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Jimmie Morales a conguero for the history of Afro-Caribbean music

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents.

He spent his early childhood listening to American popular music on the radio, and it wasn’t until 1967, when his family moved to Puerto Rico, that he became fascinated with Caribbean music, especially the salsa genre.

Jimmie’s first foray into music was with the guitar, but his father gave him a bell and, later, a conga drum that would become his main artistic fascination.

He learned of his interest by listening to Cuban, Puerto Rican and New York salsa records; also to congueros such as Milton Cardona, Eddie Montalvo, Patato Valdés, Cándido Camero, Mongo Santamaría, Johnny Rodríguez and his favorite: the late Ray Barretto.

In a very short time, he found himself making inroads with local bands, and sharing his talent with the renowned singer Tito Allen.

Jimmie Morales' memoirs Mr. Slap — Jimmie Morales Mr. Slap

Jimmie Morales and his experience with Willie Rosario

In 1978, Jimmie joined the popular rhythmic band of maestro Willie Rosario, and for eight years obtained what he considers his best formal training in the music industry.

Concurrently, he began an impressive career as a top-level studio musician, achieving outstanding participation in performances by the most important artists of the salsa genre, including Marc Anthony, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Roberto Roena, Oscar D’León, Lalo Rodríguez, Eddie Santiago and Frankie Ruiz, with whom he collaborated on each and every one of his solo recordings.

The sound of this great percussionist, his impeccable rhythm and his solid accompaniment defined him and have placed him convincingly as one of the most influential congueros of the last 30 years.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and salsa connoisseurs worldwide — Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera

Trajectory with Gilberto Santa Rosa

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario’s band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years.

Since then he has traveled throughout the Americas, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist. Jimmie Morales has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others.

He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company. As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican and Latin American people. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario's band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years. — Jimmie Morales is currently promoting his conga line sponsored by the Remo Company

Since then, he has traveled throughout the American continent, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist.

Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others. He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and of salsa connoisseurs worldwide. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

A conguero for history Jimmie Morales’ memoirs

“Mr. Slap”

Bella Martínez (Author)

That originality of Willie Rosario must have influenced Jimmie's impeccable style. — Jimmie paid for the luck that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

When all the congueros were imitating the king of the hard hands, Ray Barreto, Jimmie manages without intending to be the one chosen by the master Willie Rosario to accompany with the conga the tuning that Rosario had already established.

That Willie Rosario originality must have influenced Jimmie’s impeccable style.

Let’s not forget that when all timbaleros were imitating maestro Tito Puente, that irreverent coameño – maestro of maestros Willie Rosario knew how to be original.

Jimmie repaid the fate that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

And that stroke of luck in the leather didn’t manage to erase the humility of his being.

I invite you to read what I have managed to compile about Jimmie Morales, whom, with your authorization, I show in this work that pretends to be a summary of the life and work of this incredible musician.

Here you will also see that in spite of his perennial shy smile, his hands of stone do not give a break nor allow tropical music to ignore his monumental influence.

Jimmie, the human being who communicates through the leather of his conga, presents us with the musical strength he continues to share with the world. I am deeply grateful for the introspection and candor of his testimony.

I recognize that I am fortunate that Jimmie has agreed to give me part of his voice and to perpetuate this story. I insist that it was a sin not to share this legacy before, but now it was Mister Slap who beat the drum.

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The Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

These are the top latin names of this year

The times are changing, influencers and new talents are gaining ground within the industry. Meet some of the most influential latin artists of 2020!

Latin America has been the birthplace of singers, songwriters, producers, and artists that have taken their talent to the USA and the rest of the world. With their flags held high and their nationalism deep rooted, they have been the ones that impulse their culture in North America and Canada, that way they have opened many opportunities to the next generations.

2020 was a year of challenges and so many changes, however some personalities from the media industry didn’t give up. Many of them took advantage to work on projects that they had in mind, and surprised their fans. While others were dedicated to remember their biggest hits, and used digital platforms to perform remote concerts. For this reason, we want to mention and give recognition to five latin artists that keep afloat during this year; they were revelations, and got a larger scope that anyone could have imagined.

Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

Manny Cruz

The Dominican with Cuban origins has been one of the exposures of his genre, that has known how to take advantage of his fame to position himself within the media. He was the Dominican artist with more nominations on the Latin Grammy.

“The Lord loves so much and I feel so grateful with these two nominations. And very happy of how the people had embraced my music, and to be able to contribute a little to our merengue history”, expressed the artist.

Manny Cruz one of the most influential Latin Artists of 2020 — Manny Cruz

Cruz ‘s career has been on the rise, because it doesn’t leave space to anybody. During this year he had made collabs with Ilegales, Miriam Cruz, and a tribute to Juan Luis Guerra. He also has shared projects with the merenguero Eddy Herrera.

