Search Results for: Puerto Rico

“Alfareros” launches “Guerrera”

One of the countries located in the Caribbean, we have the Dominican Republic being the 2nd largest island in the Caribbean, where the most popular music is Spanish and African, in rhythmic, tonal and harmonic aspects.

The Catholic Music Ministry Alfareros, are the winners of the Latin GRAMMY 2018 in the category “Christian Album in Spanish”, released their most recent single entitled “Guerrera”

Which is a sticky musical cut of meringue with a typical flavor, which serves as a tribute to all women who face the battles and phases that life holds for them every day as true warriors.

The launch coincides with the celebration of 25 years in the art of ALFAREROS. Junior Cabrera, director of Alfareros and composer of the single, affirms that “Guerrera”, “is a hymn of hope and with it we want to recognize all the women fighters, who without fear have faced or still face diseases, abandonment, discrimination or violence”.

Felina Tejada, is the main interpreter of the song and one of the most recent members of the group, shares that “this song is a call for joy and faith, in this time of trials in which the world is facing the pandemic of COVID-19 ”

Along with the song, a video clip has also been released, shot in the city of Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, directed by Kelvin J Bido and in which some twenty (20) “warriors” appear as protagonists, whose testimonies have been growth and blessing for many people.

The single and the video are now available on the YouTube and Spotify digital platforms, as well as on the Ministry’s social networks (@alfareros).

Alfareros - Guerreras — Alfareros lanza Guerrera integrantes

Alfareros, directed by Junior Cabrera. Its vocalists are Katia del Cid (Guatemala), María Fernanda Wilches (Colombia), Oscar Roque (El Salvador) and the Dominicans Felina Tejada, Artemio Vargas and Fermín Amador.

They were winners of the Casandra Award 2005 from the Association of Art Chroniclers of the Dominican Republic as Religious Association of the Year and the Latin GRAMMY® 2018 for their production “70 times 7”.

They are the first and only Christian group to perform a full house concert at the Altos de Chavón Amphitheater with the concert “A Chavón for you” in 2005. This concert was also nominated at the 2006 Casandra Awards in the Concert of the Year category: first time for a religious concert.

Throughout their career they have performed in mass meetings and concerts throughout the Dominican geography, as well as in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru. They were also part of the artistic attractions of the World Youth Days in Sydney (Australia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Panama.

The musical productions they have are: Un Canto Nuevo (1995); Do what He tells you (1997); Pa’Lante (2000); The Day Has Come (2004); From Blessing to Blessing (2008); All my Love is For You (2011); 70 times 7 (2018).

All are available for free download on their web portal www.alfareros.do

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Gerardo Rivas and solo single

“A derretir el hielo” is Gerardo Rivas’ first single

Puerto Rican Gerardo Rivas delights his followers with the launch of his first solo song. “A derretir el hielo” is a salsa, composed by Juan José Hernández and Victor Sanabria López, with musical production by Marcos Sánchez. A few weeks after its premiere, the video clip has almost thirty thousand views on YouTube. The work leads to mysticism and contains a refreshing proposal. The direction was the work of Giova González and was filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Vamos a juntar los cuerpos bella, vamos a subir al cielo, vamos a prender la vela bella, vamos a derretir el hielo” the chorus quotes.

Gerardo is starting a new adventure

After more than a decade belonging to the group NG2, Puerto Rican salsa duo Rivas decided to try it on their own.

“With great humility I present my first solo work. All my life I have been involved in music and daring to do a solo project feels very good “, declared Rivas

The singer is the son of Jerry Rivas, who belongs to “El Gran Combo”. From a very young age he has been immersed in the musical world. He was the vocalist of the group “Gerardito y los rockolos”. In addition, it has around twenty-five years of experience.

Rivas has always been a believer in salsa, bets on it and defends it in each presentation. A faithful representative of the genre!

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

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents.

He spent his early childhood listening to American popular music on the radio, and it wasn’t until 1967, when his family moved to Puerto Rico, that he became fascinated with Caribbean music, especially the salsa genre.

Jimmie’s first foray into music was with the guitar, but his father gave him a bell and, later, a conga drum that would become his main artistic fascination.

He learned of his interest by listening to Cuban, Puerto Rican and New York salsa records; also to congueros such as Milton Cardona, Eddie Montalvo, Patato Valdés, Cándido Camero, Mongo Santamaría, Johnny Rodríguez and his favorite: the late Ray Barretto.

In a very short time, he found himself making inroads with local bands, and sharing his talent with the renowned singer Tito Allen.

Jimmie Morales' memoirs Mr. Slap — Jimmie Morales Mr. Slap

Jimmie Morales and his experience with Willie Rosario

In 1978, Jimmie joined the popular rhythmic band of maestro Willie Rosario, and for eight years obtained what he considers his best formal training in the music industry.

