Search Results for: Trombonist

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

The Dudamel | Father and son

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Oscar Dudamel, the father of Gustavo Dudamel, director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Simón Bolívar Orchestra of Venezuela, has been a musician for many years. Every Friday and Saturday, he receives applause from the public in the place where he plays the trombone since a small stage with “La Otra Banda de Dudamel” the Agraz ensemble, a salsa group whose main course is the songs of the duo made famous by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón.

Dudamel Padre e Hijo — Dudamel Father and Son

On Sundays, Oscar Dudamel has to be on the other shore and applaud standing up, as parents do, swollen with pride at the talent of their son who, with baton in hand, conducts a world-renowned Symphony Orchestra and if he think about it, his musical vein germinated from the brass bands of charanga, salsa and guaguancó.

After 10 at night it is difficult to find a place in “The Temple of Salsa”, the tickets are not sold out, but the tables and the best stalls of this place located on 7th Street that crosses Bolivar Avenue in Maracay, there fanatics and amateur dancers meet. of salsa and logically admirers of Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

Oscar Dudamel on the trombone is accompanied by Charly Guzmán, a talented young man who, at just 18 years old, shows the gifts of his voice; Oswaldo Agraz (musical director, piano and backing vocals), Gerardo Vargas (bass), Vicente Guzmán (timbale), Júnior Narváez (bongo), Diego Camus (conga and backing vocals), Ventura Prieto (trombone) and Johan Figueroa (alternate trombone). It is about the same format, instruments and identical distribution (the trombones next to the vocalist) of the orchestra that captivated him.

And it is that music often also enters through the eyes, as Oscar Dudamel says, who knew he wanted to be a trombonist when he saw Willie Colón at La Feria de la Alegría holding his instrument while puffing out his cheeks, in that In this way, it is known that the first approach of the today brilliant, young and valued Orchestra Director Gustavo Dudamel to music, was not appreciating the Tchaikovsky that he likes to conduct so much, on the contrary, it was appreciating the music that came out of the trombone of his beloved dad.

The previous June, Oscar paid homage to Hector Lavoe as usual, for commemorating years of his death. “Héctor Lavoe died on Monday, June 29, 1993 at 11:45 in the morning”, an event that he remembers with the accuracy that sad events mark, but despite the pain, with satisfaction and pride, he mentions that his son Gustavo de Only 29 years old, before entering the stage he repeats a special ritual: “Before entering New York to direct, someone asked Gustavo: ‘“Master, what are you listening to? Tchaikovsky? and Gustavo replied: ‘No, Tito Rodríguez because he gives me swing'”.

If someone were to say that Gustavo Dudamel owes a debt to Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe for his vocation as a musician, he would not be wrong, or acknowledge his father, who has often referred that his son’s versatility is due to the fact that he always listened to popular and classical music. . “I listened to more salsa than Beethoven, that’s why it has so much rhythm,” he says with a laugh.

“I am his number one fan. He fulfilled the goals that I, due to various circumstances, could not fulfill, he made the dream that I wanted come true. He has reached where I would have liked”, reveals the father, who sees in his son an extension of his, “ .

In a life marked by music, a soundtrack for falling in love could not be missing. It was during the visit of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico to Barquisimeto in the late 1970s that Oscar noticed Solange Ramírez, his wife and Gustavo’s mother; Today, 30 years later, when Falsaria sounds in Maracay, the song leads him to remember that indelible moment.

Gustavo Adolfo, as his mother calls him, began playing the güiro before he was four years old; later he would build his own battery out of biscuit tins and safety helmets.

Dudamel Padre e Hijo photo — Dudamel Father and Son photo

Gustavo received his first knowledge of music from his father, who was then a trombonist with the Lara Symphony, who had plenty of passion to play and lacked patience to teach. He wanted to be a trombonist, like his father, but his small arm could not reach the instrument.

“I imagined that Gustavo was going to be a musician,” he says. “I told him: ‘You have to be the best or among the best and never lose your principles or forget where we come from.'”

