Search Results for: Tito Rodríguez

Tommy Olivencia Jr’s career and support for the salsa museum

Inherited talent

The salsa museum has received several of the greatest artists and their families, who have donated valuable objects related to their careers. Today, it was the turn of Ángel Tomás Olivencia Rodríguez, who is artistically known as Tommy Olivencia Jr.

Tommy Olivencia Jr. is a percussionist and timbalero born on March 19, 1969 and is the son of the famous Puerto Rican musical icon and director of the Primerísima Orchestra Tommy Olivencia, from whom he inherited his great talent and has left his family’s name very high.

Tommy Olivencia Jr., son of maestro Tommy Olivencia

Planté bandera de nuevo

Eager to find his own way and make his own name in the industry, the artist made his debut with the recording ”Planté bandera de nuevo”, which was carried out in his native country and presents a total of nine tracks, some of them created by composer and percussionist Jerry Ferrao.

A very important fact during this period is that the timbalero made his official debut for AJ Records, Inc. in the framework of the 40th anniversary of Tommy Olivencia Y Su Orquesta at the beginning of this millennium, making this event even more special.

It is also important to highlight that this colorful musical work included the participation of figures such as Luis ”Perico” Ortiz. Máximo Torres, Tito Rivera, Pedro Bermúdez and many others. All these big talents made it possible for Tommy Olivencia Jr.’s first step as an artist to be on the right foot.

After Tommy Olivencia’s death

Once the incomparable Tommy Olivencia passed away, his son took the lead on the Primerísima Orchestra, which represented a great professional challenge for his career considering that many of his father’s hits are already salsa classics worldwide.

Tommy Olivencia Jr. next to Lalo Rodríguez

At the beginning, ”Tomito”, as he is also affectionately known, wanted to keep alive his father’s legacy with his most famous songs such as ”El Son Cubano”, ”Trucutú” or ”Doroteo”. However, there came a point where Olivencia and the rest of the members of La Primerísima had to get to work with new songs to join the previous hits.

When asked about these changes he had to make, he said that he has always worked on his father’s original repertoire, since the audience always asks for those songs in his performances. However, he says he is very happy to be able to contribute his grain of sand with the song ”Mi Querido Viejo”, which was dedicated to Tommy Olivencia senior and of which he is proud for the strng impact that it has had.

Something that made him very happy is that he was finally able to record his first video clip with the orchestra and other great artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Lalo Rodriguez, Sammy Gonzalez, among others.

Although he feels quite pleased to be able to continue with the steps taken his father, he is very proud to offer completely new songs to join the already prolific repertoire of La Primerísima. Among the new songs are ”Un Legendario de Pueblo” and ”Evelio”.

Tommy Olivencia Jr. at the Spanish Harlem Salsa Museum

As well as a good number of other stars and their families, we were fortunate to enjoy the pleasant presence of Tommy Olivencia Jr. at the Spanish Harlem Salsa Museum, where he and the president of the institution, Johnny Cruz, had a nice chat and walk around the facilities of the place.

At these visits, it is very common for visitors to make donations to contribute to the extensive collection that the museum has to present and this was no exception. ”Tomito” donated a suit and the güiro of maestro Tommy Olivencia that whosoever visits the museum has the opportunity to appreciate some of the elements that his father used during his career.

From this space, we really thank his visit and his contributions and we wish him the greatest success in all the projects he undertakes both professionally and personally, especially what has to do with music.

By Johnny Cruz, ISM Correspondent, New York, New York City

ISM was in NAMM Show 2020

North America - United States - Anaheim - California

From January 16 to 19 the musical instruments, professional audio and accessories industry met again in Anaheim, California, for the expected annual event that opens the calendar of fairs related to the music market segment.

NAMM Show has been reinvented and this year came with a new structure so we could better appreciate the ideas and proposals. The organizers divided the different items to which the exhibition is dedicated, offering specific spaces for each group of exhibitors and visitors and making it easier to find the desired companies and products.

The NAMM Show Music sector for musical instruments and accessories, The Namm Show Sound for professional audio and sound reinforcement, and The NAMM Show Live bringing together technologies for live events and entertainment were inaugurated in this new organization.

