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Search Results for: Puerto Rico

From Aruba and for the World Anoushca Jeandor Noush and Robert Jeandor

It is for me more than a pleasure and great honor to make this release of this song “Me Muero” taken to the rhythm of Merengue. Originally from the 5th Station.

Noush was born in Aruba as Anoushca Jeandor.

Being daughter of the International singer musician Robert Jeandor, she was raised in a musical environment, during her early years she started singing in a choir until beyond her teenage years, after that she was given the opportunity to perform in a local casino as a singer.

She became more popular when she won one of the biggest Carnival Music Contest, which made her the first female overall winner. She has also performed in the Netherlands and Miami.

What started as a hobby, turned into a passion, and is nowadays her living, singing different genres as R&B, Reggae, House and Latin.

From Aruba Anoushca Jeandor Noush
From Aruba Anoushca Jeandor Noush

I thank Jaime Querol, producer/arranger for his excellent musical work. Thanks to you from SalsaGoogle.com (ISM) for this opportunity.

And there will be many more.

I am a singer since my childhood. I come from a musical family. My dad’s name is Robert Jeandor.

My father worked with great musicians, he was invited by Johnny Ventura to go to the Dominican Republic to live, where he worked daily with hundreds of renowned musicians such as Juan Luis Guerra, Wilfrido Vargaz, Alex Bueno, Manuel Tejada, Jaime Querol, Ramon Orlando and many more.

I am a singer by profession, I have several productions of my own in different genres.

Today I launch myself with a musical theme that thanks to Mr. Jaime Querol for his invitation to make an international production withmy father.

Noush was born in Aruba as Anoushca Jeandor
Noush was born in Aruba as Anoushca Jeandor

This beautiful song in merengue version is for you and I hope that this to your liking Thank you very much and God bless you all.

Follow me:

https://linktr.ee/noushmusicaruba

Robert Jeandor and his Solo Banda Show

A live music band from Aruba founded by the famous Aruban musician Robert Jeandor. Known for playing different genres of music, but mostly Latin music.

Without a doubt, maestro Robert Jeand’or is the most Dominican Aruban we have ever known.

Since he settled in the Dominican Republic, where he arrived thanks to the efforts of a giant of merengue, Johnny Ventura, this singer, musician, arranger, composer, music producer and orchestra leader only made contributions to the rhythm commanded by the güira and the tambora and the one that best identifies the idiosyncrasy of the Dominicans.

Without a doubt, maestro Robert Jeand'or is the most Dominican Aruban we have ever known. Since he settled in the Dominican Republic, where he arrived thanks to the efforts of a giant of merengue, Johnny Ventura, this singer, musician, arranger, composer, music producer and orchestra leader only made contributions to the rhythm commanded by the güira and the tambora and the one that best identifies the idiosyncrasy of the Dominicans
Robert Jeandor and his Solo Band Show

Always gentle, humble and with a soul devoid of pettiness, this gentlemanly artist put his talent at the service of merengue and, therefore, of all the gear that drives it.

Robert Hubert JeanD’or Bermudez was born on May 10, 1954, in Aruba, a territory that until 1986 was part of the Netherlands Antilles and today is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He was the son of Francisco Reinier JeanD’or from Curazaleño and Cecilia Bermudez from Aruba, who worked in the Aruban aqueduct and hospital, respectively. Don Francisco died in 1972 and Doña Cecilia in 2005.

Notice that I have written JeanD’or and not Jeand’or, because the first is the correct surname of this family, but for artistic management purposes Robert was given Jeand’or. And lucky he was that they did not remove the apostrophe and left it only as Jeandor!

His inclination for music came from his father, who guided him when Robert took his first steps in musical studies.

“My dad was my first music teacher: he wrote down for me all the chords in a notebook and there, when I was barely six years old, I started learning to play the Venezuelan cuatro and, after some time, the guitar,” he recalled.

But it was not only in Robert’s veins that musical talent ran, but also in his siblings Francisco (Frank), who played guitar and mandolin, Marlene and Percey were equally talented guitarists, Robertina and John sang, Ismael was a trumpet player and Michael was a percussionist. Several of Robert’s siblings are now deceased: Ismael and Sofia (2010), Frank (2013) and John (2014).

In the neighborhood where he was born, called Madiki, he could very often see his brothers playing almost every night, together, as a family, with his dad leading, and so he was caught by the desire to join the family clan as a musician and that led him soon after to play the guitar.