After being part of several groups, he decided to try a solo career without knowing what his destiny, and talent had prepared for him: he obtained the award for Solo Singer of The Year in the “Premios Soberanos”. In 2017 he was the winner of a Latin Grammy, thanks to writing together with his brother Daniel Santacruz, the single “Deja Vu” for Prince Royce and Shakira. In 2018 he got three awards at “Premios Soberanos”.

Manny has specialized in merengue and pop-ballad, he is a singer and songwriter. “Santo Domingo” is his latest music video, which has gained more than 2 million of views on YouTube. More and more are the singers that want to share their works with him, and of course have the opportunity to count on him as a songwriter. He is one the young musicians that are here to stay, and he is now well placed among the american audience, and spanish speakers.

Nathy Peluso

Another singer that has broken barriers, and has gained a position within the industry is Nathalia Dora, better known as Nathy Peluso. Even when she is only 25 years old, she is already a trendsetter in different musical genres. She is acclaimed for her fusions with rap, hip-hop, jazz, and salsa, a combination that is only possible for a woman like her. She was born in Argentina, and she was one of the honor guests invited to this year Latin Grammy.

She is a singer, songwriter, and started her career from very young. She studied theater with teachers from Dominican Republic, Cuba and Colombia. That way she took their accents, and it can be noted on the majority of her singles. She is inclined for blues and jazz styles.

Even when she is living in Spain, it has surprised the acceptance of her music in Latin America and the USA. 2020 has been her year, she released her first single of her next album: Business Woman, with which she wants to continue showing her strong side, and consolidate her place within the industry. Plus, she got her very first nomination to the Gardel Awards, and two nominations to the Latin Grammy in Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song categories.

Peluso has become one of the most important latin artists of the musical scene. She sings about feminism, sex, and even politics.

“Women let me know that I am an inspiration to them”, expressed the artist.

Prince Royce

Prince has been another musician that hasn’t stopped this year. He has topped the first places on Billboard, and was nominated to the Latin Grammy 2020 as Best Contemporary Album / Tropical Fusion. Alter Ego is the double album that makes him stay on everybody’s minds. Many important talents participated in this album, around 60 songwriters, 21 musicians, 23 songs, 18 musical producers, and it has obtained different golden and platinum records around the world. Beside that, it was the only album to debut on the number one of the latin Billboard list of 2020.

The Latin Music Academy considered him as one of the most consistent artists that has been kept loyal to his fans and his origins. The bachata singer has evolved over his career, and he keeps showing his versatility on the market. Geoffrey Royce Rojas de León is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer with Dominican origins.

Tonny Succar

Antonio Guillermo Succar better known as Tonny Succar is a Peruvian-American songwriter, arranger, percussionist, band leader, and producer. In 2019, he received the Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album, and a second award as the Producer of the Year. As a young boy, he auditioned for a latin jazz ensemble in his school, and of course he got his desired position. Then, he went on to assume the family band’s Musical Director position, which was named Mixtura. After graduation he continued as an artist, and teaching other music students.

His talent went beyond borders, and had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as: La India, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, Jon Secada, Obie Bermúdez, and Kevin Ceballo. He was also the crucial piece in a tribute to Michael Jackson, this project was a great chance for him to be close to artists that he admired. Succar is still forming, and is planning to be part of a musical legacy that goes beyond borders.

“If you don’t take the opportunity when it has to be, the train will leave” he commented after getting the Latin Grammy.

Tito Puente Jr.

He always knew that his career would be compared to his father’s, and he was very clear that it won’t be easy to reach that level. For that reason he decided to make his own name with his own identity. From very young he participated in different bands including a rock one. That way Tito Jr. formed his own trajectory and now is well known within the industry.

However he is continuing his father’s legacy at performing several of his most famous songs. He also has never doubted making tributes to his father, with different events for youngs and children where they learn to play different instruments. Tito was born in New York on June 2nd,1971, he is 49 years old, and has several albums of his own. He is very proud of his origins, but at the same time he has created his own name.

“I have my father ‘s spirit”, he said proudly.

This new generation is promising to hold their countries’ names high with passion, enthusiasm, and so much commitment.

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Villariny Salsa Project from Puerto Rico

Committed to continuing the legacy of the greats in Salsa

Villariny Salsa Project made its debut on July 25th, 2009, at an international event held in Puerto Rico called “Puerto Rico Salsa Congress” where it was presented twice in the same year, as a prelude to Roberto Rohena and later, to the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

In the summer of 2010, Oscar Villariny (founder of the group) after working as a professional musician with salsa artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivera, Puerto Rican Power, Viti Ruiz, Rey Ruiz, Anthony Cruz, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Luigi Texidor, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, David Pabon, Johnny Rivera among others; began recording the first musical production which was entitled “En tu tiempo”.

