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Search Results for: flute

Jeremy Bosch Releases New Single “¿A dónde iré?”

The renowned musician, vocalist, composer, and arranger, Jeremy Bosch, has announced the release of his new single, “¿A dónde iré?” (Where Will I Go?). The song is the first promotional cut from his upcoming album, scheduled for release in October of this year.

“¿A dónde iré?” was written by Bosch, who is also a virtuoso flutist. For the lyrics, he drew inspiration from Psalm 139. In a press release, Jeremy commented on his inspiration, “This song was born from a moment of introspection and gratitude. I wanted to capture how God finds and accompanies us everywhere, even when we don’t perceive Him. I hope that those who listen can feel that closeness and trust in Him.”

The lyrics “combine biblical verses with Jeremy’s personal experience, intertwining his life’s testimony with the spiritual richness of scripture,” according to the artist’s team.

With this composition, the talented salsa artist whose work spans various musical genres seeks to invite listeners “to reflect on the presence of God (…) and the intimacy of a relationship with Him, through an authentic and moving musical expression.”

Jeremy Bosch lanza su nuevo sencillo “¿A dónde iré
Jeremy Bosch lanza su nuevo sencillo “¿A dónde iré

Jeremy Bosch’s commitment to this production is evident. He is the composer of both the lyrics and melody, as well as the arranger, producer, vocalist, and background vocalist, in addition to playing the flute. The song features Álex “Apolo” Ayala on bass, interacting with Gabriel Chakarji on piano. Marcos Torres is on congas and minor percussion, and Marcos López is on timbales and bongos. The trumpets were handled by “Maneco” Ruiz and Jesús Ricardo. Doug Beavers played the trombone and Mario Castro the tenor saxophone. Edmar Castañeda is on harp, Roman Lajara on guitars and banjo, while Ali Bello played the violins, Samuel Marchan the violas, and Mara Navas the cellos.

About the Artist

Jeremy Bosch is a proud Puerto Rican. He was born in Ponce and raised in Las Piedras. He is a 2013 graduate of Berklee College of Music, with a degree in Jazz Composition.

Jeremy was the singer and flutist for the Spanish Harlem Orchestra from 2015, when director Óscar Hernández recruited him to replace Ray De La Paz, until early 2025, when he left SHO to focus on his solo career. In 2016, his compositions earned him recognition as a great writer, with the album Hecho a mano by Buena Vibra Sextet, released through Salsaneo Records. In 2020, while reviewing Pequeño Johnny Rivero’s album Golpe duro, I came across Jeremy’s credit as a background vocalist on the record. At that point, we already identified him as one of the new, promising salsa artists to watch. In Puerto Rico, in addition to his solo career, he is associated with the contemporary percussionist and orchestra director Pete Perignon, with whom he collaborated on the single ‘Sería una pena’ (2020).

Previously, Jeremy had the good sense to venture into a tribute to another notable Ponce native: Cheo Feliciano. The work, published under the title Prefacio, was recorded live at the Dizzy Club in New York. For this feat, he shared the stage with special guests such as Óscar Hernández, Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez, and Nelson González. On that occasion, he stood out among compositions by Tite Curet Alonso, such as ‘Si por mí llueve,’ ‘Pa’ que afinquen,’ and ‘Los entierros’—to name a few—with arrangements by vibraphonist Felipe Fournier.

JB con flauta El reconocido músico, vocalista, compositor y arreglista Jeremy Bosch
JB con flauta El reconocido músico, vocalista, compositor y arreglista Jeremy Bosch

Another notable production from his distinguished career allowed him to share the studio with Luis Enrique and Alain Pérez for the production of Prólogo hoy. This was followed by Epílogo, an Afro-Caribbean music album. Jeremy doesn’t want to be associated solely with salsa. In fact, his musical journey has been bold and varied, experimenting with “salsa mixed, produced, and arranged from a more synthesized and minimalist perspective,” as he described in an interview for the National Foundation for Popular Culture of Puerto Rico.

From his corner, this artist who has chosen to get to work—overcoming the temptation to complain—invites “a reconciliation between generations” for a healthy coexistence to enrich and diversify the contemporary musical talent pool.

