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Search Results for: Tito Rodríguez

XXXIX National Zalsa Day March 19, 2023 Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan Puerto Rico

Celebrates 150 years of history with a posthumous tribute to Tito Puente, Típica 73 and Ismael Miranda

National Zalsa Day 2023

This year the privilege of conducting the Super Orchestra of the National Zalsa Day 2023 is for Maestro Isidro Infante, March 19 at the Hiram Bithorn Park in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For many years the most important salsa event in Puerto Rico and internationally. Thanks to Z-93 and the entire SBS family. Mr. Alarcón, Víctor Roque, El Cacique and all the executives involved in such an important event.

We will also have Buho Loco and El Hachero, among others.

Celebra 150 años de historia con un póstumo homenaje a Tito Puente y Típica 73 e Ismael Miranda
Celebra 150 años de historia con un póstumo homenaje a Tito Puente y Típica 73 e Ismael Miranda

The radio station Zeta93FM and its sister company, LaMusica.com, announce the thirty-ninth edition of the National Zalsa Day; an award-winning concert, which, on this occasion, will pay a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of one of the most recognized orchestras in the world, La Típica 73.

Known as the pioneers in performing the famous “Descargas musicales”, Adalberto Santiago, José Alberto “El Canario”, Tito Allen and Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez, have already confirmed their participation and we are proud that the members of this legendary band, which left such a deep mark on the salsa genre, have decided to join us in this celebration.

XXXIX Día Nacional de la Zalsa 19 de Marzo 2023 Estadio Hiram Bithorn en San Juan Puerto Rico
XXXIX Día Nacional de la Zalsa 19 de Marzo 2023 Estadio Hiram Bithorn en San Juan Puerto Rico

On April 20, 2023, the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary timbalero Tito Puente, his son.

Tito Puente Jr., along with great guest artists such as Orestes Vilato, Nicky Marrero, Endel Dueño, Frankie Figueroa, Frankie Morales, John “Dandy” Rodríguez and José Madera celebrarán playing on stage the greatest hits of the “King of Latin Music”, among which are: “Oye como va”, “Ran Kan Kan” and “Para los Rumberos”.

“Puente’s legacy of more than 50 years, known as ‘The King of the Timbal’, ‘The composer and musician of the eternal smile’ and ‘The godfather of Latin jazz and salsa’, will be exalted in front of more than 20,000 people at DNZ2023 and we are sure that all salseros will enjoy this presentation,” said announcer Marcos Rodríguez “El Cacique”.

Póstumo Homenaje a Ismael Miranda
Póstumo Homenaje a Ismael Miranda

In April 2000, the third Sunday of March was instituted as National Zalsa Day under Law #100 of the Senate of Puerto Rico.

History

National Zalsa Day was created in 1984 by Pedro Arroyo, Programming Director of Z-93, who always wanted to celebrate an event that would recognize the talent of popular salsa music, its composers and performers, to present it to the great public who love this tropical genre.

Since its first year, the great event took hold of an audience eager to enjoy this music live.

The support was total and it immediately positioned itself as the annual concert of the people of Puerto Rico and visitors from other countries.

From its beginnings, National Zalsa Day was dedicated to a figure of this genre, as a recognition of his talent and rootedness in the public.

1984 – Dedicated in life to Sonero Mayor, Ismael Rivera

1985 – Rafael Ithier of the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

1986 – Tito Puente and Santitos Colón

1987 – Héctor Lavoe

1988 – Andy Montañez and Gilberto Santa Rosa

1989 – Celia Cruz and Sonora Ponceña

1990 – Willie Colón and Tite Curet Alonso

1991 – Bobby Valentín, Oscar D’León and composer Gloria González.

1992 – To the Best 5 trumpets of Puerto Rico: Elías Lopés, Charlie Sepúlveda, Juancito Torres, Mario Ortiz and Luis “Perico” Ortiz.

1993 – Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of National Zalsa Day, dedicated to the Salsa People

1994 – Ray Barreto and Adalberto Santiago

1995 – “Duels at sunset”.

1996 – Dedicated to the reunions: Conjunto Clásico, Tito Nieves, Luis “Perico” Ortiz and Rafael De Jesús, El Gran Combo; Andy Montañez and

Roberto Rohena; Sonora Ponceña with Luigi Texidor and Yolanda Rivera.

