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Wilmer Sifontes “Music is one of the most important things in society”

Music has no boundaries, it has the magical power to bridge social and cultural divides. Such is the case of percussionist Wilmer Sifontes, born in Caracas on March 21, 1968, a year of great events worldwide, a native of the parish of La Vega.

In 1992 he travelled to the United Kingdom for the first time to participate with the Entreverao Group in the World Music Festival “Spirit of The Earth” of the BBC in London.

Thanks to his (Wilmer Sifontes) participation with this group, he got several offers to return to the United Kingdom, so from 1996 he decided to settle down definitively in that country.

His musical duality has allowed him to work with different musical groups and bring the intoxicating rhythms of the American continent to those latitudes. He tells us that; “Fortunately, music is a universal language, it is the flag that one carries and allows you to make your way in other spaces”.

Wilmer, sometimes we imagine that the passion for music comes from a family inheritance, I see that this is not the case with you, how were your musical beginnings?

“In my family there are no musicians, however, as a child I always listened to music, on the way to my house there were places where the orchestras rehearsed, and that I liked it, I started playing salsa, it was always my forte, the music worm began at 10 years old, when the theme of Pedro Navaja with Ruben Blades and Willie Colon was in fashion, in the classroom a classmate imitated that little grave on the desk, this impressed me so much that from that moment the message came to me and I said -this will be my thing-“.

That would be his entrance to the world of music

“Yes, that was a message -but look at it-, I was a sportsman -I played Volleyball and Basketball-, and my sportsman friends wanted to be musicians, they were all adults and I was always with them as a boy, but they had no musical skills, no instruments, this prompted me to look for someone who would help me get into music, so, through my cousin I met the bassist José Machado

-he belongs to a family of musicians from La Vega-, they were my first teachers, they were always rehearsing and I saw, -a visual teaching – because I was a kid, they had a Cuban Son group called “Los Machados”.

At some point he played with them

“After a while we started playing with the “Machados”, people were impressed to see such young boys playing, from him I received my first drumsticks, although I wanted to play bongo”.

How was that evolution?

“In the neighborhood I continued with different groups, then with my cousin we created the “Orquesta La Conclave” and here we developed, we played in all the cultural events”. “We were rehearsing at Catia and Jesús Gómez -one of the singers of Sonero Clásico del Caribe- was always passing by and one day he told us that he needed a timbalero and a pianist, that if we wanted to work with him and we said yes, they played every night at La Caneca, a very famous place that was on Sucre Avenue in Catia”.

“This was my first night job, then I went to Silencio and played in different clubs”.

Wilmer Sifontes in the company of various artists

He is an empirical musician

“I made several attempts to study but… It was a little difficult, there were very rigorous classical schools at the time and I could not enroll, in one I went – La Lamas- together with my cousin, we took the exam and they scratched us (laughs), it is a very nice anecdote, we both sang without knowing the Black Tomasa”.

How does it come to perfection then?

“I was playing by ear, it wasn’t something formal, as he already works in the nights in the clubs, a friend told me that in the Central University of Venezuela, Alberto Borregales and Orlando Poleo were giving classes, when I arrived I saw a great amount of people and I said: -whoa, here they are not going to accept me with that crowd- by chance, the teacher Borregales, makes a small group due to the little space that there was in the classroom, and at that moment I was going to evaluate them to decide who was left and who was not, fortunately I passed the test and I stayed”.

The experience of the street helped him

“(laughs), yes.”

Formally, Borregales was their teacher

“Yes, but my first teachers were the Lp, besides the radio, I listened to a program called “Latin America the Cosmic Race”, with Borregales I entered with a greater discipline, he taught me to analyze, he indicated us what to read, what to listen. Later I was with Poleo in Caricuao, then in San Agustín and eventually went to Sarria. In the neighborhood I learned from Carlos “Tabaco” Quintana, he was one of my favorites, he was my inspiration, he was a timbalero with a terrible swing, excellent, in the neighborhood there were many good ones”.

“Apart from them I also learned from; Daniel Milano Mayora, Jesus Milano Palacios, in the Aquiles Nazoa Library -of Caricuao-, the Bigott Foundation and the Grupo Autóctono de la Vega”.

How was that jump from salsa to folklore?

“I was offered to join the Grupo Autóctono de la Vega, with a great trajectory -it must be 40 or 50 years old by now- there is no role for the amount of people who have passed through there, it is the first group that makes the San Juan demonstrations in Caracas, this is from the Rivas and Ochoa family, it was my first school of folklore, they did dances, sports and then it was dedicated only to folklore music, both have been my teaching, I did not leave either of them”. “Then I played with many other folk and salsa groups, music is one of the most important things in society.”

The Grupo Autóctono de la Vega opened its doors to him, but the Agrupación Entreverao marked his future

“Yes, Entreverao marked my future, let’s say it was a show group, a quartet, its musical structure was very particular, harp, bass, drums and singer, then the percussion was introduced, the percussionist Rhay Herrera was their Director, I got a lot of experience with this group, we had a lot of work and learning, with them we made the first trip to the UK in 92”.

How did you decide that London would be your destination, why not another place more tropical, warmer, you did not think that you would face another culture, another language, another climate?

“I was playing with Erick Franchesky, at that time he had 3 songs stuck in New York, we were going to go four or five of the band, it was almost confirmed, but it didn’t happen, music is like that, sometimes it offers you villas and castles and tomorrow you have nothing.” “I also had other proposals to come to the United Kingdom, the first thing that came out was this, that is, my destiny wanted me to come here”.

