Search Results for: Salsa music

“Trayectoria de Clásicos” – Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago

North America / United State / New York

Johnny Cruz releases his new Salsa album “Trayectoria de Clásicos” with Adalberto Santiago to the musical arena

The famous Timbalero and musical producer presents a CD tribute to all the Puerto Rico and the world’s Soneros, along with one of the most privileged voices of Latin music and Fania All-Stars’ vocal ex-leader: Adalberto Santiago.

"Trayectoria de Clásicos" - Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago — “Trayectoria de Clásicos” – Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago

Johnny Cruz “El Señor del Timbal” launches his second historical compilation “Trayectoria de Clásicos” directed to all the Salseros lovers of the whole world, which can relive in a single album ten great classics of this tropical genre in the interpretation of the vocal versatility most famous of six decades, Adalberto Santiago.

This four-years recording album involved more than 20 Latin music personalities, including: Jason Villamar, Louis Perieda and the special guest: Richi Ray (Piano), Rubén Rodríguez and Freddy Rivera (Bass), Johnny Rodríguez, Pedro Segundo and Luisito Rodríguez (Bongos), Eddie Montalvo and Erick Vélez (Congas), Jerry Rivas and Luisito Rodríguez (Three), Nelson Jaime Gazu (Trumpet), Johnny Cruz (Timbales), Moisés Noguera (Trombones), Freddy Miranda (Baritone), Jerry Rivas, Adalberto Santiago and Frankie Vásquez in the choirs and Adalberto Santiago as Leader Vocal.

Each track of this Salsa flagship CD was chosen with special attention for being emblems of the salsa movement of the 60s, 70s, and 80s popularized by great artists and orchestras, such as: Fania All-Stars, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Cheo Feliciano, Tommy Olivencia, Adalberto Santiago, and Justo Betancourt.

“Trayectoria de Clásicos” comes with the differentiating touch of musical arrangements of extreme sonority concerning their original compositions. “Anacaona” (1971) by Cheo Feliciano with the Fania All-Stars, “El Swing” (1965) and “Un Verano en New York” (1975) by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and “Hipocresía”, the work of the Cuban master: Adalberto Álvarez are interpreted by the legendary vocalist Adalberto, who at 82 years of age keeps his voice intact and dominates a wide range of tones. This former member of the Chuíto Vélez orchestra, Ray Barretto, Típica 73 and Los Kimbos has one of the most prominent careers in the music industry, which has allowed him to share stage and recording with almost all the world-famous Salseros.

In this Salsa compilation, the New Yorker Cruz, also included the six singles: “Planté Bandera” (1975) whose original composition is Tommy Olivencia, “No hago más Na” (1973) belonging to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, “Pa’ Bravo Yo” (1972) by Justo Betancourt, and “Imposible ha de Ser” (1977), “Más Sabroso” (1985) and “Mañoño” (1973) with Típica 73 by Adalberto Santiago.

Undeniably, it’s an album that was worth every year of waiting. “Trayectoria de Clásicos” is of incomparable quality and a super Salsera production highly recommended.

Waiting for the big concert in the city of New York for all lovers of the genre this year!

Release: 2019

Label: Cruz Music Inc.

“Salsa music means everything to me. It’s a passion that goes hand in hand with my culture and roots… I have been playing it for 40 years as a musician and love it dearly”. Johnny Cruz

Johnny Cruz “El señor del Timbal”

The New Yorker musician, CEO, businessman, audio engineer, producer and broadcaster of radio and television, Johnny Cruz since 20 years ago has had one of the most important programs of the five counties of the city of New York dedicated to Salsa, “The Johnny Cruz Show”. This program seeks to enhance the genre, raise awareness and make a difference to what has already been established with interviews with Salsa Mainstays and emerging artists. “The Johnny Cruz Show” is already part of the New York Latino culture and you can enjoy it on public access television every Saturday from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM and also through www.mnn.org and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT-nQee0t_uiDvUGlyh5dA

Likewise, Cruz is also the host of the digital radio program “Galería de la Salsa” dedicated entirely to this tropical rhythm, concentrating on the biggest hits of all times and salsa styles, as well as presenting outstanding live interviews. “Galería de la Salsa” is broadcasted all over the world online at www.miradio.fm.us

This humble, sincere, and successful multifaceted artist told us that among his plans are to make great concerts in his hometown and the rest of the world.