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

 

 

 

Also Read: Long live music! Repeat after me: “Long live the musicians so they can keep making it”. And I add: “Long live SALSA”.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flautists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Valentín: The Master of the Flute in Latin Jazz.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important flutists in the history of Latin jazz, thanks to his technique, rhythm, and vast musical knowledge.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flutists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm
Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flutists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Born in the Bronx, New York, on April 29, 1952, to Puerto Rican parents from Mayagüez, Valentín grew up in a home filled with music. From the sounds of Tito Rodríguez and Tito Puente to Machito, the musical culture that surrounded him as a child was a major influence. Although he loved the bongos and congas, he joined a Latin group as a timbalero during his teenage years. He played in the “cuchifrito” circuit and in working-class dance halls in New York.

Dave Valentín’s life largely reflects the story of the children of Puerto Rican immigrants in New York who forged their own destiny through hard work, dedication, talent, and family support. In fact, the musician, composer, and arranger himself liked to say that “each person creates their own reality.”

A Legacy-Filled Career

  • GRP Records Pioneer: Valentín was the first artist to sign with the influential GRP record label, which allowed him to consolidate his career and spread jazz fusion and Latin jazz to a wider audience. He recorded 16 albums with the label, including titles like Legends, The Hawk, Land of the Third Eye, Pied Piper, In Love’s Time, Flute Juice, Kalahari, and Red Sun, among others. These works combine the intensity of Latin cadences with influences from pop, R&B, Brazilian music, and smooth jazz. For the musician, being signed by this multinational company represented “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
  • Notable Collaborations: Throughout his career, he worked with major figures in jazz and Latin music such as Tito Puente, Manny Oquendo, Cano Estremera, Eddie Palmieri, Ricardo Marrero, Dave Grusin, and Patti Austin.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    • He earned a Grammy nomination in 1985.
    • He won a Grammy Award in 2003 for his work on the album Caribbean Jazz Project, alongside vibraphonist Dave Samuels.
    • He was chosen as the top jazz flutist by readers of Jazziz magazine for seven consecutive years.

Come Fly with Me (2006)

Dave Valentin - Come Fly With Me
Dave Valentin – Come Fly With Me

Dave Valentín always moved in the realm of fusion. His incorporation of smooth jazz elements, Latin influences, and the sensitivity of modern jazz made him a difficult artist to pigeonhole. Come Fly with Me is one of his most notable albums, as it focuses on a direct approach to Latin jazz. The majority of the songs are Afro-Cuban with a New York flair, without including funk or samba rhythms.

Driven by a formidable rhythm section that includes Robert Ameen on drums, Milton Cardona and Richie Flores on percussion, Luques Curtis on bass, and his friend Bill O’Connell on piano, the album overflows with power and elegance. Trombonist and arranger Papo Vázquez also participates on several tracks. The group’s rhythm is profound and the solos are filled with inspiration. Despite some less successful moments, Valentín’s innate sense of taste and melody shines brightly.

Album Credits

Musicians:

  • Dave Valentín (Flute)
  • Bill O’Connell (Piano)
  • Luques Curtis (Acoustic Bass)
  • Papo Vázquez (Trombone)
  • Chris Barretto (Tenor Sax #1)
  • Robert Ameen (Drums)
  • Milton Cardona (Percussion)
  • Richie Flores (Percussion)

Tracks:

  • Come Fly with Me
  • Twinkle Toes
  • Enciendido
  • Mind Games
  • If You Could See Me Now
  • Easy Street
  • Tu Pañuelo
  • House of the Sun
  • Song for My Brothers

Sadly, Dave Valentín suffered a stroke in 2012 that forced him to step away from music. He passed away in 2017. Despite his passing, his musical legacy remains a fundamental reference for flutists and lovers of Latin jazz.

Valentín El maestro de la flauta en el jazz latino
Valentín El maestro de la flauta en el jazz latino

By:

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Rafael Vega Curry for the National Foundation for Popular Culture

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Pamir Guánchez, brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger.

Tito Puente Jr.: perpetuating a legacy with its own rhythm

In International Salsa Magazine, we cannot contain our joy for the conversation we had with the son of one of the greatest legends of Latin music, who is now writing his own story of grandeur thanks to the education he has received practically since birth. This is none other than New York producer, composer, and percussionist Tito Puente Jr., who shared about 40 minutes of his time to answer some questions exclusively for Augusto Felibertt and yours truly, Karina Garcia. 