Before making the “relayase” of the musical production, Villariny Salsa Project recorded the Christmas song “Trulla Caliente” to the rhythm of full, being a total success occupying the first positions in the radio lists.

In 2011, the first musical production of the band comes out with 8 songs, which has the hits “Que bien me va”, “Estoy Enamorao”, “Bendita la luz (salsa version)”, “A punto de Caramelo” and “Amigo es un peso en el bolsillo”.

This musical production was in charge of Mr. Tommy Villariny (arranger, musical producer, and trumpet player) who is Oscar Villariny’s father.

Within this production, he had the vocal coaching of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Tony Rivas, Jerry Rivas (singer of the Gran Combo).

Villariny Salsa Project debuted on July 25th 2009 at an international event held in Puerto Rico called "Puerto Rico Salsa Congress". — Music Producer: Tommy Villariny & Oscar Villariny

At the time, it had a great acceptance from salseros and managed to be present in massive concerts such as Luisito Carrión (Roberto Clemente Coliseum), José Alberto El Canario (Tito Puente Theater), and the 2012 National Salsa Day. In 2014, VSP presented its second musical production entitled “De tu mano”.

This production has 10 songs and includes guest artists such as: Manny Trinidad (four Puerto Rican), Prodigio Claudio (four Puerto Rican), Camilo Azuquita, Luisito Carrión, José Alberto “El Canario (We were born in Salsa) and Medina Carrión.

The songs “De tu mano”, “Color Esperanza”, “Nacimos en salsa “and “Con computadora no feat NG2”, occupied the first positions in the radio waves.

In the year 2019, Villariny Salsa Project released a new music single entitled “Homenaje”, in honor of his father’s career and some of his successes by bringing together the same singers who originally recorded them such as Andy Montañez, Eddie Santiago, Rey Ruiz, and Viti Ruiz. “Many artists in the salsa genre have been hand in hand with my father Tommy Villariny to create what are successes today,” said Oscar Villariny.

Villariny Salsa Project released a new musical single entitled "Homenaje", in honor of his father's — Tribute to his father’s career

Our vision at Villariny Salsa Project is to make way for the New Generation and offer new opportunities, which is why Oscar Villariny (Founder of Villariny Salsa Project) is recording his first album with talented young people from the patio, produced by veteran musician Tommy Villariny.

Recently Villariny Salsa Project launched “Agua” available on all digital platforms.

Villariny Salsa Project presenta "Agua" feat. Mari Picorelli — Villariny Salsa Project presenta “Agua” feat. Mari Picorelli

The Villariny Salsa Project orchestra is a group with a lot of projection and refreshing for the industry.

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The “Caballero de la salsa” delights us with his new album

North America / United States

The story of an artist

Gilberto Santa Rosa, known as “El Caballero de la salsa”, was born in 1962 in Puerto Rico.

The singer has excelled at performing romantic ballads, boleros, and salsa. His first steps in music were at a very young age. Before reaching adolescence he was already forming youth groups within the tropical genre. For about two years, he was part of the band La Grande, from the hand of greats of the genre.

Colegas is the new album of Gilberto Santa Rosa — Gilberto Santa Rosa has a new album

Elías Lopés, famous Puerto Rican trumpet player, became his teacher and tutor. At the age of 14 he traveled to New York to take his first steps in the musical field and his father entrusted him to Lopés. Santa Rosa is very pleased to have received his teachings.

“The greatest legacy for me was discipline, knowledge of the work you are doing and the challenges; He gave me musical challenges that developed the talent I had at that time, “said the salsa singer.

Gilberto participated in the “Homenaje a Eddie Palmieri” with the Puerto Rico All Star, a great opportunity for his career that was on the rise. In addition, he was in the ranks of the Willie Rosario orchestra.

First steps

In 1986, he got his first opportunity as a soloist. Combo Records allowed him to record four albums; giving it a further boost in the salsa genre. Good Vibrations (1986), Keeping Cool! (1987), De Amor y Salsa (1988) and Salsa en Movimiento (1989) were his first record works.

In 1990, he had the opportunity to change record labels. On this occasion, CBS today is known worldwide as Sony Discos. Company with which he has recorded approximately 24 albums and continues to this day.

Sony Discos trusted him and saw him succeed through the years. Punto de vista, the first production made with the label, received a gold and platinum record. The Man and His Music was quite a special production. It was held in 1995 and reflected a presentation held at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Acting is another of the roles that he has developed with great skill. In 1990, he participated in “La pareja dispareja” with Rafo Muñiz and Luis Vigoreaux, Jr.