“My legacy rests on what I have created like the SPAHA Salsa Gallery, my radio show, my TV show and all of my musical productions. I hope future generations look at my work here and are inspired to continue the Salsa tradition”. Johnny Cruz

Johnny Cruz Timbal: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028301633677

Adalberto Santiago:

https://www.facebook.com/adalberto.santiago.1401

Balazo Destacado:

Johnny Cruz releases his new Salsa album “Trayectoria de Clásicos” with Adalberto Santiago

Puerto Rican singer and talented sonero Charlie Maldonado

Interview with Charlie Maldonado

José Charlie Maldonado Rodríguez, artistically known only as Charlie Maldonado, is a Puerto Rican singer who has a great talent as a backup singer and sonero, which he has been developing throughout a prominent and very successful career in the world of music.

After having read his biography and being interested in the journey he has been on in salsa, we decided to contact him and arrange a conversation in which we could learn more about him and everything he has done to get here. Next, is a little bit of Charlie’s beginnings and, later on, everything he told us.

Charlie talked to us — Talented Puerto Rican singer Charlie Maldonado, who kindly accepted to talk to us

Beginnings

Charlie was born on October 4, 1964 in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. At a very young age, he was always exposed to boleros and salsa music, as his father belonged to a musical trio that was very popular at the time.

For those years, he listened to Ismael Rivera, Cheo Feliciano, Gilberto Monroig, Danny Rivera, Marco Antonio Muñiz, among others. Charlie said that, with such references at that time, it was impossible not to be enchanted by the music, so his interest in this branch of the arts grew and grew over time.

His interest got to the point where he wanted to learn to play percussion instruments such as the tambourines, the maracas, the drums and, most especially, the bongo (it was the first instrument Charlie learned to play).

Although he does not consider himself as the best bongo player of the world, he is believed to be very capable of playing it efficiently and delighting the listening audience. Most interestingly, he did not achieve this level through formal academic training at an institute, but through constant practice at ”rumbones de esquina” (congregation of people who play music, dance and drink alcohol on a street corner), school activities, family gatherings and Christmas parties.

These informal activities in which he was able to participate gave him the opportunity to develop as an artist from a very young age. In addition, his father and other musicians in the family helped him a lot in this process. The magic you feel when you play music, the family warmth and interaction with the public are not learned in any academy,” said Charlie.

Charlie at rumbones — Charlie Maldonado practiced his skills at ”rumbones de esquina”, school activities, family gatherings and Christmas parties

The Saljaztet

The first opportunity for Charlie to play in a professional group came with The Saljaztet in 1990 thanks to its founder Bobby Concepción, who saw him singing in one of those street parties and believed in his talent and what could be done with it.

Bobby is an industry veteran who has worked with many orchestras such as Orquesta Panamericana and La Orquesta del Maestro Willie Rosario. Being around him taught him a lot and he gained a lot of experience by seeing him in action on stage.

He even taught him some vocal and instrumental techniques to apply in his performances.

Charlie keeps the best memories of this group, its director and his colleagues. He is extremely grateful for everything he learned from them and continues to apply many of these things today.

Osvaldo Núñez, Sammy Marrero, La Selecta and more

”Every human being who comes into our lives has a lot to contribute and teach us. Lord made is different, so all the musicians I’ve worked with have taught me different things” said the artist.

Osvaldo ”Cuchón” Núñez is a brilliant musician who was very dynamic on stage. He was able to play the trumpet, do chorus and lead at the same time. He performed all of these functions excellently, which is why Charlie paid too much attention to what he was doing and copied him.

Raphy Levitt from La Selecta de Puerto Rico was an extremely regimented person who ran the orchestra very well and was excellent for business. He had an almost military discipline and was extremely picky about his musicians and vocalists, to the point that he made them rehearse separately depending on their roles on stage.

Levitt, Marreno, ,Núñez, and Charlie — Levitt, Marrero, and Núñez were very important in his career

In the case of Sammy Marrero, he was always at the height of Levitt’s demands and sometimes exceeded them. In addition to being extremely disciplined, he always lived up to what was required of him on each project and even a little more. He even worked with him when he had his own orchestra, a period in which Charlie learned even more from him.

On this subject, the singer concludes that ”The personalities mentioned have taught me three fundamental things: discipline, perseverance and respect for the public”.

Solo career

The idea of becoming a soloist was always on his mind, but it was not until 2016 that he was able to carry it forward. The previous year, in 2015, the maestro Raphy Levitt unfortunately passed away, at which time Charlie had some songs recorded.

He was already thinking about becoming independent and creating his own musical project, but had not decided to leave the orchestra until the death of Levitt. That is when he got hands on work and finished the record production he had already started.