“Being out of your country, you learn other things, and that’s one of the particularities of my work, you learn to be more tolerant with people, as I know a lot of folklore from other places has allowed me to arrive, the culture is different to ours, is strong above all if you do not master the language, even if it is the basics, the climate if it was a shock, this is a fridge, (laughs)”.

I can’t imagine the English dancing and listening to Salsa, do they like the genre?

“In the 90’s Salsa was very fashionable around here, there were many places to play, the acceptance of the music is excellent, when the Salsa boom, everyone wanted to learn to dance it, there are clubs to learn to dance, they have fallen in love with Latin American culture, they have been very receptive to those we have come to work with”. “I am the first Venezuelan to make a legal Folkloric Group in this country”.

Tell us a little about that project; AfroAmerica Project

He founded it in 2007, it is an official group of typical and traditional Afro-Venezuelan music, people love Latin American music, they receive it very well, the name is due to a magazine that Jesus “Chucho” Garcia made, which speaks of Afro-Cuban music”.

He continues to work with this project

“Yes, it is a group like Un Solo Pueblo, 90% is Venezuelan music, fulia, tambor, parranda, Calipso, Larense music, there are people who are outside Venezuela and do not know their music, then, we must show what we are, show our culture”.

Photo of Wilmer Sifontes and his instruments

What groups have you worked with in the UK?

“Any number of bands, when I arrived in the UK I started with a man named Kora, he played an African harp, his band was World Music, his music was a mix of African rhythms and the idea was to play Latin American percussion, as I have the virtue of playing different styles of music work with him”.

“Although I did a lot of Salsa in the early years, the other bands I remember are Conjunto Sabroso, Hussein Zahawy, Tumbaito, Ensamble Criollo, La Papayera, Salsa Nueva, The Voices of Naturale, La Charanga Rivera, Tango Tierra, Ensamble Criollo, Clara Rodríguez, Ola Onabule, AfroAmerica Project, Cubanito, Chacón y Su Timba, Bahareque, Salsa Céltica, Kora Colours, Los Charlys Orchestra, Classico Latino, Bilongo all Stars, among others”.

It’s easy for him to move through different genres

“Yes, I owe this to my country, thanks to all that learning I have been able to do so many things and share with so many people in different parts of the world.”

Thanks to this duality you have worked with and accompanied different artists, which ones do you remember?

“Among those I remember are Herman Olivera, Willie González, Maelo Ruiz, José Mangual Jr, Luisito Carrión, Roberto Torres,Tony Vega, Pedro Brull, Tito Gómez, Tito Nieves, Cano Estremera, Giovanni Hidalgo, Andrés Cepeda, Aterciopelados, Leroy Burges, Rodolfo Arcardi, Henry Fiol, Alci Acosta, and the Bands and groups in Venezuela are; Orquesta la Grande, Catatumbo, Entreverao, Criollo y Sabroso, Orquesta la Raza, and with whom I have participated are; Grupo Cosecha, Grupo Autóctono, Jesús Ruiz, La Gran Compañía and Eric Franchesky -who- among many others”.

Wilmer Sifontes in the studio with his instruments

Celtic Sauce, explain that to me, it sounds a little strange

“It’s a Scottish group that mixes Celtic music with Salsa, with them I started doing substitutions for the timbalero, it’s very nice and interesting, they use the traditional instruments of Scottish Folk and the instruments of Salsa and Latin Jazz, they have also mixed it with pop, with rock, with Indian music, that gives them a unique and characteristic sound to this group, with this group I have traveled the world”.

Another band you have worked with is Sidestepper, very famous for fusing elements of Antillean and Colombian music with electronic music.

“Yes, the band was formed in Colombia, by the English producer Richard Blair, he revolutionized the traditional sounds of the region by mixing them with avant-garde sounds, with them I made an interesting work”.

Tell us about the Salsa Nueva Project

“That is the project of the Venezuelan pianist Elena Riu, is the fusion of Salsa with classical arrangements, you can be listening to a kind of montuno, a tumbao’ on the piano and the minute it disappears and leaves a passage well classic, is Latin in classical music, had original themes, is a theme that is called sal-si-ta -so separated-, had songs by Ruben Blades, Ismael Rivera, very cool.

“She needed a rhythmic element and invited me to accompany them, two months later we recorded an album in a church”.

How do you feel about conducting one of the most popular bands in London, El Conjunto Sabroso?

“It has given me a lot of foundation and satisfaction, it was founded by Mrs. Luisa Elena Caicedo, since I arrived here I started to work with them, she listened to my references and called me to make substitutions, then I was their director and assistant director”.

With you, the saying goes… No one is a prophet in his own land

“I think that yes, many people have been prophets, but… after death or after many years -laughs-, I don’t know, at this moment it is so difficult to put a definition to this, although I believe that nobody is a prophet in his land”.

From whom or from whom has he taken his musical influence?

“There are several, the list is long, Carlos “Tabaco” Quintana, Orlando Poleo, Alberto Borregales, Alfredo Villamizar, Orestes Vilato, Tito Puente, Dave Wackel, Ray Barreto, Un Solo Pueblo, Guaco, Paquito de Rivera, Giovanni Hidalgo, Paoli Mejias whom I had the pleasure to meet and accompany, El Trabuco Venezolano, La Fania All Star, Irakere Orchestra, and Puerto Rican and New York Salsa, among many others”.

How has your musical growth been?

“I have learned a lot from each culture, from the Colombian, Cuban, Argentinean, African, knowing the folklore of other places teaches you a lot, sharing with people from all over makes you grow and learn every day, this is part of the particularity of my profession.”