In the 2000s he was in other theatrical pieces. He starred in the revival of “La verdadera historia de Pedro Navaja”, a musical that demanded a lot from him on a professional level; and with Cuban comedian Alexis Valdés in the play “Atrácame más”.

“Returning to the theater, this time to comedy, fills me with great enthusiasm and even more so to be able to share the stage with one of the greats of comedy in the United States and Latin America. The truth is that “Atrácame más” takes me out of my comfort zone which is music and challenges me professionally. I’m really enjoying this story and I hope people enjoy it a lot more ”, commented Gilberto Santa Rosa, about “Atrácame más”.

Gilberto Santa Rosa is one of the artists who broke paradigms in the United States and in the rest of the world. From the beginning, the Latin public did not hesitate to follow his career and, of course, attend his meetings. He also had the opportunity to travel to Japan.

He presented himself as a worthy representative of his country and surprised the audience by performing “De cara al viento” in Japanese. A feat that surprised critics due to the difficulty of the language. In addition, it was his beginning in the international market, until today he is acclaimed incessantly.

Gilberto had great acceptance and a box office record in his presentations at the First President Festival in the Dominican Republic, the Lincoln Center in New York with Andy Montañez; at the Anayansi Theater in Panama and at the Universal Studios Amphitheater in Hollywood with Olga Tañón.

The accompaniment by the Symphony Orchestra ended up catapulting him among his followers. They considered it an unprecedented presentation and brimming with talent. It was presented under this format in the United States and broke box office records at the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, Venezuela.

Expresión, 1999

It was one of his most popular albums. The album marked the singer’s career as it was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award, for Best Salsa Album, in its first installment. “Que alguien me diga”, original Omar Alfanno, Panamanian composer positioned him for several weeks on the Billboard. The production featured 13 songs with a total of 55 minutes in length.

The album had great renown in the Central American market, giving it a gold record for sales. In addition, he was chosen by the National Foundation for Popular Culture among the most outstanding of the year 1999.

Gilberto, continued to count successes and praise the work of the greats in the industry. He made several tributes such as the concert “Viva Rodríguez” in tribute to Tito Rodríguez; Tribute that the Orquesta Estrellas de la Fania, to Don Tite Curet Alonso and La Guarachera, Celia Cruz, in New York.

40 … y contando, it was released in 2019. It was a live album, with which he commemorated his 40-year career. The idea was born from his concert at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 40… y contando it ranked second in sales of Tropical Albums in the United States and first in sales in Puerto Rico.

The Puerto Rican celebrated his 2020 birthday with the launch of a new collectible album.

Colegas, 2020

Gilberto Santa Rosa - New album cover — The album cover was designed for the Venezuelan artist Gilberto Santa Rosa

In this work, he had sixteen collaborations, bringing together “colegas” known to the audience. The first single is “La Familia”, a duet with the singer Tito Nieves, a Puerto Rican recognized within the genre as well as: Tito Rojas, Luisito Carrion, Pirulo, Nino Segarra, Choco Orta, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Isaac Delgado and Juan Jose Hernandez.

The arrangements are attributed to Ocana Sordi, (El Guateque De Chombo), James Hernandez (La Fonda De Bienvenido), Jose Madera (Bailadores), Rene Gonzalez (Estoy como nunca), Dino Nugent (Apaga la luz), Ricky Gonzalez (Vamos A Bailar El Son, Eque Tumba), Manolito Rodriguez (Medley Boleros), Marty Sheller (Ban Ban Quere, Caminalo), Ramon Sanchez (Que se sepa), Javier Fernández (Masacote, Tremendo Coco), Louis García (Por la Calle Del Medio , Isidro Infante (El Mejor Sonero, Mario Ague, Sonerito),

Singing with Tito Nieves was a pleasure for him because they share a friendship relationship:

“Tito and I have a friendship that transcends the stage and the day to day. He is my dear brother. His sense of humor is incredible. With him everything is very easy. In fact, it only took 45 minutes for us to have the song ready”, said the salsa singer.

Santa Rosa wanted this album to be a very special tribute to his companions of so many years. He looked for the numbers to fit in some way with the relationship with each colleague.

The 58-year-old singer is a winner of a Grammy and five Latin Grammys. He is in his best moment and it appeared that “Colegas” could have a continuation.

“These things excite me and motivate me to do a second part, because other “colegas” were left out,” he said.

Will it be the beginning of your new musical project? We’ll see!

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ISM November 2020

Cover Magazine 11 ISM special edition Nov 2020
In this months issue read about the tribute to legend Frometas Billo’s Caracas Boys, also articles on Tito Puentes, the “gentleman of Salsa, Mr. Tito Nieves, Sheila King, , the transalvania Salsa Festival, and many others.