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Yari More Latin Band, the orchestra that accompanied Celia Cruz

Yari More Latin Band is one of those groups whose history shows us that dreams do come true and that there is always the possibility to meet our greatest idols. Today, Yari More, with whom we were able to talk a little about his history as an artist and his band, is an example of what Latin artists in general have achieved over the past decades.

Yari posing for the camera — This is Yari More posing for the camera

How Yari More first became interested in music

Juat like most musicians, he became interested in music when still a child. He remembers getting together with his friends from the block to play with makeshift instruments, moments that he keeps in memory and that marked the beginning of what would become his great adult vocation.

Some time later, he joined the army in his native Colombia, specifically the navy, but that was not the only thing he devoted his time. It turns out that he found a great taste for several of the songs from acclaimed Spanish singer Raphael and started imitating his voice in musical events of the armed forces. He was so good that he began to be called as ”El Rafael de Colombia” by his acquaintances, but the event that would make him see music as a serious profession was yet to come. That came later.

A night where he was celebrating a friend’s birthday in a night club, another boy in the group asked the orchestra director to let Yari sing with them. The audience liked his performance so much that he started going to the same place every weekend to continue delighting those present with his melodious voice, eventually leading the orchestra he was performing with to offer him the position of singer on an ongoing basis.

Never in his wildest dreams did Yari imagine such an offer, but he accepted it, so he began to balance his activities in the orchestra with his daily work in a factory at that time. Since both jobs took up so much of his time, he eventually had to decide on just one, which was, of course, music. It can be said that this was the official beginning of his career.

From then on, he was in several groups both in Colombia and in the neighboring country Ecuador until he was given a great job opportunity in the United States, more specifically in Los Angeles. After some time with the orchestra that hired him there, he decided it was time to pursue a solo career with romantic music.

Yari with Celiz Cruz — Yari More Latin Band playing live with ”La Guarachera de Cuba” Celiz Cruz

Yari More Latin Band

In the 1990s. he decided to form his own orchestra which he named Yari More Latin Band. Since he already had plans about undertaking such a project, he visited universities and talked to many friends in the industry in order to hire the best musicians he could find for his band.

His success earned him the possibility of signing with the company RMM Records & Video owned by the popular Latin music promoter Raphy Mercado. This label was the same one that signed ”La Guarachera de Cuba” Celia Cruz, with whom they shared the stage, since Yari More Latin Band was the orchestra that accompanied her in her performances on the West Coast.

In addition to Celia Cruz, he has also accompanied other musical luminaries like Rubén Blades, Willie Colón, Eddy Santiago, Tony Vega, Tito Nieves, El Grupo Niche, El Gran Cobo de Puerto Rico, Oscar D’ León, Joan Sebastian, Las Chicas del Can and many others.

Yari says he has learned a lot from each and every one of the aforementioned singers and groups, details that he has added to his own orchestra in order to improve it every day more and more.

Yari with Oscar D’ León — Yari More next to ”El Sonero Del Mundo” Oscar D’ León

Private Events

Yari More Latin Band offers its talent for all kinds of private events such as weddings, quinceañeras, corporate parties, charitable activities, award shows, festivals, Latin nights in clubs, among others.

Yari told us that those interested in hiring the orchestra simply have to contact him through his official website, Instagram and Facebook. These are the channels he uses to agree with the client on the conditions, the place, the date and the economic arrangement.

‘‘Fortunately, we have a lot of work here in the Bay Area and many events of all kinds for the rest of the year” said Yari on this subject.

Bolivian guitarist Gabriel Navia and his love for music

We have had any number of Latin music artists of various nationalities in this section, but we are pleased to announce that, for the first time, we will tell the story of a Bolivian who brings pride to his flag with his great talent.

We are talking about Bolivian producer, composer and guitarist Gabriel Navia, with whom we were fortunate enough to talk by Zoom about the most important details of his fruitful career. In the following lines, some of the most important issues addressed in the conversation.

