Search Results for: Rubén Blades

Jhon Semeco

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Musical rhythms always attracted and encouraged Jhon Semeco, from a very young age, at the age of 9 he entered the Venezuela Children’s Choir and later the Rondallita, by then he was already singing on television and recording albums, however, his passion was Salsa which is one of the rhythms that he liked the most.

He mentions that “Salsa won among all the musical rhythms because it is in the blood and in the genes, we are Latinos with warm blood, we grew up with flavor and tumbao, it is impossible not to move our feet to the rhythm of a tumbao, the chapeo of a timpani, to the mark of the key and the mintune of the piano, impossible not to give in to the cadence of the bass, the trill of the metals and the voice with the feeling of a singer”.

He was listening to Rubén Blades, Willy Colon, Héctor Lavoe, Latin Dimension, La Salsa Mayor, Ismael Ribera, Estrellas de Fania and the Venezuelan trabuco, among other well-known salsa groups and artists.

Jhon Semeco with Luis Enrique, Juan Carlos Perez Soto and Fernando Osorio

The artist career is a long and difficult path that they follow, but few achieve success and it is thanks to their great will, struggle and desire to be recognized for their music that they manage to perform, in addition, Jhon Semeco refers that the support and encouragement of moving forward was given to him by friends, artists and colleagues, in this way he achieves perseverance, dedication, determination, seriousness, professionalism, study, love and passion for what he does, thus achieving respect and credibility, thus obtaining the convening power in this music environment.

He is currently creating a new Salsa Romántica album, which he will call “Propias y Ajenas”, this arises at the request of his friends and colleagues, since after writing for many artists and orchestras such as La Dimensión Latina, La Salsa Mayor, Los Satélites , the Combo de Venezuela, The Sopranos, Marcial Izturiz, Wladimir Lozano, among many others…

Decided to sing his songs, accompanied by great composers whom he admires and respects, and whom at some point he saw very far away and today life rewards him by being his friends, giving him the opportunity to interpret his songs, they are nothing more and nothing less than Jorge Luis Piloto, Pedro Azael, Yasmil Marrufo, Alfredo Matheus 10, Juan Carlos Pérez Soto, Enrique Barrios, and Luis Romero, all GRAMMY winners.

It is worth mentioning that they are the ones who write for stars like Marc Anthony, Luis Miguel, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Enrique, Franky Ruiz, Roberto Roena, Jerry Rivera, Olga Tañon, Ricardo Montaner, Luis Fonsi, Cristina Aguilera, Ricky Martín, Cristian Castro , Carlos Baute, Prince Royce, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Celia Cruz, Tito Nieves, Mariah Carey, Oscar de León, José Luis Rodríguez, Paulina Rubio, and other well-known artists. Now Jhon with his new album has the privilege of singing songs composed by himself and songs by his friends thanks to friendship and mutual admiration.

Jhon Semeco - Cover — Jhon Semeco – Cover

“Propias y Ajenas” will have 1 song for each of them, and the rest are songs of their own written with all their heart, most of them are experiences lived or seen in others, this is how the title of their album came about.

We asked him to know what he recommends to all the new talents who are in the process of training and who are in the arduous struggle to stand out in this environment, and this is how he replied:

“I recommend that you study, that you prepare, that you listen and learn from the best, whatever your musical style, that you say NO to mediocrity, that you have personality and not a copy of another, that you understand that putting on a hat reverse, dark glasses and chains does not make them an artist, that they strive to make good music and not songs with repetitive rhythms and lyrics”

For more information, you can contact him through:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rumbandajhon
Correo: [email protected]

Jhon Semeco - soundtracks tv novels — Jhon Semeco – soundtracks tv novels

Jose Bello, The Salsa Tycoon

North America / USA / New York

Jose Manuel Bello Suazo, better known as José Bello “El Cantautor”, a Dominican artist of international stature with several awards and achievements worldwide.

Jose Bello, born on April 6 in the city of Santo Domingo, who from an early age showed a deep love for music, making his first performances in kindergarten and elementary school. As a teenager, he moved to New York where he met Carlos Castillo, a member of internationally known bands such as Machito y su Orquesta, Joe Cuba y su Sexteto, Tito Rodríguez y su Orquesta. From that moment on, Bello formalized his start in the world of music by forming “El Sexteto Latino” together with Carlos Castillo.

