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Here we have Salseros With Attitude

Alex, Jairo, and Andrés in Canadá

Salseros With Attitude is a salsa band based in Toronto, Canada, whose Latin music scene is gaining strength as the years go by.

We got to work and contact these talented young people to learn about the band’s history and what their lives have been in the North American country with the profession they are in.

We spoke with Alex Naar, Jairo Acuña and Andrés Magno, who had a lot of highly valuable information to provide to this conversation about music and Latin culture in general. Here are the most relevant details of the interview with three of the main members of Salseros With Attitude.

Alex Naar from Salseros With Attitude — Saxophonist and vocalist Alex Naar performing on stage

How Alex and Jairo started in music

August 10, 2023 was the day chosen to meet with these musicians via Zoom and the first to speak was Alex Naar, saxophonist and vocalist of Salseros With Attitude, who greeted us and welcomed the opportunity to talk to International Salsa Magazine.

When asked about the group’s beginnings and how its members met, Jairo Acuña, the orchestra’s conguero and percussionist, indicated that, in his own personal case, his first steps in music were through the saxophone, an instrument that brought him closer to what would become his great passion decades later.

The musician said that he always liked rumba and salsa percussion, which led his parents to believe that a pair of conga drums would be a very fitting present for their young son, and well, they were right. In addition to the congas, there were other percussion instruments he learned to play in church, which served as stepping stones for Jairo to further advance his career.

Another great stepping stone in his musical growth was the Cuban teacher and musician Jorge Luis Torres ”Papiosco”, who was one of his great mentors and taught Jairo everything he knew, to the point that today he still has much respect for him and considers him an important reference to follow

As was the case with Jairo, Alex also learned a lot about music in church, but he turned to guitar playing. His big leap to professional music was a friend of his who invited him to join a merengue group, a genre he had never played before in his life. However, he accepted the challenge with the best of mind and began formally studying music to acquire the academic knowledge he knew he would need later on.

Later, Alex made the leap to playing and doing backing vocals in the salsa genre, which is still his greatest specialty. He said laughing that many of those who know him would never think that he started in this world with merengue, but he is very glad he did, since today his greatest passion is also his profession.

Alex, Andrés, and Jairo from Salseros With Attitude — Andrés Magno, Alex Naar, and Jairo Acuña from Salseros With Attitude

Beginnings of Salseros With Attitude

As for the beginnings of Salseros With Attitude, Alex let us know that a DJ who was a great friend of them, Oscar Betancourt, connected them with the hip-hop group Los Poetas, which offered them to serve as a backing band for some of its live events.

By having to play together with this and other bands, Alex, Jairo and Andres noted that they had much chemistry between them and got along very well musically speaking, so they decided to form their own group to see how it went.

Then, Andres, who had just joined the Zoom meeting, was the one who gave the band the name of ”Salseros With Attitude”. The Uruguayan-born Canadian drummer and multi-percussionist, who inherited Uruguayan music and values from his parents, entered the artistic world with typical and folkloric orchestras during his teenage years, until he discovered that his thing was Latin American tropical music, more specifically salsa.

After traveling to several stages and performing in activities together, they ended up being part of an orchestra and a very strong brotherhood that holds them together.

Why Canada?

When we wanted to know why they chose Canada as the place to establish their orchestra, Andrés laughs and says that he had no choice, since his parents moved there. It was the country where he was born and where he has always lived.

Jairo, for his part, was born in Panama, but he had no choice either because his parents moved to Canada when he was only seven years old. Although he is extremely proud of both nations and always mentions them when asked where he is from, he emphasizes that he was raised in a Latino household with Latino values in which the Spanish language was never lost.

Alex was born in Panama, but also points out that his parents decided to move to Canada and he has been living there ever since.

while the decision to make life in Canada was not taken by them, the three artists keep living there by choice and every day they thank their parents for choosing this destination, otherwise they would not have had the opportunities they have both personally and professionally.

