Search Results for: Salsa Music

Jimmie Morales a conguero for the history of Afro-Caribbean music

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents.

He spent his early childhood listening to American popular music on the radio, and it wasn’t until 1967, when his family moved to Puerto Rico, that he became fascinated with Caribbean music, especially the salsa genre.

Jimmie’s first foray into music was with the guitar, but his father gave him a bell and, later, a conga drum that would become his main artistic fascination.

He learned of his interest by listening to Cuban, Puerto Rican and New York salsa records; also to congueros such as Milton Cardona, Eddie Montalvo, Patato Valdés, Cándido Camero, Mongo Santamaría, Johnny Rodríguez and his favorite: the late Ray Barretto.

In a very short time, he found himself making inroads with local bands, and sharing his talent with the renowned singer Tito Allen.

Jimmie Morales' memoirs Mr. Slap — Jimmie Morales Mr. Slap

Jimmie Morales and his experience with Willie Rosario

In 1978, Jimmie joined the popular rhythmic band of maestro Willie Rosario, and for eight years obtained what he considers his best formal training in the music industry.

Concurrently, he began an impressive career as a top-level studio musician, achieving outstanding participation in performances by the most important artists of the salsa genre, including Marc Anthony, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Roberto Roena, Oscar D’León, Lalo Rodríguez, Eddie Santiago and Frankie Ruiz, with whom he collaborated on each and every one of his solo recordings.

The sound of this great percussionist, his impeccable rhythm and his solid accompaniment defined him and have placed him convincingly as one of the most influential congueros of the last 30 years.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and salsa connoisseurs worldwide — Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera

Trajectory with Gilberto Santa Rosa

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario’s band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years.

Since then he has traveled throughout the Americas, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist. Jimmie Morales has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others.

He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company. As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican and Latin American people. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario's band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years. — Jimmie Morales is currently promoting his conga line sponsored by the Remo Company

Since then, he has traveled throughout the American continent, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist.

Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others. He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and of salsa connoisseurs worldwide. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

A conguero for history Jimmie Morales’ memoirs

“Mr. Slap”

Bella Martínez (Author)

That originality of Willie Rosario must have influenced Jimmie's impeccable style. — Jimmie paid for the luck that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

When all the congueros were imitating the king of the hard hands, Ray Barreto, Jimmie manages without intending to be the one chosen by the master Willie Rosario to accompany with the conga the tuning that Rosario had already established.

That Willie Rosario originality must have influenced Jimmie’s impeccable style.

Let’s not forget that when all timbaleros were imitating maestro Tito Puente, that irreverent coameño – maestro of maestros Willie Rosario knew how to be original.

Jimmie repaid the fate that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

And that stroke of luck in the leather didn’t manage to erase the humility of his being.

I invite you to read what I have managed to compile about Jimmie Morales, whom, with your authorization, I show in this work that pretends to be a summary of the life and work of this incredible musician.

Here you will also see that in spite of his perennial shy smile, his hands of stone do not give a break nor allow tropical music to ignore his monumental influence.

Jimmie, the human being who communicates through the leather of his conga, presents us with the musical strength he continues to share with the world. I am deeply grateful for the introspection and candor of his testimony.

I recognize that I am fortunate that Jimmie has agreed to give me part of his voice and to perpetuate this story. I insist that it was a sin not to share this legacy before, but now it was Mister Slap who beat the drum.

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Peace Through Music

Carlos Santana was the main Latin artist in this lineup

The world renowned Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana took part in the concert “Peace Through Music: A World Event for Social Justice”, to celebrate the 75 years of the United Nations. This event was transmitted virtually through the Playing For Change Facebook page, the purpose was to gather musicians around the world, who would send a message of peace and justice through their music.

Carlos performed the famous song “Oye como va”, which originally was performed by Tito Puente, but was immortalized in the 70s by the Jalisco-born guitarist. This performance was accompanied by the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii, and the excellent drums of Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman.

Carlos Santana in Peace Through Music — Carlos with his wife Cindy Blackman.

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“Music is a mystical medicine that heals the listener from the infection of fear, the infection of separation, of thinking that you are not enough. Music rescues you from thinking like that”, were Santana’s words during the broadcast.

But Santana was not the only Latin artist to be present at this beautiful event, Tito Puente Jr. and Becky G, also performed their songs and gave their messages about this complicated year. Together with different artists from countries such as Colombia and Brazil who showed the sounds of their land.

