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Maite Hontele in Concert!

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

A great musician is someone who can enlighten the stage only with his/her presence, this is the case when Maite Hontele is on stage. Full-house, the stage full of colors and all the audience is ready to dance and enjoy the best rhythm: SALSA!

International Salsa Magazine had the honor to be part of the last concert of Maite Hontele, the incredible dutch trumpeter, in Caracas, Venezuela.

The silence is interrupted with the beautiful sound of a characteristic trumpet playing a melody, the stage gets full of musicians and Maite comes out with the biggest smile that characterize her.

She starts with a speech where she explains how thankful she is for being there, talks a little bit about Colombia, and then the party starts! Two hours full of hits of herself, Oscar d’ Leon, and many other artists, with the performance of her Colombian band by her side.

But let’s get deeper in who is her. Maite Hontelé is a trumpeter who was born in Utrecht, Holland, and was raised with music. Her parents owned a huge collection of salsa and son Cubano, and every day she would listen to Latin music, quite unusual for a Dutch girl. After playing a few years with the local brass band, she decided to become a musician, and studied latin and jazz trumpet at the Conservatory of Rotterdam.

Her first big tour was life-changing. She went to Colombia, the country where she now lives. In 2004, Maite Hontelé toured with the world-famous Buena Vista Social Club. In 2009 Maite launched her first album, Llegó la Mona, a salsa-tribute to Colombian music. This album was made with the purpose to tour more in Colombia. Among the gigs she played was the Medellin Jazz Festival.

That year has been very important for her. Not only did Maite record her first album, she also found the place where she wanted to continue to live and make music. That’s when she decided to move to Medellin, Colombia.

In 2010, she released her second production, Mujer Sonora. The album is focused on oldschool styles such as son and charanga, but also contains some spicy salsa-tracks.

This album was presented at the 2010 North Sea Jazz Festival, and on various international tours. In 2011 and 2012 Maite toured many countries with her band, and was a guest with Ruben Blades, Yuri Buenaventura, Issac Delgado, Diego Galé (DVD-recording), Juan Carlos Coronel, Oscar D’León, and many others.

Her 3rd album, Déjame Asi, was released in April 2013. She is currently touring Europe and Latin America.

“My Outlaw Loredo is the most elegant gig-bag in the universe. A perfect match for me!” Maite Hontelé

The show ends with the best energy. Maite is not only an amazing trumpeter, but also a great singer and composer. We are glad to be part of his musical journey.

Yari More Latin Band, the orchestra that accompanied Celia Cruz

Yari More Latin Band is one of those groups whose history shows us that dreams do come true and that there is always the possibility to meet our greatest idols. Today, Yari More, with whom we were able to talk a little about his history as an artist and his band, is an example of what Latin artists in general have achieved over the past decades.

Yari posing for the camera — This is Yari More posing for the camera

How Yari More first became interested in music

Juat like most musicians, he became interested in music when still a child. He remembers getting together with his friends from the block to play with makeshift instruments, moments that he keeps in memory and that marked the beginning of what would become his great adult vocation.

Some time later, he joined the army in his native Colombia, specifically the navy, but that was not the only thing he devoted his time. It turns out that he found a great taste for several of the songs from acclaimed Spanish singer Raphael and started imitating his voice in musical events of the armed forces. He was so good that he began to be called as ”El Rafael de Colombia” by his acquaintances, but the event that would make him see music as a serious profession was yet to come. That came later.

A night where he was celebrating a friend’s birthday in a night club, another boy in the group asked the orchestra director to let Yari sing with them. The audience liked his performance so much that he started going to the same place every weekend to continue delighting those present with his melodious voice, eventually leading the orchestra he was performing with to offer him the position of singer on an ongoing basis.

Never in his wildest dreams did Yari imagine such an offer, but he accepted it, so he began to balance his activities in the orchestra with his daily work in a factory at that time. Since both jobs took up so much of his time, he eventually had to decide on just one, which was, of course, music. It can be said that this was the official beginning of his career.

From then on, he was in several groups both in Colombia and in the neighboring country Ecuador until he was given a great job opportunity in the United States, more specifically in Los Angeles. After some time with the orchestra that hired him there, he decided it was time to pursue a solo career with romantic music.

