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La Banda surprises with their first work full of tropical sounds

La Banda is a group with a lot of experience in the musical field and on stage. They have become known in the movement of private events held in the Dominican Republic, but it is not until this year that they decide to release their first production entitled “Es La Banda” whose promotional song is called “La Casita”. Get to know all the details and the career of these incredible artists in the following lines.

“Es La Banda” is the first production that presents this duo

La Banda finally presents its first musical production with modern and refreshing merengue rhythms in preparation for the summer months. In addition to several other tropical rhythms such as salsa. The quality of “Es La Banda” is 1A, something that is expected thanks to all the recognition that this duo has achieved in the private entertainment industry in the Dominican Republic.

“La Casita” is the promotional song with which they want to engage listeners so that they get into the other tracks that accompany this work. The song was composed by Marcos López, vocalist and leader of La Banda, with production by the experienced Patricio Bonilla, trombonist of maestro Juan Luis Guerra and Grupo 440, who is the other side of this interesting project.

In Marcos’ own words: “It’s our first unreleased single and we’re super excited. It was part of the plans at the beginning of 2020 that had to be delayed and it’s coming out right now in the company of our musical production.” Something more than understandable, since the entertainment world put everything on pause due to the pandemic that affected all the countries in the globe.

To talk more about “Es La Banda” Patricio comments: “The musical production contains 5 merengues that represent us as a group and with what we are capable of doing on stage, but we also wanted to include 2 salsas that give it a touch of versatility”. One of those salsa songs is “Bethania”, a classic that was released 20 years ago. In fact, they had the participation of their creator Pavel Núñez, to give this beloved song a new and modern touch.

Get to know La Banda

This group is made up of two compadres who decided to unite their individual talents to form an excellent duo, with the rest of the musicians, and thus offer the public all the best of their careers. In this way, Patricio Bonilla and Marcos López bring La Banda to the front.

First is the maestro and director Patricio Bonilla, with more than 20 years as trombonist for the Dominican icon Juan Luis Guerra and his Grupo 440, puts the academy and rigor that guide the perfect execution of one of the most complete and constantly reinvented repertoires. Then we have Marcos López (popularly known as El Hijo De Nelo or Nelito), who always gives his best with great energy to raise the level of each performance, as well as connecting with the audience to make them part of the show.

Despite knowing each other for many years and beginning to work together in 2011, it was not until mid-2016 that they decided to define the project and seek a musical identity for their group. In this way they have managed to captivate the Dominican public, especially in private events throughout the Caribbean country.

“Our passion is music… our job is to entertain” are Marcos’ words when asked the meaning of La Banda. In addition, the great talent of these musicians who now want to show their own identity, after years of paying tribute to the greatest of the tropical genres, as is normally done in all the events that take place in the Caribbean. All that remains is to wait a lot more from this great duet, and see how this synergy continues to develop.

Eddy Herrera presents his new production “Aquí Estoy”

Eddy Herrera is “El Galán del Merengue” and one of the most recognized tropical music artists in the region and the world. He returns to the music scene with an album of 8 songs where he wants to demonstrate his experience, and the perseverance he has had throughout the years. This album is not just another taste of his particular flavor, but also shows different facets of the Dominican star. In this article we tell you all the details.

“Aquí estoy” by Eddy Herrera has the best production

For this album Eddy promised to show his facet as a composer, and the best possible quality for all his fans and those who enjoy tropical music. This production has different sounds to capture Herrera’s tastes. In addition to songs like “Y cómo te olvido”, “Bla bla bla”, “Cómo iba a saber”, “Adicto a ti”, “Te lo pido mi amor”, “A beber”, “Nadie como tú” and the hit “Si yo se lo pido,” which is the main song of this album, were produced and arranged by the best of the best.