In 2016, he launched his first solo project entitled ”Dueño de Nada”, whose songs are mostly written by Charlie Ramos. The only cover in the album is precisely ”Dueño de Nada”, which was written by Manuel Alejandro and masterfully played by José Luis Rodríguez ”El Puma” in the 1980’s.

His most recent album is entitled ”Vida Artificial”, which was released in September last year and addresses very interesting and current issues. The single that gives its name to the whole album, ”Vida Artificial”, ”is perfect for today. Phones, tablets and computers are damaging everyone’s mind. There are families who sit at the table, but don’t even talk to each other focus their attention to electronic devices. Technology is important, but we can’t be connected to it all the time. That was the message we wanted to bring with Artificial Life” said Charlie.

Charlie on stage — Charlie Maldonado singing on stage

Future projects

Charlie is about to release a song titled ”Señora Rumba” written by Eduardo Saya. The material has already been recorded and Charlie and his team are working on the video clip, which has a few shots filmed. It is expected to be released this August.

Likewise, he is working on his concerts and private presentations in Puerto Rico, but some opportunities are opening up in Colombia in the future.

También lee: We spoke with Andrea Chaparro from Lulada Club

Antonio Cartagena is an acclaimed artist, leaving the name of Peru on high all over the world

Antonio Cartagena is one of our best bastions who was born artistically in 1990 from a humble family with Afro-Peruvian roots.

Born in the Constitutional province of Callao (Bellavista) and having studied higher education in the National Police of Peru and half of career in the course of Psychology at the University San Martin.

Being able more the art is consecrated presenting his first success “Sin Ti” belonging in that instant to the Orchestra Peru Salsa All Star at the same time is invited to record songs like Niña and Tengo Todo Execto a Ti by the Orchestra of the Prestigious Oscar “Pitín” Sanchez La Sensual 990 achieving a greater acceptance the demands of work.

They were not made to wait in all the Peruvian literal for such reason is that Antonio Cartagena is traced important goals as the conquest of other countries reason others so that in 1991 produces his first album as a soloist with 10 songs where they highlighted songs like; Sedúceme and Necesito un Amor.

Becoming known in countries such as Colombia, Venezuela and part of the United States.

In 1992 he launches to the market a fresh and romantic Salsa where he highlights songs like Y que Tiene el and M Dueña; from there he reaffirms the internationalization being hired for a tour in the United States with all his group visiting places like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Virginia, Dallas, Texas, San Diego, among others.

Then in 1993 he is hired by the prestigious international record company RMM of Mr. Ralph Mercado, one of the biggest salsa producers in the world; recording his first international album entitled Dime Que Si, where the most outstanding songs are Apaga La Luz and Perdone Querida.

To perform in dream stages such as Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Miami Arenas, alternating with many stars such as Oscar Leon, Van Lester, India, Marc Anthony, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Domingo Quiñonez, Ray de la Paz, Tony Vega, Ray Sepulveda, Johnny Rivera, Tito Nieves, Jose Alberto el Canario, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Giovanni Hidalgo, and an innumerable list of the greats of the firmament of the salsa market. The tour continued to include Canada, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico and Argentina.

These were events that marked a milestone in the vertiginous career of the artist; who arrives in his country after three years of coming and going; with a production titled Punto de Vista (1996), where he consecrates himself with the songs Si Tu No Estas and Pídele Perdón, successfully placing himself at the threshold of his career in his own country.

Already in 1997 he wants to impose the criollismo converting famous and traditional waltzes of our country in salsa; Disc that made him known all over the world even in Europe, presenting himself in stages of Germany, France, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, Spain among others.

In the year 2000 and without stopping touring nationally and internationally, Antonio Cartagena produced a new album which highlights the theme Nadie Quien te Quiera como Yo.

Then in 2001 he travels to New York to produce an album titled Volveré, with songs such as Ni Siquiera, giving much to talk about in that country and in Latin America, visiting countries such as the United States, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, etc.

In 2005 he presents a renewed and updated product imposing themes such as Salsa Regaee, titled No Me Digas Que No, placing himself in the first places of our musical environment.

Antonio Cartagena, is one of our best internationally recognized bastions, who is going through his best moment, considered in salsa as the best exponent of music in his genre and winner for this year of a number of awards such as: Nominated for Best Interpreter of the year in the salsa music genre.

Cartagena is an acclaimed artist, leaving the name of Peru on high all over the world.

Antonio Cartagena

José Mangual Jr.

