Search Results for: Puerto Rico

Mel Martinez I come from Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico is Salsero

Totally agree with the premise that Mel Martínez establishes in this song of his authorship. Yes, Puerto Rico is the same as saying: “Yo soy salsero”.

Long live the music! Know that this implies shouting:

“Long live the musicians, so they can keep making it”.

The song starts off timidly and it seems that the arrangement asks the listener for his opinion on what he thinks of what is the first single of what will be his next musical production in a segment that presents a transcript of that “what do you think of Cholito”.

From there it pivots into a melodic design that reminds me of a segment of “I like Christmas that tastes like Puerto Rico” The shyness of the theme lasts approximately ten seconds.

Then the arrangement takes a turn that suggests that in Puerto Rico it’s Christmas all year round.

The lyrics of the song assures that all salsa-loving countries have their flavor and their flag; defined by other rhythms, highlighting the native rhythms of Colombia, Dominican Republic, Argentina and Peru. But Mel comes from Puerto Rico and asserts on behalf of all Puerto Rican salseros that: “In Puerto Rico the sun is boiling and that’s where Caliente salsa comes from”.

The song starts off timidly and it seems that the arrangement asks the listener for his opinion on what he thinks of what is the first single of what will be his next musical production in a segment that presents a transposition of that "what do you think of Cholito". — Mel Martinez The essence of family and Music

Evidently salsa is our pride. We are all Mel in terms of his love for salsa, the shout of pride, the flavor and the flag”.

And speaking of flavor and flag, it is clear that still “Aníbal Vázquez as a dancer, Giovanni Hidalgo hitting a leather, Tite Curet’s songs and Sammy Marrero’s feeling” are as valid as their first day in salsa performances.

New York’s emblematic nightclubs, all of them already disappeared, stand out in the lyric.

The mention of El Corso, Latin Quarter and the unforgettable Copacabana filled me with nostalgia and joy for having been lucky enough to have been part of that history. In Puerto Rico we have also been part of the history of salsa as it was spun in Lomas del Sol, El Coabey -which has been sustained against all odds- and El Tropicana.

The groups of Luis “Perico” Ortiz, El Gran Combo, Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, Tommy Olivencia, La Ponceña, Roena, Mulenze and Chaney star in the list of orchestras born in our soil and that Mel includes in the lyrics of the theme. Costa Brava, Puerto Rican Power, Canayón, Mario Ortiz, Don Perignon and La Solución complete the list of outstanding orchestras in sound and category.

The patron saint festivities and the dancers arrive at the theme at the climax of the mambo, through the pregones in the voice of our favorite for several decades.

From Fajardo to Mayaguez, passing through Bayamón and Carolina, Cataño and Dorado Mel assures that our 100 x 35 and its inhabitants are salseros by birth.

The lyrics of Mel’s song are so great that it secured mention of the dancers who every year try out for National Salsa Day, which until 2020 was exclusive to Puerto Rico.

If you haven’t heard this song, I dare you to listen to it without getting stuck to it:

I don’t know where you’re from

But I love my land

I come from Puerto Rico

and Puerto Rico is salsa.

I can tell you that the choruses are deluxe. The coros feature Luisito Carrión, Lalo Rodríguez and Carlos García; the same Carlos García who composes, arranges, sings and dances, all while masterfully dominating behind his piano.

As Mel states in this beautiful composition, which is also patriotically historical: we were born salseros.

I add by way of an intimately personal opinion that no human being is prepared to face the battle of life without the encouragement that music gives us.

I conclude by recommending you not to miss the correspondence between Pedro Perez’s bass and Emanuel Navarro’s timbal at the end of the song.

For those who doubt that musicians give us music even when it seems that the musical theme has already closed.

What is left for me to say? Long live the music! Know that this implies shouting: “Long live the musicians, so that they keep on making it”. Ah! And that we are still salseros.

Facebook: Mel Martinez

By: Bella Martinez “The Irreverent Salsa Writer”

Puerto Rico

Website: Bella Martinez Escribe

“El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico” in a virtual concert

The musical group will give a concert for their country, Puerto Rico.

It is no secret that 2020 has been one of the hardest years in recent times, with a pandemic that caused a health emergency and economically destabilized many countries, it is normal that most population is negatively affected as a result, and of course, artists have also been affected; many concerts and festivals have been canceled due to the delicate situation, which led artists and organizations within the music industry to “improvise”.