Tito puente jr. smiling
Producer, composer, and timbalero Tito Puente Jr. smiling for the camera

The burden of Tito Puente’s iconic legacy

Having a successful father is a great blessing, but sometimes, it can become a veritable martyrdom for a son who wants to follow his path, as comparisons between them will always be inevitable. Being able to share with Tito Puente Jr., son of the legendary King Of Timbales Tito Puente, gives us the opportunity to get his perspective on this interesting and important subject. 

Fortunately, the artist does not see this legacy as a burden, but quite the opposite. Although he admits that his father is one of the greatest masters and ambassadors Latin music and our culture in general have ever had, and that it is not easy to fill his shoes, he proudly bears his father’s surname and promotes his music.

Moreover, he sees the surname “Puente,” as well as the Spanish word implies, as a union among several generations because many young people this day do not know Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and many other exponents of that salsa’s golden era. Tito Jr. wants to be part of that “bridge” between generations so that people of all ages can learn about these prodigies, including, of course, his father.

Childhood with Tito Puente as his father

Regarding his childhood and adolescence, Tito emphasized that he always saw his father play all types of instruments such as timbales, marimba, saxophone, percussion, and many others, which inspired him and made him want to imitate him from the beginning. Today, his career is largely influenced by everything he saw at home, and he plays his father’s arrangements and compositions, which are divided between a total of 186 albums. 

Everything learned within his family has taken him so far professionally, to the point that he now has seven Latin Grammys and 14 nominations, all thanks to the legacy he carries. 

Tito Puente and Tito Puente Jr.
Tito Puente Jr. and his father Tito Puente on the 1998 Grammy Awards red carpet

The Puente family today

On the more personal side, Tito is the youngest of his brothers, among whom he is the only one who works on music as a profession. To some extent, this has made him take upon his shoulders Tito Puente’s legacy through his own art.

The musician currently resides in southern Florida, specifically in Miami, although he works with orchestras from different cities and countries. He is married and has two children who are Miranda, 18, and Tito Puente Jr. Jr., 17. Miranda studies marine biology at university, while her younger brother is in high school but travels constantly with his father and enjoys composing and playing the guitar.

He also told us a little about his wife, who loves salsa but is not in music. On the other hand, he spoke lovingly of “the boss,” his mother Margarita Puente, who is currently in charge of royalties, record labels, publicity, and the documentary on Tito Puente’s life.

He also has two siblings: Audrey Puente, 55, who is a television meteorologist, and Rony Puente, 77, who is also a musician like his father and younger brother. 

Other musical influences besides that of his father

In addition to salsa, mambo, and guaguancó, Tito really enjoys English rock and several bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and others into this style. These tastes of his have led him to the idea of, at some point, blending heavy metal with mambo to see which result he gets.

As well as he can really enjoy the music of Bon Jovi and Ozzy Osbourne, he is also fascinated by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which he finds to be a very interesting mixture of genres that he would like to experiment with someday. 

He also said laughing that his father did not share his musical tastes and that the only rock band he liked was Santana, and that was because they did their own version of the hit “Oye Cómo Va” in psychedelic rock and Latin rock. 

Tito Puente holding his son
Tito Puente carrying his son Tito Puente Jr.

Current singers

Today, Tito works with various singers, including Aymee Nuviola, Lucrecia, Yolanda Duque, and his great friend, “La Princesa de La Salsa” La India. His father worked with great vocalists such as Tony Vega, Michael Stuart, Oscar D’León, José Alberto “El Canario,” Miguel Ángel Barcasnegras Díaz “Meñique,” and many more. 

Tito’s latest album, “The King And I,” also features other big voices such as Domingo Quiñones, Frankie Negrón, José Alberto “El Canario,” Tony Vega, Sheila E., Pete Escovedo, and many other salsa superstars of today and yesterday. 

The timbalero has worked with many figures who also worked with his father in the past, so it is clear that they see him and respect him as the continuation of his musical legacy.

Tito’s views on academic training in music

On the important issue of academic training in music, Tito pointed out that there are not enough educational programs aimed at teaching Afro-Cuban music in schools and universities, which in his view needs to change as soon as possible.

In fact, he noted the importance of promoting programs in educational institutions around the world so that their students learn much more than just symphonic music and become more rounded professionals. Although he recognizes the importance of knowing Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, he also believes that aspiring musicians should know about Eddie Palmieri, Charlie Palmieri, Larry Harlow, Pupi Campo, and other artists in this style. 

