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Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda – “El Sonero de la Calle”
Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda, known as “El Sonero de la Calle”
He was born in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a singer-songwriter (he composes and sings his own songs, including the lyrics and the melody), percussionist, raised on the outskirts of the Santo Domingo neighborhoods, he developed an interest in Afro-Caribbean music. This is how he obtains a clear direction towards the creation of his own style to compose and sing this genre, which involves a series of different rhythms such as: guaracha, rumba, son montuno, bolero, mambo, son, jazz, guaracha and cha cha cha, known worldwide by its trade name “Salsa”.
He tells us that from his mother Carmen Sepúlveda and his aunt Santa Julia Sepúlveda, he inherited the passion for jazz music, bolero and son, also that his mother is an artist, but he did not get to record their music, however he went to competitions of television expressing his musical talent. Geovanny mentions that he liked music from an early age seeing this great specimen in turn, he says that his talent is born and empirical which he is seeing how it progresses in these times.
During his tour he obtained his artistic nickname “El Sonero de la Calle”, which was given to him by a great Dominican musician (bassist and arranger) named Rafael Victoria, better known as maestro Cuso Cuevas (he was a popular bassist who played with the most important popular music groups and orchestras), who was in the recording of “Batato”, mentions that he advised him the following… “that he should not change his theme of making music, that it be a different sonero, a street sonero… that he could interpret the reality of the street with his lyrics and way of singing ”
He comments that he spent a large part of his life in Caracas, Venezuela (approximately 18 years), despite having been born in the Dominican Republic, considering it his second homeland since he adores and / or loves Venezuela; During this time he met Dudamel and Orlando Latuci, his song “las carabelas” is a Venezuelan.
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He also had the opportunity to sing with the “La Realidad” Orchestra, from there he began to give his beginnings as a singer, it all began in 2003 when Roberto Ledezma was singing a bolero and the orchestra director listened to it and without Knowing that he was a musician and I invited him to go to one of the rehearsals and when to a place called Caño Amarillo Estudio, in Caracas, Venezuela, and there I was part of the team that at that time was very necessary since they lacked a vocalist, From that moment on he appeared in the bars of Caracas, in the center of the city, he told us that it was a wonderful experience.
As time passes, his fondness for this wonderful culture born in Africa is born, brought to the Antilles and then brought to New York, USA by great masters such as Johnny Pacheco, Machito, Beny More, Santiago Cerón, José Bello, El Canario, Tito Puentes, La Typica 73, among other great musicians of this genre.
His first musical album was entitled “A las malas”, from which his first single is called “Batato” and in his musical theme “Satte de los Callejones” he indicated “El Sonero de la Calle”, the following quote … “Special dedication for all the neighborhoods of my Dominican Republic and the world. My goal is to reach the heart of the town, Geovanny L. Sepúlveda, El Sonero de la Calle.
In the current Covid-19 pandemic, many activities have been closed, especially in the musical world, but with extensive communication over the internet, many have chosen to use various platforms either to promote themselves as artists or to hold events (Facebook, Instagram, Tick Tock, Youtube, among others), and despite these complicated moments he gives us the great news that Leo Aguirre and Ubeny Loaiza are in charge of the new production of Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda, his new single under the musical direction of Ubeny Loaiza, owner of the La Sabrosura orchestra, giving rise to the music “Salsa Pura” which is a Rumba, which you will not stop hearing
At the end of the interview, he gives us a message for the new talents … “Study and have a lot of dedication to what you like, never stop and that the rest is in the hands of God.”
The project “A Bailar Colombia” that moved the country.
Cuba and Puerto Rico do a great job for the dissemination of this beautiful genre to the world, however Colombia accompanies much of this work for the south of this continent. Many of us already know Cali as a salsa city of birth, along with it Cartagena, Barranquilla and Buenaventura combine a good salsa team, an element that at the moment weakens other areas of this beautiful country.
The #ABailarColombia project directed by the Son Rumbero schools in Bogotá and Bucaramanga, Emily’s dance and Baila Latino de Medellín, Timbea and Danz in Barranquilla, as well as 5 other academies that work towards the growth of the academic training of Salsa dance in various modalities, in addition to the main genres of Afro-Latin dance music.
The Son Rumbero dance school with 16 years of experience, opened its headquarters in the capital Bogotá in 2017 and in 2018 it will go to Bucaramanga, the main concept is not only to dance, but to do it academically, quickly and effectively. The object is to teach in ideal spaces, that is why its main headquarters is located at calle 19 # 4-20 in Bogotá, Son Salomé nightclub, where at the end of each class a practice space is released in an environment destined to dance and enjoyment. a real night dance room, in the same way they handle a very effective project in distance education, who would say that you can learn from the comfort of your home, organized at your entire disposal and with supervised classes with dance professionals by video live classes , an incredible way to learn, you can contact them at 3022582306 or social networks like @sonrumbero.
