Search Results for: Salsa Music

Jose Nogueras and Bobby Cruz Share a Social Message in Salsa

Veteran artists Jose Nogueras and Bobby Cruz have teamed up to create “Yo Soy Tú, Tú Eres Yo” (“I Am You, You Are Me”), a powerful song that celebrates equality, solidarity, and brotherhood among all people. According to a statement from Nogueras, the track delivers a deep and universal message: “Beyond our differences, we share the same dreams, struggles, and hopes.”

Composed by Jose Nogueras, “Yo Soy Tú, Tú Eres Yo” is a clear tribute to hope, love, justice, and unity, all set to a salsa rhythm deeply rooted in Puerto Rican heritage. The unmistakable voices of Nogueras and Cruz encourage us to reflect on the importance of human connection and empathy.

The song blends the classic essence of salsa with a meaningful human message. As is often the case with Nogueras’s compositions, the content resonates with today’s social reality. The arrangement perfectly complements the lyrics with rhythmic power, flavor, and authentic Puerto Rican style. This new release honors tradition while connecting with new generations of musicians and fans alike, thanks to its timeless message.

José Nogueras and Bobby Cruz combine their experience to produce "Yo soy tú, tú eres yo" (I Am You, You Are Me) by Bella Martinez — José Nogueras and Bobby Cruz combine their experience to produce “Yo soy tú, tú eres yo” (I Am You, You Are Me) by Bella Martinez

Nogueras’s lyrics once again confirm that his music serves as a vehicle for unity and hope. Meanwhile, the impeccable musical arrangement by Luis “Perico” Ortiz brings together several generations of great Puerto Rican musicians. The track features the talented Jorge Rivera on bass, interacting with the veteran tumbadora player Sammy Garcia. One of the most promising percussionists of his generation, David Marcano, shines on timbal and bongo. He’s also a member of one of the most respected dynasties in Puerto Rican popular music. On piano is Puerto Rico’s most versatile contemporary salsa artist, Carlos Garcia. The voices of the irreplaceable Josué Rosado and Willito Otero in the chorus seem to welcome back someone we’ve been missing for a while: Aldo Matta. The trumpets were handled by the song’s arranger, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, while Diego Diaz played the trombone.

Also read: Mel Martinez, “I come from Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico is Salsa”

Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez was a master of the Baby Bass and was instrumental in its popularization within Latin music

Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy” (1927-2002) was a renowned bassist and a key figure in Latin jazz and salsa. He was known for playing both the upright bass and electric bass.

Roberto Bobby Rodriguez was a master of Baby Bass and played a decisive role in its popularization within Latin music

He worked with legendary artists and bands such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, Tito Puente, and The Alegre All Stars. Born in Tampa, Florida, to Cuban parents, he is often associated with the Baby Bass, a type of electric upright bass.

The Baby Bass is a specific type of electric upright bass developed by the Ampeg company. It has a distinctive sound and is very popular in Latin music, especially salsa.

Many famous bassists in the genre, including Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy,” are known for playing this instrument. With its deep, percussive tone, the Baby Bass helped define the sound of salsa music.

In summary, the connection between Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez and the Baby Bass is that the famous bassist, Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy,” was a master of the instrument and was instrumental in its popularization within Latin music.

“Big Daddy’s” Career and Legacy.

The son of Cuban and Puerto Rican parents, Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy” was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 2, 1927. His talent left a lasting mark on the performance of both the upright bass and the electric bass.

He began his career in New York at the age of 17 with Machito and His Afro-Cubans, where he replaced Julio Andino. He participated in recordings with Chico O’Farrill, Dizzy Gillespie, Cal Tjader, Eddie Palmieri, Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaría, Joe Cuba, Eric Dolphy, the Alegre All Stars, and Tito Rodríguez. His most important and enduring collaboration, however, was with Tito Puente.

Rodríguez’s involvement with Puente’s band resulted in a catalog of countless tumbao basslines. He occasionally had the opportunity to lead the band with a solo, loaded with highly creative melodic improvisations.

On the 1990 album, Goza mi Timbal, the track “Ode to Cachao” features a large number of Bobby Rodríguez’s solos. In addition to being a tribute to Israel López, this track is a showcase of “Big Daddy’s” immense virtues and is considered one of the most unforgettable solos in Latin jazz. This partnership remained active from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Roberto Bobby Rodriguez Big Daddy was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 2, 1927

The nickname “Dedo Gordo” (Fat Finger) was given to him for his way of playing the electric bass, with a thick sound—something that in American musical circles is called a “groove.” According to experts, his technique was meant to emulate the sound of the Ampeg Baby Bass.