The Namm Show Music

More than 7000 brands, more than 300 educational sessions, more than 150 free interconnection events and hundreds of concerts and performances. Among the spaces dedicated to music, in this sector of the fair was the Boutique Guitar Showcase (sample of manufacturers of boutique guitars from around the world), the Lounge 88 Showcase (collection of renowned piano brands illustrating the history of that instrument), Software. NAMM (a curated selection of the latest music applications and plug-ins). The Sytnth Showcase (shows the latest analog and digital synthesizer technology) and the Innovator Showcase (showing the latest products that aim to revolutionize music, sound and entertainment technology).

On the educational side will be the Retail Innovation Summit, the NAMM U Breakfast Sessions, Music Education Days for students and educators, the Retail Financial Summit, the NAMM Idea Center presented sessions every half hour with all kinds of tips and ideas, and the program GenNext for students who want to develop their career.

Gabrielito Gonzalez - La Verdad — Gabrielito Gonzalez – La Verdad

Other events were in this section such as the She Rocks Awards dedicated to women, the NAMM Foundation Celebration for Music Education, the Yamaha All-Star Concert, hundreds of concerts, jams and live performances through NAMM Jam, the Yamaha Night of Worship with Christian bands, Roomful of Pianos with symphonic works adapted to the piano, and the Grand Rally for Music Education, honoring the outstanding educators in our field.

The Namm Show Sound

More than 3,000 brands in areas dedicated to professional audio and sound reinforcement, more than 200 audio production sessions, more than 50 demonstrations and more than 150 free interconnection events with audio professionals from around the world.

The outstanding samples? The Loudspeaker System Showcase to experience line array and loudspeaker technologies in a real environment, and also Software. NAMM, with a curated selection of the latest music applications and plug-ins.

Educational opportunities were available with the AES Academy (education and training program for live sound, recording and audio professionals in performances), A3E (sessions focused on the future and how audio applications are transforming the industry), Teck Tracks (sessions with high profile themes in recording, live sound and the music business) and Dante Training (free Dante certified training conducted by Audinate).

In addition to the She Rocks Awards, the Yamaha All-Star Contest, and the Yamaha Night of Worship, the NAMM Pro Audio Pool Party (an outdoor party for the professional audio and sound community) was added to this space. NAMM TEC Awards (recognizing the best products and innovations in this segment) and the Parnelli Awards (highlighting professionals in the live event scene).

The Namm Show Live

For those interested in the live events sector there were more than 7,000 brands, more than 50 free educational sessions, opportunities to obtain 80 ETCP credits, hundreds of ESTA interconnection events, and live music throughout the space.

Education was in the hands of the sessions curated by ESTA, technology sessions organized by Lighting & Sound America and PLASA, professional production sessions conducted by PLSN and FOH, in addition to the Dante Audinate training.

In the part of special events will be the Happy Hour for Behind the Scenes (a charitable event that raises funds for industry professionals who are going through problems), the welcome reception of Namm show Live, and visitors can also find interesting Parnelli Awards and the NAMM TEC Awards.

International Salsa Magazine had correspondents at the Namm Show 2020 so you can enjoy all details.

Four days of exciting performances by local and international artists and demonstrations of new high-end technology products were presented at the biggest and the most prestigious annual event in the Music Industry.

Among the main stars that showed musical performances were: Los Lobos, Paris Escovedo, Bobbi Escoto, Adelaide Band, Gabrielito González, Jamal, Abel Flores Band, Calico Oviedo Soultone Cymbals, the winner of two Latin Grammy awards, Tony Succar, and others.

Also, the organization in this unique and memorable event was unsurpassed, the family, brotherhood and cultural environment were present during each day. “People were always very happy, musicians and dancers were very friendly and enthusiastic at all times.” Said our correspondent Bryan “Scorpio” Astrachan

For the first day (Media Day) at the Anaheim Convention Center, Los Lobos was in charge of the first musical performance producing the applause and admiration of the present press. On the other hand, the famous local artist Paris Escovedo once again demonstrated the connection between the public and his music by grabbing attention for hisvirtuosity on the second day.

Likewise, the third day was led by the musical environment of the Bandleader, Director and Bongo player of Afro Son, Bobby Escoto.

During the fourth and last day of the Namm Show, they were present at the Yamaha Grand Plaza State and highlighted the band leader and vocalist of La Verdad, Gabrielito González, and Adelaide Band. This prodigious band played for about an hour, a total of 12 songs. Among his repertoire was a tribute to Salsa with the Celia Cruz’s hits, covers by Gloria Estefan and other Latin singers, in addition to playing the songs of her second album “Reflexiones de mi Mente” released in 2019 and available on all digital platforms. If you want to know more about this Latin urban music band as well as dates events visit their website: http://adelaidetheband.com/

We don’t forget to inform you that during this invitation to the global musical innovation platform, the technology never ceases to amaze. The new ATC Dolby Atmos immersive music audio system was one of our favorites. The next-generation surround audio experience takes music far beyond traditional “surround sound” that includes 3D spatial information to bring the listener to music. This free demonstration and installed on the Smartphone was tested by our correspondent Bryan “Scorpio” Astrachan.