If you are in Medellín, the options vary, the Baila Latino school rules the rhythm in this city since 2011, dedicated to training in various branches of dance, from porro to kizomba, they are located at Calle 44 # 80 – 31, with group classes of excellent level, they serve audiences of all ages with certified professionals, they manage competition groups, formed under professional dance lines, in their closest projects is being part of large festivals such as the Casinea in Bogotá and the Venezuela is Latin, easy to contact by 3104749407 and its social networks @academiabailaltino.
In the same order Emily’s dance opens doors in 2018 in Medellin with a comprehensive training proposal, where we can see classes in various disciplines with personalized attention in the hands of its director Emily Sánchez, a professional in the world of dance with more than 25 years of experience. artistic career, managing to project his work in 3 of the world’s continents, in this great proposal he leans classes of a particular nature that seek a guaranteed learning in a short time, they can take classes by the numbers 3008510304.
Visiting the northern area of Colombia on the coast we can dance to the rhythm of Danz in Barranquilla, a school with headquarters in Cr 46 82-71 vibra fitness studio and Cr 43 87-120 danceworkshop dedicates its program in the Cuban Casino, the bachata, the Feminine style in salsa and they even work on DanzKids, the latter a training profile for boys and girls, a fact that incorporates them into the world of dance from a very young age. With almost three years of foundation, they have managed to advance by having group classes at various levels and developing activities that allow recreation for the whole family, 3003827618 or Instagram @danzacademy.
Similarly, Timbea in Barranquilla presented a very entertaining proposal to learn to dance, structured in 2018, this institution develops an important profile in Salsa, Merengue and Bachata, with dynamic classes under a very integrating criterion. Its founder and main instructor registers a trajectory of more than 7 years with awards and a good position in the world of salsa in Venezuela, being part of a prestigious school such as rhythm and essence in the state of Zulia, you can find them at 310 6326106 and on the networks by @ timbea2018.
Currently during the Covid-19 pandemic, many events, projects have been kept on hold until there is no danger of contagion, where many of the academies have chosen to give online classes and some competitions and / or congresses, remain fixed either online or in person, the latter depending on how the quarantine is at that time.
GLASS MARCANO
SOWING ART IN PARIS
Young Venezuelan who marks a milestone in Paris. Her story predates her potential talent and invades the hearts of classical music fans. She was considered a potential marvel at the baton in the La Maestra contest held in France. She has explosive energy, interpretive intensity in directing, and she looks lighthearted. It is how the famed Latin American and music director, Gladysmar Marcano, is shown.
The story of Gladysmar del Valle Vadel Marcano, better known as Glass Marcano is very unique and has captivated the hearts of Parisians. This Venezuelan girl from Yaracuy state (Venezuela) with 26 years old has sown her art in the French capital since she entered the first edition of the contest for women conductors called La Maestra.
This three-day-long contest was held at the Paris Philharmonic Concert Hall in mid-September 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic. In this competition, which brought together 12 candidates out of a total of 220 from 51 nationalities, a repertoire was required for the execution of outstanding works from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, as well as contemporary works to observe the versatility of women leaders of the baton.
Glass was not the winner of this contest, but she was the greatest teacher of the sympathy of the group of musicians led by her after receiving the orchestra award and the institutional support necessary to continue with her training.
From the beginning, this disciplined and talented conductor captured the attention of the founder of the Paris Mozart Orchestra and member of the competition jury, Claire Gibault, who invited her to participate in a series of concerts with the Paris-Mozart Orchestra. “She told me:” in September I’m going to do a concert with the Paris Orchestra at the Paris Philharmonic and I’m going to share it with you “and that filled my heart a lot”, confessed the passionate music director to a digital medium.
… When you have a motivation that is additional to the professional when it is from the heart, you want to take over the world: I’m going there, I’m going to stand on the podium and I don’t speak English or French, but come on, I do know can…”. Glass Marcano
JUMPING OBSTACLES
The national and international press plus the regulars of social networks echoed his story. Glass Marcano with determination participated in the La Maestra contest in France, jumping all the obstacles prevailing in Venezuela.
The faithful anecdote of her aroused the interest of an audience. Glass wanted to advance in her artistic profession and thereby help her family financially. While browsing the Internet, she came across information about the Contest aimed especially at women symphony orchestra conductors, however, there is the first obstacle and it was the registration, they needed 150 euros. At first, Marcano was discouraged, but then she looked for the solution, borrowing money.
OK! The first hurdle cleared, but now she would have to buy suitable clothing to present herself. Glass, who lived in the Venezuelan capital for her law studies at the Central University of Venezuela, decided to return to her Yaracuy state and earn that money at her family’s fruit store.