In this very special album, Eddy had the participation of prominent producers and musical arrangers from the Dominican Republic such as Junior Cabrera, Edwin García, Moisés Sánchez, Isaías Leclerc, Francis Enmanuel Contreras (Dary Darys), Juan Daniel Montero and his own orchestra that accompanies him in all his productions and tours. In Eddy’s own words:

“I understand that this album will mark interesting things this year and years to come. Having the professionalism, talent and experience of producers, musicians, composers, mixing and mastering engineers was more than a real pleasure, it was an honor. I hope it is to everyone’s liking and long live the merengue”.

The lyrics of each track are authored by the following talents: Giordano Morel, Martín De León, René Solís, Luis A. Herrera, Jorge A. Herrera, César Brizuela, Ernesto Díaz (EL Duende), Enghel Mata and Valerio De León. Wanting to give this new production the best quality possible, Eddy worked on mixes and sound with the best technicians and sound engineers.

Highlighting the work of the talented and experienced mixing engineer and musician Allan Leschhorn, who is the winner of 14 Latin GRAMMY® Awards, and who has worked with leading national and international artists. Along with Boris Milan, also winner of 8 Latin GRAMMY®, more than 30 nominations and 3 GRAMMY® nominations, who was also in charge of the mastering of the complete album and the song “Y cómo te olvido”.

“With this new album I want to capture mainly that, regardless of the fact that in the last two years the situation at levels of work, economy and health has been devastating for everyone, despite everything, I remain firm and on my own feet working even a little more than usual,” explained the Dominican Eddy.

Eddy Herrera has a long career

Under the long list of successes that this son of the Dominican Republic has are “El jardinero”, “El loco y la luna”, “La medicina”, “Mujer tirana”, “Tu eres ajena” and “A dormir juntos” featuring the Venezuelan artist Liz. His previous production “Ahora” received the highest award by winning the Latin GRAMMY® for Best Merengue and/or Bachata Album.

With a 30-year career with a long list of achievements and success, it could be said that Eddy has already done it all. But he continues to go on stage to cheer up and make his fans and the public dance with everything he shows. Hence his commitment to offer the best quality in each production. He will soon do a promotional tour through Latin America so stay tuned for where you can see him.

NOTICIAS CON SABOR on June 2022

The latest of salsa in the Bay Area of San Francisco

Someone to look out for is percussionist/bandleader/catalyst Javier Navarette who has been creating a serious buzz with his new group Javier Navarette and His Socially Distant Friends which features a “who’s who” of stellar Bay Area talent including esteemed violinist Anthony Blea, vocalist/percussionist Hector Lugo, rising star on the guitar, Kai Lyons, bassist Ayla Davila, percussionist Jesse Weber and charter members such as tresero/guitarist Camilo Landau, NY based trombonist and Javier’s brother Raul Navarette and PMO vocalist Chriselle Durandy. Navarette and friends play an intoxicating brew of danceable Salsa, Cuban descarga, Rumba, Afro-Cuban folklore, Bomba, Timba and Latin Jazz played superbly by this all-star ensemble that have impressed large audiences at Carnaval San Francisco, the UC Theatre, Rocky’s Market and other festivals and hot spots.

Navarette is also currently a member of the hot Bobi Cespedes Band and was formerly a member of renowned bands such as Charanson, La Mixta Criolla, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir among others. He has established himself as one of the SF Bay’s rising stars….a rumbero with excellent chops, taste and well versed both in the Cuban and Puerto Rican culture and heritage. Navarette also has taught in the classroom spreading the knowledge to younger grade school children in the Bay Area. Navarette is also booking the popular Modupue Sundays series at Rocky’s Market in Oakland. Go Javier!!