The son of the master and pioneer of Bongó, José Mangual “Buyú”

The son of the innovative and pioneering bongo musician, José Mangual Sr., aka “Buyú”, José Mangual Jr. was born and raised in East Harlem, the Spanish Quarter of New York City known as “El Barrio”. By the age of fifteen, José Jr. was already playing in local groups.

In 1968, Mangual Jr. was invited to play bongos and sing background vocals for a fledgling orchestra led by a young man named Willie Colón.

The lead vocalist for this group was also a young singer named Hector Lavoe.

Along with his perennial rhythm section “compadre”, legendary percussionist Milton Cardona, Mangual would become a part of history, as they made some of the most important recordings in the annals of salsa music.

Mangual Jr. showed his skill as a composer, author, and lead vocalist with Colón’s orchestra.

José Mangual "Buyú" — Photo of José Mangual Jr in concert

With Kent Gomez in 1973, Mangual co-authored the song “San Miguel” for Tony Pabón y la Protesta. This song featured him as a lead vocalist.

After Willie Colón and Hector Lavoe parted ways to pursue different ventures, it was José Mangual Jr. who took over the musical direction of Lavoe’s band.

Shortly after this in 1977, Mangual formed his own record label, True Ventures Inc., and released A Tribute to Chano Pozo.

This album features the classic recordings, “Campanero” and “Cuero ‘Na Ma”. It also established Mangual as a lead vocalist to be reckoned with, and a serious record producer.

Live Jose Mangual Jr — Photo of José Mangual Jr on stage

The 1980’s saw José Mangual Jr.’s fame grow even more, as he became a premier artist for Velvet Records, and further solidified his fan base in South America, Europe and the Orient.

His skills as a percussionist, vocalist, composer, and musical director were sought out by many including Juan Luis Guerra, Rubén Blades, Herb Alpert, Dizzy Gillespie, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Ramon Orlando, Mario Bauza, Mongo Santamaria, The Fania All-Stars, Junior Gonzalez, Ismael Miranda, Louie Ramirez and many others.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Mangual’s career is his ability to evolve and refine the sounds of his music.

The 1990’s saw him forming and leading his band Sarabanda, while still pursuing the projects he always wanted to do.

In 1995, Mangual released his long-awaited Tribute to Chano Pozo Volume II. This album ranks among his finest, and gives listeners a glimpse into the mind of a master musician who grew up during the golden age of modern Latin music.

In 1998, Mangual produced and musically directed Caiman Records new salsa and Latin jazz release, “Son Boricua”, by his band of the same name.

This session features his original composition, “El Jibarito”, which pays homage to the island of Puerto Rico, and his Boricua heritage. The album and group was the recipient of the New York Latin Critics’ ACE Award as Best New Latin Release for 1998-1999.

Mangual’s recent new release with “Son Boricua”, entitled Homenaje a Cortijo y Rivera is a moving, swinging homage to the music of Rafael Cortijo and “El Sonero Mayor” Ismael Rivera.

What makes this work so noteworthy is that it marks an even deeper trip, not only into Latin jazz, but into the panorama of what the sounds of a Latin New York are: the sounds of the streets of “El Barrio”.

Photo by Jose Mangual Jr — José Mangual Jr on stage

Here, Mangual displays all of the attributes of his professional career, from being the musical director and a lead vocalist, along with the “Smooth One”, Jimmy Sabater, to being a composer with his original composition, “Boricua Blues”.

With this release, Mangual, Sabater, and “Son Boricua” captured their second ACE Award in 2002.

A third ACE Award would follow in 2003 for “Son Boricua’s” 2002 release, Mo!

His most recent participation as a vocal leader in the production of the Quinteros, Quintero’s Salsa Project entitled Our Home, nominated for the Latin Grammy 2019.

National Zalsa Day 2020

North America / Puerto Rico

In April 2000, the third Sunday of March was instituted as the National Zalsa Day under Law #100 of the Senate of Puerto Rico

National Zalsa Day 2020 - Edicion Platino — National Zalsa Day 2020 – Edicion Platino

History

The National Zalsa Day was created in 1984 by Pedro Arroyo, Z-93 Programming Director, who always had the desire to celebrate an event where the talent of popular salsa music, its composers and performers would be recognized, to present it to the great public that loves this tropical genre.

Since its first year, the great event has seized a public eager to enjoy this live music.
The support was total and it immediately positioned itself as the annual concert of the people of Puerto Rico and visitors from other countries.

Since its inception, the National Day of the Zalsa was dedicated to some figure of this genre, as a recognition of their talent and their roots in the public.