How do you see the market right now, there is a great variety of music, everyone has their own style, what do you think of all this new, but sometimes not good?

“I don’t know if it’s taking a turn or not, the truth is that Europe is different, it has another kind of market, which is not that I’m involved, previously there were many festivals, pop and rock are the popular music of this country, but, reggaeton has been influenced by society, it has been injected with a lot of money, apart from the impact of social networks, it reaches more people, social networks have changed the way music is sold in the world.

“People are scared of reggaeton, for me it depends on who is doing it, the market has changed because of the networks, anyone makes music, anyone plagiarizes music from others, we are in a time of change and music does not escape from it.”

What do you think about tributes and copies, is the musician’s creativity running out?

“When people are alive it is always good to highlight their contribution to the world, there will always be a reference to someone, but it is good that people are creative, and there are the brazen ones who shoot the songs and put other lyrics on them, it is like winning people over with other people’s work”.

“The musical genius has not declined, what happens is that there are no promotions, people who do not do commercial work, it costs a little more to reach, fight against the great machines that bet on other things, musical geniuses are born for generations, are counted.”

The first production of the Conjunto Sabroso is entitled “Ya tengo lo que quería, realmente”

“You never get to have everything you want, but at that moment, we had what we wanted, in that production there are arrangements by Naty Martínez”.

Among your personal projects, which ones would stand out and what new proposals do you bring to the public?

“I was the founder of Ensamble Criollo, we still work with this, AfroAmerica Project, Wilmer Sifontes y Su Combo Caribe, Will Sifontes and his Latin Sound and I’m still working with Conjunto Sabroso as musical director, besides, I’m making a solo album, -let’s say it’s called Latin Jazz- it’s a mix of everything, of my musical career, I already have 3 numbers, there will be duets, quartets, guests, the production is going to be called “Handmade”.

If you were to choose between folklore and salsa

“I’ll take them both, they’re different loves, I still do folklore, salsa and fusions.”

What recommendation do you have for the relay generation

“My recommendation is that they prepare themselves, musically, but first of all their idiosyncrasy, we have to have very clear the bases of what we are and develop them with modern techniques and other elements from other countries, to have discipline, today it is easier to have the information, there are more institutes, the internet”.

By Eling Blanco, ISM Journalist Correspondent, Caracas, Venezuela

We continue working to enhance Salsa

This month I want to continue sharing good news for everyone in NY and in the Salsa world. On this occasion, Oscar Hernández and Spanish Harlem Orquesta join Spaha Salsa Gallery Museum. Oscar has donated an incredible piece that we will be exhibiting immediately.

Four times Grammy Award Winner, Oscar Hernández, has long been considered one of the most gifted and prominent pianist / arrangers on the contemporary Latin, Latin-jazz and salsa music scene. He has achieved legendary status for his prolific career spanning now over 40 years.

Hernández is the leader of the world renowned Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Won the Grammy for their second CD release, “Across 110th Street” and winning yet another Grammy with their 4th CD “Viva La Tradition” and won their 3rd Grammy with “Anniversary” in 2019. Oscar was the music producer as well as pianist / arranger on all CD’s.

Since the band’s inception in the year 2001, SHO has garnered numerous awards and world acclaim as one of the finest exponents of Salsa and Latin / Jazz music. Spanish Harlem Orchestra is generally considered one of the best Salsa & Latin Jazz Orchestras today and one of the finest music ensembles in the world.

The Bronx native has produced such artists as Ruben Blades, Paul Simon, Willie Colón “Carabali”, Daniel Ponce, Rafael Dejesus, Eddie Torres, Phil Hernandez, Steve Kroon, Juan Luis Guerra, etc.

In addition to being Rubén Blades pianist, arranger and musical director, Oscar Hernández has enjoyed a prolific musical career recording and performing with such world renown artists as Latin music king Tito Puente, Queen of Salsa Music Celia Cruz, Latin Pop Star Julio Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra, Ray Barreto, Earl Klugh, Dave Valentin, Johnny Pacheco, Ismael Miranda, Pete “Conde” Rodríquez, Oscar De’ Leon, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, “Libre” “Grupo Folkorico Experimental “, Willie Colón, Kirsty MacColl, etc. Oscar’s musical exploits include working as Musical Director / Conductor, arranging and producing the music for “The Capeman,” pop-rock icon Paul Simon’s Broadway musical.

Oscar is also the music producer of “The Capeman” cast recording. Oscar was Musical Director / Arranger for the hit shows “Quén Mató a Hector Lavoe” and “La Lupe” at the 47th Street Theater. He was also, Music Supervisor / Arranger for the show “Four Guys named Jose & Una Mujer named María” Oscar also has released 2 CD’s as a solo artist, Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre, titled “The Art of Latin Jazz” and “Love The Moment ”on Origin Records. It is a true honor to have the donation of an incomparable musician like him in our museum. Thanks, Oscar!

Another of the great figures of the Spanish Salsa Harlem Orchestra is Luisito Quintero, the timbalero from Venezuela. Luisito Quintero was born in Caracas, Venezuela where he had his first contact with music. Cultural influences of Afro-Venezuelan rhythms were always present at home. His father, a highly respected percussionist, taught and encouraged Luisito to play the timpani in his teens.

Quintero continued to refine his playing level with the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra, where his technique for playing the timpani soon caught the attention of his colleagues. Subsequently, he joined the popular music groups Guaco and the Trabuco Venezolano and traveled with Oscar D ‘León with whom he achievedan important international projection. The live performances, recordings and projects in which he has participated are countless.