On this occasion, this virtual concert will be presented by the Econo supermarket, on December 26 at 8:00 pm, and will be broadcast on both the supermarket’s Facebook site and on their YouTube channel; It is important to mention that not only El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will be presented, but the concert will also have the participation of Fiel a la Vega.

The concert is prepared to celebrate the supermarket 50 years of history, and more than a celebration, it is also a gift of gratitude to the people of the region, that is why the event is called “Agradecimiento a Puerto Rico” (thanks to Puerto Rico); Furthermore, the president of Econo, Eduardo Marxuach, said that “The concert is our way of thanking all the public for the treatment, preference and all the support that we have had in Econo Supermarkets throughout these 50 years of history” Marxuach also mentioned how complicated the year has been but from an optimistic point of view. “Even though we have had a difficult year, we want to close it up with a musical celebration, which is the soul of all of us.”

As for the duration of the concert, it is estimated to be two hours of music, the place chosen for the recording is the Coca-Cola Music Hall, so the sound quality is quite guaranteed. Everything has been planned so that the audience can enjoy a great virtual concert, despite the fact that surely most of the people are not yet familiar with this type of show.

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico — The musical group will give a concert for their country, Puerto Rico.

Virtual concerts during 2020

The unfortunate pandemic caused people to spend much more time than usual in their homes, but is everything absolutely negative? All negative things always have a positive aspect too, and in this case, the fact that people have more time to spend in front of a mobile or a computer, has brought some possibilities that artists had not considered before, and one of those possibilities is virtual concerts. These types of events can help the artists to promote themselves or to connect with their followers; plus, the concert organized by the Econo supermarket has made it quite clear that even organizations that are not directly linked to the music industry, can also take advantage of the situation to present this type of events.

Proof of how well these particular types of concerts have worked out is that not only the most popular artists can carry them out, but organizations that are not huge multinationals can also take advantage of them.

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Villariny Salsa Project from Puerto Rico

Committed to continuing the legacy of the greats in Salsa

Villariny Salsa Project made its debut on July 25th, 2009, at an international event held in Puerto Rico called “Puerto Rico Salsa Congress” where it was presented twice in the same year, as a prelude to Roberto Rohena and later, to the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

In the summer of 2010, Oscar Villariny (founder of the group) after working as a professional musician with salsa artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivera, Puerto Rican Power, Viti Ruiz, Rey Ruiz, Anthony Cruz, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Luigi Texidor, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, David Pabon, Johnny Rivera among others; began recording the first musical production which was entitled “En tu tiempo”.

Before making the “relayase” of the musical production, Villariny Salsa Project recorded the Christmas song “Trulla Caliente” to the rhythm of full, being a total success occupying the first positions in the radio lists.

In 2011, the first musical production of the band comes out with 8 songs, which has the hits “Que bien me va”, “Estoy Enamorao”, “Bendita la luz (salsa version)”, “A punto de Caramelo” and “Amigo es un peso en el bolsillo”.

This musical production was in charge of Mr. Tommy Villariny (arranger, musical producer, and trumpet player) who is Oscar Villariny’s father.

Within this production, he had the vocal coaching of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Tony Rivas, Jerry Rivas (singer of the Gran Combo).

Villariny Salsa Project debuted on July 25th 2009 at an international event held in Puerto Rico called "Puerto Rico Salsa Congress". — Music Producer: Tommy Villariny & Oscar Villariny

At the time, it had a great acceptance from salseros and managed to be present in massive concerts such as Luisito Carrión (Roberto Clemente Coliseum), José Alberto El Canario (Tito Puente Theater), and the 2012 National Salsa Day. In 2014, VSP presented its second musical production entitled “De tu mano”.

This production has 10 songs and includes guest artists such as: Manny Trinidad (four Puerto Rican), Prodigio Claudio (four Puerto Rican), Camilo Azuquita, Luisito Carrión, José Alberto “El Canario (We were born in Salsa) and Medina Carrión.

The songs “De tu mano”, “Color Esperanza”, “Nacimos en salsa “and “Con computadora no feat NG2”, occupied the first positions in the radio waves.