The artist believes that the above mentioned artists and many others related to jazz and salsa are part of a very important era of music in the world, which is why he believes that teachers must take them into account during their classes. For him, it is a mission to promote both his father’s music and that of other exponents of his kind in the academic field.

Tito Jr. and his family
Audrey, Margarita, Tito, and Tito Jr.

Upcoming tours

For our research, we could notice that Tito has several performances and tours scheduled for the rest of the year, more specifically for November. In this regard, he told us that in the first week of September, he went to play his father’s music on his weekly show Mambo Mondays, which is held to delight dancers eager to keep enjoying Tito Puente’s music.

About international tours, he plans to go to Germany in February next year and Spain next summer. He is also close to release a documentary in 2026 and a new album with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, which has 77 musicians and instruments such as violins, violas, harps, bagpipes, flutes, French horns, among others.

Tito Puente Jr. and his son
Tito Puente III and his father Tito Puente Jr.

Final comment

We still cannot believe we had this great conversation with the talented Tito Puente Jr. and it has been a great pleasure to share this time with him. Those who wish to contact him can do so through his social media channels, which are as follows:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TitoPuenteJr/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titopuentejr/

X: https://twitter.com/titopuentejr

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/titopuentejr 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/2ROkqvVDXj5JgmN6z2uFrM

Read also: Venezuela violinist and former musician in El Sistema Ali Bello has many interesting things to say

Israel “Cachao” López, a Cuban musician and composer, has been hailed as “the Inventor of Mambo”

Born in Havana on September 14, 1918, and passing away in Coral Gables, Miami, on March 22, 2008, Israel “Cachao” López, often known simply as “Cachao,” was a Cuban musician and composer.

Israel Cachao López musico y compositor cubano, ha sido definido como el Inventor del Mambo
Israel Cachao López musico y compositor cubano, ha sido definido como el Inventor del Mambo

He became a legend in Cuban music with his masterful handling of the double bass and was renowned for his performances in mambo and Latin jazz.

His talent earned him two Grammy Awards (in 1995 and 2005), a Latin Grammy in 2003, an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He has been described as “the inventor of mambo” and is considered a master of descarga (live improvisations).

He began by playing various instruments until he settled on the double bass, which allowed him, as a teenager, to join the Havana Philharmonic Orchestra, where his father and older brother also played.

“Cachao” left Cuba in 1962 with a long list of successes and stated in a 2007 interview that if it weren’t for his compatriot and colleague Dámaso Pérez Prado, “mambo would not have been heard worldwide.”

Israel Cachao López nacido en La Habana, un 14 de septiembre de 1918 y falleció en Coral Gables un 22 de marzo de 2008 en Miami
Israel Cachao López nacido en La Habana, un 14 de septiembre de 1918 y falleció en Coral Gables un 22 de marzo de 2008 en Miami

His first stop was Madrid, where he stayed for a year before emigrating to the United States. In the U.S., he resided in New York City, Las Vegas, and Miami.

López also played acoustic bass with his brother, the multi-instrumentalist Orestes López. They literally composed over 3,000 songs together and were highly influential in Cuban music from the 1930s to the 1950s.

They created the “nuevo ritmo” (new rhythm) in the late 1930s, which transformed the danzón by introducing African rhythms into Cuban music, ultimately leading to mambo.

He won several Grammy Awards for both his own work and his contributions to albums by Latin music stars, including Gloria Estefan. In 1995, he won a Grammy for Master Sessions Volume 1.

In 2003, he won a Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album alongside Bebo Valdés and Patato for El Arte Del Sabor. He won another Grammy in 2005 for his work ¡Ahora Sí!

His nephew, Orlando “Cachaíto” López, became one of the pillars of the famous Buena Vista Social Club.

Cachao performed with artists such as Tito Puente, and his music has been featured in films like The Birdcage and the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

The Actor Andy Garcia produced a documentary titled Cachao… “Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos” in 1993 about his music. He also shared stages with Celia Cruz and her husband Pedro Knight, as well as with trombonist Generoso Jiménez.

Leyendas de Nuestra Musica Latina Pacheco, Puente y Cachao
Leyendas de Nuestra Musica Latina Pacheco, Puente y Cachao

His last musical collaboration was with Gloria and Emilio Estefan on the singer’s album titled 90 Millas.