One characteristic he was always recognized for was his unique ability to play the clave rhythm with his foot while performing on the bass. His musical experience always made him seem like a contributor with a jazzy style.

On July 29, 2002, after a life full of resounding successes and an impressive legacy, Bobby Rodríguez passed away in New York.

Ambiguities with the Name Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez.

The name “Bobby Rodríguez” has been used by several artists within the universe of Caribbean music.

One common source of confusion is the flutist, clarinetist, and saxophonist from Manhattan, Robert “Bobby” Rodríguez, who founded the group “La Compañía.” His date of birth has not been confirmed.

Another point of confusion is the common misconception that “Big Daddy” began his career with the Marcano Quartet. The truth is that the quartet featured Félix Manuel Rodríguez, who, in the early stages of his career at age 17, also went by the name “Bobby Rodríguez.” He would later adopt his famous stage name, Bobby Capó.

A third artistic namesake is Dr. Bobby Rodríguez, a trumpet player born in Los Angeles, California, who is also a teacher and author of the book, ABC’s of Brass Warm-Up. He has been nominated for a Grammy and has received awards as an educator.

Roberto Bobby Rodríguez Big Daddy (1927-2002)

The list of names similar to Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez becomes much longer if you search for homonyms of his given name. For example, there is Roberto (Reimundo) Rodríguez, a trumpet player from Cienfuegos, Cuba. He co-founded the orchestra Los Jóvenes Estrellas de Cuba and became a member of the Fania All Stars. He also appears in the documentary Nuestra Cosa Latina. In 1982, he founded the group Los Rodríguez with his sons, Roberto Jr. and Willie.

His son, Roberto Rodríguez Jr., is another homonym we encounter in these musical paths.

Continuing with more homonyms, there’s the Cuban trumpet player Roberto Luis Rodríguez, who is the father of the currently famous trumpet player Roberto Juan Rodríguez, also Cuban, but who moved with his Jewish family to Miami at the age of nine. He has played with top artists such as Joe Jackson, Julio Iglesias, and Paul Simon.

By: Diego Aranda (Audiokat)

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Los Mejores Salseros del Mundo

Also Read: Bobby Valentín, the King of the Bass in the Fania All-Stars Machine – The Mind of a Master

Sammy Figueroa is an exceptional percussionist known for his versatility and for playing in a multitude of musical styles

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948. He is the son of bolero singer Charlie Figueroa, whom he never knew, as his father passed away at the age of 32.

Sammy moved to Puerto Rico as a child to live with his grandparents and escape the Bronx’s gang violence.

Sammy Figueroa is an excellent percussionist who has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles

At 18, he started his professional career with bassist Bobby Valentín’s band. Throughout his career, he has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles and contributing to nearly 400 albums, ten of which are platinum.

He has collaborated with major pop artists like David Bowie, Chaka Khan, and Mariah Carey, as well as with distinguished jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, and George Benson. In 1977, he became a founding member of the Latin rock fusion group Raíces.

In 2001, Sammy Figueroa moved to South Florida and formed his own group, Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion. His albums And Sammy Walked In and The Magician were nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album.

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career

His 2023 album, Searching for a Memory / Busco Tu Recuerdo, is a tribute to his father. The project, produced by his wife, Rachel Faro, with whom he has also co-produced other albums, allowed Sammy to reconcile with his father’s legacy. On this album,

Sammy sings on a record for the first time and transforms his father’s classic boleros into modern Latin jazz arrangements. The album was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the “Best Jazz/Latin Jazz Album” category.

Sammy Figueroa has received numerous awards, including two Percussionist of the Year awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), two Drummie Awards for Best Hand Percussion, and a Best Percussionist award from the Jazz Journalists Association.

Discovered by jazz flutist Herbie Mann, Figueroa became a well-known session and studio musician, touring and recording with The Brecker Brothers, Average White Band, Morrissey – Mullen, The Mahavishnu Orchestra John McLaughlin, and Miles Davis.