Ringo Starr was the other major artist to say present in Peace Through Music

Ringo Starr, the well-known drummer of the iconic British group The Beatles, was the other artist who attracted the most attention at this event, interpreting a song with many artists around the world called The Weight, where again a call is made for love and peace, a message that Starr has always professed since his beginnings with the Beatles.

Ringo Starr in Peace Through Music — Ringo Starr with his drums.

“I am honored to be here and to be part of this musical presentation celebrating the United Nations and 75 years of working for peace and justice around the world and I am sure that love was part of this in some way,” he commented during his participation.

In addition to him, artists such as Annie Lennox and Jack Johnson were also present. The first performed “Here comes the rain again”, a song that was immortalized by the British duo Eurythmics in the 80s. While Johnson commented: “Music has the ability to unite us”, a message that the entire event demonstrated despite being separated by kilometers, technology allows us to enjoy the talent of these renowned artists, who in one way or another only want to bring people together.

The event was organized by the Playing For Change and Blackbird Presents foundations, seeking to give a message of unity and strength in these difficult times for all. In fact, between each presentation you could see messages from many corners of the world, about the fight against covid-19 and its repercussions. Apart from that, the event also had slogans against racism, and of course the power of music in the world.

Los Angeles salsa and its origins

Salsa and its origins

Salsa is a musical genre of Latino origin that has become very popular around the world thanks to the enormous number of artists who have been responsible for spreading it far and wide. Neither salsa or any of the other genre remains static in time and this is because all the transformations and combinations suffered at the years begin to pass. This has given rise to a number of new styles that have also been spreading to many countries thanks to those interested in learning to dance them.

How Los Angeles Salsa Originated

Los Angeles salsa and how to dance it — Two people dancing Los Angeles salsa

One of those styles is Los Angeles salsa, which is named after the city where it was born. In Los Angeles, United States, a family of Mexican origin was directly involved in the origins of this style of salsa. Francisco Vásquez, who spent a significant part of his life in Los Angeles, was delighted with the way many of the greatest dancers of those years danced in nightclubs.

Around this time, this man began to mimic the movements made by these dancers, to perfect them and to add other Hollywood dance steps. After all this process experienced by Francisco, he gave rise to what would later be known as On1. Sometime later, Francisco would teach his brothers what he learned in these clubs, which gave origin to what would become a family business known as Los Rumberos. These brothers were real important in the expansion of this salsa style, but there were many other professional dancers and lovers of Latin culture who have created other companies focused on promoting many musical styles from Latin America.

A very important thing to say about this salsa style is that it was neither the only nor the first salsa rhythm to become famous around the world, as New York salsa has also become very popular in recent years and includes some of the sounds present in tango, jazz, among others.

The presence of Los Angeles salsa in Europe

A type of salsa that only emerged at the local level has become one of the most sought-after musical styles by European music festivals to give them a privileged place in their respective programs, which implies that Latin music has already expanded in its multiple variants to every corner of the Old Continent.

One of the most important reasons why this style has become so famous is the richness of its steps and the varied movements in relation to other typical dance forms of salsa. If Europeans were already very interested in Latin rhythms, such a diversity of rhythms and styles makes them even more curious about our musical culture.

These competitions and festivals held around Europe are very striking and prestigious, as they invite locals to learn to dance different rhythms in order to be eligible for one of the luxurious prizes offered therein. The best of all this is that these competitions include all levels, so you don’t have to be a professional dancer to have a good time and gain one or another recognition.

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Salsa as a reflect of social inequality

Salsa is more than a musical genre

Salsa is only viewed as a musical genre of Latin American origin that relates to Spain in the wrong way for many people, but it is much more than this. In the same way, we can talk about salsa as a set of Caribbean rhythms and styles amongst which we can find mambo, rumba, guaracha, among others. Nowadays, both definitions are now known to encompass everything salsa means in terms of culture in the Latin world.

Well, turns out salsa went far beyond serving as a type of music to become a cultural and even political phenomenon that played a very important role at momentous points in public life in many Latin countries.

How salsa social movement began

Salsa as a social movement ans its artists — Willie Colon playing the trumpet

As soon as the Cuban Revolution was concrete, the island was gradually isolating itself from the rest of the world in many of the areas of life, especially the artsy one. This resulted in that many local artists were forced to leave their country and relocate to New York, United States. It was there that all these exponents of the aforementioned genre began to work in innovative ways and give new life to this music, thus leading to a number of changes that would transform salsa forever.