Concurrently, he began an impressive career as a top-level studio musician, achieving outstanding participation in performances by the most important artists of the salsa genre, including Marc Anthony, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Roberto Roena, Oscar D’León, Lalo Rodríguez, Eddie Santiago and Frankie Ruiz, with whom he collaborated on each and every one of his solo recordings.

The sound of this great percussionist, his impeccable rhythm and his solid accompaniment defined him and have placed him convincingly as one of the most influential congueros of the last 30 years.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and salsa connoisseurs worldwide — Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera

Trajectory with Gilberto Santa Rosa

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario’s band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years.

Since then he has traveled throughout the Americas, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist. Jimmie Morales has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others.

He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company. As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican and Latin American people. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario's band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years. — Jimmie Morales is currently promoting his conga line sponsored by the Remo Company

Since then, he has traveled throughout the American continent, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist.

Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others. He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and of salsa connoisseurs worldwide. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

A conguero for history Jimmie Morales’ memoirs

“Mr. Slap”

Bella Martínez (Author)

That originality of Willie Rosario must have influenced Jimmie's impeccable style. — Jimmie paid for the luck that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

When all the congueros were imitating the king of the hard hands, Ray Barreto, Jimmie manages without intending to be the one chosen by the master Willie Rosario to accompany with the conga the tuning that Rosario had already established.

That Willie Rosario originality must have influenced Jimmie’s impeccable style.

Let’s not forget that when all timbaleros were imitating maestro Tito Puente, that irreverent coameño – maestro of maestros Willie Rosario knew how to be original.

Jimmie repaid the fate that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

And that stroke of luck in the leather didn’t manage to erase the humility of his being.

I invite you to read what I have managed to compile about Jimmie Morales, whom, with your authorization, I show in this work that pretends to be a summary of the life and work of this incredible musician.

Here you will also see that in spite of his perennial shy smile, his hands of stone do not give a break nor allow tropical music to ignore his monumental influence.

Jimmie, the human being who communicates through the leather of his conga, presents us with the musical strength he continues to share with the world. I am deeply grateful for the introspection and candor of his testimony.

I recognize that I am fortunate that Jimmie has agreed to give me part of his voice and to perpetuate this story. I insist that it was a sin not to share this legacy before, but now it was Mister Slap who beat the drum.

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“Boricuas En Nueva York” the new from Marlow Rosado and Frankie Negrón

Meet Marlow Rosado, a Talented Pianist

Marlow Rosado is a versatile artist with a born talent, a pianist, arranger, writer and orchestra director. His genres are quite diverse, and they have given him a great career path within music. Among his genres we can find merengue, jazz, bachata, salsa, reggaeton, rock and cumbia. His amazing abilities have taken him to participate in some big and high profile productions. He has collaborated with renown artists such as Alejandra Guzmán, Ricardo Montaner, Elvis Crespo, Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, Selena, Olga Tañón, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Ricky Martin.

Rosado was born in Puerto Rico, but from a young age he moved to Florida. In the USA he had the opportunity to study music, and he specialized in jazz. He started to participate as a teacher in his area, while sharing his knowledge. Also, he was part of some groups as director, musician and composer.

I was formed in orchestras in which the architect was the director, the musician, not just the singer like La Fania, and so many others. I loved mine “La Riqueña” with the best musicians that I’ve met along these years. Then, I made an album my way. An album that you can make when you don’t have any kind of limitations”, he expressed.

His New Adventure is “Boricuas en Nueva York”

The artist has obtained on two occasions the coveted Latin Grammy. Now, he presents “Boricuas en Nueva York” with another Puerto Rican Frankie Negrón, and hand in hand with the record company JN Music Group.

Marlow Rosado is releasing “Boricuas en Nueva York” junto a Frankie Negrón.

Since a couple of weeks the single has been on different digital platforms, and on YouTube the numbers keep rising. It has lyrics, production, and arrangements by Marlow himself, but it doesn’t have a music video, just a flyer with the name and Rosado’s picture.

Está botao el boricua en New York (está botao), está botao el boricua en New York (el boricua de Nueva York, está botao el boricua en New York (el jibarito está botao), está botao el boricua en New York”, it’s the song’s chorus.

As it was expected, the production is full of caribbean rhythms, especially Puerto Rican salsa where it feels his pride for his country. It lasts around two minutes, and has a catchy melody. “Boricuas en New York” is the first single of Marlow’s new musical production named “Los Colores de la Salsa” which is expected shortly, because there have been some last minute adjustments.

Rosado announced the single’s release through his Instagram profile, and stated that it will be an incredible album. He also thanked Negrón participation.

Here is Boricuas en New York. Marlow Rosado and Franklin Negrón. ENJOY IT MY PEOPLE”, he posted with a lyrics video.

Rosado performs in different latin establishments in Miami city. He is known as the music’s Dalí, because the magic that he produces when playing piano, can be compared to the famous painter’s brushes. Definitely, he is a highly talented jazz pianist, and his name will continue to be heard within the industry.

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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!