Yari with Celiz Cruz — Yari More Latin Band playing live with ”La Guarachera de Cuba” Celiz Cruz

Yari More Latin Band

In the 1990s. he decided to form his own orchestra which he named Yari More Latin Band. Since he already had plans about undertaking such a project, he visited universities and talked to many friends in the industry in order to hire the best musicians he could find for his band.

His success earned him the possibility of signing with the company RMM Records & Video owned by the popular Latin music promoter Raphy Mercado. This label was the same one that signed ”La Guarachera de Cuba” Celia Cruz, with whom they shared the stage, since Yari More Latin Band was the orchestra that accompanied her in her performances on the West Coast.

In addition to Celia Cruz, he has also accompanied other musical luminaries like Rubén Blades, Willie Colón, Eddy Santiago, Tony Vega, Tito Nieves, El Grupo Niche, El Gran Cobo de Puerto Rico, Oscar D’ León, Joan Sebastian, Las Chicas del Can and many others.

Yari says he has learned a lot from each and every one of the aforementioned singers and groups, details that he has added to his own orchestra in order to improve it every day more and more.

Yari with Oscar D’ León — Yari More next to ”El Sonero Del Mundo” Oscar D’ León

Private Events

Yari More Latin Band offers its talent for all kinds of private events such as weddings, quinceañeras, corporate parties, charitable activities, award shows, festivals, Latin nights in clubs, among others.

Yari told us that those interested in hiring the orchestra simply have to contact him through his official website, Instagram and Facebook. These are the channels he uses to agree with the client on the conditions, the place, the date and the economic arrangement.

‘‘Fortunately, we have a lot of work here in the Bay Area and many events of all kinds for the rest of the year” said Yari on this subject.

Leo Mendoza and “El Sonero Natural”

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Get to know the new song “El Sonero Natural” by Leo Mendoza

Did you know that great international musical talents have emerged in Venezuela? This is due to the fact that in this Latin land, the seasoning is experienced, the joy is experienced, the desire to excel is seen, they demonstrate their talent to all those who see and listen to them. In this opportunity, we have a new talent to present; Meet the Caracas musician Leonardo Mendoza, also known as “Leo Mendoza”.

He tells us that since he was a child he felt a deep inclination for music, specifically salsa, this was because his father Héctor Mendoza, a record collector, was always putting on music, from salsa bands such as: Johnny Pacheco, Héctor Lavoe, Oscar D León, Rubén Blades, Willie Colon, among others.

This was only the first indication of his inclination and dedication to music, especially to singing in the salsa genre, practicing his favorite artists even within his family gatherings; Starting in 2008, he joined the group “Salsa Son y Fuego”, where he worked for 2 years, and thus continued his path of musical training until in 2016, participating in a festival organized by the Mayor’s Office of Caracas, he competed with a theme of his authorship entitled “Sonero al Natural” receiving the ovation and acceptance of the viewing public.

Intruments of Leo Mendoza and “El Sonero Natural”

The qualifying jury was made up of Mariana Guevara the “Sonera de Venezuela”, Cheo Valenzuela “El Sonero de la Dulzura”, Juan José “el Indio” Hernández and the teacher Andy Durán, with their participation he managed to achieve 3 mentions, best unpublished song, 2nd place as interpreter and best arrangement of the song “Sonero al Natural” by Maestro José “Tuky” Torres, on this occasion he presents his first single “Sonero al Natural”, which is an invitation to good rumba and feeling sonero… If you want to know more about Leo Mendoza or his new musical theme, find out through:

Instagram: @lendozab
Twitter: @lendozab
Facebook: Leo Mendoza
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +58 424-1420962
YouTube of “Sonero Natural” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83cXHeQXO0E&feature=share

Virgilio Martí participated as aVirgilio Martí participated as a vocalist in the Grupo Folklórico Experimental Newyorkino in which he composed the song “Cuba Linda”

Virgilio Martí, born in the year 1919 Havana, Cuba, Rino 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.