Baila que Baila is known as his first musical recording with maestro Julio Gutiérrez, after that he recorded four record productions with the owners of LA CHARANGA AMERICA. His first full-length album emerged in the 70’s, with the record company “Lo mejor records” with songs of his own inspiration. But, it was in his third record production, where he decides to add songs with a title in another language, entitled “Blue Bossa”

José Bello manages to start his own record label in partnership with Mr. Aldemar Barona, who titled it “B&B Records Presents José Bello”, containing compositions by both members. In the fifth record production, which was established as the owner Jose Bello, El Cantautor, where only the La Salsa Magnate’s own productions are found.

After that, it was decided to record the first DVD recorded live in the city of Medellin, Colombia, becoming known around the world.

In the last 10 years, José Bello has taken his music to all parts of the world, receiving great acceptance from the European, American and Latin American public. Sharing the stage with great personalities such as Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oscar D’Leon, Marc Anthony, Tito Nieves, among many more.

At International Salsa Magazine, we were able to chat with this incredibly talented artist.

Below is the interview:

How was your first presentation? Did you know after that that music would be your passion?

In the kindergarten of the La miraculous school they had parties and they had a stage where I sang constantly and even had choirs that accompanied me and also acted, since I can remember, my passion is music.

How did you and Carlos Castillo meet? Did you know about his career before?

I met Carlos Castillo, because my mom lived in the house next to him and she talked to Carlos’s mom about me and they both agreed to introduce me, I had no idea who he was, until I met him.

What inspired you to compose those songs?

The experience of life and the gift that I always knew I had to compose, at any time.

Tell us a little about Aldemar Barona, what year did you decide to start with the label?

My great friend Aldemar Barona always went to my presentations and when the contract ended with the best record, we decided to make our own record label in the late 80s, early 90s.

Was this performance during a tour? What album were you promoting? Where could that DVD be purchased?

Exclusive record. He hired me to make that DVD in the mid 90s and you could get it online, or at the Musical 90 record store in Jackson Hghts Queens New York

All these artists are well known worldwide and having been able to share stages with them speaks volumes about your incredible talent and career. Which of these artists would you say is your greatest inspiration or example?

As I said before, my inspiration is a divine gift, I love all my colleagues very much, I respect and admire them, some started before me, others are from my generation and others became famous after my love, and I respect music, They have moderated me as I am and have led me to feel fulfilled in what I do, blessed and immensely happy.

Where would you like to present yourself in the next opportunity?

I would like to personally take my art to some countries that I have not visited to this day, such as Mexico, Peru, Panama, Canada, Japan, Chile, and Argentina.

What comes next in the life of José Bello, El Cantautor?

Make my new recording, already as JOSE BELLO EL MAGNATE DE LA SALSA 40 ANIVERSARIO and finish negotiating my next tours, to Central Europe and South America.

Where does his nickname El Magnate de La Salsa come from?

On July 23, 2017, I married the designer Patricia González on the largest luxury yacht in New York called “Infinity”, around 2000 people and with two orchestras. Tito Nieve with his orchestra and my orchestra. The ceremony was on the high seas.

Jose Bello, Jose Bello, The Salsa Tycoon — Jose Bello, The Salsa Tycoon

When in Mexico they found out about my marriage, they wrote to congratulate me and told me “Now you are the salsa magnate” I was surprised and asked them why? and they told me “Only Arab Magnates get married on the high seas on a luxury yacht” I liked the idea.

I always hear that in music there are kings, princes, knights, but there are no tycoons and I think that because of the explanation of the Mexicans, I am the tycoon of salsa.

Nicaraguan composer and pianist Donald Vega’s hard-luck story

The character’s story we are going to talk about today is extremely fascinating, since the challenges he has had to endure did not prevent him from becoming the great musician he is now. We are talking about Donald Vega and the inspiration he is for those who believe their dreams and goals impossible to achieve.

Donald and his piano — Nicaraguan composer and pianist Donald Vega and his piano

Donald Vega and his interesting story

Donald Vega is a composer and jazz pianist born in Masaya, Nicaragua, whose family has had musicians for several generations. His grandfather, Don Alberto Gutiérrez Laguna was a composer and multi-instrumentalist and had a love for music that was passed down through his children as they grew older. This was the case of his uncle, Tránsito Gutiérrez, who was honored in 2022 at the Rubén Dario National Theater for his great artistic career.

Tránsito was one of the great inspirations for his nephew to become interested in music and play the piano at the tender age of three, guided only by his ear. His grandfather Alberto, seeing this, wanted to teach his grandson Donald to read music and prepare him as well as possible for the future. As part of this preparation, he attended the conservatory to study the greatest exponents of classical music such as Beethoven, Chopin and Mozart.

