Search Results for: Salsa

2022: the International Salsa and Bachata Oaxaca Festival.

For the year 2022, in Mexico the capital “Oaxaca” gives us a preview of its next musical event, especially salsa and that is the “International Festival of salsa and bachata, Oaxaca the salsa capital of Mexico” which will take place from March 17 to 20, 2022, the participants and organizers of the festival are known as a very competitive community in the genres of Salsa and Bachata where they show all their capacity during the course of the festival through the competitions held in each of their categories of dance.

For this new event it has some of the best exponents of these genres in the country and they are concentrated in the state of “Oaxaca” and to date they currently have the participation of some of the most important directors of the country and dance companies, which are:

Rhythm and Flavor (Joel and Erika),
Na´Ma sauce (Jorge Martinez),
Son and Cache (Fito Burgoa),
The Latin Show (Enrique Jarquin),
The Salsa Hall (Carlos Vargas)

International Salsa and Bachata Festival Oaxaca 2022

In this 8th edition of Oaxaca Salsa and Bachata Festival, the organization offers you 2 lodging options near the host hotel (the Hotel Misión Oaxaca San Felipe), the Suites Xadani and La Casona Colorada hotels, which will begin to reserve your room. from now on, and if you have any questions, you can contact Mrs. Mavis Escobar at the number +52 9511181624

From Mexico will be the teacher Fernando Sosa and his team Tropical Gem.
From Spain, for the first time in Mexico, Oaxaca, the teachers and world champions, Adrian and Anita.
From Spain and also for the first time in Mexico and Oaxaca, the multi-time bachata champions, Andres and Yessica.
From Cuba will be the teachers of teachers, Tito Ortos and Tamara Livolsi.
From Cuba and currently based in Europe, for the first time in Oaxaca, the great teacher, Yoandi Villaurrutia (Yoyo Flow).
From Cuba will be your beloved teacher, Alien Ramirez
From the United States (USA), the artistic director, Zeke Ruvalcaba
From Colombia once again being part of the cast, Dany Salsita y su Fábrica.
From the United States, for the first time in Oaxaca, the maestro Celso Orozco and his Speranza Pro Team.
From Costa Rica, there will be one of his great friends from the event, David and David.

For more information about the festival that will take place in the capital of Salsa “Oaxaca”:

Facebook: @OAXACASALSAYBACHATAFESTIVAL

Stories in the key of salsa come “from the LP to your library”

From the pen of the novel writer Urayoán Enrique comes Relatos en clave de salsa, a collection of eleven stories, all inspired by the same erotic salsa that revolutionized the salsa music scene at least three decades ago.

The eleven songs that inspired the stories contained in the book that Urayoán recently built-in clear homage to salsa erotica are all undisputed hits. The concept of this collection of short stories follows the line that the author calls: from the LP to your library.

Most of the musical themes contained here came in LP (Long Play) format, those vinyl records that compiled ten musical themes in one unit, known as an album. From that concept, Urayoán came up with the idea of making the conversion, deciding that the collection of stories would be one of eleven, including ten tracks -in this case stories- plus the well-remembered bonus track, for a total of eleven.

From the pen of the novel writer Urayoán Enrique from Arroyo comes Relatos en clave de salsa, a collection of eleven stories, all inspired by the same erotic salsa that revolutionized the salsa music scene at least three decades ago. — Stories in the key of salsa From the pen of the novel writer Urayoán Enrique

During the official launch and presentation of the book, which took place at the Teatro Renacimiento in Arroyo, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2021; young actor Bryan (Brayito) Lebrón and Suhey Moraima played the lead roles in an apt theatrical interpretation of the story entitled Esa chica es mía. Broadcaster and DJ Eduardo Huertas Alicea moderated the event.

Puerto Rican writers Bella Martínez and Richard Rivera Cardona, editor of the literary work, were in charge of the question and answer segment, whose answers brought to light details about the construction of this text that, as previously stated, pays homage to erotic salsa.

The titles contained in this collection, whose inspiration came to Urayoán by way of the musical themes with which the stories in reference share the titles, are: Ven, devórame otra vez, Insaciable, Desnúdate mujer, ¿Quién será ese ladrón, Esa chica es mía, Desayuno, Caricias prohibidas, Mi mundo, Quiero morir en tu piel, Lluvia and Tu prenda tendida.