Javier Navarrette from Javier Navarrette and His Socially Distant Friends

The Western Region Puerto Rican Council will once again present their “El Dia De San Juan” Salsa Festival on Saturday, June 18, 11 am to 7 pm at Swiss Park, 5811 Mowry Avenue in Newark. Headlining the show will be Frankie Vasquez “El Sonero Del Barrio”. Vasquez is considered one of the finest soneros in the business today. With a star studded career that includes working with Manny Oquendo and Libre, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Los Soneros Del Barrio, Pedro Bermudez, Doug Beavers and many others, Vasquez displays his art of the soneo, his distinctive vocal tone always backed up by a swinging band on record and live. Also appearing for the first time will be Izis La Enfermera De La Salsa from Puerto Rico, Gambizi & Dos Four hot from Carnaval SF, Hip Hop Jibarito, Orquesta Saboricua and Rinkinkaya playing Bomba, Plena and Jibaro music and DJ Santos Lopez. For more information, go to wrprc.org!

SF JAZZ and the San Francisco Jazz Festival are featuring an impressive array of Salsa, Cuban and Latin Jazz starting Wednesday June 8 with Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Followed by Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Grammy nominee Aymee Nuviola 6/9; Chucho Valdes with Dianne Reeves and Joe Lovano 6/12; Changui Majadero 6/13, Danilo Perez Global Messengers 6/14; Issac Delgado’s Con Tumbao Project w/Miguel Zenon, Oscar Hernandez, Pedrito Martinez, Alain Perez, Tony Succar and more 6/18. SF JAZZ and Stanford University also co-presents two legends: Piano master Eddie Palmieri and trumpet phenom Arturo Sandoval at Stanford’s Frost Amphiteater on July 23. Info: www.sfjazz.org.

The new hot spot for live music on Thursday’s is Charley’s LG, 15 N Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos featuring the following for June: Orquesta La Moderna Tradición on 6/2; Carlos Xavier and his band 6/9; Edgardo Cambon and Candela 6/16; Son Y Clave from Los Angeles on 6/23 and Julio Bravo and Salsabor on 6/30. Presented by your friends at International Salsa Magazine and World Salsa Radio. Yours truly, Luis Medina from KPFA/WorldSalsaRadio.com will be your MC and DJ for the evening. WSR’s El De La Clave SF-Felipe Martinez will give dance lessons starting at 8 PM. Get a discount on your advance tickets by visiting charleyslosgatos.com.

Tregar Otton from Orquesta La Moderna Tradición

More clubs and events (título 3)

La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley has been gaining a lot of notoriety with their monthly Baila events. The June edition will also celebrate the cultural center’s 47th Anniversary on Friday, June 17th starting at 7 pm. Corey Raynor, the venue’s production manager who organizes the event will also be celebrating his birthday. The show will feature the explosive sounds of veteran timbalero Eric Rangel and his Orquesta America as well as KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz in the main theater and DJ Ron Palma in the Bachata lounge. Salsa and Bachata dance lessons start at 7:30 pm. For tickets and information, please visit lapena.org.

It’s Summertime and outdoor venues have opened back up for Salsa, Timba and Latin Jazz! Modupue Sundays at Rocky’s Market at Oakland’s Brooklyn Basin is featuring the exciting band La Mixta Criolla on Sunday, June 5 under the direction of percussionist/vocalist Hector Lugo and a special Bomba dance performance by Shefali Shah. The festivities start at 5:30 pm. Another great band Orquesta La Moderna Tradición will be at Rocky’s on Friday night, June 10th from 6 to 9 pm. Rocky’s Market events are all outdoors and located at 288 Ninth Avenue in Oakland. For more information, visit rockysmarket.com.

The Office on 1796 Willow Pass Road in downtown Concord is now offering Rumba Sundays every Sunday from 5 to 10 pm in a large, covered outdoor patio with a huge dance floor featuring Salsa bands such as Orquesta Taino on Sunday, June 5th. The Office features live salsa monthly with SF Salsa Congress staple DJ Super Chino spinning Salsa, Bachata and more in-between the breaks! Check out their Facebook page for more info!

Orquesta Taino posing for the camera

The Cigar Bar continues with their mission to bring you exciting danceable bands in their unique venue that combines great food, fine drinks, a parlor for cigar enthusiasts and a hot dance spot for weekend patrons. The June Latin music offerings are the following: Pacho y Orchesta Evolution 6/3; Orquesta La Original w/Alexis 6/4; Orquesta Borinquen 6/10; Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble 6/11; N’Rumba 6/17 ; Manteca 6/18; Orquesta Taino 6/24 and La Clave Del Blanco on 6/25.

