With a unique, impacting, dynamic sound and with an explosion of musical energy, “La Crítica Orquesta” of Harold Estrada comes to us in this delivery, directly from the city of Cali, Colombia; who presents to the world, a different proposal with a clear and forceful message of much social sense in his interpretations. In a brief conversation we had with its director Harold Estrada, a young musician of great experience with Colombian Orchestras, he shared with us aspects of this successful group from Caleña.
Welcome Harold to International Salsa Magazine “The Only Salsa Magazine in the World”. First of all, tell us: since what date does “La Crítica Orquesta” come out? Thank you Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for the wonderful invitation that you make us from your city Barquisimeto, in our sister Venezuela, with a fraternal greeting and thus let us know a little more through you and this prestigious media; because let me tell you friend, that the Orchestra begins to sound since 2012, with an enterprising, constructive, quality and very professional work, in search of an authentic sound that identifies it and allows it to take its rightful place in the salsa environment here in Colombia and internationally.
And in these 10 years of trajectory, have you had important participations in events and festivals? Indeed Professor Carlos, we had the honor of being present at the World Salsa Festival 2012 and also in the fairs of Cali, likewise several departments of the country have witnessed this magnificent evolution, seeking to remember the essence and expression of salsa Caleña with that characteristic sound and Orchestras that left their mark on the Afro-Caribbean and Colombian music.
Harold friend I understand that you develop a social and musical work in the city of Cali, tell us… Yes, our orchestra is developing and forming a “Collective of salsa to the street”, which is a program that is ready to rescue the Caleña culture, with the purpose of safeguarding the salsa in the city.
Which international artists have been accompanied so far by “La Crítica Orquesta”. Carlos, we have had the privilege of accompanying here in Colombia salsa artists of the stature of: Rafu Warner, Luigi Texidor, Chamaco Rivera, Ruben Sierra, Julio Lopez, Manny Fuentes, and more, demonstrating the musical support of the group.
What is the mission of “La Crítica Orquesta”? We are convinced that our mission is to make quality music for the enjoyment of the people, for the delight of the dancer and the ear of the music lover, but especially, music to free the spirit and cheer the soul.
Who are the members of the Orchestra? “La Crítica Orquesta”, is conformed by: Harold Estrada (conductor and conguero), Oscar Eduardo González (Trumpeter), Cruz Ramón Mayora (Bongos player), Andrés Holguín (Trumpeter), Ramiro Lennis (Singer), Leo Bonilla (Trombonist), Andrés Felipe Silva (Bassist), Marco Felipe Ramírez (Timbalero), Carlos Alberto Cruz and Harrison Muñoz (Singers), Mauricio Bastidas (Saxophonist), Jerry Alejandro Figueroa (Pianist), Gregorio Gómez (Singer), by the way our bongos player, is Venezuelan, born in the city of Naiguatá, but since he was a child he lives in the city of Barquisimeto, to which soon will be back, the experienced and excellent musician Cruz Ramón Mayora Medina.
As for productions, have you already recorded some? Yes Professor Carlos, we already have several songs and even videos on Youtube for the knowledge of all. And these are the titles, composers, arrangers and performers: “Cannabis”, this is the most recent single recorded just a month ago, with lyrics by: Einar Flores and in the arrangements Andrés Silva, both Colombians. “Canallón”, lyrics by Einar Flores (Colombia) and arrangements by Pedro Cruz, (Dominican Republic). “Dale Duro”, composer and arranger Luis Cabezas (Venezuelan), the interpreters are: Carlos Cruz, Harold Aguirre and Adrián Barragán, respectively.
Excellent friend Harold and the social networks of the Orchestra. On Youtube you can reach us as: Orquesta la Crítica de Harold Estrada, Instagram: lacriticadeharoldestrada and Facebook: lacriticaorquestacali; for bookings you can contact us at: +573147800543.
Upcoming concerts or events? We will be present God willing at the “Concierto Circulación”, on November 26 and also at the Cali Fair.
Thank you for accepting the invitation, brother and friend Harold Estrada and the whole Orchestra, for us it was an honor to have you in International Salsa Magazine salsagoogle.com, and from here we wish the greatest success to “La Crítica” of Colombia, a group that undoubtedly, is putting well in high the Salsa made in Cali.
The privilege is ours, Professor Carlos Colmenárez, and from Colombia, we will transmit you the best wishes of the Orchestra and the whole country, so that you continue to make known the salsa talent of your beloved Venezuela as well as of all the Salseros in the world. Thank you a thousand times for the support you give to “La Crítica Orquesta”, and on behalf of all its members, we send you blessings and wish you many successes and long life. You, the social communicators are a key factor to promote and publicize the musical work for Salsa made with quality and international flavor for the dancers and connoisseurs of the genre.
Until next time and we continue salseando…!
You can read: Henry Valladares, a brilliant, versatile, and disciplined percussionist
