Search Results for: Saoco

Meet Richard “Saoco” Rodríguez

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Venezuelan Richard “Saoco” Rodríguez

There is a great variety of countries in Latin America that are incredible, but none as varied, dynamic and beautiful as Venezuela, a country that is known for having beautiful and varied landscapes, a great variety of climates and fauna, and Venezuelans are very pleasant, respectful and mostly partygoers. On this occasion we have the pleasure of meeting the young salsa singer, Richard “Saoco” Rodríguez who sees the light in the city of Guarenas, the neighboring town of the great city of Caracas, Venezuela.

Since he was very young, he has stood out as a vocalist in local salsa genre groups, he was driven by recommendations from family and friends, he decided to compose his own songs and make contact with two great and renowned musical arrangers such as José “Tuky” Torres and Héctor “Chispa Hurtado, the latter is the one who takes the reins as music producer and arranger of his orchestra.

Richard “Saoco” Rodríguez has the ability to compose songs in a very contagious way, he takes up the essence of Son, Mambo and Guaguancó.

He has received 4 important awards from the Music Industry such as the Popular Vote of the Singing Festival at the Teatro Principal in 2016, the Compas de Oro Award for International Salsa in 2017, Salsa Revelation Figure of the Year in 2017, Yara Awards The Best Salsa Singer with International Projection in 2018.

Today he presents a musical proposal with the launch of his new song titled “Soon you will return”, where he incorporates the Harp which is an emblematic instrument of Venezuela that resounds in the musical sound that maestro Héctor “Chispa” Hurtado gives it.

Consequently, Richard gets emotional when he tells us about this song, telling us that it all started one day watching the planes leave the Simón Bolívar Airport.

“I went to accompany a great friend who was going to Argentina and on the way home I thought about how hard it is to leave our land, leave our loved ones to undertake new challenges in another country. When I got home, the muse and nation came up with this beautiful song “Soon You Will Be Back” where I remind my Venezuelan brothers of our customs, the importance of sharing with the family, reminding them that we are a happy, pachanguero country.”

Richard “Saoco” Rodriguez.

Richard “Saoco” Rodríguez - Pronto Volveras — Richard “Saoco” Rodríguez – Pronto Volveras

Definitely Richard “Saoco” Rodríguez came with his talent, style and originality to be the difference, thus demonstrating that he is part of the relief generation in the Salsa Industry.

For more information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Saoco-Rodriguez/100021840700541
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardsaoco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardsaoco/?hl=es-la
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI7Bt6vQsfKYEazwDNdty_Q

Salsa y Sentimiento Academy

Latin America / Argentina / San clemente del Tuyú

Salsa y Sentimiento is renowned as the first dance academy in the Partido de la Costa. Founded in April 2012 by its current director, Mr. Gerardo Osvaldo Russo, the academy offers a wide range of classes for both adults and children.

The curriculum includes Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton, Pop Dance, Contemporary, “Ritmos” (various rhythms), Tango, and Introduction to Dance. Beyond daily classes, the academy is a vibrant community hub that organizes parties, festivals, conventions, and events. These activities bring together Salsa and Bachata enthusiasts from across the country and around the world, making it a premier destination for international visitors every year.

Salsa y Sentimiento Academy - San Clemente Salsa Congress — Salsa y Sentimiento Academy – San Clemente Sals

Gerardo Osvaldo Russo

Mr. Gerardo Osvaldo Russo was born on July 3, 1984, and resides in the coastal town of San Clemente del Tuyú, Argentina. His passion for Latin music began in 2005 when he first started dancing and listening to Salsa. This spark soon grew into a lifelong dedication to various Caribbean rhythms.

In 2009, he pursued a professional certification in Caribbean Rhythms at “SAOCO” Studio, one of the top training facilities in Argentina. To complete his studies, Gerardo demonstrated immense commitment by traveling 300 kilometers (approx. 185 miles) every week. It was during this time that he made the pivotal decision to dedicate his life to teaching and developing the ambitious dance projects he had envisioned for the future.

“He mentions that the city where he lived offered no way to get trained since there were few resources, and he couldn’t manage to carry out everything he had in mind. Additionally, his motivation was to grow personally as an instructor and dancer, allowing him to share all the knowledge he was acquiring with the people attending his classes. In 2008, he began teaching—initially as a hobby for a year and a half—until he made the decision to work 100% in his profession. Consequently, today he has his own dance studio called ‘Academia Salsa y Sentimiento,’ which opened in 2012 and where he currently serves as coordinator and instructor. He is also in charge of organizing the ‘San Clemente Salsa Congress,’ which he has done for about 3 years, and he organizes annual Salsa, Bachata, and other Caribbean rhythm parties for his institution; these include seminars and training sessions with high-quality, experienced instructors.”

The reason behind the opening of the “Salsa y Sentimiento Academy” was essentially a need among the people, not only in their own city but also in neighboring towns within the Partido de la Costa—the region where San Clemente del Tuyú is located. This provided them the opportunity to learn how to dance, express themselves, and find a place of freedom and belonging, while also meeting people and socializing. Consequently, it is known for being the first registered dance academy in the entire region, with the founder feeling very proud of both the team and himself.

In short, they mention that their goal has always been for people to feel identified with the activities they perform, finding a place where they can learn and have fun while recharging their energy. Students joining the academy can do so without any prior experience or knowledge of the rhythm they wish to practice. For this year, 2017, they plan to launch their official website to provide more information beyond their Facebook account. At the academy, students can start from scratch, but those who already have experience are also welcome since there are several different levels.

We work with people from 3 years old and up. The greatest goal achieved was creating an International Salsa Congress, where they aimed to take their students to compete. In 2016, they were able to do so with the reggaeton group led by teacher “Maximiliano Laplaca,” reaching the finals of one of the most important competitions in Argentina and South America, called the “Argentine Aerobics and Dance Tournament” (TAAD).

This year, along with other businesses in the city, they are working to provide benefits to their students. The goal is not only for them to have the chance to learn and have fun, but also to access discounts and benefits at shops in San Clemente. There is also a project for the coming years to train teachers who graduate from our Academy.

At the end, Gerardo Russo gives us a message for both current students and future apprentices: “My message as a teacher, but primarily as a human being, is for you not to stop chasing your dreams. As long as you work hard with responsibility, passion, and respect, things can be achieved. I also want to tell anyone who wants to come to the Salsa y Sentimiento Academy that they will find a place not only to learn to dance and train, but also a supportive group of people. It is a place where you can freely express yourself and bring out everything you have inside. Both adults and children are united by our passion for dance. We are teachers who love what we do and wish to pass it on to new generations. We are always open to hearing from anyone with new ideas to build a better SALSA Y SENTIMIENTO ACADEMY every year”.

For this year, 2017, the schedule for the various rhythms mentioned above has been available since January and February, so that everyone is informed before joining.

This magnificent Academy is located at 21st Street No. 139, between 24th and 1st Streets in San Clemente del Tuyú, Argentina

Federico Betancourt “Pioneer of Salsa in Venezuela”

Latin America / Venezuela / Carabobo

Jesús Federico Betancourt was born in the city of Valencia, Carabobo state, on March 22, 1940. He was always attracted to music from a very young age.

In his adolescence, he liked Cuban rhythms, being influenced by Sonora Matancera, Mon Rivera, Eddie Palmieri and Joe Cotto. Before entering the entertainment world, he works at the Bank of Venezuela.

He affirms that he has not carried out formal studies at the musical level, learning the necessary theory to be able to perform as an orchestra conductor, but without interest in interpreting any instrument, but with a well-tuned ear, which has allowed him to remain in the music business for decades. , in fact on certain occasions he is named as the King of the Güiro.

His career began when he entered the Los Selectos Orchestra, where they played songs by the Billos Caracas Boy’s and the Los Melodicos Orchestra, which were at their peak in the 1960s, all this in a particular way, said Orchestra did not go beyond that.

In 1965, Federico Betancourt decides to satisfy his artistic restlessness and founds a band called Federico y su Combo Latino. The members that made up this band were chosen from among the founder and together with Roberto Monserrat.

But it was not until the middle of 1966, when the twenty-six (26) year old undertook the recording of the LP that would make him famous forever. This record production entitled LLEGO LA SALSA, would mark an important stage in Venezuelan Salsa, because it was the first LP that made use of the word SALSA in the country.

Federico Betancourt himself recounts that the Venezuelan announcer Phidias Danilo Escalona had a Radio Program called LA HORA DE LA SALSA, EL SABOR Y EL BEMBÉ, where all the Cuban and Puerto Rican Caribbean rhythms that were fashionable at the time were placed, among those who highlighted La Sonora Matancera with Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Joe Cuba, Tito Rodríguez among others, and who was the one who supported them the most in terms of recording the album.

The production was recorded under the Palacio label, and the LP was titled LLEGÓ LA SALSA, he affirms that the title was chosen without taking into account the importance that it would revert in the future, he also affirms that it was not the name that gave him success , the album was a “bump” in sales, since all the songs were the most requested at the time, using his words: “The album sold like hot cakes”.

The music lovers of the time requested it on specialized sites such as the LA SALSA album. Federico says: “The father of the word SALSA was Phidias Danilo Escalona, he used it for the first time in his radio program, and I, humbly, with the success of my LP, gave him the push for its mass use.”

Federico Betancourt - Photo — Federico Betancourt – Photo

In Venezuela, the word SALSA was welcomed by the public willingly, since it suggested a mixture of flavors, which was exactly what happened in the Phidias program, but at the level of rhythms. After the appearance of Federico’s album, all the shows that were performed at the level of Caribbean and Cuban rhythms, carried the name of SALSA.

It is important to name the musicians who took part in this historic production: The musicians are: Ali Rojas Bongo and Cencerro, Roberto Monserrat Music Director and Timbal, Pedro Medina Congas, Alfredo Arcas Trombone, César Pinto Trumpet, Enrique Iriarte Piano, Rafael Prado Bass, Carlín Rodríguez Singer and maracas, Dimas Pedroza Singer, Federico Betancourt Güiro and Director of the Orchestra. The musical arrangements were by the famous trumpeter Eduvigis Carrillo (RIP). Production themes:

Llego la Salsa CD - Federico su Combo Latino — Llego la Salsa CD – Federico su Combo Latino

1.- Cocolía

2.- Conmigo
3.- El Pachanguero

4.- Sancocho Caliente
5.- Guaguancó Manía

6.- Celosa

7.- Despierta Rumbero

8.- No Critiquen
9.- Saoco

10.- Baila Yemaya
11.- Café Y Pan

12.- Que Me Querías

After the success obtained with the record work, the time came for the first international outing, which was to Colombia, in 1969. It happened because the singer of Los Melodicos, Víctor Piñero, informed Betancourt that he was stuck in Cartagena and Barranquilla with the themes El Cobrador and Federico Boogaloo. After the information, the young musician went to the neighboring country and got a contract for the famous Reina del Mar parties, in Cartagena, on November 11, 1969.

The experience of the band was so good, that in 1970 they returned to visit the country. From then until our days Federico y su Combo continues to be an emblematic and legendary band in Venezuela, for this reason the WEB of the classy salsero SALSA BRAVA, offers its respects to such an important salsa figure.

Discography
1966	Llegó La Salsa	Palacio (LPS-6171)
1966	Salsa y Sabor	Palacio (LPS-6185)
1967	Más Salsa	Palacio (LPS-6205)
1967	Durísimo – Vol. 4	Palacio (LPS-6216)
1968	Federico Boogaloo	Palacio (LPS-6228)
1968	Psicodélico Con Salsa	Gilmar (LPG-110)
1969	Mejor Que Nunca	Gilmar (LPG-111)
1969	Vibración y Ritmo	Sonus (102-17080)
1970	Dos Sets	Velvet (LPV-1539)
1970	La Machaca	Velvet (LPV-1539)
1973	Federico Si Te Pone A Bailar	Palacio (LPS-6332)
1975	Derrape De Salsa	BASF (10.068)
1976	Siguelo Ahí…. a Lo Cortico	BASF (10.070)
1977	Ayer y Hoy	BASF (10.076)
1977	Esto Es Lo Mejor	Palacio (LPS-6372)
1978	Mis Exitos y Más	BASF (10.079)
1978	Sabor	Foca (LPF-10.037)
1979	Federico y Su Combo	Foca (LPF-10.120)
1979	Federico y Su Orq. – El Maestro	Discomoda (DCM-1128)
1980	Federico y Su Orq. con Memo Morales	Discomoda (DCM-1148)
1982	No Le Digan	Integra (PF-14.075)
1983	Nuevamente	Palacio (LPS-66.541)
1984	SaaaBroooSo!	Palacio (LPS-66.552)

Compilation
1996	Mis Exitos y Más…Vol.1	Sonograma
1996	Mis Exitos y Más…Vol.2	Sonograma
1996	Mis Exitos y Más…Vol.3	Sonograma
2005	El Pionero De La Salsa	Palacio
2008	Salsa De Oro	Gilmar

Meet Pablo Emmanuel Lemos and his classes at the School of Caribbean Rhythms “PA’ que lo Gozes”

Latinoamerica / Argentina / Punta Alta

On this occasion we had the opportunity to meet the dancer and teacher of the School of Caribbean Rhythms “PA’ que lo Gozes” Pablo Emmanuel Lemos. He tells us about the course of his career, profession, tastes and goals.

Unlike many dancers who started when they were little, at the age of 23 he (Pablo Emmanuel Lemos) began to dance different Latin rhythms and with the support of his classmates and teachers, he decided to do a Caribbean Rhythms teacher training at SAOCO. Later he began to teach at the academy where he began his apprenticeship, without imagining what his job would be today.

He mentions that he is passionate about teaching, sharing and giving his Salsa and Bachata classes in his work space and that at the moment he does not have his own academy; however, he gives his classes in Punta Alta, Argentina:

Monday and Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. at Humberto 1159 (Guapas Factory Gym) in Bahía Blanca.
Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m. in Spain 843 (Dance Pulse).

In general, competitions and/or recreational activities are held for those who wish to share these dynamic and joyful rhythms.

In one of our questions, to know what is necessary to learn to dance like a professional, he answers us:

“Knowledge is not what makes the dancer, but the desire, motivation and decision to learn from their peers and/or partners”.

For new Latinos, he tells them to “dare to dance… whatever the impulse that leads you to want to do it, without brakes, fear, or doubts…. Dancing is a wonderful art that has made a resounding change in my life. That is why I invite you all to dance and try this healthy discipline”

If you want to know more about his classes:

Facebook: @PabloEmmanuelLemos o @AleA.Abello
Teléfono: +54 2932554866 / +54 2915265613

Son del Monte

North America / United Stated / New York

Son del Monte, Something more than a “Charanga”

It was one of those nights of meeting with friends, those friends with whom you share the same musical preferences among other things, you know, of those gatherings where only you and your friends can spend hours discussing the best songs of Héctor Lavoe or remembering the best hits of the Fania, and in which there is no other way to end the evening than with the deities that brings the good Salsa music from a live band to close the night with a flourish.

And so that was, when with the hours passed we came across one of these charming Latin clubs that fill the streets and every day prevail more in the city of New York, where, of course, they offered Live Salsa. Eureka! If you allow me to say it … It was the perfect place to “Echarnos un Pie” (colloquial term that we usually give in some Latin countries when we refer to dance).

Upon entering, the characteristic sound of the band wrapped up the entire venue, no doubt, captivated us. It was the harmony of an orchestra that played the typical Cuban music: “La Charanga“, which had its maximum exposure in the 20th century. We were all enthralled or if you want to say “delighted”, it was the mixture of wind instruments with percussion instruments but especially with the string instrument that most caught our attention, the Violin.