Before reading each story, it is suggested to listen to the musical theme that inspires it. The book is so carefully constructed that each story has the credits associated with the theme song. The credits include the title, the performer, the composer of the lyrics, the arranger responsible for the musical composition, the album that contains it, the record label that published it and the year in which the song was published. As can be seen, the research was exhaustive and the writing comprehensive; which evidences the care and respect with which this work, which has also been called salsa in prose, was treated.

Urayoán contemplates with his usual shyness to follow this literary line in order to continue building stories that keep the salsa alive and in the minds of the readers. There remained on the shelf the restlessness to write about: Me acostumbré (interpretation by “Tártaro de la salsa”: Frankie Ruiz), Sí, te mentií (interpretation by Lalo Rodríguez), Aquel viejo motel (interpretation by David Pabón) and 5 noches (interpretation by Paquito Guzmán).

By popular demand, Urayoán could write stories inspired by boleros. If he is motivated to explore the bolero, I suggested he develop a story inspired by Deseo salvaje (Lalo Rodríguez’s rendition). In addition to the lyrics of that song, the value lies in the fact that it was also composed by Lalo Rodríguez. Lalo wrote Deseo salvaje when he was only fourteen years old, and two years later he recorded the vocal part for Eddie Palmieri’s orchestra when he was sixteen years old. The album that contains the song I suggested here, The Sun of Latin music was the first salsa album to win the Grammy for “Best Latin Recording”. Even more significant is that it was the first salsa album to be nominated for the highest music award given annually by the world’s leading society of music professionals, better known as the Recording Academy.

In short, if the reader dares to dive into a daring read, inspired by salsa erotica, Relatos en clave de salsa is highly recommended.

Facebook: Urayoán Enrique

By: Bella Martinez “La Escritora Irreverente de La Salsa”

Puerto Rico

WebSite: Bella Martinez

Article of Interest: Tito Rodríguez, Jr. “The Palladium legacy lives on”

Saúl Delhom “Esta Salsa me gusta” one of the things I like the most is to learn, create and share

Saul Delhom this Salsa I like is one of the things I like the most is to learn, create and share.

Each DJ brings in his own way a vision of salsa and a very interesting sector contributing to the cultural richness.

Musical themes are like some smells, they are capriciously anchored to certain moments of our life and when you experience them again they are able to make you travel in time in an instant, have you experienced it? A salsa, a son, a mambo.

Just by listening to the first bars, for some reason your skin bristles, and memories cascade. That is the basis of this book, a very simple idea: What salsa do you like?

Within the salsa world, there is a group that rarely receives the recognition it deserves.

Each DJ. He brings in his own way a vision of salsa and a very interesting sector contributing to the cultural richness — Saúl Delhom “Esta Salsa me Gusta DJs Edition”

They are those who work with thousands of musical themes before their eyes and hands pass hundreds of albums, who select the ones you like and also the ones you still don’t know you like, for me they are salsa sommeliers, or more popularly: DJs.

I contacted DJs from different parts of the world and asked them variants of the initial question: What salsa do you like? What song do you have a memory associated with? What song attracts you musically? The result of their answers is this condensed book made up of all these wonderful stories and anecdotes from nearly one hundred DJs, whether for sentimental or purely musical reasons.

The format of the book is just right so as not to be distracted by frills, where the person and what he tells is the important thing. For that reason, it has a peculiar orientation, more common in calendars, since it opens from bottom to top, instead of right to left. I wanted to layout it with that orientation because that way, while you are reading the text, you have the photograph at the top, as if it were behind the book talking to you, always present, centered, and not on a displaced side. It is a detail that is perhaps too subtle but that I considered important.

Another feature, already common in many of my music-related books, is that on each page you can find a Spotify app code to scan and listen to the song. In addition to the stories, I have discovered many interesting topics with this book!

I felt really privileged to be the first person to read all the texts that have been sent to me.

Each DJ brings in his own way a very interesting vision of salsa and the industry, providing cultural richness.

I was also delighted to see the diversity in terms of the type of stories, from a song that fondly remembers a mother, to the technical analysis of composition and the reason for its enjoyment. And as for another type of diversity, I have tried to have as many women as possible, although it is true that we are already starting from a lower percentage.