Jairo, Andrés, and Alex at The Lula Lounge — Jairo, Andrés, and Alex from Salseros With Attitude outside the Lula Lounge

Original music and covers

Most of the time, the music and arrangements come from Alex’s ingenuity, but there is no lack of good ideas and contributions from Jairo and Andrés in order to beautify and improve the work already done. However, there are times when the last two can have a specific idea with which Alex, in his words, ”plants the seed” to grow a beautiful oak tree.

The Panamanian artist highlighted Andres’ role with regard to covers and they two make the necessary arrangements so that their versions are not remotely similar to the original songs.

He also revealed that one of the soon-to-be-released songs was written by the singer of Salseros With Attitude, Venezuelan Albany Caldera. The lyrics are hers and it was Alex who created the musical arrangement.

Event planning and music classes

The planning of events has not been a simple matter, since the members of Salseros With Attitude know that they are in a very competitive environment with many groups and few festivals and places to play. That is why they are always in search of opportunities outside those spaces such as corporate events, weddings and other shows not included in the world of entertainment. That has led them to opt for the production of events focused on these more private activities.

As regards the teaching of music, they have been blessed with the possibility of going to schools to perform for children in a dynamic and interactive way. They also get used to covering children’s songs in salsa and cha cha chá so that the little ones feel connected and identified with what they hear and, therefore, learn in a simpler and more friendly way.

Conclusions

After having listened carefully to each of the interventions, it is evident that these young musicians have a very powerful brotherhood and are in sync with one another.

It is really admirable that they know and feel how special they are compared to other groups of this kind and that trust has led them to the success and popularity they have achieved over the years.

From International Salsa Magazine, we wish them the best and hope that Salseros With Attitude keeps growing to infinity in all possible areas and takes Latin culture to the top.

Salseros With Attitude and Adonis Puentes — Salseros With Attitude accompanying Cuban singer Adonis Puentes

Leo Pacheco Sonero del barrio and beloved example of father and friend was lead vocalist of the Orquesta Renovación under the direction of the tumbador Nico Monterola.

On May 17, 1948, Alejo Veliz Pacheco was born in Las González, Miranda State.

Under the musical influence of his father, an outstanding Afro-Venezuelan drummer, his debut as a professional took place in 1973, when he became the lead vocalist of the Renovación, after the departure of Orlando Castillo “Watussi” to the orchestra of Porfi Jiménez.

Leo Pacheco Sonero del barrio and beloved example of a father and friend

An advanced group, which emerged on February 6, 1973, under the musical influence of Harlow y la Perfecta, became the ideal competition to the “Galician” Dimensión Latina.

Under the direction of tumbador Nico Monterola, La Renovación, despite not having much luck, presented in its ranks timbalero Alfredo Cutuflá, (great Venezuelan timbalero, with a brilliant career in France), then Cheo Navarro (Director of Bailatino), the future trombonists of Oscar D’ León, the Piñango brothers: Nené and Taito.

This is the first recording for the album of La Renovación, one of the best Venezuelan salsa groups of the 70s. La Renovación since its foundation had in its ranks a select group of musicians that in the future would make a brilliant career in our salsa, needless to say that this group in its different stages has always tried to maintain a very fat and hard sound in the style of the good bands of New York”.

Orquesta Renovación under the direction of the tumbador Nico Monterola

This LP gathers many good songs but there is one in particular that I like very much and it is “Guaguancó a Barlovento”, authored by Orlando Watussi, who was also founder of this group, but he left before the recording of this first album.

Rafael García on bass, Félix Suárez “Shakaito” (future director of the Bronko), Hungria Rojas (later Oscar D’ León’s bongos player) and the vocalization of Leo Pacheco, who recorded with them, (5) Cinco Producciones: Echa Pa’ lante (1974); Llegó la Renovación (1975); Pare Cochero (1975); Lo máximo es Renovación (1976) and A todo el mundo le gusta (1976).