1984 – Dedicated in life to the Sonero Mayor, Ismael Rivera
1985 – Rafael Ithier of the Great Combo of Puerto Rico
1986 – Tito Puente and Santitos Colón
1987 – Hector Lavoe
1988 – Andy Montañez and Gilberto Santa Rosa
1989 – Celia Cruz and the Sonora Ponceña
1990 – Willie Colón and Tite Curet Alonso
1991 – Bobby Valentín, Oscar D’ León and the composer Gloria González.
1992 – For the Best 5 Trumpets of Puerto Rico: Elías Lopés, Charlie Sepúlveda, Juancito Torres, Mario Ortiz and Luis “Perico” Ortiz
1993 – Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of the National Day of the Zalsa, dedicated to the Salsero People 1994 – Ray Barreto and Adalberto Santiago
1995 – “Sunset Duels”
1996 – Dedicated to reunions: Classic Ensemble, Tito Nieves, Luis “Perico” Ortiz and Rafael De Jesús, El Gran Combo; Andy Montañez and Roberto Rohena; Sonora Ponceña with Luigi Texidor and Yolanda Rivera.
1997 – To the salsa town
1998 – Jerry Masucci
1999 – Cheo Feliciano
2000 – Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz
2001 – Eddie Palmieri
2002 – Ruben Blades
2003 – Johnny Pacheco and Roberto Rohena
2004 – Quique Lucca, Papo Lucca and Willie Rosario
2005 – Tommy Olivencia and Roberto Angleró
2006 – Los Hermanos Lebrón and posthumous tribute to Charlie Palmieri, Tito Rodríguez and Ray Barretto
2007 – Ismael Miranda, Ramón Rodríguez, Raphy Leavitt and Sammy Marrero
2008 – Larry Harlow and Manny Oquendo
2009 – Celebration of the release of Tite Curet Alonso’s work on Puerto Rican radio. Dedicated to Louis Garcia.
2010 – Johnny Ortiz. Special recognition to Héctor Maisonave and Ángel Luis Córdova García “Paleco”.
2011 – Elvin Torres from Costa Brava, Luisito Ayala from Puerto Rican Power, Paquito Guzmán, Tito Allen and Luigi Texidor
2012 – Posthumous tribute to Frankie Ruiz. Dedicated to the Zodiac Orchestra and the Latin Corporation.
2013 – Posthumous tribute to Pedro Arroyo, former director of Z-93. Special recognition to Edwin Morales from La Mulenze, Pedro Brul, Pedro Conga from Orquesta Internacional and Cano Estremera.
2014 – El Gran Combo, Joe Rodríguez de La Terríca, Justo Betancourt and Meñique
2015 – Gilberto Santa Rosa receives the first National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Sammy “Rolo” González, Mickey Cora, Nacho Sanabria.
2016 – Eddie Palmieri receives the second National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Lalo Rodríguez and Tito Rojas.

National Zalsa Day 2020

On March 8, the 37th edition of the National Salsa Day will be held at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

We often hear that salsa in Puerto Rico is not having a good time or that the atmosphere is not what it used to be. However, each time before. However, every time National Salsa Day is announced, everything changes.

Those who live on the island rub their hands to wait for the big moment and those who arrive from abroad begin to check plane tickets and schedule a little vacation.

In 2020 it will not be the exception. The station Z93 announced a tremendous salsa billboard with Eddie Palmieri, Sonora Ponceña, Oscar D’ León, Ismael Miranda, Lalo Rodríguez and India.

In addition, Tony Vega, Ray de la Paz, Tito Rojas and NG2 have been confirmed as part of the great salsa party. This has caused fans on social networks to begin to express themselves with different opinions about the chosen artists.

Perhaps the balance tilts favorably towards the more classic salsa and not so much towards the proposals of the youngest (except NG2), but let’s see how this formula works for Zeta.

The Crazy Owl, a popular Puerto Rican radio host, announced that tickets can be purchased on the Ticket Center website (tcpr.com/). So you are already warned.

If you want to give yourself the pleasure of enjoying salsa on the Isla del Encanto itself, this may be your chance.

V.I.P platinum $225.00
Area / V.I.P
Open bar / open bar
Quick access / Fast Pass
Private bathrooms / private bathrooms
Official T-shirt / official t-shirt
V.I.P arena $75.00
Numbered seat / reserved seating
Quick access / fast pass
Private bathrooms / private bathrooms
General admission $15.00
Christmas offer only 1000 tickets

For more information: