Marlow Rosado “The Dalí of music” as he is known, closes the year talking about his latest productions and what is coming this 2021.
Marlow Rosado, is a Puerto Rican pianist who has made his way into the salsa genre. A very versatile and creative artist, he has been one of the lucky Latinos to be a Latin Grammy winner. He is an arranger, composer and conductor, his style delves into fusions of Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban traditions. However, he does not hesitate to reinvent himself after each musical production, without losing the flavor that has become his personal hallmark. He leans for the aggressive but fresh and modern rhythm. In addition, he is recognized for his quality productions.
Marlow is a Grammy winner.
“Before the issue of the pandemic, I had released an album … ‘Feminomanía’ a project where the voices are female. The musical production was at its peak, the pandemic arrived and everything came to a standstill, “said the Puerto Rican established in Miami city.
The project concentrated the diversity of different singers of the genre, among them: Carolina La O, Michelle Brava, Brenda K Starr and Aymee Nuviola. In addition, it has 13 songs and the musical participation of Marlow.
Rosado, was one of those artists who took advantage of the global pandemic to the fullest and decided not to lock themselves in apathy. During 2020, he performed two songs that marked his year. They are completely different but were made with the same love and dedication: one of salsa and another of Latin jazz.
Faced with the paralysis of activities worldwide, Marlow opted to enter the recording studio and give life to new productions.
“I went into the studio to produce another album and I started working on two at the same time. From the beginning, he had spoken with singer Frankie Negrón to do a salsa production. The album is called ‘Los colores de la salsa’ in allusion to our surnames Rosado and Negrón. Frankie recently moved to Miami, which made recording easy”, said Rosado.
The artist served as the composer of all the songs, as well as the musical arrangements.
“In the production ‘Los colores de la salsa’ there is a song called ‘Boricuas en Nueva York’ that has that Christmas air and we wanted to release it now to create an energy around those two albums that are coming in February” he added.
“Boricuas en Nueva York” with Frankie Negrón, was distributed under the JN Music Group label. The song has a Puerto Rican salsa rhythm, along with the voices of both singers who emigrated from Puerto Rico to the United States. Rosado was very pleased to work together with Negrón and to give this suitable theme for Christmas.
Marlow Rosado and Frankie Negron.
“Orun” is the following record production, made within the Latin jazz genre and very different from “Los Colores de la Salsa”. With this job he fulfilled a dream he had always had.
“I had always wanted to make a Latin jazz record. I’m a good jazz player and a fan of Edddie Palmieri. I love the career he has made linking salsa and latin jazz at the same time. I made the two albums, I presented them in JN Music Group, they liked them and they quickly told me we want to release them. Both will go on the market in February 2021 ”, said the artist.
The album featured the collaboration of Cuban-born pianist Chucho Valdés and saxophonist Ed Calle. For some, betting on new releases amid the global pandemic was a challenge. However, Rosado took it with good energy and believes that it is not impossible to give them the boost he wants.
“Who knows what happens. Sometimes you make an album at the best times and under the best circumstances and nothing happens. I am positive. I did these two projects in difficult times and look, I got them signed for me. So far I have managed to make the records and have the production company put them out… things that maybe under regular circumstances would not have achieved. We are going to think that this pandemic has come with the happiness that I have been able to make these two albums and that they are going to continue with the push they have been doing so far “, said the musician
Marlow has worked with the best of the industry. He created a song for Yolandita Monge (“Sentimiento Borinqueño”), he has participated in productions by Alejandra Guzmán, Ricky Martin, El Gran Combo, Elvis Crespo, the Puerto Rican Power orchestra, among others. He has also worked with Celia Cruz, Selena, Ricardo Montaner, Olga Tañón, and many more.
Marlow Rosado’s Biography
Marlow Rosado was born and raised in Cataño, in the central area of San Juan in Puerto Rico. Later, he moved to the state of Florida, where he trained in the musical field. He studied up to a master’s degree in jazz.
Rosado is very dear to the children who have known him. In fact, he taught in elementary schools, sharing his passion for music with new generations. His first big break came from being able to work alongside Desmond Child, an American producer and songwriter who has been associated with renowned bands like Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Kiss. A big leap in his career!
He is the typical Latino who loves his country, and grew up surrounded by his origins. Salsa accompanied him throughout his life. Before he was 10 years old, he was given an electronic organ and it was at that moment that everything changed for him.
He has won two Grammys, an achievement that fills him with great pride.
Marlow and one of his Grammys.
“The Grammys are my before and after in my career. They have given me the right to say: Look, I am right. I have always had my mind outside of what is commercial, making the music that I want to do. The Grammys have given me the right to know that I was right… where my music is going”, he said.
In 2009, together with his orchestra La Riqueña, he recorded his first album known as “Salsalsa”. For Marlow, the team he had was of another level: “The best musicians.” Then, in 2012 came “Retro”, along with his first Grammy Award; “Salsanimal” in 2014; “Harlow Marlow, volume 1” in 2016; and “Feminomanía”.
Harlow Marlow, Vol. 1 mixed elegant style with modern elements and salsa brava. The album was a tribute to his friend Harlow.
“I have a very special respect and affection for Larry Harlow. I have known him for many years. I have worked with him many times. When he came to Miami to play, I put the orchestra together for him. I have an unforgettable memory when I played the Hommy Opera at Lincoln Center. Larry conducted and I played the piano. For me it was an honor. One of the best gifts I have ever received was from him. He gave me the piano that looks like a guitar and I keep it in my studio with great pride. The connection with him is something special ”.
“The Dalí of music” as he is known.
Salsa is its flag and it will continue to innovate within it. Marlow’s career continues to climb. A pianist who has been called “The Dalí of music” because his hands become brushes when he plays the piano, just like the painter’s canvases. Marlow leaves his mark and will continue to give something to talk about. We have no doubts about it!
On the morning of the December 23, the news of the death of the Dominican artist Sandy Carriello, better known for being the other half of the iconic MerenHouse duo Sandy and Papo, was announced. The 48-year-old artist left this world due to a sudden heart attack, as confirmed by close friends of the singer; which was found at his residence in New York City.
Mariano Lantigua, one of those friends, reported that the documentation required to carry out the funeral was already being done. Many Dominican artists have given their words of condolences for this sad loss, which mourns music in the Dominican Republic and the rest of Latin America where Papo, Sandy’s great inseparable friend, has always been fondly remembered.
Sandy was one of the loses for the latin music in 2020.
“I am on a plane and I have just received the sad news that Sandy, from the duo ´Sandy and Papo´ has just died. I’m very sorry, peace to your soul and conformity to the family ”. said the merenguero Jandy Ventura.
While Rufino Santos, a great friend of the family, confirmed the news through his social media: “Rest in peace dear friend Sandy Adalberto Carrillo Rojas (1972-2020) May God welcome you into his holy bosom. Now you can sing along with Papo from heaven.”
Many of these words of condolences have been accompanied by the iconic phrase “Pa que goces con Sandy y Papo” which was the iconic line that characterized the duo throughout their career, along with: now the two will fill heaven with a lot of merengue house.
The duo Sandy and Papo
Sandy was originally a rapper who performed at concerts, clubs, and even television shows alongside a rap and hip-hop group that he formed himself. It was in one of those presentations where he met Luis Deschamps better known as Papo.
It was not until 1989 that hip-hop and rap gained popularity in the Dominican Republic starting a great story, all thanks to Sandy who at that time used the name Sandy MC, along with the other members of the Boogie Down Rap group: Mariano MC, Careta, Mofeta, Chinito and Berman. In 1991 he had the opportunity to move to New York where he reunited with Papo, and they decided to try their luck together.
In 1992 they were discovered by Pavel de Jesús and Porfirio Piña who had called an audition to replace some members of the well-known groups Proyecto Uno and Clan De La Furia. That same year they participated in the remix of the song “La dueña del swing” performed by Los Hermanos Rosario. In 1995 they released their first album under the Pacha Records label and distributed by Antilla Records Distributors. This production brought them international fame, managing to position themselves in the top places on the radio in different countries such as: the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela, the United States and even Canada, places where they also made different presentations.
This group put the base for the urban genre.
This production led them to be the pioneers of urban music in the Dominican Republic and one of the foundations of this current genre. But everything changed in 1999 when Papo passed away due to a car accident in Santo Domingo. In 2000 Sandy released an album dedicated to his friend that became very famous. From then on, Sandy’s career remained solid, reaching several hits and working with many renowned artists who have always respected him. Rest in peace, Sandy!
Master Armando Manzanero said goodbye to us due to covid-19 complications
The morning of December 28, Mexico and the rest of Latin America woke up to the sad news of the death of another of its great artists: Maestro Armando Manzanero. A few days ago it was announced that the singer-songwriter had tested positive for covid-19, the virus that has the world paralyzed and on edge, he was hospitalized on December 17 for complications associated with it.
Despite informing that Armando was improving at respiratory level after being intubated, it was reported that he would remain under observation for some kidney problems. This morning the Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico, of which he was the president, announced his death due to a heart attack associated with his complications.
With his 86 years, the maestro always remained active, contributing a lot to the history of Latin music and his native Mexico. Nobody would have thought that we will not only say goodbye to 2020 but also to the great musician, his ashes will be delivered to his family during this Monday, which will be transferred to his born city Mérida, where at the beginning of the month he had inaugurated the Casa Manzanero museum where the best milestones of his career of more than 60 years are exhibited.
The master Armando Manzanero.
The incredible long career of Armando Manzanero
Armando Manzanero passed away at the age of 86, leaving a legacy of golden years on stage with his favorite instrument: the piano, demonstrating the great talent that exists in Latin America. In 1950 he composed what would be his first tune “Never in the world”, this was only the beginning of his great career.
There are more than 400 songs that the maestro composed, which are divided between those used for his own discography and those that many artists have had the honor of singing, among which we can name: Elvis Presley, Andrea Bocelli, Angélica María, Luis Fonsi, Belinda, Joan Sebastian, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, Roberto Carlos, Andrés Calamaro, Ana Torroja, Ana Gabriel, Daniela Romo, Laura Pausini, Cristian Castro, Alejandro Fernández, Lucero, Paulina Rubio, Ricardo Montaner, Miguel Bosé, Rocío Dúrcal, Raphael, David Bisbal, Pedro Fernández, José José, Luis Miguel, Vicente Fernández and many more.