Bolivian guitarist Gabriel — This is Bolivian producer, composer, and guitarist Gabriel Navia

How Gabriel’s love for music began

Gabriel tells us that the love he has always felt for music was instilled in him by his parents, especially his father, who was professionally dedicated to it to the point of having his own band. In the 70’s, Eddy Navia, Gabriel’s father, was in an iconic Bolivian band called Sal Y Andina that played instrumental music, much of which was composed by him at the time.

In his mother’s case, she had a great sense of rhythm and a beautiful voice, so she did her best to make her son learn as much as possible about the fundamentals of music and how to play various instruments. This shows that she was also a key piece in his training as an artist.

Gabriel also points out that, at home, he and his family listened to music of all kinds, but New York salsa was very important in the path the young man would later take.

Gabriel and the charango

When reading a little of Gabriel’s history, we found that he played with his father in the group Sukay, with which he experimented a lot with the charango that, as he explains, is a five-stringed instrument very similar to the banjo. It was the first instrument he played in his life and the one that would inspire him to play the guitar later on.

After his parents split, his father went to live in the United States and met his second wife, with whom he runs Sukay. That is when Gabriel began to visit the country and, soon after, he was playing in a theater for more than 2000 people. Then, he knew that this was what he wanted to devote the rest of his life to.

Gabriel played the charango — Gabriel started his career by playing the charango with the group Sukay

Multi-instrumentalist

While it is true that the instrument for which Gabriel is best known today is the guitar, it is not the only one he is dedicated to.

The artist can be defined as a multi-instrumentalist, that is, someone who plays a considerable number of musical instruments with excellence such as piano, saxophone, quena and many others. ”I have always been curious to learn how to play new instruments and learn new things every day. That’s how I’ve managed to specialize in so many at the same time” Gabriel said about this.

He has become more dedicated to playing the guitar since, during his time with the group Sukay, he had to replace the guitarist who was not available at the time, which makes him feel a special affection for the instrument as he used it.

Not to mention that some of his instruments were robbed in his native Bolivia and one of the stolen objects was his charango. This event left him so depressed that he put the charango aside for years and devoted himself fully to the guitar, during which time he studied it in detail at a theoretical and practical level. He also began to listen to jazz and flamenco records in which the guitar is widely used, making him experiment with new styles. In this sense, an artist who inspired him a lot was Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucia.

Gabriel playing live — Gabriel Navia playing his guitar live

Music education

Gabriel has had the opportunity to study in several of the most important musical institutions in the world, which have been fundamental in the professional training of the artist.

The first thought that came into his head was the Instituto Eduardo Laredo in Cochabamba. He described it as an arts school that has a very traditional style during the mornings, while the afternoons its teachers focus on the musical part. It is here where Gabriel learned all about theory, solfege, harmony, scores and many other important details.

Some time later, in the United States, he entered the San Francisco Conservatory, where he studied with the famous classical guitarist Scott Tennant. In the same country, he won a scholarship to study some courses at Berklee College of Music.

In Barcelona, he also received a scholarship to study a master’s degree in flamenco at the Conservatori del Liceu thanks to Fundación Carolina, whose main beneficiaries are Latin American applicants without the resources to study there.

”I feel very fortunate to have been able to study in all these institutions which have been very important in my career, but I believe that a musician learns the most important things on stage. You can learn all the theory in the world, but if you haven’t had street experience and gone to practice, you will be an incomplete artist” Gabriel remarked on this subject.

”In fact, I believe that many of the most prodigious musicians in the world have not been trained in academies, but in the streets, because they have had to make themselves from the beginning. Academic education is important, but the main place where music is born is in the heart” he continued.

Navia Productions, LLC

Gabriel had always worked as an independent artist, but there came a point in his career when he realized he needed something more to level up.

Given that the best way to do business in the United States is through registered companies and brands, Gabriel created his own music company which he named NAVIA PRODUCTIONS, LLC, so that his project could be identified with a legally registered entity and avoid any legal problems.

The company was basically created with the purpose of giving a legal basis to Gabriel’s work to stand on, but he still considers himself an artist as independent as the first day.