1997 – To the salsa people

1998 – Jerry Masucci

1999 – Cheo Feliciano

2000 – Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

2001 – Eddie Palmieri

2002 – Ruben Blades

2003 – Johnny Pacheco and Roberto Rohena

2004 – Quique Lucca, Papo Lucca and Willie Rosario

2005 – Tommy Olivencia and Roberto Angleró

2006 – Los Hermanos Lebrón and posthumous tribute to Charlie Palmieri, Tito Rodríguez and Ray Barretto

2007 – Ismael Miranda, Ramón Rodríguez, Raphy Leavitt and Sammy Marrero

2008 – Larry Harlow and Manny Oquendo

2009 – Celebration of the release of Tite Curet Alonso’s work on Puerto Rican radio. Dedicated to Louis Garcia.

2010 – Johnny Ortiz. Special recognition to Héctor Maisonave and Ángel Luis Córdova García “Paleco”.

2011 – Elvin Torres of Costa Brava, Luisito Ayala of Puerto Rican Power, Paquito Guzmán, Tito Allen and Luigi Texidor.

2012 – Posthumous tribute to Frankie Ruiz. Dedicated to Orquesta Zodiac and La Corporación Latina.

2013 – Posthumous tribute to Pedro Arroyo, former director of Z-93. Special recognition to Edwin Morales of La Mulenze, Pedro Brul, Pedro Conga of Orquesta Internacional and Cano Estremera.

2014 – El Gran Combo, Joe Rodríguez of La Terrífica, Justo Betancourt and Meñique.

2015 – Gilberto Santa Rosa receives the first National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Sammy “Rolo” González, Mickey Cora, Nacho Sanabria.

2016 – Eddie Palmieri receives the second National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Lalo Rodríguez and Tito Rojas.

2017 – Zeta 93 announced on the program of its director Néstor Galán, el Buho Loco, that the artists participating in the 34th edition of National Salsa Day are el Gran Combo, José Alberto el Canario, Andy Montañez, la India, Don Perignón y la Puertorriqueña, Grupo Niche, Víctor Manuelle, Luisito Carrión, Guillo Rivera, Camilo Azuquita, Raúl Marrero, Carlos D’ Castro, Juan Pablo Díaz, Orquesta DNZ2017 and Orquesta Canario.

2018 – Dedicated To The People Of Puerto Rico!

Domingo Quiñones, Maelo Ruiz, Chamaco Rivera, Pupy Cantor, Oscar de León, Orquesta Canela (Cali, Colombia), Tribute to Tito Nieves and Yolanda Rivera, La Orquesta del Día Nacional de La Salsa, Pete Pererignon y la Generación del Presente, El Maestro Sammy Velez with Nino Segarra, Héctor Tricoche y Simón Pérez, Víctor García y La Sonora San Juanera and Willie Otero y su Orquesta.

2019 – Los Reencuentros will be

Conjunto Clásico with Tito Nieves, Luis Perico Ortiz with Roberto Lugo, Orquesta Mulenze with Pedro Brull, Don Perignon y la Puertorriqueña with Víctor Manuelle, Frankie Vázquez, Pedro Bermúdez Big Band, Charlie Aponte, Pichie Pérez, Yolanda Rivera, Pedro Arroyo, Conjuno Chaney, Pirulo y la Tribu, Manolito Rodríguez.

2020 – Oscar D’ León, Eddie Palmieri, La India, Tito Rojas, Lalo Rodríguez, La Sonora Ponceña, Ray de la Paz, Ismael Miranda, Tony Vega, Orq. Del Día Nacional (directed by Louis García).

2022 – The gathering was Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Víctor Manuelle, Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, La Sonora Ponceña, Andy Montañez, Apollo Sound, La Mulenze, from Panama come to Puerto Rico the winners of the contest in which hundreds of salsa orchestras competed, Luis Lugo y La Orquesta 507, the women’s orchestra Son Divas, La Tribu de Abrante and Luis Vázquez,” said Marcos Rodríguez,

Sunday, March 19, 2023 – 9:00am

Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan

On stage:

– – José Alberto “El Canario”

– Adalberto Santiago

– Tito Allen & Johnny el Dandy Rodriguez

– Luis Figueroa

– Pirulo

– India

– Charlie Aponte

– Maelo Ruiz

– Yolanda Rivera

– Luigi Texidor

– Pichie Perez

– Isidoro Infante

– Alex D’ Castro

– Tributes to Tito Puente, Típica 73 and Ismael Miranda

Prices:

Early Bird : $10.00 + ivu & c.s (Limited quantities) SOLD OUT

Presale: $15.00 + ivu & c.s (Limited quantities) SOLD OUT

GENERAL – $20.00 + ivu & c.s

V.I.P. – $75.00 + ivu & c.s. (Includes numbered seat and preferred entrance)

PLATINUM – $225.00 + ivu & c.s. (Includes food, open bar, official t-shirt and preferential entrance)

Information and Tickets: 787-200-7110 or [email protected]

Ticket office open from 2 hours before the start of the event.