The King of Romanticism is no longer with us.
Not only did he participate in songwriting for albums and artists, but he also participated in the composition of many songs for movies and soap operas. Among all his great awards are several Grammys including the Award for Musical Excellence for his great contributions to music.
The Recording Academy posted on its Twitter account: “Armando Manzanero, recipient of the Award for Musical Excellence and winner of the Latin GRAMMY, as well as a great friend of the Academy, has left us. We celebrate his life and work. Irreparable loss for the world of Latin music. We accompany the Manzanero family in their deep pain.”
We must remember that the maestro was honored this year in many ways, the most memorable were those made at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and the Latin Grammy, no one thought that they would be the last tributes in life for Mr. Manzanero. During this week more posthumous tributes, and many words from different Latin artists are expected.
Rest in peace Armando Manzanero, may heaven be filled with his romantic words and great tunes!
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.
“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.
Carlos Santana in Peace Through Music
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
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.
“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.
Ringo Starr in Peace Through Music
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.
Where the idea of Genaro Masucci, known as Jerry Masucci ((Brooklyn, New York, Oct. 7, 1934 -Argentina Dec. 21, 1997)) and Juan Azarías Pacheco Kiniping, known as Johnny Pacheco ((Santiago, Dominican Republic, Mar. 25, 1935)) to give the title to the record label “Fania” arose.
The name was taken from the old Cuban son: “Fania”, which was successfully performed by the Conjunto Estrellas de Chocolate and composed by Reinaldo Bolaños.
The lyrics present a syncretism between the Spanish and African languages.
Chocolate Stars Set
Members of the Conjunto Estrellas De Chocolate.
Theme: Fania
Author: Reinaldo Bolaños
Voice: Filiberto Hernández Fuentes
Voice: Chinese Lion Lahera Wilson
Voice: Agustín Cabrera .
Three: Andrés “Nino Rivera” Echevarría
Bass guitar: Sergio De Cuba
Bongos: “Pichi”
Piano: David Palomares
Trumpet: Armando “El Gorilla” Albertini
Felix “Chocolate” Alfonso was not afraid to put together and lead an ensemble in the style of Arsenio and Chappottín in 1959. The ensemble format was part of the medium in which he swam like a fish in water.
He knew the best montuneros musicians and called them together. The good ensembles still retained the favor of part of the public.
Jesús Gorís, the architect of the Puchito label, didn’t think twice about it and recorded them right away.
Victrolas in bars and bodegas all over the island began to spread the son montuno macho of Las Estrellas de Chocolate.
But the 1960s in Cuba were too strong, diverse and creative, and the good work of Chocolate with its stars had to deal with a scene that was too competitive for a novel ensemble.
As often happens, it took several years for the Chocolate Stars to finally shine as stars and be on everyone’s lips.
“My New Tumbao Cañonazo”
Fania, although composed by Reinaldo Bolaños for Conjunto Estrellas de Chocolate, was recorded on the voice of Pedro Juan Rodríguez Ferrer “Pete” El Conde Rodríguez (Ponce, Puerto Rico, Jan. 31, 1933 – Dec. 2, 2000); who along with Pacheco’s group recorded the company’s first album entitled “Mi Nuevo Tumbao. Cañonazo”, with a majority of Cuban songs, like most of the albums recorded by Pacheco and many of those recorded by that label.
In 1964 Jhonny Pacheco and Jerry Massucci founded Fania Records and created the international and renowned Fania All Stars.
Pete was the first singer that Fania had, and on his shoulders was the responsibility of taking that project forward.
In the first Fania album Cañonazo (1964) Pete interpreted the theme Fania, composition of Reinaldo Bolanos and with which the band was inaugurated.
It is 1964 and the history of Latin music is about to change.
The Dominican flutist Johnny Pacheco, one of the most popular Latin artists in New York, has parked his flute, changed his orchestra and recorded an album, “Mi Nuevo Tumbao…Cañonazo”.
It’s a curious recording, although it doesn’t seem special.
It sounds like a somewhat modernized Sonora Matancera. But it has been released under a new label, Fania Records, which he has just founded in partnership with New York lawyer Jerry Masucci.
And what was only meant to be a start to relaunch and boost Pacheco’s career is out of the hands of both of them and becomes a phenomenon.
Fania All Stars
Additional information:
The name of one of the most important record labels in Latin America and the world All comes from a song by Cuban Reinaldo Bolaños called Fanía, which refers to a story about a woman whose name was Epifanía and her mentally challenged son.
The story goes that in the middle of a fight between the two, she threw flour (funche as it is called in the Caribbean) in her son’s face and he responded “Fania Funché”.
Bolaños liked the story very much, as did the founders of the record company Jerry Masuci and Jhonny Pacheco, who decided to name their music company after her and include the song in the first album produced.
With the passage of time, they stopped pronouncing the tilde on the “i” and started calling it Fania, without an accent.