Yes, I speak the ancient African Lucumi toungue: The second language of salsa

Many Latin Americans have left the name of their culture very high around the world, making people from other nationalities and even continents feel fascinated by these elements and end up adopting them as their own. Such is the case of Nigerian Oluwakemi Odusnya, better known as Kemi, who has been kind enough to share with us a little of her story, her knowledge of the Lucumi language and her relationship with Latin music.

people practicing Yoruba — A group of people practicing the Yoruba religion

Kemi’s coming to the United States

Kemi tells us that she was born in Nigeria, but moved to the United States when she turned 18 in search of a better future for herself. That was more than 10 years ago, so the young woman already had a good idea of how things are handled in her country of residence.

Taking advantage that this is the land of opportunity, she studied computer science and graduated as a software engineer, the profession she is in now.

Additionally, she discovered other passions and hobbies such as Latin music and dancing, especially tango, but we will talk about that a little later on.

In his country of origin, he learned to speak English, which is the official language of Nigeria, and Lucumi, which we will talk about in the next section.

Lucumi and its relationship with Latin music

After talking a little bit about her personal life, Kemi went on to explain what the Lucumi language was and how it was perceived today. Contrary to what many online sources might say on the subject, the Nigerian explained that Lucumi and Yoruba were pretty much the same thing, but with a different name.

The group of people who spoke Locumi are no longer called that way because many Nigerians have moved to other countries, so there are other terms to define them today.

Kemi moved on by explaining that, in her country, there are about 300 languages in general, but the official one is English. This in order that the speakers of the other languages can communicate with each other without any problem. Among these native languages, we can mention the ”Pidgin English” which is the result of mixing English with elements from local languages.

In the specific place Kemi grew up, villagers speak Yoruba, which was formerly known as Lucumi. The name change of the language and many terms used in it have been the direct reault of the immigration of many Nigerians to other countries, especially to the West.

In Kemi’s particular case, she was pleasantly surprised to discover the lyrics of Celia Cruz and to find many of the words of her own Lucumi language.

Lucumi and Latin music

For Kemi, the relationship between Lucumi and a part of Latin music is more than evident. Something that particularly caught his attention was that several songs by Cuban artists constantly made reference to the Yoruba divinities: Oshun, Yemayá, Changó, Elegguá, Oggun, Oyá and Obbatalá.

”For me it was very impressive to see the extent of our culture, since there are many Africans who have had to leave their lands in search of a better place to live, but they do not want to distance themselves emotionally from their country. On the contrary, they want to be as connected as best they can to their country and Latin music, specifically Cuban music, is an excellent tool to stay bonded to their roots” said Kemi on the subject.

”Many just like me who have come to this country find in Latin music and dance a way to stay connected to our traditions. Sometimes, even we feel that we and Latinos have the same ancestors,” Kemi says with a laugh.

How new generations perceive Yoruba culture and its elements

Something Kemi pointed out is that the new Nigerian generations no longer perceive Yoruba culture in the same way. In fact, a large portion of the immigration from the African country no longer feels a real connection with the customs of their own country because they became ”westernized” in some way, especially the younger part.

Another important detail highlighted by Kemi is that, in today’s Nigeria, Santeria and other religions like that have begun to be perceived as dark, so many people no longer feel comfortable practicing these cults. In fact, there has been a rise of Christianity and Islam in the country, so not a few locals ended up designing their own ritual by mixing these religions with Yoruba culture so that the latter is not seen as impure.

Those who practice the Yoruba religion in Nigeria are aware that their worship is a mixture of Yoruba culture and Christianity, but they can not say it openly because it looks bad,” Kemi says about this.

To close, Kemi also said that she is neither a Santera nor a practitioner of any religion. Her family is Muslim and she grew up adhering to Islam, but that changed when she moved to the United States. Today, she has a great deal of respect for these aspects of the Yoruba religion, but does not perform any of these practices.

Kemi in our interview — Kemi during our interview via Zoom

Kemi’s love for tango

Kemi has a great love for tango, to the point that she practices it two or three times a week for entertainment and physical activity.