At the age of seven Gustavo played the timpani with La Banda Actual and at the age of nine he arranged for this salsa orchestra in which Oscar played for 16 years and with which he met again after many years.

Gustavo decided on the violin, an instrument that adjusted to his size, and at home, father and son had the habit of studying while walking. There were times when one would bend down for the other to pass, so that the slide of the trombone and the bow of the violin would not trip over each other. However, popular music and academic music finally made their own meeting.

Oscar does not shake his hair, but he inflates his lungs with force and from that mouth-to-mouth breathing with his instrument, he manages to get the best out of it…. The father speaks of his salsa orchestra with the same pride that the son (Gustavo) does of his classical musicians.

Jimmy Bosch. The Creole Trombone of New York.

Norteamerica / USA / Nueva York

Jimmy Bosch was born on October 18, 1959 to a Puerto Rican family in the city of Hoboken in the state of New Jersey.

At the elementary school of his hometown, at the age of eleven Jimmy Bosch was offered a trombone which would give the starting point in his career. According to him, that metallic, valveless, long instrument (which was taller than him) was not necessarily what a child dreamed of; Perhaps, at that time, children dreamed of traveling to the moon, or with an electric guitar that would make them look like The Beatles or, failing that, the Rolling Stones. It didn’t take long for that 11-year-old boy to transform this instrument into an expression of his already visible creativity.

At the age of 13, the talented Jimmy was rehearsing with local bands and making his first foray onto the public stage a year or two later. His determination, the Latin blood that ran through his veins and the taste for the genre that had captivated him on so many occasions, led him to play with the most recognized band in the city: Manny Oquendo & Conjunto Libre. His dexterity and ingenuity in playing “moñas” (a section of trombone solos that enrich the melody) helped him to work with them since 1978, which is why it was alongside the Mythical Free Ensemble that Jimmy experienced the freedom to express himself musically with the trombone

On March 11, 1996, Jimmy Bosch debuted with his band at the internationally known S.O.B.’s nightclub. The result was immediate: Publications in the most prestigious newspapers in the Big Apple such as the “New York Times”, praising his excellence and a house full of loyal fans began to crown the dream of this tropical music worker. In this way he becomes a remarkably respected musician and an icon of Latin culture in New York.

His compositions reflect the creativity and depth of who Jimmy Bosch is. He takes his audience on a journey from Bronx-style “funk” to “hot” guajiras, melodious cha-cha-chás, and clearly poetic lyrics awash with feeling. Thus, Jimmy pays tribute to the other teachers who share their presentations generating remembrance and posterity in each one of them.

In 1998, under the Ryko Latino label, his first solo album, “Soneando trombone”, was released. Jimmy included a “Big Band” with renowned Latin virtuoso artists, such as trumpeter Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, bassist Andy González, and singers like Jimmy Sabater and Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez. They played a mix of Latin styles, including “hard sauce,” of which Bosch is one of its greatest exponents. Bosch not only played a virtuoso trombone, but was also the musical director on that recording.

With his recording debut as a solo artist, Bosch scored a definite success on the international scene. In Europe critics welcomed his musical creations. And in the United States, newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times were full of praise for their brilliant performances.

At the beginning of 1999, the popular musician returns to the charts with a new production: “Salsa dura“. In this production, including musicians like Steve Turre and Chucho Valdés, it was as diverse, strong, and tough as his first production. The recording also included songs like I’m Still Changing. For the release of “Salsa dura” the Creole trombonist traveled to Europe and performed on countless stages of the Old Continent.

Persevering in his creativity, in 2004 Bosch received new applause in Puerto Rico, presenting his musical proposal at jazz festivals. His bows have accompanied such important figures in the salsa industry around the planet as the aforementioned Free Ensemble of Manny Oquendo and Andy González, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, Rubén Blades, India, the Lebron Brothers, La Combinación Perfecta, Cachao, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Celia Cruz among others. He was the musical director of the outstanding Puerto Rican performer Marc Anthony.