Read Also: “Mambo Night in Miami Beach” celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of “El Inolvidable”, our own Tito Rodriguez

XXXIX National Zalsa Day March 19, 2023 Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan Puerto Rico

Celebrates 150 years of history with a posthumous tribute to Tito Puente, Típica 73 and Ismael Miranda

National Zalsa Day 2023

This year the privilege of conducting the Super Orchestra of the National Zalsa Day 2023 is for Maestro Isidro Infante, March 19 at the Hiram Bithorn Park in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For many years the most important salsa event in Puerto Rico and internationally. Thanks to Z-93 and the entire SBS family. Mr. Alarcón, Víctor Roque, El Cacique and all the executives involved in such an important event.

We will also have Buho Loco and El Hachero, among others.

Celebra 150 años de historia con un póstumo homenaje a Tito Puente y Típica 73 e Ismael Miranda
Celebra 150 años de historia con un póstumo homenaje a Tito Puente y Típica 73 e Ismael Miranda

The radio station Zeta93FM and its sister company, LaMusica.com, announce the thirty-ninth edition of the National Zalsa Day; an award-winning concert, which, on this occasion, will pay a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of one of the most recognized orchestras in the world, La Típica 73.

Known as the pioneers in performing the famous “Descargas musicales”, Adalberto Santiago, José Alberto “El Canario”, Tito Allen and Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez, have already confirmed their participation and we are proud that the members of this legendary band, which left such a deep mark on the salsa genre, have decided to join us in this celebration.

XXXIX Día Nacional de la Zalsa 19 de Marzo 2023 Estadio Hiram Bithorn en San Juan Puerto Rico
XXXIX Día Nacional de la Zalsa 19 de Marzo 2023 Estadio Hiram Bithorn en San Juan Puerto Rico

On April 20, 2023, the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary timbalero Tito Puente, his son.

Tito Puente Jr., along with great guest artists such as Orestes Vilato, Nicky Marrero, Endel Dueño, Frankie Figueroa, Frankie Morales, John “Dandy” Rodríguez and José Madera celebrarán playing on stage the greatest hits of the “King of Latin Music”, among which are: “Oye como va”, “Ran Kan Kan” and “Para los Rumberos”.

“Puente’s legacy of more than 50 years, known as ‘The King of the Timbal’, ‘The composer and musician of the eternal smile’ and ‘The godfather of Latin jazz and salsa’, will be exalted in front of more than 20,000 people at DNZ2023 and we are sure that all salseros will enjoy this presentation,” said announcer Marcos Rodríguez “El Cacique”.

Póstumo Homenaje a Ismael Miranda
Póstumo Homenaje a Ismael Miranda

In April 2000, the third Sunday of March was instituted as National Zalsa Day under Law #100 of the Senate of Puerto Rico.

History

National Zalsa Day was created in 1984 by Pedro Arroyo, Programming Director of Z-93, who always wanted to celebrate an event that would recognize the talent of popular salsa music, its composers and performers, to present it to the great public who love this tropical genre.

Since its first year, the great event took hold of an audience eager to enjoy this music live.

The support was total and it immediately positioned itself as the annual concert of the people of Puerto Rico and visitors from other countries.

From its beginnings, National Zalsa Day was dedicated to a figure of this genre, as a recognition of his talent and rootedness in the public.

1984 – Dedicated in life to Sonero Mayor, Ismael Rivera

1985 – Rafael Ithier of the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

1986 – Tito Puente and Santitos Colón

1987 – Héctor Lavoe

1988 – Andy Montañez and Gilberto Santa Rosa

1989 – Celia Cruz and Sonora Ponceña

1990 – Willie Colón and Tite Curet Alonso

1991 – Bobby Valentín, Oscar D’León and composer Gloria González.

1992 – To the Best 5 trumpets of Puerto Rico: Elías Lopés, Charlie Sepúlveda, Juancito Torres, Mario Ortiz and Luis “Perico” Ortiz.

1993 – Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of National Zalsa Day, dedicated to the Salsa People

1994 – Ray Barreto and Adalberto Santiago

1995 – “Duels at sunset”.

1996 – Dedicated to the reunions: Conjunto Clásico, Tito Nieves, Luis “Perico” Ortiz and Rafael De Jesús, El Gran Combo; Andy Montañez and

Roberto Rohena; Sonora Ponceña with Luigi Texidor and Yolanda Rivera.