“One night my brother Frank came home and told me that there was an aguinaldo group that needed a cuatrista to reinforce. The group was called Las Blancas Palomitas and was led by Severiano Luidens, with his relatives Evelien and Jossy Luidens also standing out,” recounted Robert Jeand’or, who was only eight years old at the time and, bursting into laughter, added that the only negrito was him.

He told that his relationship with the bass happened in a fortuitous way, because during a presentation of the group the bass player did not show up, due to lack of transportation, and then Robert, being a child of about nine or ten years old, assumed to play the powerful string instrument and solved the problem generated by the absence of the titular instrumentalist.

“I grabbed the bass, without ever having played it before and as the strings are tuned in the same order as the guitar, I said I was going to play it and so I played that night and that’s how I started to play it and to this day it is my greatest pleasure,” he recalled.

The lanky artist said that he entered a music academy to study bass and singing, being instructed in both subjects by the now extinct Aruban professor Rufo Odor and in harmony with the also deceased Argentinean professor Eddy Bennet.

In his youth and as a cuatro player and singer, he briefly played with pianist Albert Dieffenthaler, with whom he performed in several television programs, hotels and bars.

In the early 70’s, he joined Los Juveniles, which was the first orchestra where he participated as bassist, singer, composer and arranger. With this group, with which he became famous in his native land, he won in three consecutive years (from 1976 to 1978) the Tumba award, an annual celebration that is part of the carnivals of Aruba. Incidentally, Jeand’or would later win this award again two years in a row (1990 and 1991).

In 1978 Robert Jeand’or was crowned King of Tumba, after performing the song “Bolombonchi”, authored by Vicente Kelly, Victor Oduber and Jeand’or himself, which was later recorded by popular Colombian artist Joe Arroyo, who died in 2016. That impactful performance was seen by Johnny Ventura, who also performed there with his orchestra and El Caballo Mayor approached the Aruban singer to see if he would be interested in trying his luck abroad.

While that experience unfolded, Jeand’or did not stop his desire to add to his musical knowledge and expand the knowledge he already possessed in harmony and composition.

His inclination for music came from his father, who guided him when Robert took his first steps in musical studies.
Without a doubt, maestro Robert Jeand’or is the most Dominican Aruban we have ever known.

In the first five years of the 70’s, he released his first recording, composed and arranged by the artist himself: “Ta di nos e ta”, a phrase that translated into Spanish means “It’s ours”.

During 1979 he released with his orchestra La Nueva Fuerza the musical production entitled Rey Di Tumba 1976-77-78, recorded in his native island and with the support of Aruba Recording Studio, where he experimented with Latin, folk and country genres, giving us songs such as “Ban bonse”, “Ata mi cos”, “Manera un wiei”, “Slip’e”, “Bolombonchi”, “Pusha bai aden”, “M’y yega”, and “Canta cu mi awor”.

Many people don’t know that Robert Jeand’or was just a few minutes away from joining the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, after the departure of Andy Montañez. Jeand’or took the stage with La Universidad de la Salsa, during a presentation at the Caiquetio club, and performed “El barbero loco”, “Las hojas blancas”, “Pin pin pin” and other songs that Montañez vocalized. His voice impressed Don Rafael Ithier and the staff of the famous group. After Montañez moved on to La Dimensión Latina, Ventura called maestro Ithier and recommended Jeand’or to fill the position of El Niño de Tras Talleres, to which Ithier replied that yes, he knew him, but he had already recruited Jerry Rivas. It is said that there was also a delay with the American visa.

It was not long before Jeand’or became part of La Dimensión Latina, because both when Oscar de León left this orchestra and when Andy Montañez also left, the name of the Arubeño was mentioned to join this Venezuelan group. In fact, they went to look for him where he worked, but he was already in Santo Domingo with Los Hijos del Rey.

Likewise, during a visit of Larry Harlow to the island of Aruba, El Judío Maravilloso saw Jeand’or singing and told Vicente Kelly, recently deceased this year (2020) and compadre of the popular singer, bassist and arranger, that he would take the Aruban singer to New York, because he needed someone to fill the void left in his orchestra by Junior González (who died on May 10, 2012) and Kelly responded positively, but that promise was never fulfilled.

In the midst of all that, the Aruban artist opted to join the Los Hijos del Rey orchestra in 1979 and settle in Santo Domingo.

Robert Hubert JeanD'or Bermudez was born on May 10, 1954.
Robert Hubert JeanD’or Bermudez was born on May 10, 1954.

“It was Johnny Ventura who talked to me so that I could travel to the Dominican Republic as a musician, and getting there was a great experience. Once in the Dominican capital, the first recording I made was for a commercial and the person who called me for that job was a very respected musician, his name is Jorge Taveras,” he said.