Our correspondent, Carlos Navarro, was also at the event and could verify that the DJs are acquiring a new air and, although it is not something new in the music industry, it is working with a lot of emphasis on everything that refers to DJ Equipment, Technology and more.

The Namm Show 2020 was a perfect platform to publicize and reveal numerous technological advances. And also, the opportunity in which the artists could try everything for themselves in the different jam sessions that took place throughout the event.

Navarro was able to coincide with other artists from the world of salsa in the percussion booth. He had the opportunity to talk with Tito Quintero, Alex Acuña, Luis Conte and John «Dandy» Rodríguez, who was with Latin Percussion at the launch of a limited edition (of only 100 copies) of the Dandy Bongo Cowbell, as a tribute in his honor, with a comfortable, practical case with wheels; and also made with cutting-edge technology and high-end materials and a dazzling aesthetic.

The highlight was the live presentation of Tower of Power. “Incredible. I realized that people are appreciating live music badly, because they are accustomed to DJs, although that is not new,” Carlos Navarro told us.

In this way, we say goodbye to an event of high quality, maximum organization, unsurpassed treatment, and unmatched technological development platform.

Each day this event culminated from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we culminate standing and with applause. Until next year Namm Show 2021!

Salsa: From New York to the world!

North America – United States – New York

Last February we actively participated in different activities in New York, promoted by different instances and always supported from the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum and The Johnny Cruz Show.

Johnny Cruz: We were part of the Somos Puerto Rico event, together with more than 25 artists and with the collaboration of La Boom, which allowed thousands of people to work for our island: Puerto Rico. There was a lot of music, and we were accompanied by artists such as Jova Rodríguez, Arlene, Roberto Vásquez, Anissa Gatners, Fernando Berniero, Alex Bautista, Jen Carrasco and Kevin Tapia, among others.

We also had typical food for sale and many initiatives aimed at saving so many lives in need. From this event we want to continue bringing families to the United States and they can be calm until they stop shaking in the south west of Puerto Rico. You are not alone!

In addition, we are working hard on a documentary about Frank Ferrer, always thinking of immortalizing figures that have consolidated Salsa in the world as a Latin genre of world projection.

Salsa, as you know, is a typically New York musical genre, the result of the influence of great Latin jazz musicians, and the existence of a youth of Latin origin born, or resident in New York, in slums where Salsa is the best expression, spiced up by the exile produced by the Cuban Revolution and the awareness of American racial minorities.

In 1964, Johnny Pacheco, a flutist of Dominican origin, and Jerry Masucci, a young businessman, founded the Fania label, which gave the old Latin labels, a more modern sense of Caribbean music. Musicians and singers of the previous generation were reinvented, but others were incorporated as a young Willie Colon, the Palmieri brothers, Eddy and Charlie; Papo Luca, Ray Barreto, Larry Harlow. And, there were also singers who put their voice to Salsa to tell stories of the street, daily or reflexive, that were the mirror of the life of the neighborhoods: Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto de Santiago, Andy Montáñez, the Ismaeles -Miranda and Ribera-, Justo Betancourt, Héctor Lavoe or Rubén Blades.

Johnny Cruz Salsa: From New York to the world!

The influence of the Cuban revolution had led composers and salsa musicians to become aware that it was necessary to compose songs that talked about what was happening in the streets from a critical perspective, giving way to a new salsa and foot reality for characters as Frank Ferrer started from folklore and protest to arrive at salsa mixing both concepts in an exemplary album: Yerbabuena. All this and much more can be enjoyed very soon.

For this month of March, Puerto Rico will organize the 1st World Salsa Collectors Meeting and of course we will be there representing New York with the Salsa Museum (SPAHA Salsa Gallery Museum). From March 7th, at least 15 organizations of this type of collector from seven countries will exhibit their collections of the Caribbean genre.

The collectors meeting will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, in Miramar, under the theme “La Salsa se baila así” and will be free admission. It will be attended by collectors from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and several cities in the United States.

That day will be the official release in LP format of the album “Mario Ortiz, 55 Aniversario”, nominated for the last edition of the Latin Grammys.