1997 – To the salsa people

1998 – Jerry Masucci

1999 – Cheo Feliciano

2000 – Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

2001 – Eddie Palmieri

2002 – Ruben Blades

2003 – Johnny Pacheco and Roberto Rohena

2004 – Quique Lucca, Papo Lucca and Willie Rosario

2005 – Tommy Olivencia and Roberto Angleró

2006 – Los Hermanos Lebrón and posthumous tribute to Charlie Palmieri, Tito Rodríguez and Ray Barretto

2007 – Ismael Miranda, Ramón Rodríguez, Raphy Leavitt and Sammy Marrero

2008 – Larry Harlow and Manny Oquendo

2009 – Celebration of the release of Tite Curet Alonso’s work on Puerto Rican radio. Dedicated to Louis Garcia.

2010 – Johnny Ortiz. Special recognition to Héctor Maisonave and Ángel Luis Córdova García “Paleco”.

2011 – Elvin Torres of Costa Brava, Luisito Ayala of Puerto Rican Power, Paquito Guzmán, Tito Allen and Luigi Texidor.

2012 – Posthumous tribute to Frankie Ruiz. Dedicated to Orquesta Zodiac and La Corporación Latina.

2013 – Posthumous tribute to Pedro Arroyo, former director of Z-93. Special recognition to Edwin Morales of La Mulenze, Pedro Brul, Pedro Conga of Orquesta Internacional and Cano Estremera.

2014 – El Gran Combo, Joe Rodríguez of La Terrífica, Justo Betancourt and Meñique.

2015 – Gilberto Santa Rosa receives the first National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Sammy “Rolo” González, Mickey Cora, Nacho Sanabria.

2016 – Eddie Palmieri receives the second National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Lalo Rodríguez and Tito Rojas.

2017 – Zeta 93 announced on the program of its director Néstor Galán, el Buho Loco, that the artists participating in the 34th edition of National Salsa Day are el Gran Combo, José Alberto el Canario, Andy Montañez, la India, Don Perignón y la Puertorriqueña, Grupo Niche, Víctor Manuelle, Luisito Carrión, Guillo Rivera, Camilo Azuquita, Raúl Marrero, Carlos D’ Castro, Juan Pablo Díaz, Orquesta DNZ2017 and Orquesta Canario.

2018 – Dedicated To The People Of Puerto Rico!

Domingo Quiñones, Maelo Ruiz, Chamaco Rivera, Pupy Cantor, Oscar de León, Orquesta Canela (Cali, Colombia), Tribute to Tito Nieves and Yolanda Rivera, La Orquesta del Día Nacional de La Salsa, Pete Pererignon y la Generación del Presente, El Maestro Sammy Velez with Nino Segarra, Héctor Tricoche y Simón Pérez, Víctor García y La Sonora San Juanera and Willie Otero y su Orquesta.

2019 – Los Reencuentros will be

Conjunto Clásico with Tito Nieves, Luis Perico Ortiz with Roberto Lugo, Orquesta Mulenze with Pedro Brull, Don Perignon y la Puertorriqueña with Víctor Manuelle, Frankie Vázquez, Pedro Bermúdez Big Band, Charlie Aponte, Pichie Pérez, Yolanda Rivera, Pedro Arroyo, Conjuno Chaney, Pirulo y la Tribu, Manolito Rodríguez.

2020 – Oscar D’ León, Eddie Palmieri, La India, Tito Rojas, Lalo Rodríguez, La Sonora Ponceña, Ray de la Paz, Ismael Miranda, Tony Vega, Orq. Del Día Nacional (directed by Louis García).

2022 – The gathering was Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Víctor Manuelle, Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, La Sonora Ponceña, Andy Montañez, Apollo Sound, La Mulenze, from Panama come to Puerto Rico the winners of the contest in which hundreds of salsa orchestras competed, Luis Lugo y La Orquesta 507, the women’s orchestra Son Divas, La Tribu de Abrante and Luis Vázquez,” said Marcos Rodríguez,

Sunday, March 19, 2023 – 9:00am

Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan

On stage:

– – José Alberto “El Canario”

– Adalberto Santiago

– Tito Allen & Johnny el Dandy Rodriguez

– Luis Figueroa

– Pirulo

– India

– Charlie Aponte

– Maelo Ruiz

– Yolanda Rivera

– Luigi Texidor

– Pichie Perez

– Isidoro Infante

– Alex D’ Castro

– Tributes to Tito Puente, Típica 73 and Ismael Miranda

Prices:

Early Bird : $10.00 + ivu & c.s (Limited quantities) SOLD OUT

Presale: $15.00 + ivu & c.s (Limited quantities) SOLD OUT

GENERAL – $20.00 + ivu & c.s

V.I.P. – $75.00 + ivu & c.s. (Includes numbered seat and preferred entrance)

PLATINUM – $225.00 + ivu & c.s. (Includes food, open bar, official t-shirt and preferential entrance)

Information and Tickets: 787-200-7110 or [email protected]

Ticket office open from 2 hours before the start of the event.

