Search Results for: World Salsa

So that you know something more about the DJ. Jaime Guanipa, the Vinyl of Salsa

Jaime Guanipa was born in December 1966 in Caracas, Venezuela, originally from Sarria, belonging to the parish of La Candelaria, growing up in two areas in my early years, between Sarria and Alta Vista in Catia, Parish of Sucre, also in Caracas.

His first tangible experience within Latin music called “Salsa” thanks to the Venezuelan “PHIDIAS DANILO ESCALONA” who gave him this label that has immortalized the genre.

For my memory it was in 1973 with the premiere of the film “Nuestra Cosa Latina” and the SALSA Movie in different movie theaters in our city, where through its soundtrack I was impacted, thus generating a definitive taste in the musical field, fertilized by it wanting to be more extensive and thus achieving in subsequent years a broader knowledge within the Latin American Culture in this concept.

Subscriber to absorb like a sponge everything related to the environment and listening to the Radio where greats of knowledge moderated, to which I can name our Venezuelans and experts and moderators in different AM Radio stations for the time in Caracas such as, Phidias Danilo Escalona, Floro Manco, Enrique Bolívar Navas, Héctor Castillo, Rafael Rivas, among other great broadcasters, achieving a very solid understanding within the majesty of salsa.

He was able to define that by 1979, already having the concern to share and make the most of our Latin music heard within parties both family and friends, he made comments and selection of music from the acetate records that were in said meetings, this being a cult for the distinctive passion for what was already defined as the path to being a Salsa DJ in 1982.

Subscribed to technology and the true art of the moment, which is the research, the study of the genre and the credits of his albums, which logically were and are in LP format.

Generating in this way a breeding ground for musical experimentation and selection, it is from this moment referring to the date that my experience and exchange of criteria between friends who throughout these years have followed me and accompanied me within this passion was unleashed, having successes as a salsa musician in extinct venues in the city of Caracas for the years 1985 to 1990.

Then later in 1993, I temporarily retired due to family responsibilities, but without ever abandoning my passion for musicalization and research of the genre both here in my country Venezuela and abroad, by the year 2008, I decided to resume after a very reasonable time my most significant taste for salsa music, by the time obtaining many new bastions but with their due time of seniority within the genre, evolving distinctively in terms of its versatility and exponents.

I would like to point out that for me it is not a challenge, since due to the concept gained and maintained, it has given me a very preferential position within the taste of the salsa dancer and the dancer that I call demanding.

Experience gained due to being surrounded at the right time by great friends who love the salsa genre, many of whom I share today, reason for this and subscribed to current technology and its ease of access makes it possible for me to masterfully give the dancing public what they really want and desire at each meeting, event and party.

Without a doubt, before this I present an interactive referential synthesis of my passage through this exciting world as it is and I define “Salsa Musicalization in the Caracas nightlife. Thank you for your interest in this humble servant.

It is not just a photo with an LP, it is an image with a history, in 1981, I remember when I rode my bike in Sarria and many times in Guaicaipuro, where two friends Sergio and Napoleon lived. The latter had Sansui sound equipment in his house that sounded excellently well, we listened to endless hours of irreverent Salsa full of rhythmic diversity.

It's not just a photo with an LP, it's an image with a story Orquesta La Critica — It’s not just a photo with an LP, it’s an image with a story Orquesta La Critica

One day he said to me “Gordo” let’s go to Paradise and we went to listen to where Oscar D’Leon has his house and they rehearse there, so I told him let’s go and we listened in Machado alley not only to the regular rehearsals of Oscar’s Orchestra but one day in particular it was “LA ORQUESTA LA CRITICA”.

I particularly heard two songs that I remember with great specialness, such as “A EL” and MONTA MI CABALLO, where the quality and function of the ensemble were majestic, full of cadence, exceptional harmonics, the brass voices and the accompaniment between bass and piano were evident.

I remember seeing Larry Machado, Teo Hernández, José “Cheo” Navarro, and Flaco Bermúdez on several occasions during a chronologically dispersed period of time. I never saw Oscar, I never saw this character despite hearing his voice on several occasions.