In the year 2019, Villariny Salsa Project released a new music single entitled “Homenaje”, in honor of his father’s career and some of his successes by bringing together the same singers who originally recorded them such as Andy Montañez, Eddie Santiago, Rey Ruiz, and Viti Ruiz. “Many artists in the salsa genre have been hand in hand with my father Tommy Villariny to create what are successes today,” said Oscar Villariny.

Villariny Salsa Project released a new musical single entitled "Homenaje", in honor of his father's — Tribute to his father’s career

Our vision at Villariny Salsa Project is to make way for the New Generation and offer new opportunities, which is why Oscar Villariny (Founder of Villariny Salsa Project) is recording his first album with talented young people from the patio, produced by veteran musician Tommy Villariny.

Recently Villariny Salsa Project launched “Agua” available on all digital platforms.

Villariny Salsa Project presenta "Agua" feat. Mari Picorelli — Villariny Salsa Project presenta “Agua” feat. Mari Picorelli

The Villariny Salsa Project orchestra is a group with a lot of projection and refreshing for the industry.

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Puerto Rican bandleader and musician Diana Sosa talks about her many projects in Nashville, Tennessee

We had a wonderful and very nice conversation with Puerto Rican percussionist, timbalera, conga player, and cuatro player Diana Sosa, who kindly told us about all the projects she has in the pipeline. Her husband and bandmate, guitarist and vocalist Chuck Nelson, put us in touch with her so we could learn more about both the project they share and the one she has undertaken on her own.

Then these are the things the talented Puerto Rican shared with us on this warm Sunday before Easter.

Diana Sosa is playing — Diana Sosa is posing for the camera while playing the timbales

How Diana got into the world of music

Diana was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she began to love music and play, but not professionally yet. She was just experimenting with some traditional instruments of her homeland, such as the Puerto Rican cuatro, which she even studied with a private teacher.

At the age of 39, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she finally got her first big opportunities in music, and the background she brought for years helped her a lot. It all started with a short rehearsal she was invited to, and from there, she has done nothing but prove what she is really made of.

Of course, she keeps studying and preparing to improve every day. When she is not learning to play with fellow musicians like John Santos, she is taking online courses to solve any doubts she may have.

Diana’s first opportunity with The Bicho Brothers

The first serious group that gave Diana the opportunity to develop professionally—and with which she keeps to playing to this day is The Bicho Brothers, a classic rock band whose members really appreciated the contribution provided by Diana. For this reason, it is she who brings that Latin flavor, the product of her heritage and years of training in these genres.

Something that really attracted the audience was that she was the only woman in the group and, incidentally, she played the timbales, which was uncommon back then. In addition, she added atypical sounds to certain well-known songs, which was also remarkable.

Diana Sosa and the rest of the Bicho Brothers — The Bicho Brothers from left to right: Jeff Krinks (guitar and vocals), Ron Krasinski (drums), Diana Sosa (timbales, congas, percussion, and Puerto Rican cuatro), Chuck Nelson (guitar and vocals), and Kenny Zarider (keyboards and vocals)

Another important personality who encouraged her to follow this route was the great producer Bill Cuomo, who told her she was very good at playing but needed to improve her technique. Twenty years later, it can be said that she took him at his Word seeing all she has achieved since then. From that point on, there have been many other projects and opportunities that make her very happy and keep her fulfilled.

Soul Sacrifice

Soul Sacrifice is a Santana tribute band founded in 1969 that has won a high reputation in Nashville by becoming one of the best tributes to Santana to date. The mix of familiar melodies and infectious rhythms they play at every show transports audiences to the biggest classics of the legendary Latin rock group created by Carlos Santana.

The band also includes some of the same members of The Bicho Brothers, such as the cases of Diana and Chuck due to all the years they have spent playing together, but including Cuban musician John Santos. He plays a fundamental role in making people feel they are listening to the original Santana rather than an imitation, which is why both he and Diana are key to the band’s performance.

Diana’s Mambo Maniacs

Diana also has her own project, which she decided to call Diana’s Mambo Manics. This Latin music group was founded in the early summer of 2025 as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. In that time of year, there are always many festivals dedicated to Hispanic and Latin music in the United States and around the world, so Diana and a group of musicians she had been in contact with for some time took the opportunity to play wherever they were able to make themselves known.

Among some of the musicians in the band we can mention John Santos as singer and timbalero, whose presence is essential at every show. The group also includes conga player Josvany Cordero, bassist Isoel Villareal, pianist Kenny Zarider, trumpeter Joe Mercado, and trombonist Huge Lindsay.

