was underway, as they needed a guitarist to accompany them. Garcia accepted the proposal almost immediately and got excited about the project that he even proposed Yomo Toro to join them, to which Hector and Willie agreed with no problems.

The day they agreed to record the material, Toro came in first and began playing a Puerto Rican cuatro when he was scheduled to play the electric guitar. However, Johnny Pacheco, upon hearing the sounds, liked the arrangement and approved it without question. 

That is how the four artists set out and recorded what would soon become one of the greatest Christmas hymns in recent times, and it will surely be in thousands of homes around the world this month.

Aires de Navidad
One of the photos taken during the recording of ”Aires de Navidad”

La Fiesta de Pilito by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

”La Fiesta de Pilito” is included in the album ”Nuestra Música” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which was recorded in 1985 as a tribute to the most beautiful and endearing of the Island of Enchantment during the Christmas holidays. Back then, any musical work created by El Gran Combo always became a resounding success once it was released and its members were sure that this would be no exception.  

It is then when the composer of one of the main songs of ”Nuestra Música” came on the scene, and we are talking about Luis ”Pilito” Cruz, who would become part of the internationally acclaimed salsa group that same year.

What is known in the first instance about the song is that it did not have a specific name, so it was baptized as ”La Fiesta de Pilito” honoring the composer of its first two verses. Subsequently, the piece was completed with pregones and soneos created by the rest of the orchestra members.

Additionally, they received the support and collaboration from ‘‘El Caballero de La Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa, who served as a guest artist for the legendary recording.

Nuestra música at Christmas
Cover of the Christmas album ”Nuestra Música”

Bembé en Casa de Pinki by Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

”Bembé En Casa de Pinki” is a Christmas song written by the famous duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, which was released in 1971 and is the first single from the Christmas album ”Felices Pascuas”.

The song’s title comes from someone who would be very important in the career of the two aforementioned artists and that was the Panamanian-born diplomat named José Rogelio ”Pinki” Arias. The gentleman was a close friend of Richie and Bobby and, at the same time, director of the Panamanian Institute of Tourism. He used his friendship with the vocalists to invite them to various events in his country, knowing that they would be a complete success with the presence of the duo.

Such was the affection both exponents had for ”Pinki” that they dedicated to him two songs from their extensive repertoire, which were ”Bembé en Casa de Pinki” and one belonging to the album ”El Diferente”. 

Among other songs, ”Felices Pascuas” also includes tracks such as ”Bomba en Navidad”, ”Mi Niñez”, ”San José”, and ”Aguinaldo Navideño”.

Felices fiestas at Christmas
Cover of the Christmas album ”Felices Fiestas”

Estelita by La Sonora Ponceña

Another group that never misses a chance to offer their talent to please their fans and make them enter the Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season, leaving great classics that can not be missing every year in our homes and one of them is ”Estelita”.

Something that can never be missed in a Christmas album is that colorful character who always brings playfulness and good humor to the atmosphere. In this case, it is Estelita, who is a party neighbor who always sneaks into the Christmas parrandas in her neighborhood, something that many people will surely feel identified with in various parts of Latin America.

The song was written by the late maestro Joe Torres and was part of the album ”Otra Navidad Criolla!” along with ”Opera Gandinga”, ”Vamonos Pa’l Campo”, ”La Vengo Siguiendo”. 

Read also: Luis Guillermo Rangel the great friend of everyone

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival

North America / USA

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival Western Region Puerto Rican Council, Inc.

Concilio De Organizaciones Puertorriqueños Del OEste

Countdown to El “Día de San Juan” Festival 2018

40th Anniversary

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, 2018

Due to the ongoing effects of the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the WRPRC will be directing all proceeds of El Dia de San Juan Festival to aid in the educational programs of the youth of Puerto Rico. http://www.wrprc.org/

 

“Día De San Juan” Salsa Scholarship Festival Line Up

Charlie Aponte

Charlie Aponte, one of the most beloved and remembered voices by millions of Salseros worldwide, returns to the stage as a  Soloist after 41 successful years with La Universidad de la Salsa…El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Charlie Aponte
Charlie Aponte

With Charlie Aponte as their lead singer El Gran Combo recorded many hits Brujería; Amor Brutal; La Loma del Tamarindo; No hay Cama pa’ tanta Gente; Hojas Blancas; Arroz con Habichuelas; among many others.

Tony Vega

Internationally known salsa singer and band leader, Tony Vega, emerged from Puerto Rico in the 1980’s, He has worked with many of the greatest salsa stars from the beginnings of the genre, to the present.

Vega was exposed to music at a very early age; influenced by many adults in his family who were musicians.  Even in those early days, it was clear to Vega that nothing could satisfy his musical preferences like the music of his native Puerto Rico.

He was greatly influenced then by Ismael “Maelo” Rivera and Cortijo y su Combo, Rafael Ithierand El Gran Combo.  Vega signed with the then new RMM record label and released his solo debut with “Yo Me Quedo!” in 1988.

Tony Vega
Tony Vega

Vega’s riveting voice and his innate ability to perform contemporary salsa in the best tradition of the classic “soneros” has been honed and refined over 19 years as an artist, first as a percussionist and then as a singer. Thus far Vega has participated in the recording of 17 albums, including the last four on the RMM label with his own band.

Tony Vega has recorded Hablando del Amor, Greatest Hits, Aparentemente, Hoy Quiero Cantarte, the self-titled Tony Vega, and these have established Vega as a highly regarded salsa star.

 

Taino ​Orchestra​

Taino Orchestra began as a project to deliver salsa and latin jazz in August of 2010.  The concept is very simple, a nine piece band with the sound and elegant sophistication of a big orchestra.

Inspired by bands and individuals such as Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Willie Rosario, Eddie Palmieri and many others, TAINO has developed into one of the most solid, hard-hitting salsa bands in the area.

The band is led by percussionist and lead vocalist, Aaron Routtenberg.  Aaron has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in the salsa industry including Jerry Rivera, Tito Nieves, La India, Tito Rojas and many more.

Taino ​Orchestra
Taino ​Orchestra

The percussion section features Carlos Caro on congas and Papo Martinez on bongo.  On bass, Taino is proud to have veteran bandleader and musician Gilbert Roman, while the extremely talented Erick Peralta occupies the piano chair.

The sizzling horn section is proud to have Mike Rinta and Charly Aguilar on trombones, while Carlos McCoy dazzles audiences on baritone sax and flute.  With this strong vocal section, swinging rhythm section, and blazing horn section that will make you move, we invite you to experience a musical masterpiece that you won’t soon forget!  Ya lo ves, que viene TAINO!

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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.