Virgilio Martí participated as a vocalist in the Grupo Folklórico Experimental Newyorkino in which he composed the song "Cuba Linda". — Virgilio Martí participated as a vocalist in the Grupo Folklórico Experimental Newyorkino in which he composed the song “Cuba Linda”.

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”.

"Grupo Folklórico Experimental Newyorkino, donde fue vocalista y percusionista del mismo, en 1975 — “Grupo Folklórico Experimental Newyorkino, donde fue vocalista y percusionista del mismo, en 1975

Another work of Martí of great remembrance is the album entitled: “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”, constitutes in itself, a guaguancó with open rumba being at the same time the favorite number of the “Grupo Folklórico”, and even the first groove that was 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 with the greatest radio airplay in the tropical environment and, therefore, the one that would open the doors to the group. The song was performed 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 sings the song “Llora Timbero”.

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

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

He maintained a great skill in converting songs from other genres into rumba arrangements. We can mention the adaptation of the song by Brazilian composer Jorge Ben, “Más Que Nada”, which appears on the LP with Patato y Totico. Martí died on October 17, 1995. (Tom Data “Facebook”)

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)

Information realized (June 1, 2024)

Sources:

DiscoGS

Spotify Virgilio Marti

Virgilio Marti Youtube

Also Read: Justo Betancourt Querol Cuban sonero and singer famous for his interpretation of the song “Pa’ bravo yo”

19va Entrega Anual de los Latin Grammy

North America / USA / Las Vegas

19th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The most important award ceremony of the Latin American Music Industry will be held for the fourth time in Las Vegas, Nevada

The main international event in Spanish that brings together the best of Spanish-speaking music reaches its nineteenth live broadcast, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for the fourth time, to reward and honor the achievements of professionals of music throughout the year. The ceremony of the 19th Latin Grammy Awards is here, and on November 15 you will be able to enjoy it through the Univisión signal for the United States and with the #LatinGrammy you will be able to follow it minute by minute during its three hours of transmission by all social networks.

The most important night of Latin music 19 Latin Grammy

Each year the Latin Recording Academy awards recognition to Latin music in 49 categories for work recorded in two languages: Spanish and Portuguese. This prestigious institution also endorses musical genres, identifies new talent, recognizes legendary living artists, and preserves and archives both recordings and videos in order to preserve the valuable Latin American musical culture.

The global impact that Spanish-language recordings have caused this 2017-2018 has proven once again that this year each category will be close to its maximum exponential, which shows that MUSIC made by Latinos has an enormous export capacity, and further evidence that the Latin Grammy awards continue to be one of the specials with the largest audience in the country, as it integrates the largest audience of diverse generations united to witness the annual event with the greatest presence of artistic talent gathered in the same show.

FOR THIS 19TH AWARD OF THE LATIN GRAMMYS, THE NOMINEES ARE:

BEST SALSA ALBUM

Dancer’s Corner

Pete perignon

Record Label: Pete Perignon Music

“La Esquina Del Bailador” is the second production by musical director and master percussionist, Pete Perignon. This album contains five unreleased singles and five re-interpretations of classics. “Gotita Falling in Key” was his first promotional theme. This album released in 2017 has versions of classics with modern arrangements such as: “De Mi Para Ti” (Bossa recorded by Tito Puente and Santos Colón), “El Beso Discreto” original from the Cuban songbook Trio Matamoros, among many other original songs and versioned

Village Singer

Alexander Abreu and Havana D’ Primera

Record Label: Páfata Productions

Alexander Havana D Primera - Cantor del Pueblo — Alexander Havana D Primera – Cantor del Pueblo

For My People

Charlie aponte

Record Label: CA Records Inc.

The Sound Makers

Chiquito Team Band

Record Label: Planet Records

7/25

Victor Manuelle

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

BEST TRADITIONAL TROPICAL ALBUM

To Me What – Tribute To The Cuban Classics

José Alberto El Canario & The Santiaguero Septet

Record Label: Los Canarios Music

In this category, the Septeto Santiaguero, originally from Cuba, is nominated for its fourth album “A Mí Qué- Tributo A Los Clásicos Cubanos”. This ensemble founded in 1995 recorded this production in the company of the Dominican interpreter José Alberto “El Canario” and other music stars. This record material has 13 Tracks and was released on May 25, 2018.