Read Also: “Mambo Night in Miami Beach” celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of “El Inolvidable”, our own Tito Rodriguez

45 years of salsa career of ‘el más que canta’ was in style

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, at about 5:00 p.m. Puerto Rican time, the curtain of the Coca Cola Music Hall rose to give way to a radiant Domingo Quiñones.

El más que canta’ arrived ready to share his voice and his usual nostalgic smile with the audience.

The 45th anniversary party began, the melodic style of the saxophone in charge of Jorge Baez. A minute after the orchestra played the first notes, Domingo let out a loud war cry that sounded like: “Puerto Rico”. Immediately, the first two songs were played: Chica romántica & Poeta y guerrero.

Domingo Quiñones  ‘el más que canta’
Domingo Quiñones  ‘el más que canta’

After a brief greeting in which Domingo thanked his fans for their support, the most emblematic songs of his career were heard, such as: Tú cómo estás, Soy, Enséñame, El progreso, Busco un amor, Falco de valor, Salsumba, Cuando se necesitan más, Fuera de control, Río abajo, Deseo salvaje y Devórame otra vez, A que no te atreves, Se necesita un milagro, Pasarás al libro del recuerdo, Lo reconozco y No voy a dejarte ir.

Keeping the rhythmic base going, Charlie Padilla was in charge of the tumbadoras, in perfect sync with Javier Oquendo on the bongos and Pablo Padín on the timbales. It was clear that Domingo was backed by a luxurious orchestra, under the musical direction of pianist, music producer, arranger, composer, singer and dancer: Carlos García.  Ricardo Lugo accompanied with his impeccable bass playing. Ramón Sánchez complemented the perfection of the stage behind the keyboard.

The wind section was formed by Ángel Hernández and Jesús Alonso on trumpets, and Eliut Cintrón and Víctor Vázquez on trombones. In the choirs, the vocal forcefulness and precision of Jorge Yadiel, Nahyra Pérez and David Carrero was heard.

Domingo Quiñones
Domingo Quiñones

About an hour into the celebration, Domingo decided to do a conga solo, what a surprise we were in for! The conga solo was very well done.

An hour and a half into the concert, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luisito Carrión and Carlos García sang with Domingo Quiñones the song En el mismo barco, composed by Domingo in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domingo Quiñones Tributo a Lalo Rodriguez
Domingo Quiñones Tributo a Lalo Rodriguez

The arrangement of the song allowed the wind instrumentalists to have their way with the big spoon before giving way to a very heavy rumba in the percussive corner.

A moment of great emotion was the one that gave way to the song Río abajo, with the accompaniment of Luis ‘Perico’ Ortiz in his impeccable trumpet solos, in addition to accompanying Domingo in the chorus.

Por todo lo alto  fueron 45 años de trayectoria salsera de ‘el más que canta’
Por todo lo alto  fueron 45 años de trayectoria salsera de ‘el más que canta’

This intervention made clear the affection that Domingo and Perico have for each other.  It must be because when Domingo decided to pursue his dream as a soloist, he was part of ‘Perico’s’ orchestra.

For this celebration, our Domingo Quiñones gave way to a repertoire that summarized very well those 45 years of career.  More than singing, Domingo interpreted with that emotionality of his best times.  The audience vibrated with his performance. His histrionic ability, his interpretative quality and the charisma with which he captures the audience’s attention, kept them captive for hours.

Domingo Quiñones  y sus Amigos
Domingo Quiñones  y sus Amigos

Photo credits: Félix Guayciba

Bella Martínez

Read Also: “Mambo Night in Miami Beach” celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of “El Inolvidable”, our own Tito Rodriguez

Bella Martínez Writer, researcher of Afro-Caribbean music and author of Un conguero para la historia, Las memorias de Jimmie Morales.

787-424-8868

In front of adversity we grow with Johnny Cruz .

North America/ All USA

Johnny Cruz : This month I wanted to dedicate myself to good news, highlighting the work of those who, despite adversity, continue to strive to bring the best to the public. We keep working!