The main difference between this band, The Bicho Brothers and Soul Sacrifice is that it plays exclusively Latin music, but of the great artists in the 1950s and 1960s who performed at the Palladium Ballroom, the Copacabana, El Corso, Chez José & 3 and 1, among many others. Diana feels that, to a certain extent, she pays tribute to her parents, who used to go dancing and enjoying these rhythms to some of these places in their youth.

However, not all are covers. She is about to release an original song featuring Puerto Rican cuatro player Prodigio Claudio, but she did not have the details to share with us yet.

Diana and Tito Puente Jr. — Diana Sosa Playing with Tito Puente Jr.

Don Perignon Y La Puertorriqueña releases his new album ‘‘Classique et Savoureux’’

Today we welcome a friend of the house we have not spoken to in a long time, but who has a lot to tell. We are talking about bandleader and timbalero Pedro Luis Morales Cortijos, artistically known as Don Perignon, whom we have had the pleasure of interviewing after many years.

The artist and his orchestra La Puertorriqueña have released their latest album, ‘‘Classique et Savoureux,’’ which the Puerto Rican musician talks about in this conversation, among many other interesting topics regarding his personal life and career.

Don Perignon with a recognition — Don Perignon receiving recognition by the City of Los Angeles

A long-awaited reunion

When we were last in touch with Don Perignon, he was promoting his latest album, Demostrando A Tiempo, and, of course, much water has flowed under the bridge since then. After having released that album, the artist had many performances and quite emblematic events, such as the previous edition of El Crucero de La Salsa, which welcomed big names including El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, La Sonora Ponceña, and many more.

There were also some performances in Puerto Rico and travel to certain parts of the United States, such as Connecticut and New York. At the same time, they were already working on “Classique et Savoureux” and another production. With Christmas approaching, he and his team preferred to shove these projects aside for a while to leave center stage to Christmas music.

Arriving January, they finally got down to work to start the production without further delay. The premiere on digital platforms was held on January 23, and the physical release will be on February 13, but it does not end there, as they are also planning a second release on March 21, on the eve of Puerto Rico’s Día Nacional de La Zalsa. For the same date, vinyls are expected to be ready for collectors who want to buy them.

For the time of this interview, the music had already been recorded, and it was now the singers, including Alex D’Castro, Hermán Olivera, Josué Rosado, and Marcial Istúriz, who were in the studio recording their voices for the album.

Gilberto and Don Perignon — Gilberto Santa Rosa and Don Perignon

Why is the album called “Classique et Savoureux”?

With regard to the curious name he chose for his album, it was a whim of Don Perignon himself, who wanted to recognize and give thanks to the public of France and the French language, from which he adopted the name Don Perignon. The artist has been calling himself that for the last 40 years and has built his career on it. Although the name comes from a famous French champagne, he has never received any claims or lawsuits demanding that he stops using it, which is much appreciated.

In fact, he got to talk to the person responsible for introducing that champagne in a beverage company in Puerto Rico and understood that Don Perignon’s career and fame in no way damages the brand’s name and reputation.

Authorized biography

In addition to releasing his album, Don Perignon has also committed part of his time to engage in his authorized biography written by Puerto Rican author and International Salsa Magazine correspondent Bella Martínez. The book tells his story from his childhood to this day and includes the participation of the artist’s great friends and collaborators, including Andy Montañéz, Víctor Manuelle, and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Some members of his family and other important people in his life also took part in the biography.

In each and every stage of his life described in the book, music plays a fundamental role given that, in his own words, it is an enjoyment that he has never been able to see as work.

It is titled “La Salsa No Puede Morir, así dice Perignon”, and is now available through platforms such as Amazon. In addition, the cover was designed by Félix Disla, the image is by Alina De Lourdes Luciano, the introduction is by Jaime Torres Torres, and the editorial care is by Robert Tellez M.

Activities outside of music

Let us remember that Don Perignon was working as a bailiff at the Puerto Rico Department of Justice until April 2023, when he finally retired and was able to dedicate himself in full to music because he finally had time for it. He also pointed out that, should his health permit him, he will be involved in many other collaborations and projects with other singers who want to enter the Puerto Rican market, and he is happy to be able help them.

Similarly, he assures us that he leaves it all in Our Lord Jesus Christ’s hands, who will let him know that he can achieve all this.