Unfortunately, his parents quickly understood that the country was not safe for their son to pursue his dreams.

Challenges of adolescence

At that time, 15- and 16-year-olds were forced to join the Nicaraguan army, so his mother left the Central American country to find a way to get him and his siblings out of there and give them a better future far from armed conflict. Something that struck him at that time was that there were many wakes in his neighborhood where the body was not even present, but some parts of the military uniform such as the helmet or boots. This led his mother to want to get her son out of the country, so she got him a visa to go to Mexico so he could cross the land border into the United States with his godmother.

Donald and Poncho — Donald Vega when playing with Poncho Sanchez some years ago

His first stop was Los Angeles, where he joined his mother and applied for political asylum. At that moment, he did not have any resources to buy instruments, but he received a scholarship at a conservatory where he got much support to train properly despite the want of money.

While in school, a music teacher heard him play the piano and invited him to participate in a national music competition in Los Angeles where he won first place and was given 5000 dollars and a piano as a gift. It can be said that this was his official start in the world of music, so he is very grateful to have participated in the competition.

Sometime later, he received a scholarship to study at the Manhattan School of Music in New York and the Juilliard School of Music, of which he is now a music teacher.

Golden Striker Trio

The opportunity to belong to the Golden Striker Trio is described by Donald as incredible, since it has been a fascinating experience with an interesting beginning.

It all started when a Ron Carter’s student at Juilliard, with whom Donald made a recording together in New Orleans to be shown to Professor Carter to determine what aspects needed to be improved. Carter was so fascinated with Donald that he asked to meet him and talk with him to learn more about his work.

When they met, the professor proposed the artist to watch him live in one of his performances. After that, he had him come to his home to tell him that he was giving him the opportunity to participate in his Golden Striker Trio as a pianist, since the previous one wanted to dedicate more time to his own group. Donald has been working with Carter and his group for more than 15 years and is very grateful for what he has achieved and learned.

Donald, Ron, and Russell — Donald Vega, maestro Ron Carter, and guitarist Russell Malone from Golder Striker Trio

Backcountry Jazz

Backcountry Jazz is a non-profit organization that seeks to support talented youngsters with limited resources to achieve their dreams in the music industry. Donald has become part of this noble initiative motivated by the teachings of his parents, who have always told him to be generous and give of his time to others. It is for this same reason that he also teaches at the Juilliard School of Music, since sharing his time and knowledge with others gives him an incredible satisfaction.

Due to the situation he himself experienced with lack of money and instruments in order to get ahead in his passion, he understands perfectly how children and young people who do not have the resources to be successful with music feel, so he seeks to give them a hand through this organization and his mentoring.

Grammy Nomination for As I Travel

Donald talks about ”As I Travel” as a description of the path he had to pass to become the musician he is today. He was also inspired by his journey across more than 44 countries he has visited with different musicians including, of course, Ron Carter.

The whole album is inspired by his experiences. An example of that is ”Baila! Dance Like No One’s Watching”, which is inspired by the happiness of those around him, especially his son, his biggest inspiration for writing the song. It is a celebration of life, family and his countrymen in Nicaragua.

Donald and Ruben — Rubén Blades and Donald Vega posing for the camera

Another example worthy of mention is ”I Know I can Fly”, which was inspired by the host of challenges he faced upon arrival to the United States and the whole process of adapting to the country, its lifestyle, its climate and its language. It was also inspired by his determination to succeed despite all the challenges he faced along the way.

Virgilio Martí was an excellent rumbero and composer of the classic “Cuba Linda” where he was vocalist and percussionist in Grupo Folklorico Experimental Newyorkino

Virgilio Martí, born in 1919 in Havana, Cuba.

Fine Rumbero, Singer, Composer, Arranger, Percussionist, Actor and Orchestra Director well known since the late 40’s, especially as a guaguancó singer.

He began touring the world in 1949 and met his later wife in 1960 in Peru.

That same year, he settled in New York, participating in the local scene. He participated in the LP “Patato y Totico” in 1967, he also participated with his brother Eloy Martí in a Quintet accompanied by Gene Golden for the year 1979.

Israel López (Cachao), Arsenio Rodríguez, Héctor Cadavieco, Francisco Valdés, Papaíto, Tony Mayari and Mario Cadavieco also worked on that album.