Between dreams and practices, she was already managing to attend the contest. Wow! Glass is how it is done. However, the pandemic arrived that she did not have and for the fourth time. Another obstacle was approaching, the cost of the plane ticket with the date already close.
She thus informed the organizers of the French competition who helped her fulfill her dream. A humanitarian flight was the destination to reach Europe and that same day of her arrival it was her participation in the competition that would lead her to direct her new story.
When Glass came to the concert hall to perform, the strategy was simple and consisted of only two pillars: fun and connection. “The fun” was always present at the time of directing. Her dedication and passion confirmed it. The second pillar “the connection” was also achieved even though she did not speak the native language or English however, she established that connection with the musicians and the audience present who gave her an ovation when coming down from the podium. “I can tell you that before leaving for my participation, the organizers of the contest told me that the public applauds the director when he enters, but does not applaud when he leaves. When I finished directing the masterpiece, the audience immediately applauded. That was very impressive to me. For that reason I raise the orchestra because thanks to the orchestra it was the applause and I had to thank them”. Glass explained to a digital press.
Glass Marcano currently represents the Latino and Afro-Caribbean communities. Her next goal is to direct with the French technique and add the Latin “flavor” to it. “I like to feel the music, to be musical, to be passionate, but the technique is important, and that is why I am in Paris”, she said in an interview with journalist Pía Castro.
A week after the contest Glass began to attend rehearsals, she saw master classes and continues with her academic training at the conservatory. By 2022, her participation in a festival in Belgium is confirmed and she will have a presentation in Barcelona (Spain).
There are many ways to interpret a masterpiece, but the goal of a conductor is to convince the orchestra that your version is the right one”. Glass Marcano
SalsaGoogle.com is International Salsa Magazine
OMAR LEDEZMA JR.
From The Venezuelan Melody To The Caribbean Rhythm
Portentous percussionist and surprising Venezuelan singer. Musician trained at the prestigious Berklee University in Boston (US). Winner of a Grammy Award. His lifestyle is characterized by national and international performances, collaborations, compositions, and tours. Familiar, fearless, personable, and cheerful. This is how Omar Ledezma Jr. presents us his life.
He was born in the mountainous valley of Caracas (Venezuela) west of the city in the La Candelaria parish in the summer of 1972 at the height of the Salsa. From seven years old he briefly began his musical studies on the Piano at the prominent Yamaha school.
At the age of thirteen, he returned to music again, but this time playing percussion instruments in a “war band” at Claret school, one of the most recognized educational institutions in the Venezuelan capital.
At 16 years old he already formed his first Merengue and Salsa group together with his first musical friends.
At this dizzying pace, Omar began to take an interest in the Gaitas (traditional holiday music from this Latin American country) and began his foray into this genre. In 1991 he obtained his first prize, third place in the Pupitres y Gaitas contest on behalf of the Claret school. “When I started to grow up I was interested in drums. I awoke an interest in the Gaitas festivals… In fact, the Venezuelan rhythm has marked my life as a musician”. Omar commented.
At the age of 17, this percussion player began his university studies in Law at the Faculty of Law of the Santa María University in the middle of a troubled city and in search of knowledge about how society worked. Omar Jr. adds: “Already in the first year of Law I knew that in Venezuela we had a great root in Roman Rights and modern laws, but those laws were not applied. And that worried me“.
At the same time, Omar continued his music studies but this time with his related instrument, the percussion. To achieve mastery, he obtained classes with the Venezuelan teachers Rubén García with whom he is currently collaborating on some projects in Uruguay. He also got instruction from the musical director from the popular area of San Agustín in Sarria (Caracas), Jorge Orta “CroCro” who currently resides in the United States and the founder of the Orquesta CroCro y su Tumbaka.
Years later, and with experience acquired in presentations, and groups, Omar Jr. met his first mentor, Aquiles Baez, a famous Venezuelan artist, guitar virtuoso. Together with Aquiles, he made his first international tour of the United States. “With Aquiles, I had the pleasure of playing Venezuelan music. We play with many artists in the United States… Thanks to him I developed percussion (Non-autochthonous element) in Venezuelan music”. Ledezma Jr. commented.
In 1995 and with a law degree, he decided to dedicate himself to music professionally. He works hand in hand with consolidated national artists such as Daniel Somaroo, Carlos Puchi, Gerardo Rosales, just as his popularity begins and therefore his foray into studio album recordings.
Five years later, one of the most important phone calls arrived and the one that would turn his life upside down. Omar receives the call from Andy Vargas, the singer of the famous Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana. Vargas invited him to participate in his first residency at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas (Nevada), doing a show every half hour starting at six in the afternoon in the renowned bar of those facilities. This residency gave him many satisfactions and multiple experiences during his four years there.