Gilberto Santa Rosa surprises us with his new album Colegas. His most recent phonogram. In this, Santa Rosa invested the last six years and presents 16 collaborations with Cuban artists -Isaac Delgado and Juan Jose Hernandez-Puerto Ricans -Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas, Luisito Carrion, Pirulo, Nino Segarra, Choco Orta among others-, as well as with a Dominican – Jose Alberto “El Canario” -.

Gilberto Santa Rosa - Colegas
Gilberto Santa Rosa – Colegas

The album is preceded by “40… y contando en vivo desde Puerto Rico”, an album recorded in 2018 live at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, to celebrate its 40 years of musical career. The majestic arrangements were the work of Dino Nugent (Apaga La Luz), Marty Sheller (Caminalo, Ban Ban Quere), Ramón Sánchez (Que Se Sepa), Javier Fernández (Tremendo Coco, Masacote), Louis García (Por La Calle Del Medio, Ocana Sordi, El Guateque De Chombo), Ricky González (Vamos a Bailar El Son, Eque Tumba), Manolito Rodríguez (Medley Boleros), José Madera (Bailadores), Rene González (Estoy como Nunca), Isidro Infante (Mario Ague, El Mejor Sonero, Sonerito), James Hernández (La Fonda De Bienvenido).

In good time Santa Rosa presents this production. He positions him on the GRAMMY platform and refreshes him in his role as sonero and incidentally, he extends a helping hand to some who had not recorded Salsa Brava again.

Tracks: La Familia; Caminalo; Que Se Sepa; Mazacote; Apaga La Luz; Sonerito; Por La Calle Del Medio; Nos Vamos A Bailar El Son; Medley Boleros; Ocana Sordi; Bailadores; El Mejor Sonero; Tremendo Coco; Estoy Como Nunca; Mario Ague; Eque Tumbao; La Fonda De Bienvenido; Ban Ban Quere; Guateque De Chombo.

Members: Angie Machado, Jan Duclerc, Jesús Alonso, turbidity Vilchez – trumpet; Charlie Sierra – maracas; Dino Nugent – violín; Johnny Torres, Pedro Perez – bass; Manolito Rodriguez – timbal; Rafy Torres, Toñito Vásquez, Víctor Vázquez, Reynaldo Jorge – trombones – trombone; Richie Bastar – bongo; Sammy García, Jimmie Morales – congas; Sammy Vélez, Josué Urbina; Pedro Méndez, Frankie Pérez, Janice Maysonet – saxophone; Luis Marín, Isidro Infante, Javi Fernández, Ricky González – piano; Orestes Vilató – timpani; Pablo “El Indio” Rosario – percussion; Meñique, Paquito Guzmán, Víctor Manuelle, Luisito Carrion, Justo Betancourt – backing vocals. Guests: Víctor Manuelle, Choco Orta, Juan José Hernández, Isaac Delgado, Yan Collazo, Luisito Carrion, Pirulo, Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas “El Gallo”, Ismael Rivera Jr., José Alberto “El Canario”, Carlitos Ramírez, Michelle Brava, Herman Olivera, Maelo Ruiz.

I take this opportunity to greet my good friend Johnny Rodríguez Jr., better known as Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez, is an American bongo player. He was Tito Puente’s longtime bongo player, and also played with Tito Rodríguez, Ray Barretto, and Alfredo de la Fe. He belonged to various popular bands of the salsa era such as Tico All-Stars, Fania All-Stars, and Typica 73. He is a proud son of El Barrio (Spanish Harlem), New York, and stickball (street baseball) was more interested than music.

Marco Bermúdez - En mi voz
Marco Bermúdez – En mi voz

However, influenced by his father, Johnny, 17, earned the position of playing bongos in the Tito Puente Orchestra. Johnny spent more than 30 years with the orchestra, also working with Tito Rodríguez from 1965 to 1968 and with Ray Barretto from 1970 until the end of 1972. Johnny went on to form Tipica 73, of which he remained a member until 1979. He then returned to the band. Tito’s band, playing alongside him until the time of Tito’s death in May 2000.

Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr. continues to be a Latin jazz and salsa percussionist. Today he works as a percussionist in different Latin music ensembles, He is unstoppable and is very active with the Latin Jazz Giants (alongside his colleagues and Exclusive LP Artists Jose Madera and George Delgado) and that includes the stars from the original Tito Puente Orchestra. The band plays the famous music from the Palladium days of Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez, and Machito, and also recorded The Giants Play the Music of the Palladium.

In 2008, Johhny entrusted LP’s Research and Development Department with the design of the John “Dandy” Rodríguez Jr. bongoes from the Legends series. John is proud that these drums, which bear his name, present such a sound and visual characteristics outstanding. Keep going, Johnny!