He has made his mark as a percussionist with figures such as Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Richard Bona, Jack Dejonette, Willie Colón, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Nuyorican Soul, Masters at Work, and of course, The Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Luisito is part of the group Elements of life, with whom he has toured for the last years.

The band has shared stages with major artists in the market such as Robert Plant, Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, performing at festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, Roskilde in Denmark, Blue Note in Japan, Jazz Cafe in London, England and the legendary New Morning Cafe in Paris, France. Without a doubt, an impressive and worth mentioning career.

And if we are talking about incredible careers in this edition, I can’t stop talking about Adalberto Santiago and the new projects of the 60th anniversary with great artists of the genre. This his time I can tell you about Cuco Peña’s string arrangements, the participation of Nelson Jaimes and, of course, the help of my friend Freddy Miranda. At 83 years old, he is still in the rumba. There is less and less to show the world this historical piece for the world of salsa.

Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago - Salsa — Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago – Salsa

I also want to remember Raphy Leavitt, on the fifth anniversary of her death on August 5. In 1970 Leavitt organized an orchestra that should have a different sound and style. He wanted to select the repertoire of songs of the orchestra with a particular, positive, social and even philosophical message; and founded “La Selecta”. Since its inception, La Selecta has featured Coamo-born Sammy Marrero as one of its singers.

Marrero, who has always been strongly influenced by the music of the Puerto Rican jíbaro, had an opportunity to teach his dramatic singing style in his first hits as the almost hymn “Jíbaro Soy”, a very patriotic and unusual Puerto Rican song, “Payaso”, and “The Good Shepherd”. However, it is in the band’s signature song, “La Cuna Blanca,” that Marrero’s voice is for the most part associated.

In the 1990s, he established his record recording company, R.L. Records. The company’s first production was the album titled “Provocame,” which became a hit in Puerto Rico, the United States, and South America.

In 1978, Leavitt discovered a young singer named Tony Vega, who became a legend among salsa singers on his own merit. Raphy Leavitt and La Selecta were responsible for the introduction of salsa in many countries. Raphy passed away in Miami as a result of an operation of the hip prosthesis that had been installed due to an accident in 1972, and that he had become infected. Leavitt passed away in his sleep. Raphy will always be endorsers of the Salsa Museum with the clown suit of its 25th anniversary.

I also want to thank the constant and significant support for the Museum, from my friend Sully Díaz, who as endorser of the museum, is always working to promote and make our work reach more people. Sully was born in New York, the daughter of Sephardic parents from Puerto Rico. She began her career as a model, and at the age of 17 she began acting in Spanish soap operas, making herself a well-known figure on television in Puerto Rico.

In 1983 she became popular throughout Latin America with the role of Coralito, in the telenovela of the same name. From that moment on, Sully was known as “the queen of Puerto Rican soap operas.” In the early 1990s, Sully moved to Hollywood and appeared on various television shows as a guest star and worked on a few movies.

In the mid-1990s, Sully joined four other Latina women (Dyana Ortelli, Marilyn, Ludo Vika, and Lydia Nicole) in a comedy group called “The Hot & Spicey Mamitas”. They sold out at several Los Angeles comedy clubs. They recorded a CD live called simply The Hot & Spicey Mamitas.

In 2002 Sully appeared in the play La Lupe: My Life, My Destiny, in which she played the Cuban singer La Lupe. Shortly after the execution of this work, Sully made her own production of La Reina, La Lupe. This work toured all of Puerto Rico and was a great success in Florida. That same year, she starred in the Puerto Rican thriller “Cuéntame tu pena”, in which she plays Isadora, a radio host who receives a call from a woman who is killed while on the air.

In 2004 Sully toured with Gilberto Santa Rosa in a play called “The True Story of Pedro Navaja.” In 2009 Sully appeared in the movie Princess Protection Program as Reina Sofía, along with Selena Gómez and Demi Lovato.

Papo Rosario and Isidro Infante - Photo — Papo Rosario and Isidro Infante

Recently, Papo Rosario released his new single “Gracias” produced by arranger and musician Isidro Infante. Rosario appreciates being alive and being able to walk after being bedridden as a result of a car accident. Papo Rosario is a world-class artist who has put the name of Puerto Rico on high. Rosario, who retired in 2019 from the group considered the “University of Salsa”, El Gran combo de Puerto Rico, after having an accident and presenting health problems, affirms that he already feels ready to resume his musical career with the Launch of his first solo production by producer Isidro Infante. I wish you success in this new beginning.

The invitation to tune in to the new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com: Salsagallery continues. Great music, artist interviews and much more.

At the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum we are happy to affirm that New York City is preparing to resume its activities little by little. We hope to have more news soon and that we can return to normal soon.

By Johnny Cruz, ISM Correspondent, New York, New York City

You always can count with friends

Latin America / Puerto Rico

I want to congratulate Gilberto Santa Rosa for a great job done with his first Virtual concert “Canta Mundo” to inaugurate the Coca-Cola Music Hall in El Distrito, located near the Puerto Rico Convention Center, in Miramar.

Gilberto offered a magnificent a virtual live concert with his band of Puerto Rican musicians. This is the first time, since the emergency began in Puerto Rico due to the pandemic created by COVID-19, that this modern room was activated to present a live concert recorded live, especially for Rums of Puerto Rico, and that they have chosen such an extraordinary artist for the inauguration was without a doubt a great success.

After much expectation, the Coca Cola Music Hall had its opening in a totally different way than imagined, with a concert that did not have the presence of the public or applause between songs, due to the limitations imposed by the COVID pandemic- 19. Gilberto Santa Rosa was entrusted to offer the first recital in the space. Both the singer and his musicians took all possible security measures to prevent the spread of the disease, but obviously, without the use of masks that would prevent them from playing their instruments or singing.