He participated in the “Grupo Folklórico Experimental Newyorkino” where he was their vocalist and percussionist in 1975. During his stay with them, he composed the song “Cuba Linda”.

Another work of Martí of great remembrance is the album titled: “Saludando A Los Rumberos” published by the Caimán label in the early 80’s and in which the Cuban acts as vocalist and main star.

In it Martí is involved with talents such as: Tony Cofresí, Andy and Jerry González, Yomo Toro, Paquito Pastor, Ray Romero, Claudio Roditti and Ignacio Berroa, among others.

“Iya Modapue” is in itself a guaguancó with open rumba, being at the same time the favorite number of the ‘Grupo Folklórico’, and even the first groove to be recorded.

The levels of experimentation and the freedom to unload several rhythms in a single musical performance are the factors producing the attraction of the musicians for “Iya Modupue” (which means Thank You Mother).

The vocal part is in the hands of Virgilio Martí. The trumpet of “Chocolate” Armenteros, the trombones of José Rodríguez and Reinaldo Jorge, the flute of Gonzalo Fernández and the percussion of Frankie Rodríguez stand out.

“Se Me Olvidó” a bolero by Lolita de la Colina but adapted in guaguancó to the style of the Grupo Folklórico, which, by the way, turned out to be the piece of greatest radio diffusion in the tropical environment and therefore, the one that would open the doors to the group.

The song was interpreted by Virgilio Martí, who also plays the congas. In “Se Me Olvidó”, the violin of Cuban Alfredo de la Fe, the quinto of Julito Collazo, the street redoblante of Jerry González and a Mexican marimba played by Andy González in counterpoint to the notes of the double bass, also played by Andy, stand out. Here it is worth mentioning that Alfredo de la Fe is a virtuoso violinist and among his many performances, I remember his work with Eddie Palmieri, Larry Harlow (the wonderful Jew), the Fania All-Stars and the avant-garde Típica 73.

In the early 80’s he formed a band with brothers Andy and Jerry González, and percussionist Ignacio Berroa.

It is worth mentioning Virgilio Martí’s 1985 performance in the film by Cuban filmmaker León Ichaso entitled “Crossover Dreams” (Sueños truncados).

In it, the Havana native plays the role of “Cheo Babalú” and vocalizes the song “Llora Timbero”.

In that film production made in New York City, he also participates with actor Rubén Blades, who plays the role of “Rudy Veloz”, where they sing the song “Todos Vuelven”.

In 1990, he contributed to the “Soundtrack” of the movie Azucar Amarga.

He maintained a great skill in converting songs from other genres into rumba arrangements.

We can mention the adaptation of the theme of the Brazilian composer Jorge Ben, “Más Que Nada” in which he appears on the LP with Patato and Totico.

Martí died on October 17, 1995.

Virgilio Marti – Guaguanco (1979)

Tracks:

Amanecer (Armando Manzanero)
Todos vuelven (Rafael Otero)
A tus pies (D.R.) (Agustin Lara)
My childhood (Laureano Martinez)
Saluting the rumberos (Manolo Albo)
I’m going to divide it (R. Livi)
Acanapon (D.R.)
The little handkerchief (D.R.)
Que susto (Virgilio Marti)
Odiame (Rafael Otero)

Virgilio Marti - Guaguanco (1979) — Virgilio Marti – Guaguanco (1979)

Information realized (June 1, 2024)

Also Read: Carlos “Nene” Quintero comes from a family of musical prodigies

Contributor: Dj. Augusto Felibertt (International Salsa Magazine)

Orestes Vilato

North America / USA / New York

Orestes Vilato. Cuban Multi-Percussionist.

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

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

Among the many groups were: Fania All Starts (founding member), Ray Barretto, Tipica 73 (founding member), Los Kimbos (founder-director), Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Rivera, Joe Cuba, Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, La Lupe, Celia Cruz, Rolando La Serie, Chico O’Farril, Lionel Hampton, Los Chavales de Espana, Cal Tjader.

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

Orestes Vilato - Photo — Orestes Vilato – Photo

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

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

Orestes has recorded several movie sound tracks that include: Our Latin Thing, Mambo Kings, Carlito’s Way, Steal Big Steal Little, The Bird Cage, Dance With Me, Just A Ticket, Things To Do In Denver and The Lost City.

He has been a special guest artist in multiple Jazz Festivals around the country and Puerto Rico including the San Jose Jazz Festival. He has performed and taught at numerous music conservatories including The Berkeley School of Music, UCLA, Fresno University, Standford University as well as many conservatories overseas.

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

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