The event includes memorabilia exhibitors of legendary salsa artists such as Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, Roberto Roena o la Sonora Ponceña, as well as the Museo de la Salsa de Puerto Rico or the Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular.

Pieces from the Jairo Varela Museum, renowned deceased Colombian musician, whose orchestra Grupo Niche is still active and triumphing around the world will be presented. The writer Daniel Nina, will give a lecture about Salsa, and Puerto Rican dancer Tito Ortos will talk about the history of salsa dancing. We can enjoy live music with the group Cubaneo 54, and a great closing with the several times awarded Big Band of the Free School of Music of San Juan, directed by Professor Manuel García. See you there!

As always, remember that Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029. Open free to the public all Thursdays & Fridays from 4 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 8 pm. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

Johnny Cruz - Spaha Salsa Gallery — Johnny Cruz – Spaha Salsa Gallery

Also, The Johnny Cruz Show, the #1 Salsa Show on television on all 5 Boroughs of New York on CH67. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505. [email protected].

By Johnny Cruz Correspondent, New York City, New York

Good initiatives must be shared!

North America - United States - New York

We were taking the Salsa exhibition to Puerto Rico for the I Encuentro de Coleccionistas de Salsa, we made an exhibition of the clothing, records and instruments used by the Fania All Star orchestra, Tito Puente, Héctor Lavoe, Adalberto Santiago, the Gran Combo and others. For the first time, the last “tuxedo” that Tito Puente used in his participation with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico was exhibited.

Spanish Harlem Salsa Music Gallery, offered an exhibition and Master Class on the history of Salsa at the Escuela Especializada en Música Jesús T. Piñero in Cidra, Puerto Rico. We transported ourselves to Puerto Rico in search of an opportunity to publicize the Salsa Museum-Gallery in New York.

This is part of the efforts being made for the participation and dedication that is made to the people of Cidra in the Desfile Nacional Puertorriqueño 2020 and that is locally coordinated by the Patronato Cidreño along with other civic and professional organizations.

We were able to benefit hundreds of students at this school who are precisely focused on music. The knowledge offered in the three conferences and being able to closely observe the exhibition helped to foster the enthusiasm of the students who make up the campus, unique in the mountains of Puerto Rico, dedicated to the creation of good musicians and knowledgeable in musical art.

We are dedicated to enhancing Latin music and offering spaces focused on arts education, accessible and friendly to the community as a strategic partner.

I thank valuable people such as Laura Torres, Silkia Vázquez, Wilson Nazario and Wilfrido Torres “Puruco” for all the attention and teamwork that we were able to develop during our visit. I cannot stop also thanking my assistant in Puerto Rico, Carmen Cruz; and to Joseph Cruz for his magnificent and beautiful work with me during this pleasant experience.

I also take advantage of this space in International Salsa Magazine because I want to tell you about an artist and a great friend who is doing his best for music and Salsa. Without a doubt, Yova Rodríguez is a long-standing professional who has developed countless projects and initiatives to support those who need it most. With his music, his work and his human quality, he has reached many hearts from New York.

Geovanni “Yova” Rodríguez Ruiz, born in Puerto Rico, had a musical inspiration since he was a child, his uncle Antonio “Toño” Ruiz – his mother’s uncle who played the cuatro – was his first music teacher (melody) and his uncle José Antonio “Pipo” Ruiz Crespo -mama’s younger brother- taught him how to sing aguinaldos (lyrics); and with this they formed the solid foundations that encouraged little Yova to prepare himself accordingly for his foray into the musical world.

The celebration of the Promesa de Reyes, a celebration in which he participated with his mother at his short seven years, leads him to worry about creating and recreating aguinaldos to be interpreted each year, which in some way becomes the seed of composer that we know today.

At the age of 14, he attended the Escuela Libre de Música Ernesto Ramos Antonini in Mayagüez, hand in hand with piano teacher César Toro, rising as vocal leader of the Orchestra after a year.

Years later he gave himself the task of forming his own musical concept, and thus Sakao Aká was born. This orchestra was in charge of accompanying singers such as Camilo Azuquita, Ray de la Paz, Pupy Cantor and Herman Olivera in their presentations in Puerto Rico; and the cover letter for some of these singers to integrate Yova as a chorus girl in their presentations in various countries in Central and South America.