Medoro Madera

Rubén Blades With Roberto Delgado and Orchestra

Record Label: Ruben Blades Productions

The Party Continues

The Sonora Santanera

Record Label: Sony Music

Omara Always

Omara Portuondo

Record Label: Egrem

Reasons

Maria Rivas

Record Label: Angel Falls Artists Inc.

BEST TROPICAL SONG

I want time

Juan Carlos Luces & Víctor Manuelle, songwriters (Víctor Manuelle Featuring Juan Luis Guerra)

Cut off: 7/25

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

The prominent Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer, Víctor Manuelle, began his professional career in 1993, and to date has sold millions of records worldwide. He has earned 16 LATIN GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominations, thus establishing himself as one of the most admired artists of his generation. He has placed 46 singles on Billboard’s weekly Hot Latin Songs chart. Eleven of his albums have reached the place of honor in the Salsa genre for sales in the United States and Puerto Rico.

His hit “Imaginar” (2016) as a duo with urban artist Yandel, broke records, reaching #1 on the tropical charts thanks to his fusions of salsa with urban rhythms. In addition, it was named the most popular tropical song of that year, marking the third time that Víctor has obtained this important recognition, after his hits “Me Da Lo Mismo” and “ Tengo Ganas”.

In this 2018, Víctor celebrates his silver anniversary as a professional artist with his new record label “25/7” under the Sony Music Latin label. This album nominated for best Salsa album features collaborations with international artists, such as: Wisin, Bad Bunny, Juan Luis Guerra, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Glenn Monroig. The single “Quiero Tiempo” taken from this production is designated as one of the candidates to win the award in this important category.

Marry Me

Silvestre Dangond, Nicky Jam, Juan Medina, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, songwriters (Silvestre Dangond Featuring Nicky Jam)

Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin

Fall in love dancing

Jorge Luis Piloto, songwriter (Reynier Pérez y Su Septeto Acarey Featuring Gilberto Santa Rosa)

Cut from: Fall in Love Dancing

Record Label: Independent

I fall more in love with you

Jorge Luis Piloto, Jean Rodríguez & Tony Succar, songwriters (Tony Succar Featuring Jean Rodríguez)

Record Label: Unity Entertainment

Simple Hearts

Fonseca, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, songwriters (Fonseca)

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

BEST LATIN JAZZ/JAZZ ALBUM

Mind of a Master

Bobby Valentin & The Latin Jazzists

Record Label: Bronco Records

Tracks:
1. De Nuevo a la Carga	7.El Cumbanchero
2. Latin Gravy	8.Mellow Funk
3.Orocoa	9. Endless Love
4.Smooth Ride	10.Freedom
5.Blast Off	11. God Bless the Child
6. Coco Seco

Roberto Valentin, better known as Bobby Valentin, was born on June 9, 1941 in the town of Orocovis on the island of Puerto Rico. At a very young age, Bobby learned to play the guitar thanks to the teachings of his father. At just 11 years old, he formed his first musical trio with which he won his first prize, after participating in a local competition. In 1963 Bobby Valentin joined the Tito Rodríguez orchestra traveling to Venezuela twice.

This phenomenal bass player and arranger belonged to the Fania All Stars for 20 years and also arranged music at the same time for celebrities such as: Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano, Willie Rosario and Ray Barretto.

In 1975 he formed his own record label “Bronco Records” and released the album, “Va a la Cárcel” Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, among others.

Over the years, Bobby has made collaborations on recordings for great artists of international fame, such as: Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano and the always remembered, Celia Cruz.

Likewise, Valentin has taken over the stages performing live in the United States during this year, and more recently launched his new production “Mind of a Master”, on April 14, 2018, with which he is nominated. for this important award.

The House Of A Jazz Pianist

Adrian Iaies Trio

Record Label: DBN

Universal Nature

Hermeto Pascoal & Big Band

Record Label: Scubidu Music

Back To The Sunset

Dafnis Prieto Big Band

Record Label: Dafnison Music

Jazz Flute Traditions

Nestor Torres

Record Label: Alfi Records

For more information visit the official website of the Latin Recording Academy:

https://www.latingrammy.com/en