Already at the beginning of the book, I apologize for leaving hundreds of women out of it, either for lack of time or lack of knowledge on my part and for that reason, in addition to the fantastic support from the collective, I have decided to start with another book that will be the continuation of this first volume. Stay tuned because it will soon be published!

“Esta salsa me gusta – DJs Edition”

Saúl Delhom "Esta Salsa me gusta" is one of the things I like the most: learning, creating and sharing — Saúl Delhom “Esta Salsa me gusta” is one of the things I like the most: learning, creating and sharing

Facebook: Saúl Delhom

Website: Bailo Pinto

IG: Bailo Pinto

Article of Interest: Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

The latest news about salsa in New York in November

What is happening in New York?

Johnny Cruz brings us all the latest news about salsa in New York City. Here are some of the most important developments in Latin music in one of the most important corners of the United States.

Julio Castro Y su Orquesta La Masacre returns with a new project

Julio Castro Y Su Orquesta La Masacre was absent from the music scene for about two decades, but the thought of getting back was always present. Now in 2021, the Puerto Rican and his entire team are back with a new and special project that will undoubtedly fascinate all their fans, who have been longing to see them again. The details are not yet clear, but we will let our readers know once we have more information.

This is not the first time that we have mentioned Maestro Castro in International Salsa Magazine and we sincerely hope that this will not be the last.

Willie Rosario supports the Salsa Museum

Following several conversations with the musician, composer and bandleader of Puerto Rican origin is going to donate some of his most valuable instruments to the Salsa Museum, including timbales, bells and more. The performer is 97 years old, but he is more active than ever on quite a few projects, which is really worthy of admiration. This is how the artist becomes one of the many famous names that remains immortalized in the famous artistic institution.

Johnny Cruz will create a new Salsa Museum in Puerto Rico

The famous producer and timbalero had a long trip to Puerto Rico to carry out certain activities related to music, which led him to grasp the idea of creating a new headquarters for the salsa museum in the island of enchantment. In view of the success of this tour, the musician saw an enormous potential in this place to build and inaugurate a headquarters of the musical institution that will show Puerto Ricans the beauty of being Latinos.

In addition to this, Cruz did not return to New York empty-handed. In the Town of San German, where the museum will be located, the producer got the keys to the city from Mayor Virgilio Olivera. The event took place in a building with great historical value to the town and was a great honor for those present. Undoubtedly, it was a great moment for those who have closely followed the presenter’s career and his efforts to give visibility to Latin music in the United States and the world.

Jonny getting the keys — Johnny Cruz getting the keys of the town of San German from Mayor Virgilio Olivera

Reopening of clubs in New York

2021 has been the year after the beginning of the pandemic, so that was not an easy time for anyone, least of all for those who live from the music scene. However, great efforts have been made towards reopening the bars and discos that had to remain closed due to the public health crisis through which the world was passing. That is why the resumption of activities has been incrementally announced. Some of the clubs that have been active for some time are the following:

SOB
González y González
Birland
Lehman Center for the performing arts

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

Pianist Fadi Gaziri Debuts In Salsa Music With Cuba Classic

A Studio Album That Reflects The Multicultural Sound Of Western Europe And Latin America

Cuba Classic album cover with colored houses and a red car — Cuba Classic was released in August 2021

The son of medical parents and the grandson of a passionate pianist, Fadi Gaziri ventures into the Salsa world with the album Cuba Classic, independent record production in collaboration with his German colleague and great friend Fritz Wengler.

Cuba Classic fuses the incredible universe of emotions that classical music transmits with the passion, conventional melodies of Jazz, and the rhythmic base of the Caribbean that characterizes Latin culture.

“Arranging classical pieces to fit a Salsa vibe was surprisingly easy… The melodies can be rhythmically changed to suit the Latin vibe while keeping authenticity…” Voiced by the talented British pianist.

This masterpiece with hybrid two-language titles strikes a perfect balance between the original title of a classic work and the sensation of the indicated awakening of a Latin melody. “I always liked Salsa for its quality to make people dance, so naturally and with such confidence.

As for the music itself, I love the colorful brass arrangements and Latin percussion. It’s a lot of fun to listen to and to play… ”. Fadi indicated.