The concert “Canta Mundo” continues online so that the millions of Gilberto fans throughout the world become intimate audiences in their favorite spaces, you will surely enjoy it. The event was exclusively presented by Rums of Puerto Rico, and can be seen through the social networks of Gilberto Santa Rosa, as well as those of Coca-Cola Music Hall and Rums of Puerto Rico.

Gilberto Santa Rosa and Johnny Cruz - friends — Gilberto Santa Rosa and Johnny Cruz

I send a warm greeting to my good friend Jerry Rivas, singer of “El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico” since April 19, 1977, who now shares hits and music with his son Gerardo Rivas. In 1977 Andy Montañez, the lead vocal of the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, announced his departure from the orchestra. Many saw the group debacle coming. When everyone expected to see an experienced singer, the always-wise director Rafael Ithier found a young singer to suit his group’s style.

The chosen one was a young man of just 21 years: Jerry Rivas. A shy Jerry Rivas presented himself with a cassette recorded with the music of the first groups that he joined for a short time, the musicians of the Gran Combo, looked at him suspiciously. Ithier, with his traditional good humor, contained his musicians with these words: “you rest easy, it is a black painted white”.

On April 19, 1977, Jerry began singing with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Jerry Rivas’ first performance was “Buscando Ambiente” at El Club Caborrojeño de Guaynabo and his first international success was “La Clave y el Bongó”. Rivas, self-taught and who in addition to singing plays guitar, cuatro and cuban tres guitar, remembers that as a young man he was a rocker, but he was struck by the joy that the members of the Gran Combo projected in their dances and choreography.

In his long career with El Gran Combo, Jerry Rivas, has become a renowned sonero and one of the oldest members of the Universidad de la Salsa, has recorded 30 albums with the group and many of the greats were recorded in his voice. hits from the orchestra, such as “Y No Hago Más Na”, “El Menú”, “Azuquita pa’l Café”, “Que me lo Den en Vida”, “Ojitos Chinos”, “Me Liberé”, among many others. The Gran Combo was the key to success for Jerry, who thanks Quique Lucca, founder of Sonora Ponceña, for his recommendation that Ithier give him the opportunity to audition. His talent was passed on to his sons, who became Los Rockolos as children.

Gilberto Santa Rosa Concert Without Public

Today, Gerardo begins his solo career, and Jerry Junior together with Samuel conducts the Los Rivas Orchestra organized more than a decade ago. Gerardo always affirms that no matter how many differences they may have, music unites them. He revealed on some occasion that his father did not want him to dedicate his life to popular music due to the strong and unstable environment, the risks and swings of the artistic world.

However, when Jerry looks at them during rehearsals and on stage, he is proud and always advises them to be responsible, avoid the negative and assimilate the positive. Recently, the vocalist of El Gran Combo joined with his son, also singer Gerardo Rivas, and his grandson Gerardo Gabriel to carry a musical message to his followers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).

The trio came together to perform a classic by the legendary salsa orchestra, Mente Positiva. “In difficult times, the best we can do is carry a positive message,” wrote Gerardo, also a member of NG2, in his social media. Rivas father was in charge of the Cuban tres guitar, Gerardo Gabriel of the key and the maracas and Rivas son interpreted the theme. It is not the first time that they have joined this quarantine to delight their followers with a musical number.

I applaud the initiative of Pedro Oggie García as CEO of Salsa Artist Booking Entertainment Group (SAB), who with his daily work supports all the salseros in the world at SalsaArtistBooking.com. SAB is the company specialized in the digital coding of music, administration, promotion and representation of Artists of the Salsa genre, With an experience of more than 30 years in the media and with relationships worldwide, always characterized by our responsibility, seriousness and compliance.

Using their experience, international relations and positioning, they will make your musical work a success. Always taking care of their interests and rights, trying to take the artists and their music where their public requires it. Contact them +1 956-442-0099

I would like to share with you my admiration for José Mangual Jr. “El Campanero Mayor”, who is an American percussionist, of Puerto Rican origin, son of also percussionist José Mangual Sr. He was born in New York on January 11, 1948 and has a trajectory of almost half a century in Salsa.

His contribution to this genre began in the mid-sixties in his native city, when he joined the group of Monguito Santamaría, son of the great percussionist Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría. He also played with La Conspiración. He was part of Tony Pabón’s band, which marked the beginning of his role as a singer. On the LP “La protesta”, recorded in 1972 for the Rico Records label, José Mangual Jr. sang the song “San Miguel”.

In 1971 he joined the Willie Colón band, and since the singer was Héctor Lavoe, José participated in the best and biggest albums recorded by that great duo. Mangual Jr. also recorded with Rubén Blades on some of the most representative albums in the Panamanian singer’s musical career. His talent has allowed him to be making simultaneous recordings with other groups, musicians and singers, such as Ismael Miranda, Mon Rivera, Frankie Dante, Ismael Quintana, Celia Cruz and the Willard Orchestra, conducted by Willie Pastrana.

In 1977 he launched as a soloist, recording with his own group the album titled Tribute To Chano Pozo, and so far, he has around twenty of his own albums. These are added to almost thirty recordings with Willie Colón, Rubén Blades and Héctor Lavoe. But they are only part of the huge list of his recordings with other orchestras, musicians and singers. His meritorious career has allowed him to travel to many countries of the world alongside countless great musicians and singers, and become an example of dedication and love for music.

This has also allowed him to make friends around the world who admire, love, respect; and be with him in important moments, triumphs, defeats and also in goodbyes … José Mangual Jr. lost his grandson Tyrell Bryant a few weeks ago to the covid-19. I extend my heartfelt words of condolence for such an irreparable loss, and reiterate my unconditional support for the entire family at this difficult time. You are not alone! I dedicate special tribute to his grandson Tyrell Bryant who always be present in our hearts. RIP 04/04/1992 – 04/18/2020.

My friends, I need you know that we continue working hand in hand with prominent artists from New York and Puerto Rico on the CD dedicated to maestro Adalberto Santiago on his 60th Anniversary. I promise to have more details about this fantastic musical production very soon.

I appreciate the support of Carl Cristiano, L&S Custom Tailors and cKc for my TV Show outfits and my public performances. Tailored suits with total care and confidence. Contact them, I recommend them with pleasure. www.LSTailors.com. Address: 138 E 61st Street Suite 201. New York, NY 10065. Phone: +1 212 752 16 38.

Don’t forget tune in to my new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com: Salsagallery. Great music, artist interviews and much more made with love for you all. There is the link: https://live365.com/station/a77973

Although yet It will not be possible to open to the public the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029, you can see the entire exhibition with more than 200 articles through our social media. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

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New York City is slowly returning to normal. We hope to be sharing with you physically again, but now we follow the instructions of the authorities to keep us safe and healthy.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505. [email protected].

By Johnny Cruz, ISM Correspondent, New York, New York City

A walk through the history of Latin music in the United States

Latin music has been of great influence for singers in training and, without a doubt, marked the lives of its pioneers. Some born in Spanish-speaking countries and others with descent from these lands have not been able to put aside the flavor that has been inherited to them. There are those who affirm that these tropical and Caribbean rhythms are carried in the veins and it is very difficult to get rid of these roots.

The arrival of Latinos in the United States also implied the arrival of their customs and culture. Latin music is considered to be a large number of genres, including: salsa, merengue, bachata, bolero, bossa nova, reggaeton, rumba, ranchera, cumbia, tango, among others.

Photo of Latinamerican Festival at Nagoya in Golden Week

Latinamerican Festival at Nagoya in Golden Week

How did Latin music begin to enter the United States?

Latin American music has influenced American music, starting from jazz to country music. Many bands added congas, percussion, or maracas to their instruments as they were drawn to the result these elements brought.

Starting in 1940, the music of Latin America, which still did not have a specific term, covered a greater number of audiences in the United States; international radio networks broadcast different themes of the time. In addition, they featured different Mexican bolero musicians such as Alfredo Antonini, Néstor Mesta Chayres, Eva Garza and Juan Arvizu. In the 1940s the US also heard the “Calypso” with great acceptance.

It was not until the 1950s that the term “Latin music” became popular, seeking to establish a difference between Afro-American and Afro-Latin American rhythms. Some artists marked this musical fusion to a greater extent, making the best of Latin music known on American soil. During the 1950s, music brought to the north from the island of Cuba, such as mambo, cha-cha, and rumba, was very popular. As well as the famous Mexican songs: rancheras and mariachis.

Some Latino artists who marked the history of Latin music in the United States Tito Puente was an American percussionist with Dominican origins remembered for his participation in worldwide jazz, Cuban music and salsa. In 1950 he helped promote the genre of mambo and cha-cha. His album “Dance Manía” was considered the most famous by the artist, it was one of the most heard among the Latino community in the US The album also set a precedent by being recorded in Spanish, generally, Latin albums were in English or with instrumental songs. It was Tito Puente who broke with this tradition.

At the beginning of the 20th century, tango touched American soil. Then, in the 70s, the Argentine Astor Piazzolla gave something to talk about by demonstrating his passion for the genre and revolutionizing what was known until that moment. Piazzolla was born in Mar de Plata but lived in New York from a very young age. It definitely changed the way of looking at music that was long marginalized, it was considered the music of the working class. The singer made mixtures between tango, jazz and contemporary classical music. His songs were a great success and were famous in bars of the time.

It was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that the term “salsa” began to become known. Afro-Caribbean musicians mixed Cuban dance with influences from jazz, Caribbean music, and American rhythms. Although in previous decades it had already had its beginnings, it was in the streets of New York where it was consolidated as a commercial success.

Photo by Celia Cruz and Tito Puente

Celia Cruz and Tito Puente – Latin music

Salsa launched artists who are now legends to stardom, such as: Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Johnny Pacheco, among others.

Between the 1970s and 1990s, Dominican immigrants to the United States continued, especially to New York City, and promoted genres such as merengue and bachata. Juan Luis Guerra was one of the great exponents of both styles.

In the 90s, Selena mixed the Texan aesthetic with pop, giving her the title of the highest representative of the genre.

Entering the 2000s

In this decade, Latin rhythms continued to set the trend. Singers like Rubén Blades returned with songs that promised to be hits in the country.

At the end of 1999 Marc Anthony surprised his followers with an album of the same name. Although he was already known in the salsa genre, he decided to try other styles. With the intention of reaching the Anglo market, he is encouraged to sing in English. “I Need To Know” is a cha-cha song that quickly became popular in the United States. For eleven weeks it remained in the top North American positions, ranking in the Top 10 on the Billboard. The Spanish version won the Grammy for the best Latin song of the year 2000.

Marc Anthony was one of the artists who marked this decade in the US That same year a compilation of his best salsa songs went on sale, which he called: “Desde el principio”. With these successes to his credit within this country, he set out to make an important tour of the United States. Canada and Central America. Madison Square Garden in New York was overflowing with fans who wanted to hear this American singer but who positioned himself as the leader of a Latin genre.

Photo by Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony

The opening of “I Need To Know” appeared in the Nissan Versa commercial in the United States and in 2009 it also featured in an American Dad chapter, an American television series; thus giving greater projection to this genre throughout the North American territory.

During this decade, salsa and Latin music in general ended up positioning themselves in the United States.

In 2002 Blades launched his album “Mundo”, becoming one of the most popular in the United States. In fact, it won a Grammy. The album contained a mix of various rhythms and instruments. The artist wanted to create a fusion of cultures and musicians from different countries. “Estampa” was a subject with great acceptance as it evoked the Afro-Cuban influence in New York music.

By the year 2000, there were already music channels and with them the projection of emerging talents who in many cases did not speak the English language. The dynamics of these channels focused on the public, who chose which songs and videos were to be played, giving the opportunity to many young, little-known artists. They were also considered a springboard for the singers of the season and the Latin movement in general.

A movement that is here to stay

Latin music had come to continue making history and it was time to give it greater merit within the American spectacle.

Today, Latin singers, songwriters, and bands are innumerable. Latin music continues to gain space in the United States and more and more artists are achieving success within its borders. In addition, the endless awards that enhance their work in the industry.

Ruben Blades - Mundo

Ruben Blades – Mundo

The consumption of these musical rhythms has increased throughout the American territory. Latinos and followers of this genre have gained space over the years; they can enjoy nightspots, live music, festivals, concerts and much more. Long live Latin America and its people! Long live the United States and the countries that have opened their doors to Latin music

Honor to whom honor is due – Johnny Cruz

This month I hope to be able to pay tribute to great figures of our Latin music, who have worked tirelessly for years to make our music very high.

I want to greet my great friend Larry Harlow and wish him a speedy recovery. Larry Harlow is an American artist and performer, composer and producer of Cuban son, Montuno, Afro-Cuban jazz, mambo, guaracha, cha-cha, and salsa, hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Harlow, who is known for his mix of Afro-Cuban jazz and piano playing styles, studied music in the 1950s in Cuba, but was unable to complete his studies before the 1959 Cuban Revolution, forcing him to leave the island.

The Harlow Orchestra was the first to sign with Fania Records, Harlow has also produced more than 106 albums by various artists and more than 50 albums of his own authorship, in addition to those he produced for Fania. Among his most popular albums were “Abran Paso” and “Tributo a Arsenio Rodríguez” with Ismael Miranda as the vocalist. He also appeared with La Fania All-Stars, in the film, Nuestra Cosa Latina.

Harlow recorded one of his most momentous albums in just two days. Under the simple title of Salsa, it pays homage to the Cuban roots of tropical music, combining the sound of trumpets and trombones with two violins that evoke the aesthetics of the charanga of groups such as Orquesta Aragón.

With “The portfolio”, a version of a song by Arsenio Rodríguez, Harlow finds his greatest success. Thanks to the singers Adalberto Santiago and Junior González, the nickname “the wonderful Jew” arises. In 1972, salsa was in full swing. Larry Harlow, meditates on a musical concept for the Afro-Caribbean music market. Inspired by the success of the Anglo-Saxon opera, “Tommy”, Harlow was preparing for the launch of a similar concept, aimed at the salsa market.

For 1973 the opera Hommy, using the lyrics of Heny Álvarez, tells the story of a boy who, although blind and deaf, had a great talent for percussion. The outstanding musicians of the time and singers such as Justo Betancourt, Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto Santiago, Junior González, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez and Celia Cruz joined.

The combination of musicians and voices achieved its goal with a recording that established a lecture in the history of Afro-Caribbean music with a radiant exhibition that captured the airwaves and the imagination of the salsa audience. The songs “Es un Varón”, “El Día De Navidad”, “Quirinbomboro”, “Gracia Divina”, “Cari-Caridad” and “Soy Sensacional” were undoubted radio hits that became themes of dance and discussion among all the salseros.

It was the first time that an opera, Spanish-speaking, and in the salsa guild, was directed to the populace. Salsa got dressed up and that legacy opened the doors for the Afro-Caribbean musical tradition to now visit the most prestigious venues in the world.

That is the legacy of “Hommy”, one of the best recordings of the time, which brought together the best musicians of the moment in an expression that transcended time; and, in turn, he brought Celia Cruz to the salsa market and placed her in a seat of honor which she never left. But more importantly, “Hommy” took Salsa to a new place among audiences. What a contribution from Larry Harlow!

I also want to send my regards and appreciation to Ralph Irizarry. Recognized as one of the timpanists with the greatest “swing”, Ralph Irizarry has a distinctive style that has allowed him to leave an indelible mark in the groups where he has played. Born in Harlem Latino New Yorker, Ralph is a self-taught musician who learned his trade by listening to his brother’s records and the music of his idols in nightclubs, where he used to sneak into when he was 16 years old.

His family moved to Puerto Rico when Ralph was in his teens; There he acquired his first professional experiences with La Terrífica, El Gran Combo, La Sonora Ponceña and many other groups. After three years on the island, Ralph returned to New York, where he began playing with local groups.

One winter night in 1978, he met the legendary Ray Barreto at Manhattan’s Corso Nightclub and began a productive working relationship that would result in five extraordinary recordings. Ralph has recorded with David Byrne, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Earl Klugh, Juan Luis Guerra, Cachao, Celia Cruz and Yomo Toro, although he is widely recognized for his musical relationship with Rubén Blades and Seis Del Solar, with whom he remained. recording and performing internationally for 13 years.