Due to some problems he left La Renovación and went on tour to Colombia with Nelson Henríquez, commitments that prevented him from joining the newly formed orchestra of Oscar D’ León, who observed in Leo his great conditions to do the chorus and second voice, (as a substitute for the work done by Wladimir Lozano in Dimensión Latina), and in a nightclub, Oscar told him: “Leo was looking for you, because the two of us, for whatever comes out …”, “here there is nothing else…”, “here we are going to bust everybody…”.

In fact, after Rodrigo Mendoza’s departure in March 1977, the band replaced him thanks to Leo Pacheco’s very special timbre to do the chorus and second voice, with some songs that served as witnesses, such as the unforgettable: Juramento, Fuego de Amor, Capullito de Azucena, Cruel Desilusión (Con la Crítica de Oscar), among others.

Oscar D'Leon Y Su Salsa Mayor El Oscar De La Salsa — Oscar D’Leon Y Su Salsa Mayor El Oscar De La Salsa

The last days of May 1977, the breakup of Oscar D’ León’s Salsa Mayor is announced, where the bassist-singer in record time reassembles his orchestra dismantling the Renovación itself, while Leo Pacheco, together with the timbalero Alfredo Padilla, Henry Camba, William Puchi, Miguel Pacheco, José “Pipo” Pérez form: “Nuestra Orquesta La Salsa Mayor”, with whom he recorded three anthological albums: De frente y luchando (1978); Strong & Hots (1979); Sello de garantía (1979).

He continued his musical activity in the following years with La Crítica, Combo Venezuela and other groups.

“There was a lot of history left to tell, impossible to tell in this opportunity for reasons of space, although we hope it will be the beginning of a series of works on Venezuelan Salsa, which unfortunately we begin with the sad news of the death of Leo Pacheco, who left us with the fullness of his vocal cords and strength, which impressed the doctors on the day of his death when he resisted 8 hours with a heart attack while driving home in Ocumare del Tuy in his native Miranda state”.

For July 2023 the Lutier, Percussionist and friend Maestro Nico Monterola made a well-deserved tribute with a single titled:

“Tribute to Leo Pacheco”.

Sonero of the neighborhood and beloved example of father and friend.

Source: Jose “Cheo” Guevara of Asocosalsa 74

Also Read: “Canelita Medina” Caribbean popular music loses one of its best exponents

Argenis Carruyo is known in the music scene as “El Volcán de América” (The Volcano of America) due to the power of his voice

Carruyo He was born in Maracaibo on August 22, 1953 at the Chiquinquira Hospital in Maracaibo, located in the same sector where he grew up.

Argenis Carruyo he had the good fortune of being a neighbor of Los Blanco, who 12 years after his birth hired him as an instrument picker, an experience that served to awaken in him the love for music, a feeling that was nurtured when he discovered in him an unmistakable talent to make singing his life support.

“The Volcano of America” because the power of his voice makes the senses of those who have the opportunity to listen to him rumble; so sings Argenis Carruyo, from Zulia, who from a very young age began to demonstrate the vocal quality that characterizes him.

Argenis Carruyo is known in the music scene as "El Volcán de América" (The Volcano of America) due to the power of his voice — Argenis Carruyo is known in the music scene as “El Volcán de América” (The Volcano of America) due to the power of his voice

He has stood out as an interpreter of the gaita zuliana and during the 1970s and 1980s belonged to the Dimensión Latina.

The 80’s was a very busy decade for this multifaceted character; he sang with Orlando y su Combo, and did a duet with Ender Carruyo in the orchestra “Los Hermanos Carruyo” and then again with the Super Combo Los Tropicales, until 1985 when he decided to found his own group called “Argenis Carruyo y su Orquesta”.

He began his musical career with the youth group Los Larkings. Later, he was part of Los Juglares and Los Casinos.

In 1973, he joined the ranks of Súper Combo Los Tropicales and in 1977 he was recruited by Dimensión Latina, with whom he sang until 1981. Later he joined the group Los Melódicos.