The 13 songs on the album are El Capo (Zarathustra, R. Strauss), 5 Sinfonía De Salsa (Beethoven’s 5th Symphony). “I had a lot of fun with this one. …The Reorganization, the phrasing, using repetitions, increases, and the complete brass arrangement to make it sound like a proper Cuban track”. Fadi added recalling his experience with the production of this theme.

The next track on the album is Mambo Loco Nórdico (Grieg’s Piano Concerto in LA minor), resembling Havana at its turbulent peak and with great determination. Continues, the fourth track Mambo Austriaco (Mozart – Symphony No. 40 and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik), and the exquisite mix of Calipso Alemán (Beethoven’s Symphony 9).

In addition, you will also find in Mambo Classic: G-String Bossa (Air on a G string, JS Bach), Salsa Húngara (Brahms Hungarian Rhapsody) thought for the Latin ballroom dance competition tracks, due to the grace of the exuberant exposure of the horns.

Funeral De Che Guevara (Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody in C sharp minor), Havanera (Carmen Bizet) is another of the themes that stand out on this album. “It was inspired by the character of Che Guevara and his revolutionary spirit. Along, with a trumpet blast from Mariachi… Fernando’s lyrics and voice also add to the overall feeling”. Gaziri commented to us.

Rumba Rusa (Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky), La Toccata Loca (Bach Toccata in D minor), Green Leaves (traditional Greensleeves), and finally the piece Lambada A La Luz De La Luna (Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven) beginning with the funeral march played with a trumpet solo intervened with a joyous lambada, ending in a Latin urban sound.

Fadi’s main idea with Mambo Classic is to simplify the music on this album for use in schools across the country and have children perform it by simply playing percussion with the backing tracks.

Similarly, Gazziri hopes to present this record production live in 2021 on the big stages of Berlin and the rest of Europe.

Why The Fusion Of Latin Rhythm With Classical Music?

Fadi Gaziri in black and white playing the piano — Fadi Gaziri can handle musical instruments alongside cinematographic elements, folk, and ambient electronic sounds

This talented artist since his return to Hamburg in 2017 has been involved in teaching music to children and teenagers in schools in this port city located in northern Germany.

Gaziri showed signs of concern every day as he observed his students’ reluctance to learn classical music, a feeling already developed as a famed behavior among young people today. But why don’t German students like to learn about their cultural heritage? The main reasons that Fadi realized were that his students were not motivated to continue with their studies due to the complexity of the music and the difficult handling of the instruments that did not allow them to master them quickly.

Realizing this, Gaziri began to devise the fusion of the Latin genre with classical music and thus seek to reverse the discouragement of his students. “I wanted children to learn classical music in a fun and interactive way. Something that would not take long to learn and that could involve all participants, regardless of their age, nationality, or musical ability. Most schools have Latin percussion that sits on the shelves and is rarely used.

So, I thought it would be a great idea to put in some classic melodies and accompany them with this Latin percussion. Wouldn’t it be fun and a good learning experience at the same time? Fadi told us.

Currently, this prodigious pianist is evaluating the possibility of continuing to teach in German schools full-time by 2022.

You Can Also Read: Mozart & Mambo

The Story Of Fadi Gaziri

Fadi Gaziri in his recording studio with pianos around — Fadi Gaziri played the piano first time at the North Pole in August 2021

Fadi Gaziri is a natural music producer and composer for audiovisual media, film, and theater. He was born in Moscow and began his musical studies of piano and violin at the famous Gnessin Music Academy.

At age 12, he moved to Sweden with his family and later to England (1998) where he continued his musical training.

This extraordinary producer studied Music Composition, Piano, and Languages at Durham University in 2004 graduating with great honors and passing his ABRSM piano exams with distinction. Two years later he entered Bournemouth University to study for a Master’s in Film Composition.

That same year (2006) Fadi moved to Hamburg and started working on music for commercials, films, and sound branding. At the same time, he began touring the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Germany accelerating his musical career.

In 2014 Fadi released his first solo album titled Northern Lights, a mix of cinematic and folk sounds that he combines with electronic texture. He used his technological knowledge to loop while playing piano, violin, and adding subtle voices that he performed himself.

Over the next three years, Gaziri released his second EP “The Jump”, founded a music supervision company, and has been dealing with song placement, and licensing for film and television ever since. He assumed a permanent position as an in-house music producer at TUi Cruises in Berlin and composed, and arranged music for more than ten theatrical productions performed on board the ships.