With Los Hijos del Rey, an orchestra then led by maestro Dioni Fernández, he recorded merengues such as the emblematic “Yo me dominicanizo”, by the prolific Puerto Rican composer Catalino Curet Alonso, affectionately known as Tite, “La pilandera” and “La vacuna”, by Porfirio Ruiz, among others, as well as the salsas “El viento”, by Joe Nicolás, and the successful “Puchula”, by Ramoncito Díaz.

While he was performing in Puerto Rico with Los Hijos del Rey, an orchestra that was in conflict with another faction for the use of the name, Jeand’or, who in the middle of that was in a kind of limbo, received a call from composer Curet Alonso (died in 2003), who mediated for him to sing with Roberto Roena & Apollo Sound, and the artist told him that he would think about it because he had to talk first with Ventura, who has always been his advisor.

Another situation that put Jeand’or on the verge of joining a salsa orchestra: in the middle of a tour in Puerto Rico, trumpeter Nelson García, of Los Hijos del Rey, talked to maestro Bobby Valentín to include the arubeño in his orchestra and the Puerto Rican star liked the singer’s voice very much, but then he had Cano Estremera as his star sonero and everything came to nothing.

Source:

Facebook: RobertJeandor

Diario Digital Dominicano

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Antonio “Tony” Succar, percussionist, composer, arranger, band leader and music producer

The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson

Antonio “Tony” Succar (Lima, May 18, 1986) is a Peruvian-American percussionist, composer, arranger, band leader and producer.

Succar was born in Lima, Peru. When he was two years old, his family emigrated to the United States and settled in Miami, Florida.

Among his relatives were several musicians who encouraged Succar to develop his own musical interests. The family’s musical tradition began with his paternal great-grandparents, Mexican composer Lauro D. Uranga and Spanish flamenco dancer Adelina Esteve Gregory.

The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson Antonio “Tony” Succar
Antonio “Tony” Succar (Lima, May 18, 1986)

Succar’s father, Antonio F. Succar, is a pianist and his mother Mimy Succar Tayrako Sakaguchi is a singer. Since he was 3 years old Tony started playing in The Peruvian Cajon, when Succar was 13, he started playing drums with his parents’ band when they played at weddings and other private and corporate functions, mainly in Miami, Florida, USA.

Succar attended Miami Sunset Senior High School in Miami-Dade County. At the time his ambition was to be a professional soccer player, and he played on several teams, including his high school team when it won the 2004 state championship. He later tried to earn a soccer scholarship to Florida International University. Unable to get a scholarship, he asked his father for study advice.

The advice he received was to apply to FIU’s School of Music.

Seeking an interview with the school’s drum instructor, he ended up auditioning for the Latin jazz ensemble and was quickly accepted. Succar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance in 2008 and went on to study for a master’s degree, which he earned in 2010.

Succar already had an active musical career while still an undergraduate student. As a junior in college he took over as musical director of the family band, which he renamed Mixtura.

On September 21, 2010, Succar released an album recorded at his graduation recital, a live concert with Mixtura at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center in Miami. This CD/DVD contains a mix of Latin-influenced arrangements of classic jazz numbers and original material. It received numerous positive reviews including from Audiophile Audition5 and JazzChicago.

After graduating from FIU, Succar became artist-in-residence in 2012, and continued to work with the school’s music students on a number of projects. He is the youngest artist to ever hold this appointment at FIU.

Succar has worked with several prominent artists in Latin music genres. These include Tito Nieves, La India, Kevin Ceballo, Michael Stuart, Jon Secada, Jennifer Peña, Jean Rodriguez and Obie Bermudez, who collaborated with him on Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson.

Unity features over 100 musicians, Latin superstars such as Tito Nieves, Jon Secada, La India, Obie Bermudez, Jennifer Pena, Michael Stuward, Angel Lopez, Sheila E., Judith Hill, Jean Rodriguez, Fernando Vargas, Maribel Diaz, Kevin Ceballo, hosted on PBS TV by Gloria Estefan, and the magic of Jackson's legendary engineer Bruce Swedien.
Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson is a collaborative project to produce a musical tribute to Michael Jackson.

The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson

Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson is a collaborative project to produce a musical tribute to Michael Jackson. In addition to live performances, the project plans to release an album consisting of 14 Jackson songs rewritten to include Latin influences, primarily salsa and Latin American rhythms, Succar, who was a long-term fan of Jackson’s work, is the founder and producer of the project. Unity launched in 2015 with a concert at Miami’s Olympia Theater sponsored and broadcast on PBS TV, 360 stations, primetime, Friday night at 9:00 p. m., and also sponsored by Universal Music Classic.

Unity features over 100 musicians, Latin superstars such as Tito Nieves, Jon Secada, La India, Obie Bermudez, Jennifer Pena, Michael Stuward, Angel Lopez, Sheila E., Judith Hill, Jean Rodriguez, Fernando Vargas, Maribel Diaz, Kevin Ceballo, hosted on PBS TV by Gloria Estefan, and the magic of Jackson’s legendary engineer, Bruce Swedien.

Succar’s sound is refined and distinctive. His up-tempo songs have an unmatched explosive energy, while his slower arrangements are soulful and captivate the listener with the intricate nuances that are signatures of his sound.

Tony is currently working on his next album and touring the world with his band.

He has performed at the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival (Aruba), the Ravinia Festival (Chicago), Auditorio Telmex (Mexico), Vivo Beach (Puerto Rico), Tempo Latino (France) and the 2019 Latin Grammy Awards (MGM Grand Las Vegas ), among others.

Contacts:

Youtube: tonysuccarofficial

www.tonysuccar.com

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Mulenze The Orchestra of Eternal Youth

Edwin Morales, founder, bass player, director of Mulenze.

Orquesta Mulenze was born in 1976 thanks to the motivation of Edwin Mirales who was a young rocker back then and decided to switch his guitar for a bass and to form the YAMBO Orchestra, which served as a companion of artists such as Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda among others arriving to Puerto Rico without an orchestra; then it was later identified and we would know it as Mulenze.

The orchestra was created at a time when salsa was booming and was fortunate to have musicians, composers, and singers of great stature who are currently recognized among which we highlight Cano Estremera (El dueño del soneo) who later joined the Bobby Valentin’s band as a vocalist; In the chorus, singer-songwriter Pedro Arroyo who has contributed several of his compositions to Mulenze; in the piano, we have Andy Guzman and Eric Figueroa, the latter was one of the influencers in the style adopted by the orchestra, practicing a rather sophisticated and little revolutionary rhythm for the public who follows popular music.

Edwin Mirales at that time a young rocker who decided to change his guitar for a bass guitar and form the YAMBO orchestra.
The Mulenze Orchestra was founded in 1976, by the motivation of Edwin Morales.

Mulenze was one of the first orchestras to use synthesizers in salsa, rhythmically working outside the beat in which the clave pattern is established to give a jazz variation to their music; this innovation that was not widely accepted by the groups established at that time, although this would give respect and an identity of its own to the orchestra with its amazing arrangements.

Edwin Morales known for his first name only in his family circle. But if someone calls himself a salsero, he has to know who Edwin “Mulenze” is.

This bassist of Bayamon, who has performed with the most important exponents of the salsa genre, has written his own page in the history of this musical genre as the founder and director of the Mulenze Orchestra.

“Salsa will not die and I would say that it is in a fulfilling moment. The new orchestras, which are like us when the pillars of salsa were in full swing and we were called the youth orchestra, are carrying out their work very well.

To this is added a group of boys who are taking their dance academies to municipalities and have resurrected the salsa dancer,” said Edwin.

Pedro Brull continues to see him as the official voice of La Mulenze although he left the group in 2005 to start his solo career.

Edwin succeeded in establishing an identity for the orchestra and my singing style flowed really well with his proposal. But after 24 years, I wanted to seize the opportunity to record an album (Pronóstico).

Today I work mostly outside Puerto Rico and have to admit that I am traveling the world thanks to “La Mulenze,” Brull commented.

The event will take place in the "Carpa Salsera", this concert promises a resounding success since with more than a year and a half without live presentations due to the worldwide pandemic caused by the Coronavirus, thanks to the organizers Giovanny Lopera, Lucy Corres, Mauro "El Fantástico", José "Rumba" and its main sponsor "El Rancho de Miami".
Orquesta de la Eterna Juventud “Mulenze” will perform with its original singers Pedro Brull, Kenny Cruz and Rafael “Ito” Andino.

For the first time in Miami in the framework of his 40th Anniversary this Saturday, September 11, the Orquesta of Eternal Youth “Mulenze” will perform with its original singers Pedro Brull, Kenny Cruz and Rafael “Ito” Andino.

The event will take place in the “Carpa Salsera”, this concert promises to be a huge success because with more than a year and a half without live performances due to the global pandemic caused by the Coronavirus, thanks to the organizers Giovanny Lopera, Lucy Corres, Mauro “El Fantástico”, José “Rumba” and its primary sponsor “El Rancho de Miami”.

Mulenze The Orchestra of Eternal Youth
Mulenze The Orchestra of Eternal Youth

 

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The man who conquered Hollywood

The magic of a great musician is that he has the key to open your soul.  He takes you to a dimension full of happy emotions, you forget all your pain and troubles and you just dance!  For the Yoruba’s, one of the sons of Obatala, is Changó. He represents strength, virility, drums, music, fire, lightning, dance, justice, the need and joy for living.  If one person was all of that, it was Mr. Johnny Polanco.  Mr. Polanco is dearly remembered by all those whose life he touched.  This June 2nd marks the sixth year of his passing.   Altagracia and Socrates, from Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo were his parents.  They lived in the Bronx in New York.  Socrates was the owner of an auto mechanic shop.  This is probably where Johnny first came into contact with automobile engines.  He developed a passion for working with automobile engines.  Johnny graduated from Alfred E. Smith High School; a school reputed for teaching shops.  It’s very probable that he furthered his knowledge of engines there. His talent grew to engineering levels.  If anyone could fix a problem on an engine, it was Johnny.  All the musicians knew that if there was a problem, it was Johnny who could fix it for them. There’s a story about how DJ Robbie called Johnny at home one such time at around 3:00 am and Johnny got out of bed and went to his aid.   His other passion was music.  Johnny never attended music school.  He mastered a number of instruments, all on his own. Everyone says that around five years of age, he was given a guitar.  But it wasn’t until the age of ten, that he became serious in learning music.  At the age of fourteen, he was already playing with the Steve Colon band. He played with a number of New York groups, Charanga Sensual, Conjunto Saoco to name a few. Johnny had flat feet, but nonetheless in 1979 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.  The Marine Corps capitalized on his knowledge of engines and assigned him to the motor pool. His early assignments were in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Parris Island, South Carolina, and Okinawa, Japan. Johnny was a patriotic American who loved and served his country.  Just before enlisting in the service at twenty-four, Marion Gonzalez gave birth to Christopher and three years later to Melody.  In 1980 the marines sent Johnny to the west coast, Camp Pendleton, California. Marion and Johnny married, but their union did not survive. Marion and Johnny had joint custody. Johnny’s visitation turn was usually from Fridays after school to Monday morning, returning them to school.  In 1984 Johnny was playing at the New Porter Inn, in Newport Beach, California.  That night he met Joanna, a lady from Bronx.  They say it was love at first sight.  On January 23, 1987 they married and she remained his companion for the rest of Johnny’s life.  Joanna worked as a Registered Nurse and had two children of her own, Angela and Anthony Wheaton.  They made their home in Lakewood, California, where they had all their four children together on the weekends.  They were fortunate, because the kids all got along well. Some called them the Brady Bunch.

Johnny Polanco and Conjunto Amistad
Johnny Polanco and the rest of the members of Conjunto Amistad.

The long full gear marches and Johnny’s flat feet became a problem. In 1987, with the rank of E-5 sergeant, Johnny decided to be a full-time musician and separated from the Marines.  Close to their Lakewood home Johnny took a daytime job working for Mr. Tom Scott a Union 76 service station owner. Johnny stayed with Tom for next six years, when Tom sold in 1992.  The job was conveniently within walking distance of his Lakewood home.

In this gas station Johnny Polanco worked many years
Union 76 gas station where Johnny Polanco worked for many years.

In Hollywood, there was a Vietnam disabled veteran who had been studying business, Armando Castro.  Completing his studies, Armando opened a small restaurant. Although of Nicaraguan origin, Armando decided to serve Cuban food and named the restaurant El Floridita. On Monday nights they started to play Salsa.  Cali Aleman was the first band that played.

Armando Castro Floridita owner
Armando Castro owner of El Floridita

In 1993 Orquesta Versatil was playing on Monday nights. It was then that Armando Castro introduced Johnny to the band leader, Carlos Navarro.  At the time Versatil was a popular, strong, well liked band and Johnny fitted right in.  Then things started to happen, the band leader Carlos had to fly to Venezuela, also the arranger Niño Jesus Alejandro went to Canada. So, they held a meeting with Armando.  “mete mano Johnny, put a band together and take over.”  For the next 22 years Johnny played Monday night with his Conjunto Amistad at El Floridita.   Johnny’s band was in demand.

Carlos Navarro leader of Orquesta Versatil
Carlos Navarro band leader of Orquesta Versatil.