During the 1980s he had an intense artistic activity in which he sang with Orlando y su Combo, duetted with Ender Carruyo in the orchestra Los Hermanos Carruyo, worked again with the Súper Combo Los Tropicales and, in 1985, formed his own group: Argenis Carruyo y su Orquesta.

Sabor a Gaita:

Apart from his work with rhythms such as guaracha and salsa, Carruyo has also performed the gaita zuliana.

The Volcano of America has not only stood out among the great interpreters of the Caribbean for playing rhythms such as the guaracha, he has also honored his land by making famous great gaita compositions.

During his time in the genre he worked with groups such as El Número Uno, Rincón Morales, Guaco, Los Morillo and Gaiteros de Pillopo.

He owes part of his fame to the gaita, because the Zulian melody accompanied him on stages and still accompanies him in his veins as it does to anyone who appreciates being a worthy Maracaibero.

During his artistic life he has received numerous recognitions, as well as the publication of a book with his biography.

In 1975 he won the Festival de Cantantes y Compositores Zulianos and has received the Mara de Oro (1993, 1994, 1995) and Gran Cacique de Oro awards as best singer, the Gran Aguila de Venezuela as best singer and dance orchestra (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001), and the Catatumbo de Oro as best popular singer (1993) among others.

"The Volcano of America" — “The Volcano of America”

His orchestra received the Orden Ciudad de Maracaibo in its first class as best dance group.

He has performed in the most important nightclubs in Maracaibo, the country and abroad, alternating with the most recognized figures of the song, which is why he is considered one of the most genuine interpreters of tropical Caribbean genres in the Zulian region, such as salsa, guaracha, cumbia, merengue and bolero.

With a prolific career of more than twenty-five years that has served to demonstrate his talents as a vocalist and his own characteristic style, which gives him his most authentic identity.

Argenis Carruyo, with pride from Maracaibo, proclaims that he owes to Zulia the success and fortune that always accompanied him since he discovered the enormous talent he carried in his blood, his homeland became his main fan, to Maracaibo he owes his life and to its inhabitants the affection and the memory that will always keep him alive through his songs.

For 2023 Argenis was specially invited to participate in the excellent group Quintero’s Salsa Project – Tributo A La Dimension Latina directed by New York based percussionists Luisito Quintero and Robert Quintero.

Luisito Quintero grew up in the Latin and African percussion tradition. His father is as percussive as his uncle Carlos Nene Quintero and cousin Roberto Quintero. He became a member of the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra, but soon joined ensembles such as Grupo Guaco and El Trabuco Venezolano and toured with Oscar D’León.

He then moved to New York, where he met Latin jazz musicians like Willie Colon, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz worked. He then turned to the fusion of jazz, funk, salsa and African music and played with George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Ravi Coltrane and Toshiko Akiyoshi, but also with pop musicians such as Gloria Estefan and Marc Anthony. Louie Vega produced his first album with him.

Quintero’s Salsa Project – Tribute To The Latin Dimension

Tracks: Ya Tu Lo Véras; Sin Tu Cariño; Cara de Guabina; Sigue Tu Camino; Irimo; Dulce Cantar; De Quintero a Dimensión; Ahi Nama; Te Conocí; Parampampam; Arroz Con Manteca; Frutas del Caney.

Musicians: Argenis Carruyo; Jimmy Bosch; Marcial Istúriz; Roberto Quintero, Luisito Quintero.

Record labels in which Argenis Carruyo has participated.

Top-Hit (TH), Maracaibo Record’s, Argenis Carruyo, Discos VRZ, SonoVen Records, L. G. Record’s C. A; iMusician | EDGARSARMIENTO, Palacio, among others.

Sources:

La Buena Musica: Argenis Carruyo

La Salsa es mi vida: Quintero´s Salsa Project – Tributo A La Dimension Latina

Also Read: Víctor Porfirio Baloa Díaz, more commonly known as Porfi Baloa

Medejazz from September 6 to 16 will be held the 27th version of the “International Festival of Jazz and World Music”

Medejazz 2023, to delight the ears, Music and Art in Medellin.