At the end of the 90s, on a trip to Cuba, he was impacted by the music of Fernando Borrego Linares, better known as Polo Montañez, to the point that, some years later upon learning of his death, he had the idea of paying tribute to him, his musical reference, thus giving birth to the idea for her debut feature Homenaje a Polo Montañez (2005), a production of 10 songs by Montañez, and covered by Yova Rodríguez with the participation of renowned musicians from the patio such as Herman Olivera, Héctor “Pichie ”Pérez, Papo Lucca, Edwin“ Caneca ”Rosas, Edwin Colón Zayas, among others.

In 2008, like many of her compatriots, Yova prepares her luggage and heads to the southern United States, where she stays for two years and then moves to New York, a city that has become her center of operations and from where He has extended his working ties as a composer and where he records his next two productions.

The album Letras, canciones y sueños, musical work of 8 songs all written by Yova, comes to light after some years of having published his first production and of having worked silently composing and waiting for his opportunity. This possibility is materialized in 2013.

Already in 2015, the album Mi musa en las voces de mis amigos is released.

Recently, Yova Rodríguez has created more than 420 songs, and many of them have been duly registered with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Editors (ASCAP) under the registry “El Negrito De Delia Music” . “Exceso de amor” is the first composition he has interpreted and recorded; like the song “No me odies”, it is the first recording of a song by him made by a third party.

Now they are going to hear more from Yova, as some productions that will include her compositions are in the process of recording / publishing. Attentive to the upcoming releases of the young Puerto Rican percussionist José Jomar Marcano, the master trumpeter Luis González, the young trombonist, arranger musician and also singer Leo Morales; the renowned DJ Andy Rodríguez, better known as DJ ANDY and the Venezuelan sonero Marcial Isturiz .

Also, The Johnny Cruz Show, the # 1 Salsa Show on television on all 5 Boroughs of New York on CH67. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505. [email protected]

By Johnny Cruz, ISM Correspondent, New York, New York

Did you know that more than 60 personalities and artists come together in the Puerto Rican Virtual Parade

North America/ Puerto Rico / Puerto Rico

The fervor and love for Puerto Rico have overflowed in the call for the first Puerto Rican Virtual Parade with the aim of not interrupting a 62-year tradition of the great party that is celebrated in New York City.

Dedicated to the great master of the timbal Tito Puente, a large number of personalities of the stature of Hollywood actors Edward James Olmos, who launched a phrase that will last for history, saying present “I was not born in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico was born in me”.

Olmos was also joined by the popular and versatile actor Luis Guzmán, Rodrigo Massa, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Luis Ramos from the Power series and Delilah Cotto from Empire and Hulk, as well as Puerto Rican Major League Baseball player Yadier Molina who will present her daughter Ari D and directors José Javi Ferrer and Virginia Romero, the popular Super Yadira, Vanessa de Roide, Top Model Monique Alexandra and many more.

This year three kings said yes to their people, the Queen of Reggaeton Ivy Queen, who also started the urban movement La Leyenda Vico C and the King of Hearts, Manny Manuel.

Also present at this important event will be the group MDO, the artists Baby Rasta and Gringo, Melina León, Tito Nieves, Daniela Droz, Giselle, Víctor Santiago, Javyy L’amour, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Lalo Rodríguez, The Martínez Brothers, Tito Puente Jr., Tito Rojas, Julio Sanabria, Luis Damon, Hip Hop Jibarito, Grizelle “La Chichi” del Valle, DJ NEGRO, DJ Playero and Michael Stuart.

Among the invited international artists are Soleil from Argentina, Toño Rosario, Fulanito, Yolanda Duke and Proyecto Uno from the Dominican Republic, the Salsa Institution, Adolescents from Venezuela and Ms. Dayana from Cuba.

Darma Diaz, councilor of the 37th district of New York City, stated that she was pleasantly surprised by the response of the artists, the media and the general public, “which represents one more demonstration of what Puerto Rican Pride is and how capable we are of rise up in the face of adversity”.

The Puerto Rican Virtual Parade will be broadcast through the Vivalivetv application on channel 1 “it will be totally free as a way to globalize this project and that wherever there is a Puerto Rican in the world or a Latino, they can enjoy this party” said Jhon Sepúlveda Vice President of Vivalivetv operations.

The artistic production of this event is in charge of the company Miami Talents and the editing and post-production in charge of the three-time winner of the Sovereign Award in the Dominican Republic, Hugo Oscar Chávez Baldera.

Website: https://paradavirtualpr.com/

Press contacts

Puerto Rico:

Jeanette Delgado

+1 787.645.0966