In conclusion, an anecdotal experience that I will never forget, since it is not only having a record, but the history and the experience that it contains, which is what remains and is transmitted, the passion and the good fellowship before the Demanding Dancer, I hope you liked this little anecdote that I share with you, dear friends. Demanding, I hope you liked this little anecdote that I share with you, dear friends.

Dj. Jaime Guanipa Since 1982

Caracas – Venezuela.

Jaime Guanipa passed away in Caracas on February 27, 2023.

Excellent Venezuelan music lover, researcher, disseminator and DJ of Afro-Caribbean music.

I contribute in a simple way the best of the true art of entertainment and salsa music in the city of Caracas-Venezuela.

Also Read: “Djane Shina” a passion turned into reality

Jose Bello, The Salsa Tycoon

North America / USA / New York

Jose Manuel Bello Suazo, better known as José Bello “El Cantautor”, a Dominican artist of international stature with several awards and achievements worldwide.

Jose Bello, born on April 6 in the city of Santo Domingo, who from an early age showed a deep love for music, making his first performances in kindergarten and elementary school. As a teenager, he moved to New York where he met Carlos Castillo, a member of internationally known bands such as Machito y su Orquesta, Joe Cuba y su Sexteto, Tito Rodríguez y su Orquesta. From that moment on, Bello formalized his start in the world of music by forming “El Sexteto Latino” together with Carlos Castillo.

Baila que Baila is known as his first musical recording with maestro Julio Gutiérrez, after that he recorded four record productions with the owners of LA CHARANGA AMERICA. His first full-length album emerged in the 70’s, with the record company “Lo mejor records” with songs of his own inspiration. But, it was in his third record production, where he decides to add songs with a title in another language, entitled “Blue Bossa”

José Bello manages to start his own record label in partnership with Mr. Aldemar Barona, who titled it “B&B Records Presents José Bello”, containing compositions by both members. In the fifth record production, which was established as the owner Jose Bello, El Cantautor, where only the La Salsa Magnate’s own productions are found.

After that, it was decided to record the first DVD recorded live in the city of Medellin, Colombia, becoming known around the world.

In the last 10 years, José Bello has taken his music to all parts of the world, receiving great acceptance from the European, American and Latin American public. Sharing the stage with great personalities such as Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oscar D’Leon, Marc Anthony, Tito Nieves, among many more.

At International Salsa Magazine, we were able to chat with this incredibly talented artist.

Below is the interview:

How was your first presentation? Did you know after that that music would be your passion?

In the kindergarten of the La miraculous school they had parties and they had a stage where I sang constantly and even had choirs that accompanied me and also acted, since I can remember, my passion is music.

How did you and Carlos Castillo meet? Did you know about his career before?

I met Carlos Castillo, because my mom lived in the house next to him and she talked to Carlos’s mom about me and they both agreed to introduce me, I had no idea who he was, until I met him.

What inspired you to compose those songs?

The experience of life and the gift that I always knew I had to compose, at any time.

Tell us a little about Aldemar Barona, what year did you decide to start with the label?

My great friend Aldemar Barona always went to my presentations and when the contract ended with the best record, we decided to make our own record label in the late 80s, early 90s.

Was this performance during a tour? What album were you promoting? Where could that DVD be purchased?

Exclusive record. He hired me to make that DVD in the mid 90s and you could get it online, or at the Musical 90 record store in Jackson Hghts Queens New York

All these artists are well known worldwide and having been able to share stages with them speaks volumes about your incredible talent and career. Which of these artists would you say is your greatest inspiration or example?

As I said before, my inspiration is a divine gift, I love all my colleagues very much, I respect and admire them, some started before me, others are from my generation and others became famous after my love, and I respect music, They have moderated me as I am and have led me to feel fulfilled in what I do, blessed and immensely happy.

Where would you like to present yourself in the next opportunity?

I would like to personally take my art to some countries that I have not visited to this day, such as Mexico, Peru, Panama, Canada, Japan, Chile, and Argentina.

What comes next in the life of José Bello, El Cantautor?

Make my new recording, already as JOSE BELLO EL MAGNATE DE LA SALSA 40 ANIVERSARIO and finish negotiating my next tours, to Central Europe and South America.