In 1996 the Medellin Jazz “Medejazz” Corporation was founded, which in 2006 changed its name to Medearte Corporation, continuing with the same cultural vision and objectives. With the work of these years, Medearte Corporation has made it possible that musicians who were once only idols heard on records, today are part of the musical history of Colombia and Medellin specifically.

The Medearte Corporation has developed projects where the main objective is the dissemination and promotion of the arts in its various manifestations, the institution is recognized nationally and internationally for its business management in favor of culture in Colombia and to support projects of young musicians and artists in the cultural work of the city of Medellin.

Medejazz, the 27th version of the International Jazz and World Music Festival will be held from September 6 to 16.

The 27th version of the “International Jazz and World Music Festival” will be held from September 6 to 16. Continuing with the tradition that the Festival has consolidated over the years, our city will host a wide range of artists, performers and groups, who thanks to their talent and creativity, will radiate their music and sounds on the public of Medellin.

The breadth of artistic genres, nationalities, cultures and staging that this Festival “Medejazz” has prepared for everyone will make Medellín the center of a rich diversity and cultural and human plurality, embodied in the multiple sounds that, we are sure, will not disappoint.

The MedeJazz 2023 program, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Mayor’s Office of Medellín and La Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura, will offer six in-person concerts, five of which will be free admission. In addition, the Festival will offer four free master classes, as a contribution to the academic-musical training of young musicians.

The Festival will also offer four free master classes as a contribution to academic-musical education, and young people from music schools will have the opportunity to nurture this knowledge. The Festival will be held from September 8 to 17

– Eleven concerts in Medejazz 2023

– Ten concerts with free admission

– Groups and members from France, Holland, Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

– Four master classes with free admission.

Groups from France, Holland, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, the United States, New York, Venezuela and Puerto Rico will grace the nights of Medellín.

“Medejazz” From France will be Samy Thiebaut, from Holland Nueva Manteca, from Brazil the female duo of Eloudie Bouny and Iara Ferreira, from the island of Cuba the pianist Ernán López Nussa with his project Havana in The Grand Manner, from New York – Puerto Rico – Venezuela and Cuba the tributes to Héctor Lavoe and Ismael Rivera.

For Colombia, the six winning groups of the 2023 calls: Sara Elisa Villa, Geografías, Mulatas, Groovato, Luis Bernardo Jazz Project and Tomate’s.

Three large stages will witness these great nights: Tarima Carabobo within the Festival of Books and Culture, Plazoleta del Museo de Arte de Medellín MAMM and the Great Hall of Plaza Mayor.

Starting Friday, August 25, you can visit the updated website with all the information about Medejazz 2023.

MEDEJAZZ 2023 PROGRAM

Sara Elisa Villa (Colombia). Friday, September 8 – 6:30 pm – Tarima Carabobo Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura. FREE ENTRANCE.

Geografías (Colombia). Saturday, September 9 – 6:30 pm. – Tarima Carabobo Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura. FREE ENTRANCE.

Mulatas (Cuba-Colombia). Saturday, September 9- 8:00 pm- Tarima Carabobo Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura. FREE ENTRANCE.

Groovato (Colombia). Sunday September 10 – 6:30 pm- Tarima Carabobo Book and Culture Festival. FREE ENTRANCE.

Luis Bernardo Jazz Project (Colombia). Tuesday, September 12- 8:00 p.m. Tarima Carabobo- Book and Culture Festival. FREE ENTRANCE.

Tomate’s (Colombia). Thursday, September 14- 7:30 pm. Plazoleta Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín- MAMM. FREE ENTRANCE.

Samy Thiébault (France). Friday, September 15- 8:00 pm. Tarima Carabobo- Book and Culture Festival. FREE ENTRANCE.

New Manteca (Holland). Friday, September 15 – 7:30 p.m. Plazoleta Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín- MAMM. FREE ENTRANCE.