He has also appeared with Blondie, Sonny Rollins, David Sanborn, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, George Benson, Chet Baker, Stanley Clarke, Grover Washington Jr., Al Jarreau, Lena Horne, Joe Williams, Mark Murphy, Mike Mainieri, Néstor Torres, Chico O’Farrill, Mike Stern, Chuck Loeb, Bobby Watson, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Rubén Blades, Eddie Palmieri, Bobby Valentín, Tania Maria, Mariah Carey, James Taylor, Dr. John, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Celine Dion, Blues Traveler, Natalie Merchant, David Lee Roth, Hall & Oates, Joe Cocker, Rickie Lee Jones, Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Grace Jones, James Ingram, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, and many others.

Some of the R&B hits he is featured on include Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” Luther Vandross’s “The Night I Fell In Love,” and Ashford & Simpson’s “Solid (as a rock),” as well as most of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards’ hits on the Chic and Sister Sledge record labels.

Michel Camilo wrote the song “And Sammy Walked In” in his honor, and it was also recorded by Giovanni Hidalgo. Two of his CDs, And Sammy Walked In and The Magician, have been nominated for Grammy Awards in the “Best Latin Jazz Album” category. Figueroa hosts a Latin jazz show on WDNA-FM in Miami, Florida.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948

If you’re not very familiar with Sammy Figueroa’s work, you can try an experiment with this album: listen closely to see if you can guess what his instrument is. In a medium-sized combo, what instrument seems to take center stage? The answer: it’s impossible to guess, which says something about Figueroa’s maturity as a leader.

It’s also surprising to see how pared down his forces really are this sextet sounds like a big band. (Spoiler alert: he’s a percussionist.) It also says something about him that the term “Explosion” is a misnomer for his band. There are no pyrotechnics, no crazy tempos, and no wildly layered rhythms here.

But there are some very impressive horn arrangements (check out “Cha Cha Pa’ Ti” and the lovely “Cuco y Olga”), along with some of the sweetest, most tender ballads to appear on a jazz album of any genre in recent years (“Queen from the South” and “Zuliana” are the best examples).

For a percussionist acting as a bandleader, giving this kind of sustained, loving attention to compositions that only make a tenuous use of his talent is further proof of Figueroa’s taste and maturity. Let’s hope Figueroa keeps going in this vein. Rick Anderson.

Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion – Urban Nature (2011).

Tracks:

Gufillo (Silvano Monasterios)
Urban Nature (Gabriel Vivas)
Latin What? (Michael Orta)
Zuliana (Silvano Monasterios)
7th Door From The Left (Silvano Monasterios)
Cuco y Olga (Nicholas Martines)
Cha Cha Pa’ Ti (Gabriel Vivas)
Queen From The South (Silvano Monasterios)
Funny Talk (Gabriel Vivas)

Musicians:

Sammy Figueroa (Percussion)
Silvano Monasterios (Piano)
Gabriel Vivas (Acoustic bass)
John Michalak (Sax)
Alexander Pope Norris (Trumpet)
Nomar Negroni (Drums)

Guest Musicians:

Ed Calle (Sax)
Mike Orta (Piano)
José Gregorio Hernández (Percussion)

Website: Sammy Figueroa

By:

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

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

Luis Conte: The Cuban-American percussionist who fuses Cuban son with global music

Luis Conte is a renowned Cuban-American percussionist who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His talent and versatility have led him to collaborate with an impressive list of world-class artists.

Luis Conte, the percussionist who fuses Cuban son with global music.

Born in Santiago de Cuba, Conte emigrated to Los Angeles in 1967. Throughout his career, he has been honored multiple times as “Percussionist of the Year” by specialized magazines like Modern Drummer and Drum Magazine.

Luis Conte has been the percussionist for some of the biggest names in commercial music, including James Taylor, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Madonna, Sergio Mendes, Ray Charles, Pat Metheny, Beck, Shakira, Sade, and Herb Alpert.

In this first HD-Audio Latin recording, his talent, along with that of pianist David Garfield and the recently deceased bassist Dave Carpenter, comes to life through the magic of 96 kHz/24-bit, 5.1 channel surround sound. The music is mixed to maximize individual musical lines and timbres. Bob Stuart, the founder and chairman of Meridian Audio, described the sound as “incredible,” adding that it was one of the best recordings he had ever heard.