The late creator of the Mambo, Israel “Cachao” López, composed for him the song “Lluvia, viento y caña”. The legendary trombone solo can be heard on the Grammy-winning recording, “Master Sessions Vol. 1” produced by Emilio Estefan and Andy García.

This talented musician stamps his signature with his particular way of playing the trombone, becoming his personal stamp in the music industry. Today, Jimmy Bosch is famous for his explosive solos, full of melody, vibration and funk.

Known by many as “El Trombón Criollo” for the strength of his improvisations, Jimmy radiates his energy to any musical challenge. Jimmy brings us El airplane de la salsa, his latest production, surrounded by high-voltage musicians and soneros.

Bobby Escoto

North America / USA / California

Bobby Escoto, a percussionist, was born in East Los Angeles, from Mexican & Puerto Rican descent. Bobby Escoto III is the nephew to the great vocalist Bobby Escoto, who performed and recorded, with the great percussionist, Tito Puente. Bobby Escoto III has been playing music, since the age of eight. Today, Bobby is considered one of the most prominent percussionists in the salsa genre, here in his hometown of Los Angeles.

Bobby Escoto has performed with many salsa icons in Los Angeles, New York, Europe, and Asia. Such as Celia Cruz, La India, Jose Alberto “El Canario,”Lalo Rodriguez, Domingo Quinonez, Menique, Camilo Azuquita, Yolanda Rivera, “Fania All Star” violinist Pupi Legarreta, trombonist Jimmy Bosh, and legendary vocalist Tito Allen who performed and recorded, with the legendary ‘conguero’, Ray Barretto. Bobby also takes pride in performing and directing his band to back up Frankie Vasquez, Herman Olivera, Pupy Cantor, Jorge Maldonado, and Hector Tempo Alomar, vocalists to his favorite band, from NYC, Conjunto Libre.

Bobby Escoto is the band leader, director and bongo player to his band, Conjunto Afro Son. They have performed at prominent salsa venues, as a back-up band, to salsa icons, due to their extensive educational background, training, and authenticity. Bobby is also the band director and bongo player to The Granada All-Star Orchestra and The Salsa Divas (an all-female Orchestra) in the city of Alhambra, CA

Bobby’s goal is to increase awareness of the new generation, about the Afro Cuban and Puerto Rican music. Every Saturday you will find Bobby teaching percussion to underprivileged children in East Los Angeles. Bobby states: “it hasn’t been easy growing up in the streets of East Los Angeles, but my vision as a kid was to perform with great salsa icons.” Bobby Escoto believes that dreams do come true if you put your heart and effort into your talent. No doubt, Bobby’s talent, passion for his art, leadership, and vision have no barriers.

Musical history of Roosevelt Cordova ”El Presidente de La Salsa”

Just as the case of Cuba and Puerto Rico, Peru has also given birth to many salsa exponents worthy of being highlighted and one of them is the talented Roosevelt Cordova, artistically known as ”El Presidente de La Salsa”.

The sonero has a very interesting career behind him, so we decided to contact him and know a little more about his personal and professional life. Roosevelt responded by thanking us for the opportunity and finally, we were able to agree on a day and time to talk about issues of interest around his figure.

Roosevelt El Presidente de La Salsa — This is Roosevelt Cordova ”El Presidente de La Salsa”

His taste in music since he was a child

As has happened with many other salseros, Roosevelt also fell in love with music when still a child, but without knowing at the time that this is what he would dedicate his life to later.

He always saw his family enjoying music at amateur level, which awakened in him a taste for this branch of art. However, his journey in this world did not begin with salsa, but with Peruvian waltzes and Creole music. It was not until he turned 17 that he became interested in salsa because an uncle of his signed him up for a contest called ”Buscando Un Sonero”, taking third place among 84 participants in total.