Eloudie Bouny and Iara Ferreira (Brazil). Saturday, September 16- 6:30 p.m. Tarima Carabobo- Book and Culture Festival. FREE ENTRANCE

Lavoe Orquesta + Joseph Amado, Moncho Rivera y Mulatas (New York, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia). Saturday, September 16 -8:00 p.m. Gran Salón de Plaza Mayor. Information: Ticket Express.

Havana in the Grand Manner with Ernán López Nussa (Cuba). Sunday, September 17- 5:00 p.m. Plazoleta del Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín- MAMM. FREE ENTRANCE

INFORMATION

www.corporacionmedearte.com

Social Networks

Facebook: (Medearte- Festival Internacional Medejazz)

YouTube: Festival Medejazz

Twitter: (@MedeJazz) https://twitter.com/MedeJazz

Instagram: (@MedeJazz)

Also Read: Henry Benavides surprises with “Por Cuenta Propia,” his new project

Remembering Domingo ”Tito” Gutiérrez’s career

Domingo ”Tito” Gutiérrez

Domingo ”Tito” Gutiérrez is one of those names that can never be missing when talking about Latin music in the United States, since the contribution made by this musician has been invaluable. That is why we found this to be a good opportunity to look back on the trajectory of this great artist, who has demonstrated again and again that the language of music is universal and crosses borders.

Domingo with bongos — Domingo ”Tito” Gutiérrez posing with his bongos

Childhood and musical beginnings

Tito Gutiérrez was born in Guánica southwest of the ”island of Enchantment”, Puerto Rico on August 16, 1957 into the heart of a culturally Latin family, especially in the case of music. However, he moved with his parents to New York City when he was about 11 years old.

Given that little Domingo had to start making friends again after the move, he took every opportunity to interact with other children of the same age, which led him to meet a group of kids enthusiastically playing instruments in a park.

The boy had never played an instrument before in his life, so he felt a little intimidated at first, but that did not stop him from approaching them and saying he wanted to play with them. When asked him what instrument he played, he replied that he played the bongo, since he noticed that the improvised band did not have one.

This is how Domingo joined them, started playing the bongo and continued playing it until he became a professional of this instrument.

Domingo on stage — Domingo ”Tito” Gutiérrez performing on stage

Professional life in music

In 1972, he finally ventured into music at a professional level with the same instrument with which he began in this world during his childhood and it was the group El Son De Hoy that gave him his first job opportunity.

Not much time would pass before he became a musical director and founder of an orchestra when he created his own group called Orquesta Borinqueya. At the same time, he was also working with the Orquesta Alianza Boricua, with which he was recording a studio album.

For a period of approximately five or six years, the artist has been recording with countless local orchestras with which he has continued to make a career and expand his musical curriculum, such as Orquesta La Crítica, Orquesta Nelson Feliciano, Orquesta Crisis, Orquesta Guainía, among others.

In 1978, he went to live in New York and did his thing with the bongo along with some groups such as Grupo Melao, Conjunto Avicú and Peter Brown Jazz Cuartet.

Domingo with a cowbell — Domingo ”Tito” Gutiérrez playing a Puerto Rican cowbell designed by his own line of instruments

In the late 90’s, his fame had grown so much that he has had the opportunity to work in orchestras of international stature such as Orquesta La Terrífica, Orquesta Costa Brava, Orquesta de Simón Pérez, Orquesta de Roberto Ortiz and more. He has also shared the stage with Ismael Miranda, José Alberto ”El Canario”, Andy Montañez, Cano Estremera, among others.

Today, he plays for La Sonora Ponceña of Puerto Rico, ”45 Aniversario” being the first project he recorded with the group and has participated in a number of albums with this great team.

While on tour with the different orchestras to which he has belonged, he was able to visit a large number of countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Spain, France, Italy, among others.

Parallel to all this, Domingo has his own line of bongos which he named ”Tito Gutierrez Bongo Series”. This line is part of an initiative of the Reyes Family, who are a group of Colombian artisans who are dedicated to designing bongos of different colors and sizes.

Johnny Cruz Correspondent for ISM in New York City