Where does his nickname El Magnate de La Salsa come from?

On July 23, 2017, I married the designer Patricia González on the largest luxury yacht in New York called “Infinity”, around 2000 people and with two orchestras. Tito Nieve with his orchestra and my orchestra. The ceremony was on the high seas.

Jose Bello, Jose Bello, The Salsa Tycoon — Jose Bello, The Salsa Tycoon

When in Mexico they found out about my marriage, they wrote to congratulate me and told me “Now you are the salsa magnate” I was surprised and asked them why? and they told me “Only Arab Magnates get married on the high seas on a luxury yacht” I liked the idea.

I always hear that in music there are kings, princes, knights, but there are no tycoons and I think that because of the explanation of the Mexicans, I am the tycoon of salsa.

Mariana “The Sonera of Venezuela and for the world”

Janett Guevara García, artistically known as Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”, was born in La Pastora, Caracas on January 19, daughter of Reina García and Vicente Guevara.

Daughter of Reyna García and Vicente Guevara, she is the oldest of six siblings and from a very young age she showed her taste for music; an activity that has been her eternal passion, and has led her to make 12 record productions.

She is the oldest of six siblings and from a very young age she showed her taste for music; an activity that has been her eternal passion and has led her to make six record productions.

Educated in a convent school, she always participated and stood out in cultural events, until on one occasion she was suspended for telling the mother superior that there was a song called “La Cárcel” by Septeto Juventud that she wanted to sing at a cultural event.

At the age of 14, during her high school education, she learned to play drums and participated in the choir of the Caricuao Parish church where she lived.

As the years went by, Mariana was invited by Mr. Naty Martinez to a rehearsal, who was impressed when he heard her and decided to make a musical production.

That is when Mariana’s true pilgrimage began, going through stages earning the admiration of salsa greats.

In past years, she received praise from Queen Celia Cruz and has the guarantee and support of the singers of the Fania Stars, the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, José Alberto El Canario and even her great friend and fellow countryman Oscar D’León.

Oscar El Sonero del Mundo y Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela

Mariana has been worthy of awards such as “El Congo de Oro” at the Barranquilla salsa festival.

She has been praised by personalities such as Don Tite Curet Alonzo. Mariana alternates her exciting career with the media, where she has a radio program dedicated to our Latin music “Sonsoneando con Mariana” winner of the 2010 Excellence Award, as a popular radio space in the Vargas State Venezuela.

She recently participated in the heartfelt tribute to the 50 years of artistic career of maestro Elio Pacheco, founder of the Latin Dimension, where she recorded an excellent song called “Al Olvido”.

She received praise from the Cuban queen Celia Cruz, and has the support of singers such as the Fania Stars, José Alberto “El Canario”, the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and even her friend and confidant Oscar D’ León.

“Oscar represents more than a friend to me; he is like a brother. When he has a presentation in Vargas he does not hesitate to call me to see us and talk about our projects. I thank him a lot for his advice, because it has helped me to be where I am. The responsibility of being La Sonera de Venezuela falls on my shoulders.”

Y así quedó esta Sonera para su noche boleros

She has managed to release 12 musical productions. Among her best-known songs are “Frases hecha” in 1996, recorded in Peru and “Eres más fuerte que yo” by the composer Enrique Hidalgo.

Awards obtained

La Sonera has been worthy of multiple awards, including the “Congo de Oro” at the Barranquilla Salsa Festival, as well as the nomination three times in a row for the Vargas Excellence.

She has also received plaques as Female New Artist of the Year and Best Sonera in Caribbean Representation.

“I will never forget when they gave me the Catatumbo de Oro in Maracaibo, in the year 2000. It is one of my greatest achievements.”

Mariana La Sonera en el Santuario de La Divina Pastora en Barquisimeto

My family is my life

At just 18 years old, Mariana became a mother for the first time. “It is something that very few people know, but my first husband mistreated me physically, verbally and psychologically. The only thing I can be thankful for from that relationship is the existence of my son.”