One of the most important changes was the fact that music was no longer confined to smart ball-rooms. Now it does too in the corners where you can see the misery in which a significant percentage of the population lives. At these times, the aim was not only to achieve the greatest number of attendees possible, but to achieve those who needed to feel connected to these rhythms.

That audience was composed of Latino neighborhood residents, who were desperate to find any artistic expression capable of reflecting their everyday problems. In this sense, salsa has become a powerful tool of protest against the very poor economic, political and social situation for which Latinos were going through. One of its greatest exponents has been Ruben Blades with songs such as Prohibido Olvidar, Pueblo Latino, and Tiburon. These musical themes are an open critic to governments of all ideological tendencies reneged on promises to the people.

Salsa culture and salsa as part of Latin American identity

Salsa and social inequality — A couple dancing salsa

When we analyze thoroughly the origins of salsa and the most famous artists of this genre, it is not difficult to understand why it has been so successful in the greater share of Latin America. These artistic expressions of this type are the ones that can put into words the feelings experienced by those who wish to create an identity and bring about solid political thoughts. We mention the word identity because it refers to the way we perceive ourselves and we see our traditions and the story behind us.

A large part of the story is related by salsa, which has become a popular life expression as an unambigous reflection of the typical traditions and customs of the Caribbean countries. In the same way, this genre lets us view the experiences, happiness and sadness of those who identify with its lyrics.

Salsa is a clear demonstration that arts are not always disconnected from the feelings of the majority but, on the contrary, it can be a true reflection of what people dream, think and feel from each chapter of history.

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New Music Video Billo’s “Tu Amor Para Navidad”

Get ready to celebrate another Christmas with Billo’s

Celebrating Christmas with Billo’s has been for a long time part of the Venezuelans traditions, and fans around the world. This year, to the surprise of many, it won’t be the exception. Thanks to the project carried out by several recognized latin singers, who participate with so much love and fondness, we can enjoy a legacy of good music.

JN Music Group, a record company that support latinamerican talents, reaches a higher level. On this occasion it does with “Legendarios”, an album that commemorates the band’s career and master Luis María Frometa.

Few days ago it was released another production from this album: “Tu Amor Para Navidad”. The single is interpreted by Billo’s Orchestra, which right now are under the baton of Frometa’s son Adrian Frometa, and are settled in Miami. “Tu Amor Para Navidad” featured executive production by Juan Hidalgo and Nelson Estévez, arrangements by Mauricio Silva, musical production by Víctor Pabon and Remil Renna, and performed by singers Abraham Casanova, Rolando Mendoza, Fredy Giménez and with the participation of Victor Pabon.

Billo's Tu amor para Navidad — Billo’s is bringing right for Christmas “Tu amor para Navidad”.

The music video is already available on the different digital platforms, and has exceeded the expectation within the industry. Only on YouTube it has more than ninety thousand views. In the audiovisual work you can observe the different singers inside a kind of musical studio. The artists were very happy and smiled incessantly.

More about the song

Yo sólo quiero tu amor, para esta navidad y que me llenes de luz, cuando haya oscuridad, Yo solo quiero tu amor, para esta navidad, saber que estoy a tu lado y que conmigo tú estás”, is part of the corus.

It has already had a good acceptance, and it’s projected as another song that will be part of the band’s history. Venezuela was present within the creation and composition of some of the songs, among them we can find Simón Ruiz “Simón”, Óscar Hernández “Oscarcito”, and Yasmil Marrufo. The actor Ricardo Álamo was part of the direction team, and of course the team from JN Music Group.

“Tu Amor Para Navidad” is part of “Legendarios”, the album has another eleven singles that have broken records in views and downloads. There is also an animated music video for “Tres Perlas”

The fans of Billo’s and the latin artists that were part of this project, had enjoyed each release. Carlos Vives, Milly Quezada, Tito Rojas, Oscar D’ León, Wilfrido Vargas, Sergio Vargas, Charlie Aponte, Eddy Herrera, Alex Bueno, Don Fulano and Karina; were the responsibles to give their voices to Billo’s hits. Beside, we are waiting for the behind the scenes of the production, a documentary that portraits the work of each participant.

The band’s new generation has a presentation schedule in Miami, and they will end the year with the tour “Tu Amor Para Navidad 2020”. However, with this new single some new work commitments can emerge. What could bring 2021 to them? We hope for endless opportunities!

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