The difference lies in the use of new technology, strict adherence to signal purity, and a willingness to experiment with instrument placement. Finally, you have the opportunity to hear authentic HD-Audio with performers who know how to create wonderful music.

Being a percussionist is like being a geographer. These instruments come from all over the world: Africa, Brazil, Colombia, the Middle East. I try to cover everything.

Luis spent the first 15 years of his life absorbing the rich musical heritage of son and carnaval. “Life in Cuba is about enjoying it, and music is fundamental to that lifestyle,” says Luis. “Music is almost like food for Cubans.” Immersed in the music of his native Cuba, Luis also developed a passion for rock & roll, R&B soul, jazz, and The Beatles.

At age 15, in search of freedom, Luis emigrated to Madrid, Spain. He soon had another opportunity to travel, this time to Hollywood. In California, Luis stayed with a cousin and attended Hollywood High School, where he played guitar in numerous rock bands during his teenage years.

After high school, Luis met John Monteallegre, who reconnected him with Cuban drumming at L.A. City College. By age 18, Luis had a strong interest in drumming and took every opportunity to play and learn, drawing inspiration from a deep well of rhythm he absorbed during his youth in Cuba.

David Garfield’s mission is “I make music.” And “make music” is what he does, as a world-renowned keyboardist, producer, and composer. Whether it’s jazz, rock, funk, or world beat, he is the creative force behind the production of numerous internationally acclaimed recordings.

Conte is a renowned Cuban-American percussionist

After studying music at Ohio State University, the late Dave Carpenter started his professional career playing with three jazz giants: Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Woody Herman. More recently, Carpenter was part of drummer Peter Erskine’s trio, which also included pianist Alan Pasqua. A veteran of the Woody Herman and Bill Holman big bands, he also worked with Bill Perkins, Jack Nimitz, Herb Geller, Herbie Hancock, Jack Sheldon, Al Jarreau, Bill Cunliffe, Jan Lundgren, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, and Richard Stoltzman, among others.

As sought-after in Los Angeles studios as he was in clubs, Carpenter has an extensive list of recording credits. He participated in more than 200 recordings and composed dozens of themes and scores for television and film.

Sadly, Dave passed away from a heart attack in June 2008. The music world lost a truly wonderful musician and person. The premium DVD-Audio/Video discs from AIX Records are two-sided: one side is an interactive DVD-Video disc, and the other is a DVD-Audio disc (which requires DVD-Audio compatible equipment for playback).

The sound of this recording brings these incredible instrumentalists into your listening space. The HD audio surround mixes immerse you in the musical interplay with a full-range frequency and dynamic response. Discover how good Latin jazz can sound! When I’m asked at trade shows what my favorite discs are, I always include The Latin Jazz Trio.

Dave Carpenter, Luis Conte & David Garfield – The Latin Jazz Trio (2002-R2018)

Tracks:

Luisongo
Doña Olga
Memories Of Rio
Mujaka
Song For My Father
Future Generations
Pools
Rumba Del Cielo
Kumbisa / Cuba

Musicians:

Dave Carpenter (Bass)
Luis Conte (Percussion)
David Garfield (Piano)

Recorded at the Zipper Auditorium at The Colburn School of Performing Arts, 2000.

By: L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Israel “Cachao” López, a Cuban musician and composer, has been hailed as “the Inventor of Mambo”

Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy

North America / USA /  New York

At Salsa Fever On2, they take great pride in being the only licensed Adult and Children Salsa / Mambo dance academy in the state of New Jersey! Salsa Fever On2 has been in business for 12 years.

Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy

Here, we have a reputation throughout the dance community for providing our students with an Award-Winning, structured curriculum that is conducive to all different levels of dancers while maintaining a fun and stress-free environment.

Whether you want to take your dance to the next level, support your exercise regimen, work on social skills or scape the daily stressors in your life, you can rest assure that you will be surrounded by a supportive staff in a non-intimidating environment.

The instructors at Salsa Fever take pride knowing that their students are held to the highest calibre and it’s evident on the dance floor. Under the artistic direction of Mario J. Gonzalez and his staf, SFOn2 Dance Academy aims to create true “On2” dancers – trained equally in dance and musicality.

Mario Justo Gonzalez a.k.a Mario B Founder & Director Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy

Professional Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer, Actor, MC, DJ Date of Birth: April 23, 1976 Birthplace: Hoboken, NJ EthnicBackground: Puerto Rican/Cuban [email protected]

Mario has had an interesting start to what is now a SALSA / MAMBO lifestyle!