Thanks to his performance in the contest, he was proposed to join the orchestra Camagüey, but his father refused because of all the excesses that an artist must face and he considered that his minor son was not ready for that. On the contrary, he preferred his son to be interested in other activities such as sports and leave music for later.

In addition to this, the great references in which Roosevelt was inspired to follow his path have been El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Willie Rosario, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Héctor Lavoe, La Fania All Stars, among others.

Roosevelt in Los Angeles

It wasn’t until Roosevelt, at the age of 25, left for the United States that he could pursue his dreams and become the artist he dreamed he would be.

He did not initially plan to devote himself to music, as he simply wanted to progress in life like any other immigrant, but it was not long before he decided to take the bully by the horns and return his great passion. It is then when he recorded an entire Peruvian Creole music album, but soon left this genre to return to recording salsa.

This is how he began to seize every opportunity to participate in salsa orchestras to gain experience little by little.

The first group he belonged to was La Sonora Santiaguera, which he joined in 1998, but from then on, there were many others with which Roosevelt learned much of what he knows today as an artist.

Roosevelt in La Sonora and El Conjunto — Roosevelt Cordova belonged to La Sonora Santiaguera and Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad

One of the most important orchestras he belonged to was Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad. After all the experience gained so far, Roosevelt was encouraged to personally look for Johnny to talk to him at El Floridita, where El Conjunto Amistad performed weekly.

The artist told the leader of the group he was a singer and wanted a chance in his group. After hearing him sing with his musicians that same night, Johnny invited him over to his home to give him a cassette with all the songs he had to learn to work formally with them. Two weeks later, he was already making his debut with Johnny and El Conjunto Amistad. His entry into the group coincided with the farewall of the lead singer, something that was just perfect for Roosevelt.

Other groups

After leaving El Conjunto Amistad, Roosevelt continued his career and joined Ángel Lebrón y Su Sabor Latino, with whom he recorded a full album. Some time later, he joined Guapacha Latin Jazz led by the Venezuelan Gil Tower, with whom the Peruvian has an excellent personal relationship, despite having separated professionally.

In 2011, he became part of Conjunto Oye, which Roosevelt thinks is the best moment of his career because he was able to be himself within the orchestra and express his art with independence, something difficult in his previous groups. It was here that he had the growth he really needed to get ready and to take up greater challenges in the future.

Solo career

The information we found about his solo career revealed that Roosevelt went solo in 2019, but he corrected us by saying that, in reality, his first solo album ‘‘Un Nuevo Cantante” was recorded in 2018, which is when he really decided to open paths on his own.

Although he says he is grateful to all the bands he has played in, he also adds that there comes a point in life where every artist wants to build his own path when he already fulfil the conditions for that. In his case, he already had experience in singing, composing and creating useful contacts, so he gave himself the opportunity to try. The best thing is that his wife supported him at all times and, today, she continues to be his rock in whatever he sets out to do.

He also noted that he dreams of having his own orchestra someday and that it is important to have dreams in order to get where you want to be.

Roosevelt singing — Roosevelt Cordova singing on stage

Roosevelt Cordova ”El Presidente de La Salsa”

When we wanted to know the origin of his artistic name, he laughingly told us that it is all abut his first name. Let us remember that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States and his last name coincides with the singer’s first name.

When someone approached him to ask for a picture and asked his name, he said he had the same name as former U.S. President Roosevelt. Since this situation constantly repeated, his wife proposed him to use this to create a stage name for himself. That is how ”El Presidente de La Salsa” was born.

Llegó La Navidad

Currently, Roosevelt is currently promoting his new Christmas song ”Llegó La Navidad” of his own authorship. The idea of composing the song came from his wife and daughter, who insisted that it was time for him to release music written by himself.

So, he started the writing with the chorus and, from there, continued with the rest of the song. This is a technique he uses regularly when composing, as he ensures that people always remember the chorus more than the rest of the lyrics, so he always strives to have a catchy chorus that stands out in the public’s mind.