Between these touches in Las Vegas, his second chance arises on the phone again, this time by the hand of the Venezuelan artist Jackeline Rago. Both worked for a season in a school program with the San Francisco Symphony.
All these experiences led him to be part of one of the most prominent local orchestras on the international rise of the San Francisco City (USA), the Pacific Mambo Orchestra for a decade.
In addition, Omar offers weekly personalized percussion training classes and works with various local organizations such as the San Francisco Ballet and the Community Music Center.
This cheerful and outstanding percussionist will soon surprise us with unpublished material in the dance genre. It will be two singles making his debut in the art world as a singer-songwriter, and you can enjoy it on his YouTube channel that he reactivated in December 2020.
OMAR LEDEZMA JR. & PACIFIC MAMBO ORCHESTRA
In 2011, the Grammy Award winner, Omar Ledezma Jr., is part of the most ambitious project of his life, the Pacific Mambo Orchestra (PMO), after moving to the fourth most populous city in the state of California (USA) and most receptive with Latino musicians, San Francisco.
It has been ten uninterrupted years in which Omar has gone from playing the conga to being the singer of the orchestra and is currently developing as the official timpanist of PMO, once that Karl Perazzo (Carlos Santana´s timpanist) left the big band. “Eventually he told me that is yours… I appreciate that opportunity because the Grammy has already come; many satisfactions and a lot of work have come as well”. Omar explained to us.
As time passed, they achieved a characteristic sound. And with it begin the recording of their self-titled album. Ledezma details us: “The band began to become popular on Monday nights, and we began to charge the entrance fee of 5, 10, 20, 30 dollars. Then we started on Saturdays with a lot of receptivity”.
In 2013 they won their first Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album and embarked on their first national tour for 30 days accompanying Latin artists Marlon Rosado and Tito Puente Jr. They toured the stages of Indiana, Arizona, and Oregon ending in California. The first international tour was held in Mexico and the second at the Montreux Festival in Switzerland.
After the Grammy and his tour, the second Pacific Mambo Orchestra album was on its way but this time recorded live at Stern Grove (San Francisco) in 2017. Here, Omar had outstanding participation with the queen of percussion, Sheila E. During the song Ran kan kan Omar Jr. & Sheila E. made a kettledrum war. He adds: “It was nice playing with her, watching her perform, and playing her music”.
This international orchestra made up of 20 musicians began rehearsals for the rhythm section on May 1 after a year and a half of not seeing each other. Before the end of 2021, they will make streaming where they will play original music such as PMO Intro, Muévete con Prisa, and Mr. B’s Mambo, among many others.
THE MUSIC RUNS THROUGH YOUR VEINS
His lineage confirms his musical streak. The Big Bands were always his great curiosity, and Glenn Miller’s orchestra his greatest ambition.
His father and his grandfather are musicians. His grandfather Rafael Isidro Ledezma “El Negro” was a renowned Orchestra conductor of the El Tigre city in Venezuela.
As an only child, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather. He developed himself professionally in music.
In 1995 he belonged for a few months to the Venezuelan super band Guaco in the Salsa project directed by Gustavo Aguado at La Cantina located in Las Mercedes in the Venezuelan capital. “I learned as much as I learned at Berklee”. Omar commented.
Among so many things learned, the main and undoubtedly important were: being a music lover, having discipline, developing creativity, and cultivating friendship.
The last tour in Venezuela that Ledezma carried out with the Gonzalo Grau quintet (with whom he obtained his first Grammy nomination) was 20 years ago at the Teresa Carreño Theater as the opening act for Pablo Milanés.
If I had children I would like them to follow their steps along with mine.” Omar Ledezma Jr.
YOUR WAY TO BERKLEE
During a trip to Boston, Ledezma visited Berklee University for the first time in the summer of 1998. Through brochures, he learned that he had the necessary conditions to apply for a scholarship at this important school, and immediately did so without distraction. “Many said you couldn’t and I’m the one who thinks you don’t lose anything by trying”. Omar said.
He got going and sent in a demo to schedule an audition. That presentation was a success and he was accepted right away as one of the graduates of this prestigious institution. It took him a year to move to Boston and began his studies in the fall of 1999. The first years were emotionally hard due to the death of his second mother.
But he knew how to recover and move on. He worked very hard for six years to finish paying for school in 2002.
He obtained a Diploma in Performance. During the five years of study, he learned the four harmonies, arrangements, and composition. Also, in percussion, he developed skills in drums, Latin percussion, and vibraphone.
I still feel like my career is just beginning.” Omar Ledezma Jr.
SalsaGoogle.com is International Salsa Magazine