The Ramp is heating things up for the Summer at their fine outdoor venue with their huge dance floor at 855 Terry Francois Blvd in San Francisco. Their calendar includes great acts on Saturday afternoons starting at 4 pm with DJ Mendy with live music starting at 5 pm featuring N’Rumba on 6/4; Julio Bravo y Salsabor on 6/11; Somos El Son with Braulio Barrera 6/18 and Orquesta Borinquen on 6/25.

The Seahorse in Sausalito features fine Italian cuisine, beer and wine and a fine space for dancing on Saturday and Sundays starting at 6 pm with KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz. Featured acts for the month of June include La Clave Del Blanco on 6/4; Julio Bravo y Salsabor 6/5; Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca from Los Angeles on 6/11 and 6/12; Edgardo Cambon y Candela 6/18; Louie Romero and Mazacote 6/19; The Latin Rhythm Boys 6/20 and Eric Rangel and Orquesta America on 6/26.

Be sure to check out my radio programs Con Sabor on Saturday evenings from 9 to 11 PM PST on KPFA 94.1 FM and www.kpfa.org and Sabiduria Con Tumbao every Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 PM PST on worldsalsaradio.com. Enjoy your Summer! Ciao 4 now!!

Louie Romero from Louie Romero Y Su Orquesta Mazacote

By Luis Medina, ISM Correspondents, San Francisco, California

Imágenes Latinas, the new album by Spanish Harlem Orchestra

New album by Spanish Harlem Orchestra

The three-time Grammy winner Spanish Harlem Orchestra has an undeniable impact on the perception of the public towards music in general and this is no coincidence, as the work done its members has an unsurpassed quality.

These salsa veterans have always been characterized by looking for a raw and organic sound based on the past, something that does not prevent them from being focused on the future. On each album, they are very conscious that their main goal is to keep good music alive.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra members

How this started

Once again, the salsa orchestra shows what they are really made of in their new album Imágenes Latinas, which will surely be a hit with the band’s fans. The record label in charge of releasing this recording is Ovation Records, whose owner is Oscar Hernández, pianist, composer and founder of SHO.

It is very interesting to note that Imágenes Latinas is the result of a funding model driven by the group’s fans in exchange an advance copy of the album and even a type of executive producer credit. The release show took place on May 20 at DROM, New York. There are multiple images from the show on the group’s official social media accounts, whose members thanked those present for their support.

Oscar Hernández commented that his mission and vision is to represent the history and legacy of this music, of which he feels very lucky to be part of. He also pointed out that his commitment to the music will never end and that the group explores new dimensions without deviating from its core belief. What Hernández means is that the concept and sounds are the same, but the arrangements and shows always seek to innovate one way or another.

The new album by Spanish Harlem Orchestra Imágenes Latinas

Inspiration

The title is inspired by group Conjunto Libre, which has always been one of the main souces of inspiration for SHO. The song Imágenes Latinas was one of Conjunto Libre’s most important pieces throughout their career and talked about the evolution of the Latin American diaspora in history. SHO seeks to give a touch of modernity to the song and introduce some contemporary arrangements while respecting its original essence.

A noteworthy aspect of Imágenes Latinas is that the group travels through various moods and styles, showing the vast experience of all its musicians in each piece. A great example of this is Mi Amor Sincero, which starts with the typical sounds of the bolero until becoming a joyful cha-cha that surprises anyone who will listen. These sorts of transitions from one style to the other can be found throughout the work and its brilliant interpretations.

The album is a true reflection of SHO’s career, which is still seen as one of the leading salsa ensembles even after all these years. The quality of their work has not decreased in the least, quite the opposite. Its members continue to risk breaking ground and experiment with the novelty of music without losing focus of who they are.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra performing on stage