López passed away on the morning of March 22, 2008, in Coral Gables, Florida, at the age of 89, due to complications following kidney failure.

Cachao y Su Ritmo Caliente – Monte Adentro (2000)

Tracks:

  1. Monte Adentro (Cógele el golpe) (A. Castillo Jr.)
  2. Goza Mi Trompeta (O. Estivill)
  3. Guajeo de Saxos (E. Peñaver)
  4. Estudio en Trompeta (I. López)
  5. Gozar Timbero (O. Estivill)
  6. Trombón Criollo (O. Portillo)
  7. Malanga Amarilla (S. Contreras)
  8. Controversia de Metales (I. López)
  9. Descarga Cubana (O. Estivill)
  10. Pamparana (A. López)
  11. Sorpresa de Flauta (O. Estivill)
  12. Oye Mi Tres Montuno (A. Echevarria)
  13. La Floresta (O. López)
  14. Avance Juvenil (B. López)
  15. Redención (O. López)
  16. Descarga Mambo (D.P.) 

Musicians:

  • Israel López “Cachao” (Double Bass)
  • Guillermo Barreto (Timbales)
  • Tata Güines (Tumbadora)
  • Rojelio “Yeyo” Iglesias (Bongos)
  • Gustavo Tamayo (Güiro)
  • Alejandro “El Negro” Vivar (Trumpet)
  • Armando Armenteros (Trumpet)
  • Generoso “El Tojo” Jiménez (Trombone)
  • Oreste López (Piano)
  • Enemelio Jiménez (Alto Sax)
  • Emilio Peñalver (Tenor Sax)
  • Virgilio Lisama (Baritone Sax)
  • Richard Egües (Flute)
  • Niño Rivera (Tres)
  • Roliyo y Reyes (Chorus)

Recorded in Havana, 1957-1958

Cachao y Su Ritmo Caliente - Monte Adentro (2000)
Cachao y Su Ritmo Caliente – Monte Adentro (2000)

 

The tradition of being musicians comes from grandparents and great-grandparents, all the Cachaos are musicians.

By:

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Also Read: Israel “Cachao” Lopez Sobrado in fame and respect in the seventies was dedicated to maintain the tradition at the highest level

Tito Nieves’ concert “50 Años, La Historia” made it clear that ‘Salsa Lives

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Tito Nieves celebrated half a century of a successful musical career at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico (El Choliseo) with a massive concert titled “50 Años, La Historia,” part of his “Mi Último Tour” (My Last Tour) tour.

Tito Nieves smiles in front of a packed coliseum
Tito Nieves smiles in front of a packed coliseum

Music started powerfully around 9:00 p.m. with “Señora Ley” (Lady Law), followed by “Mañana es Domingo” (Tomorrow is Sunday). This led into a medley of songs Tito popularized before going solo: “El Pregonero” (The Town Crier), “El Piragüero” (The Shaved Ice Vendor), and “Panadero” (Baker), all penned by Ramón Rodríguez. In this first segment, the honoree was joined by Rodríguez and Norberto Vélez, setting the theme for the show, where Nieves was accompanied by various guests.

Tito Nieves bid good evening shortly before asking the audience to record the concert, asserting it would be the first and last time he would perform solo at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico for a historic concert that the singer declared was “sold out.”

The soloist demonstrated the evolution of his career, moving to the next stage of his journey, which included the songs “Quiero Perderme Contigo” (I Want to Get Lost with You) and “El Amor Más Bonito” (The Most Beautiful Love). Before starting “Perdido en la Oscuridad” (Lost in the Darkness), Tito stated that during one of the most difficult stages of his life, he asked José José for permission to record it. “Un Tipo Común” (An Ordinary Guy) preceded Tito’s spoken interlude, during which he requested “a big round of applause for Ismael Miranda ‘the eternal handsome boy,’ who is with us tonight.”

For the next segment, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Gerardo Rivas joined Tito Nieves for the song “Soy” (I Am). Gilberto explained that he and Tito Nieves have been musical brothers for over forty years, shortly before saying, “Tito and I are family,” a phrase that led into the performance of “La Familia” (The Family).