She is currently a speaker, producer, and host of her own radio show “SONSONEANDO CON MARIANA,” broadcast Monday through Friday from 12:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Dial Azul 95.9 FM. At the same time, she directs her own group and is part of Jeque y su Banda, the Rumberos Callejón orchestra, directed by the experienced timbalero Carlitos Padrón, where she shares the stage with Rodrigo Mendoza, Wilmer Lozano, among others.

Edgar Dolor, Hayzalex, El Jeque, Janett Trejo, Mariana, Frederick, Carlitos Hurtado

Research Sources:

Djane. Shina Rojas

Luisana Brito, [email protected]

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

Salsa, territory of joy.

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Salsa, territory of joy, language of celebration, enjoyment of the towns and their people, was born from a confluence of facts, geniuses and rhythms. Confluence that happened in the faith of the same religion: Afro-Cuban music.

And that mixture, which Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz cleverly described as “similar to the tomato sauce that is put on hamburgers to give them flavor”, was summed up in the insightful sentence of the occasional witness, the journalist Phidias Escalona: “the music that you make is salsa. From now on we will call it sauce”.

The year was 1968 and although the new rhythm already existed, there had been no consensus on the name. And that consensus began to emerge -perhaps for the first time- on the album “Los Durisimos The Strong Ones, Salsa y Control”, by Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz. Later, Richie himself would add: “The word was born around us, (however,) if it weren’t for (Jerry) Masucci there would be no salsa, because he brought it to the world.”

In 1960s New York Harlem, black Americans had begun to like Latin music, despite not speaking Spanish.

Ama a tu musa como a ti mismo - Salsa — Ama a tu musa como a ti mismo – Salsa

The guajira dazzled them until they made them dance. Believing that the mixture of boogaloo, blues, mambo, guaguancó or son montuno, was a variant of the boogaloo invented by Chubby Checker, the new rhythm was founded, incorporating the concepts of the Latin spirit in their interpretations and that -technically- they would add to the baggage : percussion, piano, violins, trumpets, trombones and whatever instrument would serve to give it flavor and richness.

Cocola' Wears - Venezuela Salsa — Cocola’ Wears – Venezuela Salsa

Musically, for example, the so-called “blue notes” would be added (that is how the overtones of the acoustically weak E and B notes, last to be added to the scale, where they would be relocated between Lam and Lam) would be added to the new fusions. Then came the downloads and phrases that we know until now as characteristics of salsa.

Thus the sauce was born. And so it has been transformed, always within the circle that encloses joy, passion and enjoyment, history, experiences, fortune or misfortune, seen from different perspectives: urban, social, sensual or everyday.

Marcial Isturiz. The Versatile of Salsa

Latinoamerica / Venezuela / Caracas

Martial Isturiz. The Versatile Salsa 28 Years In Music

“28 years in Music. It is said easy. Very easy”

But *ALL* that path of dirt and grime that has been walked, is now a flowery field. I thank those who have supported me and those who have not, because they make the perfect balance.

To my brothers in life that I have cultivated in music, old and new.

Photo - Marcial Istúriz and his drums — Photo – Marcial Istúriz and his drums

To my ancestors for bringing the Drum and its color and making me the Negro Congo that I am.

To *my mother*, for life and for giving me love in her own way.

To *my father*, for the seed and the iron upbringing that many young people currently lack. Bad or good, I had it next to me, and that’s more than enough.

To my musical influences, foreign and national, with whom I have largely had the blessing of working with them.

Photo 2 - Marcial Istúriz and his drums — Photo 2 – Marcial Istúriz and his drums

To those who reached out to me at specific moments in life: Tomás, Jimmy, Manuel, the Calatayud García. They are in my heart.

Thanks to music, which saved me from being the best *Pran* in the world. Because my grandfather told me that if he wanted to be the best at something, he’d pigeon him. Whether he was a sweeper, or a bricklayer, or a salesman, but he must be the best.

Thanks to my brothers Ángel and Armando, and to my cousins Manuelito and William, inveterate music lovers, who fed my soul and ears, and opened my brain musically.

To my teachers and brothers of the Latin Dimension, because our anniversary dates coincide, and for allowing me to be One more DIMENSIONER, when they require #Eteketakí. They carry 46 by the chest, today too!

I am not what I am without any of you.