When we asked for the name of the orchestra, they told us: “Son del Monte”. It’s the ideal name for an orchestra of 12 Latin musicians who project their virtuosity before an audience eager for Caribbean Music that bathes the senses and awakens the joy of living.

Son Del Monte is a band based in New York City that presents unique tunes from various artists. This orchestra was born from the musical director and timbalero, Manny Rivera whose aspiration was to create a Charanga band with a hard New York sound that paid homage to the orchestras of the 60s, 70s and 80s. “Our music is captivating for the listeners and dancers. Fans from all over the world have come to love Son Del Monte: Una Charanga Con Algo Más and our incredible musical swing”, said Manny Rivera.

This band that combines the typical sound of Cuba with the mixture of flute, violins and trombones with three singers that create a distinctive harmony of three parts, have performed in so popular Salsa venues, such as: Maryland Live Casino, the Baltimore´s Latino Festival, the boardwalk of Coney Island, SOB’s, Empire City Casino in Yonkers, Gonzalez y Gonzalez, La Marqueta, the Latina Hats Society, Industry City, Harlem Mist, among other recognized Salsa venues.

The members of this Charanga orchestra with “Sabor” and electrifying sound are: Mauricio Smith Jr. (Flute), Eric Roberto Salazar and David Rimelis (Violins), Michael Pallas, Juanga Lakunza and Charlie Garcia (Trombones), Eli Rivera (Piano), Bert Castro (Bass), Joe Gonzalez (Conga), Manuel Rivera (Timbales / Musical Director / Leader) and Luis Ayala, Armando Jiménez Sonji and Luis Soto (Singers).

Since the beginning of this year (2019), Son del Monte has been working on their record proposal for the Latin market with unpublished themes, rhythmic and unique sound – contemporary. To date they already have two singles: “Rumba Omelenko” and “Vengo de Nueva York” availables in: CD Baby, Deezer, iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify. Likewise, the song “Herman” is in the process of recording. So, get ready because this Charanga orchestra promises their CD ended with great compositions for the public later this year.

Undeniable, the acceptance of Son del Monte has been so extensive on the part of New Yorkers and all who are Salsa lovers that they were recently awarded with the TANAE Digital Media Award for Band of the Year 2018, giving recognition to an arduous musical performance, but above all of great cultural value that keeps alive our Latin idiosyncrasy.

Son del monte - Premios Tanae — Son del monte – Premios Tanae

Manuel Rivera (Musical Director / Manager/ Timbales):

Manuel Rivera, have been a professional musician for more than 40 years and now Son Del Monte’s Leader/ Musical Director. His musical career started playing Bongo in a Latin Workshop band which eventually became Orchestra Yambu. Yambu was known for its Latin Jazz style and Disco Hit “Sunny”, his first recording. Subsequently, I joined the original Charanga Orchestra Sublime of New York City, doubling up on Bongo and Timbales. He recorded on Sublime’s first two albums in 1977 and 1979.

In 2001, he rejoined Orchestra Sublime now known as “Sonsublime”. Manuel recorded on Sonsublime’s Gran Reserva and Bailando Con Sonsublime, their latest CDs. He studied various folkloric rhythms, Bata drums and sight reading at the Harbor’s Conservatory of Music in El Barrio in New York City under the guidance of the Master Louie Bauzo.

Manuel Rivera has performed with the Bassist: William Millan, of the original Conjunto Saoco, singers: Henry Fiol, Ray Ramos, and Luis Ayala. Also, he performed with Yerason and the MTG All Stars Orchestra under the direction of Hector Leguillow, Joe Quijano at Lincoln Center and other various artists throughout his musical career.

Next Shows:

Monday, Jult 15^TH

Venue: Cunanele Restaurant and Lounge. 1 Route 46 W, Totowa, NJ 07512

Saturday, August 17^TH

Venue: La Placita de la Marqueta. North trains between 111th and 112th Streets in East Harlem, “El Barrio” and uptown Manhattan, NY.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.SONDELMONTE.com

Or Follow them for their Social Channel:

https://www.facebook.com/MRSONDELMONTE/