Albert Torres was a consultant and MC to over 50 yearly Salsa Congress’ around the world.  Albert had a lot of connections and started to manage Johnny for some 15 years.  With Albert’s connections the band played in Japan, England, Italy, Spain, China, Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica to name a few.  Everyone was busy with little time to spare, eventually Johnny started handling his own bookings and the relationship with Albert just disappeared.

Albert Torres manager of Johnny Polanco
Albert Torres managed Johnny Polanco for 15 years.

In business they always say location, location, location! Nothing could be truer than that for “El Floridita.”  You see folks, this little restaurant in a small strip mall, is just across the street from … Pickford Center.  What’s Pickford Center? It’s the film industry Academy of Arts.  You know the “Oscars!”  The clientele boasted of directors, writers, producers, actors like Patrick Swayze, Jay Leno, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Mick Jagger, Edward Olmos to name a few.  They didn’t just go there to eat; it was the film industry’s connection to Salsa and the work just poured in.  Johnny played for Hugh Heffner at the Playboy mansion and also the Playboy Jazz Festival. Prince chose Johnny to be his opening act in Las Vegas.  Johnny did the music for countless films (see bio).    When a victorious general was paraded in Rome, above his head, a slave would hold the laurel reave, while at the same time continuously whispering “this too shall pass.” The idea was to keep him grounded. Johnny didn’t need that.  He was a man who saw the injustice in the world and was always looking out for the little guy, the underdog.  He was a man who shared the wealth.  Many remember how Johnny would call them to give their bands work.  To this day many a story is told about how Johnny helped them out.  He was a man who in his car, would carry cat food and milk to feed the strays.  May God bless you in heaven Johnny.  We remember you as a kind man who loved and cared for the poor.   His accomplishments were so many that we created a link for you to view the photos and also his biography of recognitions and accomplishments.

Changó

The magic of a great musician is that he has the key to open your soul.  He takes you to a dimension full of happy emotions, you forget all your pain and troubles and you just dance!  For the Yoruba’s, one of the sons of Obatala, is Changó. He represents strength, virility, drums, music, fire, lightning, dance, justice, the need and joy for living.  If one person was all of that, it was Mr. Johnny Polanco.  Mr. Polanco is dearly remembered by all those whose life he touched.  This June 2nd marks the sixth year of his passing.  Altagracia and Socrates, from Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo were his parents.  They lived in the Bronx in New York.  Socrates was the owner of an auto mechanic shop.  This is probably where Johnny first came into contact with automobile engines.  He developed a passion for working with automobile engines.  Johnny graduated from Alfred E. Smith High School; a school reputed for teaching shops.  It’s very probable that he furthered his knowledge of engines there. His talent grew to engineering levels.  If anyone could fix a problem on an engine, it was Johnny.  All the musicians knew that if there was a problem, it was Johnny who could fix it for them. There’s a story about how DJ Robbie called Johnny at home one such time at around 3:00 am and Johnny got out of bed and went to his aid.
His other passion was music.  Johnny never attended music school.  He mastered a number of instruments, all on his own. Everyone says that around five years of age, he was given a guitar.  But it wasn’t until the age of ten, that he became serious in learning music.  At the age of fourteen, he was already playing with the Steve Colon band. He played with a number of New York groups, Charanga Sensual, Conjunto Saoco to name a few.
Johnny had flat feet, but nonetheless in 1979 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.  The Marine Corps capitalized on his knowledge of engines and assigned him to the motor pool. His early assignments were in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Parris Island, South Carolina, and Okinawa, Japan. Johnny was a patriotic American who loved and served his country.  Just before enlisting in the service at twenty-four, Marion Gonzalez gave birth to Christopher and three years later to Melody.  In 1980 the marines sent Johnny to the west coast, Camp Pendleton, California. Marion and Johnny married, but their union did not survive. Marion and Johnny had joint custody. Johnny’s visitation turn was usually from Fridays after school to Monday morning, returning them to school.
In 1984 Johnny was playing at the New Porter Inn, in Newport Beach, California.  That night he met Joanna, a lady from Bronx.  They say it was love at first sight.  On January 23, 1987 they married and she remained his companion for the rest of Johnny’s life.  Joanna worked as a Registered Nurse and had two children of her own, Angela and Anthony Wheaton.  They made their home in Lakewood, California, where they had all their four children together on the weekends.  They were fortunate, because the kids all got along well. Some called them the Brady Bunch.

The long full gear marches and Johnny’s flat feet became a problem. In 1987, with the rank of E-5 sergeant, Johnny decided to be a full-time musician and separated from the Marines.  Close to their Lakewood home Johnny took a daytime job working for Mr. Tom Scott a Union 76 service station owner. Johnny stayed with Tom for next six years, when Tom sold in 1992.  The job was conveniently within walking distance of his Lakewood home.

In Hollywood, there was a Vietnam disabled veteran who had been studying business, Armando Castro.  Completing his studies, Armando opened a small restaurant. Although of Nicaraguan origin, Armando decided to serve Cuban food and named the restaurant El Floridita. On Monday nights they started to play Salsa.  Cali Aleman was the first band that played.

In 1993 Orquesta Versatil was playing on Monday nights. It was then that Armando Castro introduced Johnny to the band leader, Carlos Navarro.  At the time Versatil was a popular, strong, well liked band and Johnny fitted right in.  Then things started to happen, the band leader Carlos had to fly to Venezuela, also the arranger Niño Jesus Alejandro went to Canada. So, they held a meeting with Armando.  “mete mano Johnny, put a band together and take over.”  For the next 22 years Johnny played Monday night with his Conjunto Amistad at El Floridita.   Johnny’s band was in demand.

Albert Torres was a consultant and MC to over 50 yearly Salsa Congress’ around the world.  Albert had a lot of connections and started to manage Johnny for some 15 years.  With Albert’s connections the band played in Japan, England, Italy, Spain, China, Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica to name a few.  Everyone was busy with little time to spare, eventually Johnny started handling his own bookings and the relationship with Albert just disappeared.

In business they always say location, location, location! Nothing could be truer than that for “El Floridita.”  You see folks, this little restaurant in a small strip mall, is just across the street from … Pickford Center.  What’s Pickford Center? It’s the film industry Academy of Arts.  You know the “Oscars!”  The clientele boasted of directors, writers, producers, actors like Patrick Swayze, Jay Leno, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Mick Jagger, Edward Olmos to name a few.  They didn’t just go there to eat; it was the film industry’s connection to Salsa and the work just poured in.  Johnny played for Hugh Heffner at the Playboy mansion and also the Playboy Jazz Festival. Prince chose Johnny to be his opening act in Las Vegas.  Johnny did the music for countless films (see bio).
When a victorious general was paraded in Rome, above his head, a slave would hold the laurel reave, while at the same time continuously whispering “this too shall pass.” The idea was to keep him grounded. Johnny didn’t need that.  He was a man who saw the injustice in the world and was always looking out for the little guy, the underdog.  He was a man who shared the wealth.  Many remember how Johnny would call them to give their bands work.  To this day many a story is told about how Johnny helped them out.  He was a man who in his car, would carry cat food and milk to feed the strays.  May God bless you in heaven Johnny.  We remember you as a kind man who loved and cared for the poor.
His accomplishments were so many that we created a link for you to view the photos and also his biography of recognitions and accomplishments.

Film Academy of Arts Center
Pickford Center in front of El Floridita.

By: Eduardo Guilarte & Karina Garcia

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Freddy Sánchez one of the musicians with the greatest trajectory and hierarchy in Venezuela

In 1994, he participated for the first time in a group called “Sentir Caribeño”, from Mariara, Carabobo State.

Greetings my salsa people, here again with you, wishing you the best. First of all, lots of health, prosperity and optimism from your friend professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez, who, through International Salsa Magazine and www.SalsaGoogle.com, presents you in this opportunity to: Freddy Sanchez bastion of this genre that we are so passionate about, for your delight Enjoy them.

“You must always remember that to be a good musician you have to maintain three fundamental elements, such as: discipline, responsibility and respect … Many do not understand that.”

These recommendations come from perhaps one of the musicians with the greatest trajectory and hierarchy in Venezuela, such as: Freddy Alí Sánchez Carvallo, born on November 9, with his musical beginnings at 15 years of age.

In 1994, he participated for the first time in a group called “Sentir Caribeño”, from Mariara, Carabobo state, playing bass; He continued his musical career with the “Mangüe” orchestra of Maracay, Aragua state and from there he went to the “Alteración” orchestra, then to the Sonostars de Mañito Junior, having the privilege of accompanying Yolandita Rivera and Luigi Texidor.

Freddy Sanchez bastion of this genre that we are so passionate about.
Freddy Sanchez one of the musicians with the greatest trajectory and hierarchy in Venezuela.

In 1999, he was called by the “Latin Dimension”, remaining in it for about 6 years.

At the same time, at the beginning of 2000, he participated in the orchestras of: Hildemaro, Erick Franchesky, Magia Caribeña, Puerto Rico es Salsa, Pasión Juvenil, Porfi Jiménez and Francisco Pacheco y la Pueblo de el.

Freddy, have you accompanied international artists?

Of course, Professor Carlos, thank God I have had the honor of playing for: Andy Montañez, Henry Fiol, Junior González, Domingo Quiñónez, José Alberto “El Canario”, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Wichy Camacho, Tony Vega, Willie González , Tito Gómez, Cano Estremera, Pedro Arroyo, Gabino Pampini, among others.

And I understand that you directed the career of Venezuelan musicians?

That’s right, my friend, I was the manager of Jimmy “El León” until 2005, when I joined the Oscar D’León orchestra “El Sonero del Mundo”, until 2013, visiting more than 32 countries.

And “Son Colón”?

Professor Carlos, in 2010, I founded “La Orquesta Son Colón”, with which I have accompanied figures such as: Joseph Amado, Rodrigo Mendoza, Hildemaro, Erick Franchesky, Paquito Barón, Néstor Rivero, Oscar Arriaga, Wílmer Lozano, Frederick El Coco, Wílmer Cano, Éukaris, Wiwi Buznego and Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”.

told us that the second production of the "Orquesta Son Colón" is well underway and that the promotional "El Monstruo de la Calle
“The Son Colón Orchestra”. Founded in 2010

It should be noted that Freddy Sánchez is currently the musical director of the “Orquesta de Porfi Jiménez” and also tells us that in 2019, he participated with the orchestras “Los Melódicos” and “Billos Caracas Boys Internacional” of Amable Frómeta.

–Master Freddy, honestly, let me congratulate you for this trajectory that you have.

Apart from being a bass player, do you stand out with other instruments?

In addition to being a performing bassist, both for the baby and the chest, I am also a trombonist, arranger, director and music producer.

In Colombia I directed “La Sonora Matancera Internacional Siglo XXI” and I had the great experience, being very young, of accompanying, when I was only 21 years old, the legend of the Venezuelan salsa, Orlando José Castillo “Watussi”.

Likewise, I formed the staff of “Albóndiga y la Pandilla de él, being the arranger of some of his songs together with David González and where Gustavo Gerardo and Rodrigo Mendoza vocalized.

-Freddy, from what you have told us, your career is quite broad, what can you add to us? Ok teacher, I’m remembering that I was also in the ranks of “Osuna Banda Show” and “La Bigband de San Agustín”.

Now, Freddy, where did you acquire your musical knowledge and of course your studies?

My friend, I practically studied alone. My uncle Elías Sánchez taught me the figures and I went that way, my story is very particular, my father showed me the bass notes and how it was played, since he is a guitarist, also my relatives, most of them are musicians and being next to of the braves of the time, I was learning and trying to get a sound out of the bass, but I never had a teacher, or anything ”.

Freddy told us that at 17 years of age he had already made his first musical arrangement and by asking Mañito Junior, he learned what harmony was; with the musician Pastor Rodríguez (Q.E.P.D.), regarding the reading of sheet music and with the teacher Gilberto Riera, also deceased, he explained to her how he should maintain the swing when there were percussion solos.

Oh and another musician, known as “Lopecito”, recommended that it is necessary to listen to music, because everything is not reading, but you had to read. Regarding the future projects of today’s guest in “Salsa Escrita”, through International Salsa Magazine, he told us that the second production of the “Orquesta Son Colón” is well advanced and the promotional “El Monstruo de la Calle ”, ”, Is already playing on radio stations and additionally on this album, national artists will be recording as special guests.

Likewise, “La Orquesta Son Colón” will be accompanying vocalist Joseph Amado again in 2020, in his second symphonic concert at the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, in the middle of the year.

"I would like to say to musicians who are starting out in these times, never forget where you came from and what you were, and keep humility first and foremost.
Willie Colon “El Malo del Bronx y Freddy Sánchez

Finally, we asked Freddy Sánchez for some recommendations, as well as those made at the beginning of this review, for the new generations and he literally told us: “I would like to tell the musicians who are starting in these times, never forget where they came from and what that they were, and keep humility above all else, always thanking the opportunities given and do not forget that music is not a competition, because there is always someone who can be beyond you today and here tomorrow ”.

Finally, we would also like to add the following: “music must be learned daily, as it is an infinite world much adored and which is part of our lives.”

Humility and perseverance will make us great in every way. Congratulations Freddy Sánchez and we hope you continue to achieve success, inside and outside our country with your master’s degree.

Facebook: Freddy Sánchez 

By: Carlos Colmenárez Correspondent in Venezuela

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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.