Initially, Kemi enjoyed dancing salsa because it reminded her so much of the music of her homeland and Yoruba culture, but after some health complications on her hips, she had to opt for something slower and calmer. That’s when she started to try tango and ended up liking it very much.

After the pandemic, she found that there was a dance academy near he rhome, which motivated her to dance tango to the point where these lessons have become a very important part of her life. She also sees dancing as a way to connect with others and be on the same page.

Some events of Robby Ruiz and Bobby Valentin’s in USA

North America / USA

Robby Ruiz Launches his Bachata Single “In my feelings”

The moment´s revelation of Tropical Music brings a theme that will vibrate the deepest emotions

Para ser ubicado en: South – South Atlantic – Florida- Miami

Robby Ruíz is the newest EQS Music´s young artist, and “In My Feelings” is his first song and marks his debut as a Bachata revelation singer. This single is an original cover track by Canadian singer, Drake. The theme of this song is about relationships and how the the main character of the story finds himself in a power struggle with his feelings. “In My Feelings” from Robby Ruíz is an amazing Bachata Remix.

Release Date: July 20^th, 2018

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py6x_Pa7HCY

Bobby Valentin’s new album “Mind of a master” is already here!

An Authentic Work of Art to Collect

To be located in: NORTHEAST – MIDDLE ATLANTIC – NEW YORK

The new Latin Jazz Album “Mind of a Master” by Bobby Valentin & The LJ’s is the current sensation of the Latin musical Market containing important collaborations of international renowned figures in 11 tracks. Since its release this recording has marked a precedent with hundreds of unloads in four months by the world fans that support it and you will be able also to be part of that, by downloading “MIND OF A MASTER” in all digital platforms!!!

Release Date: April 14^th, 2018

Credits:
Bobby Valentin	Arrangements & Bass
Eliut Cintron	Trombone
Angie Machado	Trumpet
Ángel Luis Torres	Alto – Sax
Eduardo Zayas	Piano
David Marcano	Battery
Javier Oquendo	Congas
Special Guests:
Iván renta	Tenor – Saxo
José Nelson Ramírez	Hammond Organ
Orlando Santiago	String Sets
Tracks:
1. De Nuevo a la Carga		7.El Cumbanchero
2. Latin Gravy		8.Mellow Funk
3.Orocoa		9. Endless Love
4.Smooth Ride		10.Freedom
5.Blast Off		11. God Bless the Child
6. Coco Seco

“Thanks to all the media and the public for the support they have given me in my new Latin Jazz CD, Mind of a Master”. Bobby Valentin

Roberto Valentin, better known as Bobby Valentin, was born on June 9th, 1941 in Orocovis – Puerto Rico. His father taught him to play the guitar at a young age. When he was 11 years old, he participated in a local talent contest with a trio that he had formed. He played the guitar and sang for the trio and they won the first place prize. In 1963, Valentin joined Tito Rodriguez and traveled twice with Tito’s orchestra to Venezuela. He also made musical arrangements for Tito and at times for Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano, Willie Rosario, and Ray Barretto.

Bobby was also the musical arranger for the Fania All Stars, and is featured in a live recording of the conglomerate’s song “Descarga Fania” (which he also wrote) playing a bass guitar solo. In 1975, He left Fania and founded his own record label “Bronco Records” and released the album “Va a la Carcel” Vol 1 and Vol 2, recorded “live” at “El Oso Blanco”, Puerto Rico’s oldest state penitentiary.

During the years Valentin has been featured in recordings (and occasional live performances) by Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano and the always remembered, Celia Cruz.

For more information contact him through this social channel: https://www.facebook.com/Bobby-Valentin-660486604066057/ or visit him in his official webpage: http://broncorecordsinc.com/

Video: https://www.facebook.com/660486604066057/videos/1325583834222994/

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes. From combat to Beats

North America / USA

After participating in the largest military coalition in the history of the United States, Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes has shown that the phrase “If you dream that you can achieve it” is totally true. Dreams are achievable with perseverance, dedication and talent, qualities that this dreamy Sonero has, who will launch his record label soon for all Salseros lovers who support the new blood of the Salsa.