Mario was very athletic throughout his grammar and high school years. In 1999, a really good friend and high School teammate, Danny Useche, introduced Mario B. to the “Salsa Scene”. This, in turn, inspired Mario to sign up for his first dance class. It did not quite work out as well as he expected, as the class was slightly more advanced than he predicted. This left Mario even more determined to prove his point, size, shape and color was irrelevant when it comes to MAMBO!

Photo 1: Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy

Mario was down, but definitely not out. He then came across one of the smoothest and most humble instructors in the Mambo scene, Greg Taylor, a prodigy of Delille Thomas and Original Eddie Torres dancer. After a few days with Greg Taylor, Mario was in Mambo Heaven. Took classes with Greg for approximately 6 months and was eternally grateful to Greg for this time, patience and expertise. Mario knew it was time to move forward and take on more of a challenge; he began taking more advanced classes with other established instructors.

Mario was immediately sought out and asked to become “The Papa” to Abbey Plotkins “The Mambo Mamas & The Papa”. Mario was now the Mambo Papa! By joining The Mambo Mama & The Papa, Mario was gice the opportunity to perform for what would become an instant hit LATIN MADNESS, an off-Broadway Dancical / Musical depicting the evolution of latin dance from past to present. The director and producer agreed that Mario would be a great addition to their all-star cast. Mario was now dancing alongside the BEST Mambo Dancers in the world! Latin Madness gave Mario the opportunity to dance, work and share the stage with the most sought out professionals in the world.

With stage experience and help from an acting coach, Mario earned the respect to appear in the movies “Empire” and “Kal-ho-naho”. Mario acted for the NY International Independent Film & Video Festival at Madison Square Garden, which then opened the doors for Mario to perform in two latin concerts at MSG… the largest stage in the world! In a short amount of time, Mario has come a long away to become a Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Instructor and Actor.

What’s most amazing I that he achieved all of these goals with NO background in dance!

It’s true what they say “Hard work does” pay off! “Hard work does pay off!” Who would have thought that Mario would transition from a full – time athlete to becoming a future Mambo Legend? In addition, his love for music and dance was Mario’s motivation to name his youngest daughter Jazzlyn.

Cycle Classes

Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy - Dancers — Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy – Dancers

Mambo On2 Partner & Floor Shine

Beginner Level 1: Beginner Students learn from a syllabus to help track their progress & pinpoint problem areas in floor shines & turn patterns in a 6 week cycle.
Advanced Beginner Level 2: students learn from a syllabus reflecting from Beginner Level 1 to help track their progress & pinpoint problem areas in floor shines & turn patterns with more of a challenge in a 6 week cycle.
Pre Intermediate Level 3: students learn from a syllabus reflecting from Beginner Level 2 to help track their progress & pinpoint problem areas in more complex floor shines & turn patterns in a 6 week cycle
Intermediate 4 Level: Students learn from a syllabus reflecting from Advanced Beginner Level 2 to help track their progress & pinpoint problem areas in more complex floor shines & turn patterns. Advanced beginner Level 2 will also prepare you for Advanced classes

What to bring to class

Please bring comfortable shoes with a leather or suede bottom. The best investment you can make as a dancer is a pair of quality dance shoes.

Do NOT recommend rubber soles or thick soled shoes as it will be difficult to find your balance, spin, and do the other exercises that to do in class. Bottled Poland Springs water is sold at the studio for a dollar.

Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy - Photo 1 — Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy – Photo 1

Come dressed to dance. A short sleeved shirt and comfortable pants, tight & wind breakers are recommended. This class is a workout, you will sweat & enjoy it. There is a changing are at the studio, as well as restrooms.

The school is also equipped with state of the art central air conditioning & heating for both the summer & winter.

What to expect

Every class begins with a warm-up as a group, with introductory footwork drills for the first hour.

This gives students a chance to review the material that they know, and also gives them opportunity to assess new students and makes sure that they are in the appropriate group. For the second hour you split into partner work & continue with turn patterns & instruction. At the end of the class students have time to practice the moves that they learned, as well as ask question & clarify things that may have been missed.

Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy - Photo 2 — Members of the Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy – Photo 2

Location: 83 Franklin Street

Jersey City, NJ 07307

Phone: (201) 792-116

[email protected]