A few days ago, En Mi Voz, the solo debut of the Ecuadorian singer Marco Bermúdez, was officially launched on the market. This is a very good selection of ten songs, under the master hand of Oscar Hernández, the prestigious and renowned musician who is making his debut as a record producer with Ovation Records.

Pedro Bermudez - Arrasando
Pedro Bermudez – Arrasando

Marco has not saved anything for this premiere. He has met with his colleagues from the “Hispánica del Barrio” and the result could not be better: Jerry Madera, Máximo Rodríguez, Maneco Ruiz, Héctor Colón, Doug Beavers, Reynaldo Jorge, Jeremy Bosch, George Delgado, Luisito Quintero and Jorge González give solvency and flavor to En Mi Voz. The album opens with “Amanecer Contigo”, composed with four hands between Hernández and Bermúdez, where the trumpet solos by Maneco Ruiz and flute by Jeremy Bosch stand out.

Jeremy is also heard with his flute in his fine and heartfelt composition “Canto a mi Mamá” and in “Únicamente tú”, making Marco the second voice. The romantic spirit of the singer of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Mambo Legends Orchestra is confirmed in songs like “Solo Basta” and “Tu Regreso”. Oscar’s arrangements guarantee the key melody. Highly recommended this album, it has no waste!

I send my greetings and wishes for a reunion with this excellent salsa singer: Hermenegildo Olivera, or Herman Olivera. Born in Newark, New Jersey, the son of Puerto Rican parents and from an early age linked to Latin music. In the 70s, in the middle of the salsa boom, Herman began his love of singing by listening to the interpretations of Chamaco Ramírez, Héctor Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano and Marvin Santiago, among others. These vocalists were primarily his source of inspiration. When he was just 15 years old, Herman began his career as a salsa interpreter with an orchestra called La Justicia.

Johnny Rodríguez
Johnny Rodríguez

Later he was part of the band La Sónica, where he met his friend and trombonist Jimmy Bosch. After this he spent time with the Caramelo orchestra to later take the most important leap in his career by being part of the Conjunto Libre in 1978, where he left his voice reflected for the first time in the Incredible LP of 1981 under the direction of percussionist Manolo Oquendo and bassist Andy González, where he stands out with the theme Decídete.

In 1990, he was invited to record on the album Salsa Sudada, from the Valdesa Records label of Víctor Raúl Sánchez “Patillas” and with the musical direction of Isidro Infante, sharing vocalization with Mario Muñoz “Papaíto”, Adalberto Santiago, Eladio Peguero “Yayo El Indio” and Pablo Villanueva Branda “Melcochita”; in this work he interprets the songs La Aguja and a tribute to the city of Cali called Valle Plateado de Salsa. Later, it launched an independent project called Herman Olivera y La Exclusiva. Chequea la Mercancía.

Herman Olivera
Herman Olivera

Produced by Fernando Pastrana where the song Me Extraña Araña is one of the most outstanding. For 1997 he participates in the CD of the band Rikoson All Stars, called Evoluciones del Son, where he stands out very well in the romantic theme Aquella Noche. In 1998 he was requested by the piano teacher Eddie Palmieri and together with the vocalist Wichy Camacho they recorded the album El Rumbero del Piano, where he stands out as a singer on the songs Malagueña alerosa and Oiga mi Guaguancó.

That same year he was invited to the recording studios by the trombonist Jimmy Bosch and they released the album titled Soneando Trombón, which contains the hit Otra Oportunidad. Who plays a duet with Frankie Vázquez. On this CD also appears the song Descargarana. That same duo, Olivera and Bosch, meet the following year (1999) and produce Salsa Dura, where Herman shines performing the full Impacto Tendremos. The album also features the participation of singers Frankie “Nene” Morales and Frankie Vázquez. Parallel to this album, the RMM label launches a live CD and DVD titled Eddie Palmieri & Friend’s, where Herman looks excellent in the number Palo pa ’Rumba.

Felix Villalobos
Felix Villalobos

The invitation to tune in to the new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com continues: Salsagallery. Good music, interviews with the artists and much more… now with the participation of Felix Villalobos who joins Salsagallery Radio with a segment in which we will be talking about Music.

At the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum we are happy to say that we are gradually returning to our activities and we will be opening the gallery sporadically. We do not stop, we continue to work for our music and we will always keep you informed through our social networks. We hope to have more news shortly and that we can return to normal soon.