Edwin was born in Trujillo Alto (Puerto Rico) in 1974 and when he was 19 years old, he began his artistic career, playing and doing concerts of Plena (Folkloric Puerto Rican Music) in his hometown. Five years later “El Calvito” Reyes enlisted in the US Army in order to give a better future to his family, after a terrible work accident in his previous job (He was an Electrician).

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes - Photo — Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes – Photo

During this year of change (1997) Edwin had his first opportunity in front of the American public as vocalist leader in a consolidated orchestra in these lands, “Papo salsa and his Tumbao” in Fort Stewart Army Post, GA, thanks to the expert eyes of Víctor Paris and Mr. Godreau, “Papo Salsa”.

From March 2003 to 2007, Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes went to combat four times in Iraq and once fought in Afghanistan, but he always felt the need to help relieve the stress of all the soldiers who were in those circumstances like him. In this way he created Saturdays of Salsa in combat for which he received help in the first instance from an U.S. civilian specialist in communications, Mr. Pérez, who contributed a large part of the necessary sound equipment to carry out this incredible idea at the beginning.

Later, Edwin with his percussionist and DJ skills in 2005 returns to Iraq but this time better prepared to carry out the Saturdays of Salsa parties during the fight. During this year he had his first performance in front of a crowd of soldiers and civilians accompanied by an orchestra of 14 musicians live, among which were: the Puerto Rican and master pianist José Pomales, Willie Báez, Julio De La Rosa, and Javier Solivan, among others …

Everyone playing outdoors in the main dining room at Camp Liberty where the stage was. From this success, the band continued its touches until 2007 in this warlike country with an orchestra of more than 15 pieces: Piano, Bass, Trumpets, Trombones, Tenor Sax, Conga, Timbale, Bongo / Bell, Drums, Vocalists and a sound master, with which this wonderful orchestra made a total of 25 presentations. “We were flown like true artist, in helicopters from one base to another, to just perform and then return back to our original base… Playing at Saddam’s Palace (a true palace made of concrete and marble) was the highlight. Also, at Camp Slayer where the biggest dancing crew gathered was an adrenaline rush for us… All with the help of great people who really felt like I felt; boost our own moral in combat!” told us Edwin.

In parallel to his military career, “El Calvito” Reyes participated in the Latin Music Orchestra in the city of Savannah, GA, “Ron con Anís” by the dead musician David Mercado and of which in 2006 he would be its owner under the new name “Orquesta con Clase” reaching objectives such as: leading the Latin American Services Organization (LASO) Festival in Savannah with more than 6,000 attendees; They were the “Guests of Honor” for the Fiesta Atlanta Festival at the Olympic Centennial Park in Atlanta, Georgia, performing in front of 10,000 people. Also, they served as the backup band for: Salsa Legend, Larry Harlow, the 2011 Hotalanta Salsa Congress, and many more.

In 2011 he is part of a selection of elite musicians of the U.S. Army to form a Latin music band called “One & Only” idea of creation by The Army Marketing & Research Group (AMRG) and carried out by the musicians Carlos Negrón and Albert Sánchez. This band, similar to U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors sang Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and other Latin rhythms for the entertainment of their audience. During his tenure in this band he performed at the annual conventions of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which is the largest nonprofit organization in America. He helped many Latinos obtain millionaire scholarships, he was master of ceremonies on three occasions contributing with his knowledge on “The importance to stay positive and reach that goal” and “How the army life will impact your life”.

From 2012 to 2016, he was the Official in charge of the Ensemble. He achieved the inclusion of more musicians to the group including female talent. He had the privilege of meeting political figures such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Ricky Rosello (current Puerto Rico’s Governor), as well as acting in front of world-renowned stars such as: his idol Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Tito Nieves, Jennifer Lopez, and many luminaries of the country’s Hispanic television.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes, leader, visionary and humble was also the host of a radio show called “My Salsa Show” in WHCJ 90.3fm at Savannah State University. From there derives his nickname “El Calvito”, thanks to one of his fellow broadcasters of the station and since then he is known as Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes by all his fans.