His musical contributions have also been fundamental in the recording of two Latin jazz albums made by Seis del Solar for the Messidor Records label. Currently, he is one of the most sought after musicians who has kept working on commercials and film and television soundtracks.

His charisma also allowed him to develop an unexpected acting career: he acted in The Mambo Kings, playing the role of Pito Fernández. In the summer of 1996, Ralph participated along with Tito Puente in the show Master Timbaleros, presented at S.O.B.’s in New York. This historic concert was the culmination of 26 years of dedication, practice, and love of music. He founded the group Timbalaye, a septet with a strong big band sound.

The group combines contemporary Latin jazz with diverse tropical rhythms (timba and songo) and traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms (bomba, cha cha chá and son montuno). Their innovative sound has allowed the group to perform weekly at various venues in New York. Among his most recent projects is a recording at Birdland for a compilation to be released by the RCA Records label. Timbalaye is considered the force of Latin jazz. My hug and respect to you Ralph!

I am happy to express my gratitude and admiration to a powerful woman, Director of Taínos Tower and Vice President of the Museum of Salsa: María Cruz.

María Cruz was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico. In 1966 she came to New York looking for new opportunities. While studying at Manhattan Community College, she began working with the East Harlem Pilot Block Redevelopment Project. Although she may have had no idea at the time, that job was the beginning of her career as a community activist and advocate for social services. As a community worker at the East Harlem Pilot Block, she helped design and offer a tenant orientation in preparation for the occupation at Taino Towers.

Later, she became a Building Representative and worked with tenants regarding apartment issues, rent, social service issues, and Section 8. Maria Cruz has been involved in many community activities:

From 1984 to 1989; She served as president of the Tenants Association of her apartment building. She was vice president of the East Harlem Little League Baseball organization. In her spare time, she organized bus trips for neighborhood children to amusement parks and ball games. Encouraged and assisted several tenants to return to school and continue their education, so that they can be trained and empowered to return to the workforce and leave Public Assistance. Ms. Cruz earned her RAM (Registered Apartment Manager) certificate from NYU and is registered as a Certified Leasing Professional.

Currently, Ms. Cruz is the Executive Director of ARCO Management Inc. / Taino Towers. She has always been a strong activist for the community. In the summer of 1999, Ms. Cruz organized the first annual Taino Family Day. Day in which all residents and members of the East Harlem community participate and celebrate a day of unity. On Taino Family Day, residents rent “kioscos” food stalls and sell various ethnic foods, dance to the rhythm of various musical bands, and children enjoy activities such as face painting, puppet theater, and a petting zoo.

Each year, Ms. Cruz focuses on a different topic such as: education, music, tributes, and family values. As Executive Director, one of her greatest accomplishments was the renovation of the Touro College building. She is currently a board member of the East Harlem Council for Human Services and works closely with local politicians and representatives.

In 2002, Ms. Cruz along with Irving “Magic” Johnson opened the Magic Johnson Computer Learning Center. This program provides computer classes to Taino Towers and the East Harlem Community. As Executive Director, she was also able to oversee the completion of the Senior Park at Taino Towers.

In the summer of 2003, voted by the majority of the tenants, the Park for the elderly was renamed the Maria Cruz Park for the elderly. In September 2019, she was honored with the Eugenio María de Hostos Award from the Puerto Rican National Association for her commitment to the East Harlem Community. People like Mrs. Cruz are exemplary citizens of the Latino community in the United States, and in New York.

Do not stop listening to the new single: “Gracias”, and the first solo production of Papo Rosario, produced by the arranger and musician Isidro Infante. Rosario is grateful to be alive and to be able to walk after being bedridden as a result of a car accident. Papo Rosario is a world-class artist who has put the name of Puerto Rico high. Rosario, withdrew in 2019 from the group considered the “university of salsa”, El Gran combo de Puerto Rico, after having an accident and presenting health problems. Now, he affirms that he already feels ready to resume his musical career with the launch of his first solo production by producer Isidro Infante. Much success in this new stage.

I highly recommend that you follow the track of Quintero’s Salsa Project, a Venezuelan salsa group based in New York, nominated for a Latin Grammy and led by cousins Luisito and Roberto Quintero, released an album in which they pay tribute to the work of La Dimensión Latina, the orchestra that represented a before and after in the history of this musical genre in Venezuela.

The band wanted to go back to the 60s to remember that particular style with which La Dimensión Latina championed Venezuelan salsa: “Many of the world’s salsa players and Venezuelans identify with this rhythm. We, the Quintero, have always been loyal fans of these great teachers. With this album we wish to pay tribute to those who today are a world icon of salsa ”, they said through their networks. “Ya tú lo verás”, promotional single from the album composed by Oscar D’León, was arranged by the legendary trombonist and director of La Dimensión Latina, César Monges, better known as “Albóndiga”.

The album is the second released by Quintero’s Salsa Project, following their debut project, Nuestro Hogar, which was nominated for the 2019 Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album. In that same ceremony, Luisito Quintero, one of the great Venezuelan percussionists who make a professional life in the United States, received the gramophone as a member of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, which was recognized for his Anniversary album as Best Latin Tropical Album. Quintero is also a member of the group of the great pianist Chick Corea. Do not miss it!

The invitation to tune in to the new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com continues: Salsagallery. Good music, interviews with the artists and much more.

At the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum we are happy to say that we are gradually returning to our activities and we will be opening the gallery sporadically. We do not stop, we continue to work for our music and we will always keep you informed through our social networks. We hope to have more news shortly and that we can return to normal soon.