Publicity
Raymond Stewart
Johnny Cruz
Correspondent
New York

Son Del Monte’s musical director and timbalero Manuel Rivera

Who is ”Manny”

Manuel ”Manny” Rivera is the musical director and timbalero of the Son Del Monte Orchestra. We had the great opportunity to have a friendly conversation with him to know in detail his beginnings, career, groups, role as musical director, among other things.

Manuel ''Manny'' Rivera tells us his interesting story
Manuel ”Manny” Rivera tells us his interesting story

Time in the Yambú Orchestra

After apologizing for his deficits in the Spanish language, he continued by thanking us for the opportunity to tell his story and describe his time in the Yambú Orchestra, which was the first group in which he could start developing his talents in the 70’s. ”what we wanted to do at that time was make a mix between jazz with typical music because the pianist, who was of African descent, was who wrote the music with musical director and bassist Ramón Rodríguez”. It is presumed that the pianist focused a lot on these genres because of his roots, but his colleagues were fine with it.

Although he loved jazz, Manuel began to notice that it was not very danceable for the audience, which is what caused him to become interested in charanga, a genre that was already very famous in New York City in those years. That’s how he decided to immerse himself in this set of rhythms because he liked to see people go to the dance floor and enjoy themselves.

He also liked Yambú’s style a lot, but felt he had to take a more accurate path for what he was feeling at the time.

Manuel Rivera performing on stage
Manuel Rivera performing on stage

Similarities of Son Del Monte with other jazz big bands and members

I was a bongo player, but I started playing timbales because they are widely used in charanga. What I was looking for was to do a similar thing to what Eddie Palmieri did with La Perfecta, who used trombones and a flute mixed with timbales to achieve a charanga sound” said Rivera on this subject. He also added that ”I also wanted to avoid monotony of charanga so I also started using trombones, violin and a flute. This is what I have baptized as chajunto, a mixture of charanga with the characteristics of an ensemble (conjunto in Spanish) ”.

He also pointed out that New York does not have an orchestra like his because he did not want to do the same thing that all groups of this kind do, but something different and novel. ”Son Del Monte is charanga with something more for the people, not only violin and flutes,” said the artist. ”I have three singers with three different styles and they are Puerto Rican Luis Ayala, Colombian Armando Son Giménez and Puerto Rican-Dominican Luisito Soto Junior,” he added.

The Son Del Monte Orchestra also features from the talent of flutist Mauricio Smith Junior, violinist Erick Salazar, trombonist Juanga Lakunza, trombonist Charlie García, bassist Bert Castro, conguero Joe González, pianist Andy Colón, among others. This is the group that has stuck by his side for more than six years in spite of the storms and they always perform together.

All members of the Son Del Monte Orchestra
All members of the Son Del Monte Orchestra

Opinion on the academic training of musicians

Rivera was one of the best students at Harbor’s Conservatory of Music in Manhattan, New York and he thinks that institution had done so mucho good for folk music because of all the talent that graduated there. After studying there, he began to read percussion music and learned to play batá, tumbadora, Colombian rumba, guaguancó, yambú, and so on.

The musician stresses the importance of studying, as this knowledge helps to understand the clave, the moment to start playing an instrument, the chime, the reading of music, discipline and many more. Before this, Manuel played led by the spirit and sensations, but his teachers at the conservatory taught him to have the technical tools necessary for being even more professional.

What is more important, experience or studies?

”Definitely experience. I have seen many great artists learn to read music without going to a conservatory and a great example of that is Roberto Roena, who did not need that learning to be who he was. However, that is something that not everyone can do” said Manuel. I can also mention the case of Tito Rodriguez who was not a musician guided by the lyrics, but he knew very well what he wanted. These are some of the many examples of privileged artists who only needed accumulated experience to achieve wonders with their work”.

However, this does not mean studies are not important, as they can teach things that can be useful later on and under some circumstances.

Front cover of the Son Del Monte Orchestra's album ''Una Charanga Con Algo Más''
Front cover of the Son Del Monte Orchestra’s album ”Una Charanga Con Algo Más”

Covid-19

”The pandemic did not let us do anything on stage. The guys went to the studio from time to time or we met virtually, as we do now. It was so sad because there are many venues that have failed to open their doors again. Since the pandemic started, we have not seen as much activity in New York as it used to be before” expressed the artist sadly.

Also of concern to the musical director of the Son Del Monte Orchestra is that this situation has put many musicians out of work, at least in the industry. Active musical groups have very few members in the vast majority of the cases, contrary to his and the orchestra he conducts. He hopes that it will improve with time.

Read also: Founder of the Son Latino de Orlando Orchestra Carlos Rodríguez

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.