“ … I play Timbales, Conga, Bongo, Bata, Campana and all minor percussion… I ask not to be considered a master percussionist, as I’m learning the craft of all, but so far I have mastered the playing and singing simultaneously.”

This Sonero, percussionist has composed several songs and has made numerous covers. “You are My Wife” (2016) with arrangements by Castor Ugarte was his first composition with lyrics inspired by his wife.

His most recent single “Mi Tierra Querida”, al Son de Bolero, (2018) showed that doing what he loves has been one of his best keys to his resounding ascent in this career. This composition of the “Virtuoso de la Salsa” Rey Torcat with arrangements of the same Edwin with Eric Maldonado (Owner and Master Engineer at Paris Recording Studios, Tampa, FL) and on the piano, Adam Perez, has been a symbol of hope for all Puerto Rican emigrants based in the U.S. “Mi Tierra Querida” was awarded by the Akademia Music Award for Best Song back in April 2018.

“Mi Ritmo se llama Zalsa” is a theme that he launched this year and invites the dancers to perform their best steps on the track with its fast paced. Lyric by Rey Torcat, produced by Eric Maldonado, and with the participation of: Archie Pereira (piano), Kevin Pagan (Bass), Luis Chafalote (trumpets), José León (trombones) and Ricardo Rodríguez (saxophone Bari). This song currently ranks # 1 in Salsa Tune in Barcelona, Spain, based on the Record Pool of “Gussi DJ” on Tune in Radio.

“Soneros de Sangre Nueva” is another song of his authorship and the third that works in conjunction with Rey Torcat. In this single they share together the interpreters: Josean Rivera “El Nuevo Amolador”, Edwin Lebron “Xtraordinario”, Nandy “El Sinsonte” (Conquistador Del Elemento) and Gumbay Navedo (Carmen Sol). Also, the musicians of great trajectory, such as: Banny Maldonado, Grammy Winner, (Timbales), Edwin “Pirulo” Reyes (Congas) and Kokoand Take (Bongo / Bell) and in the choirs the Lead vocalist of the legendary CORPORACION LATINA, Edgardo “Bambino” Otero participated in this hit. Similar to his two previous unreleased tracks “Mi Tierra Querida” and “Mi Ritmo se llama Zalsa”, “Soneros de Sangre Nueva” has had a great acceptance and support from the public knowledgeable appreciative about the new Salsa representation worldwide.

The covers “Ya te Olvide” (2017) original song by the successful Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solis, recorded in the state of Kansas with arrangements by Carlos Ugarte and “RAN KAN KAN. Just for the King”(2009), tribute to Tito Puente under the production of one of the best percussionists, David Lugo with different choirs, Xilofono or Marimba, Trombones, and solos by Conga and Timbal, have screened” El Calvito “Reyes at the top of the most outstanding relief Soneros Salseros today.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes performing at the concert

With 25 years of musical experience and more than 10,000 presentations around the world, Edwin has stepped on the best stages including the World Peace Festival at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul (South Korea) in front of 82,000 people. He also had appearances in more than 20 Salsa Social events in many clubs throughout the peninsula, participated in the Salsa Beach Festival in Pusan and in two Asia Salsa Congreses with the master trombonist’s band, Greg Peña.

“Salsa is my therapy,

Edwin, who currently resides in Palm Coast, Florida, and after 22 years of service in the U.S. Navy and retired as Chief Warrant Officer, is preparing his debut album to be released in 2019 and doesn’t discard in the future to continue working on behalf of Hispanic communities around the world as a motivational coach, always bringing optimism and hope for a better future for the Latins.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes - A New Design - Made with PosterMyWall — Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes – A New Design – Made with PosterMyWall

All his music can be downloaded NOW on all digital platforms.

For more information, please visit www.ElCalvitoReyes.com or follow him in all his social networks as Edwin El Calvito Reyes.

Video: https://youtu.be/XMRTsFvpT0A