The next stage featured a medley of hits including “Sueño” (Dream) and “Lo Que Son Las Cosas” (What Things Are Like). From this same solo period, “Manías” (Obsessions) and “No Me Queda Más” (I Have Nothing Left) stood out. Tito Nieves’ voice was recorded on several of the few salsa lyrics in English. For the concert, Tito brought to life “I’ll Always Love You,” “Celebration,” and “I Like It Like That,” with which he later bid farewell.

Tito paused during the concert to dedicate the song “Gracias Madrecita” (Thanks, Little Mother) to his late mother, Victoria Nieves.

The next guest, Rey Ruiz, “the salsa heartthrob,” performed “Almohada” (Pillow) with Tito, then sang “Mi Media Mitad” (My Other Half) to a bolero rhythm before transitioning to the same song in its usual salsa tempo, which is how it became popular. The turn of also invited Carlos García brought him to the stage to sing “No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar” (I Won’t Fall in Love Again) as a duet with Tito.

Shortly after, Tito Nieves continued singing his most notable hits, including “Déjame Vivir” (Let Me Live) and “Tuyo” (Yours). When it was José Alberto “El Canario”‘s turn, he sang “Le Gusta Que La Vean” (She Likes to Be Seen) with Tito Nieves and “Baila Que Baila” (Dance, Dance) solo. For this particular performance, dancers and choreographers Flavia Tamara Livolsi and Tito Ortos Gutiérrez were in charge of the dance that connected with the guest’s music, who also performed his characteristic “flute” solo, without a flute.

The super orchestra accompanying El Pavarotti de la Salsa
The super orchestra accompanying El Pavarotti de la Salsa

For the song “Fabricando Fantasías” (Manufacturing Fantasies), Tito Nieves took the stage accompanied by 9 child choristers; both the singer and the choristers were dressed in white. Tito sang alongside a hologram of his deceased son, whose passing preceded the song’s release; for the concert, this led into “Un Amor Así” (A Love Like That) and “Soy Cantante” (I Am a Singer).

Continuing with the idea of being accompanied by his guests, Tito Nieves welcomed Tony Vega to the stage to perform their duet and give voice to “Tú Por Aquí, Yo Por Allá” (You Here, Me There), shortly before Tony performed “Aparentemente” (Apparently). Once Tony’s participation concluded, Tito returned to the stage dressed in blue to perform “Te Amo” (I Love You) and “Más Que Tu Amigo” (More Than Your Friend).

Tito Nieves y Daniela Darcourt
Tito Nieves y Daniela Darcourt

Immediately after, Tito Nieves commented: “In salsa, we’ve had Celia, La Lupe, Graciela, India…”, as he welcomed one of the new salsa promises: Daniela Darcourt. With her, he sang “Si Tú Te Atreves” (If You Dare) shortly before suggesting his “musical daughter” perform the soloist’s new single, titled “La Sinvergüenza” (The Shameless Woman).

The concert’s peak was reached during the performance of “De Mí Enamórate” (Fall in Love with Me) and “Sonámbulo” (Sleepwalker), songs with which the artist demonstrated that the voice that earned him the title of “The Pavarotti of Salsa” remains intact.

Next, Tito and his wife—Janette Figueroa, the self-proclaimed “toxic one”—showcased their influencer skills, leading into a theatrical interlude of their interaction with the public during the COVID-19 lockdown: “Conversa con Tito” (Talk with Tito). For this, the couple was accompanied by the new talents Daniela Darcourt and Christian Alicea. Once the micro-theater segment concluded, the production celebrated the sold-out status by presenting a plaque indicating the exclusive status, after congratulatory greetings to Nieves from Víctor Manuelle, Rubén Blades, and Marco Antonio Solís were projected.

It was at this moment of various congratulations that it was demonstrated that ‘Salsa Lives’in the key of fierce salsa. For this, Christian Alicea joined Tito Nieves’ vocal and stage mastery, contributing with his voice and an energetic conga solo.

At 12:40 a.m. on May 18, the concert hosted by “The Pavarotti of Salsa,” accompanied by his super orchestra, concluded with the same power it began, though in English and to the beat of “I Like It Like That.” For the closing, the dance corps, made up of Tito Ortos, Tamara Livolsi, Christina Reyes, and Yadiel Carrasco, complemented the interpretive energy with which Humberto “Tito” Nieves once again demonstrated the connection he has maintained with the salsa audience, regardless of the language he sings in.

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Photographs By: Francisco J. Rivera Rosado Photographs

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.