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Search Results for: music

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera is a musician with extensive experience as a Bassist

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera (a.k.a. “AJ”) had his first experiences with the electric bass at 14 years old.

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera is a musician with extensive experience as a bassist.
Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera is a musician with extensive experience as a bassist.

He began formal studies at the Antonio S. Paoli Specialized Music School in Caguas, Puerto Rico, that culminated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in Jazz & Afrocaribbean Music Execution with a major in Electric Bass from The Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.

Throughout his career, he has played and recorded with musical groups in diverse music genres, e.g. reggae, rock, jazz, urban and tropical music.

He’s had the pleasure of collaborating with artists like Calma Carmona, Yaire, Auudi, Brytiago, Raquel Sofía, Jean Carlos Canela, Galé, among others.

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera (alias “AJ”) gained his first experiences with the electric bass at the age of 14

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera (alias “AJ”) gained his first experiences with the electric bass at the age of 14

Presently works from Puerto Rico and has performed in the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador.

The History of the Electric Bass

The history of the electric bass is intrinsically linked to the need for a more practical and amplified alternative to the bulky double bass, especially as musical bands grew larger and louder.

The Early Steps and Paul Tutmarc (1930s)

Although there were some earlier experiments, the first functional electric bass is considered to have been developed by Paul Tutmarc in the 1930s. In 1936, his company, Audiovox, launched the Model 736 Bass Fiddle.

This instrument featured a guitar-like design, with a solid body, frets, and an electromagnetic pickup, making it easier to transport and play compared to the double bass. However, Tutmarc’s invention was not a great commercial success at the time.

Leo Fender’s Revolution (1950s)

It wasn’t until the early 1950s that the electric bass truly took off, thanks to Leo Fender. Seeking to solve the problems of size, volume, and tuning of the double bass, Fender applied his expertise in electric guitar manufacturing to create an innovative instrument.

In 1951, Fender launched the Precision Bass, the first mass-produced and commercially successful electric bass. Its design was robust, with a solid body and frets (hence the name “Precision,” for the tuning accuracy the frets offered). This bass quickly became a standard, used in a wide variety of musical genres, from soul and R&B to rock.

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera
Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera

Later, in 1960, Fender introduced the Jazz Bass, which offered a slimmer neck and two pickups (one near the bridge and one near the neck), providing greater tonal versatility and a sound that many jazz musicians found closer to the acoustic double bass.

Expansion and Evolution (1960s Onward)

Throughout the 1960s, other brands like Gibson, Höfner, and Rickenbacker also began manufacturing their own electric bass models, flooding the market with new options. The popularity of the electric bass grew exponentially, solidifying its place as a fundamental element in modern music.

The 1970s saw further experimentation. Preamplifiers began to be integrated into instruments to expand the tonal range, and multi-string basses emerged. In 1974, bassist Anthony Jackson and luthier Carl Thompson collaborated to create the first six-string bass, with the goal of expanding the instrument’s sonic range.

From the 1980s onward, innovation continued. 5 and 6-string basses became popular, as did active circuits and “boutique” basses from specialized luthiers. Designers like Ned Steinberger introduced headless basses and experimented with materials like carbon fiber. Influential musicians like Jaco Pastorius brought the fretless bass to the forefront, and techniques like “slap” and “double thumb” were developed and popularized.

Today, the electric bass continues to evolve, with a vast range of designs, configurations, and sounds, adapting to the needs of the most diverse musical genres and the creativity of bassists worldwide.

He began formal studies at the Antonio S. Paoli Free Specialized School of Music in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
He began formal studies at the Antonio S. Paoli Free Specialized School of Music in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Also Read: Charlie Haden was an extraordinary double bassist and composer who was a key figure in the history of modern jazz

The best of Cuban music in Tampa with Cuband Son Band

We are very happy to be able to talk with Lizandro Muñoz, Liaudriz Fuentes, and Alfredo Sotolongo, who are part of the Cuban music group Cuban Son Band. We will know a little about each of them and the orchestra as such so that the public can get to know them and identify them.

Although all the musicians are coming from Cuba such as the genres they play, they met in Tampa, Florida, where they currently reside and have developed their respective musical careers.

Lizandro playing
Lizandro Muñoz playing at Water Street Tampa in April

How Lizandro, Liaudriz, and Alfredo became interested in music

Lizandro was the first who talked a little about himself and started by describing how his father played the guitar and began teaching his son to do the same. After attending the pre-university studies and playing guitar along with a group for about four years, he did his military service and moved to Spain to work with a number of groups at many Latin music events, especially Cuban music, which was what he played most.

Itis at this point in the conversation that Liaudriz, the group’s keyboardist, joined the meeting. After saying hello and introducing himself, he began to explain that he started in music at a very young age in Cuba, more specifically on the Isle of Youth or the Isle of Pines, as it was known before. As a child, he already had a lot of affinity for the guitar just like Lizandro, but also for everything related to percussion, which led him to take the respective tests to enter a music school.

That was when he went through the elementary, middle, and part of the upper levels. He did not complete the latter, as he got the opportunity to move to the United States. 

When Alfredo, Cuban Son’s violinist, slipped into the conversation, he and the boys joked about whether he remembered how he started in music due to his age. He then relates starting in music at about 10 and is now 66, so much water has flowed under the bridge since then. He studied at the National School of Art up to the fifth level for five years, where he trained as a percussionist, singer, and violinist, but had to withdraw due to family problems. However, his great strength helped him keep the lights on.

By not being enrolled in any institution, he began his training at home. Several members of his family were helping him to continue his dream and one of whom was his uncle, a flutist who played in Los Van Van, who inspired him to follow his path in the world of music. This is how he resumed his academic training and received an A grade in singing and an A grade in violin lessons. 

Liaudriz playing
Liaudriz Fuentes playing the keyboard live

He was in the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television Orchestra, better known as ICRT for its acronym in Spanish, and made some recordings with Los Van Van as a violinist. In 1998, he emigrated to Israel, where he worked as a musician for 10 years and even played in an orchestra known as Jerusalem Salsa Band, in which he alternated with several great artists such as Alfredo de La Fe, Buena Vista Social Club, and many others.

After those 10 years, he moved to the United States in search of new opportunities, which led him to make contact with Lizandro and Liaudriz from Cuban Son, which he joined about two years ago.

Alfredo added that one of the things that brought them together was that his now bandmates were following the way of son, the same path as their ancestors, who were soneros. It is in their blood and they had that in common.

How Cuban Son Band got started

Liaudriz again takes the floor and assures that the affinity between them was also due to the need Cubans feel to continue making music from their native land despite the distance and the way many of them come together to do this work. This is something that has mushroomed in Tampa in recent years due to the large number of Cubans who have arrived there.

“Cuban Son Band emerged from our need to share the music of our country not only here in Tampa, but also in other cities in Florida,” said the young keyboardist on this subject.

Lizandro added that several members of the group came from a much larger orchestra, but for economic and practical reasons, they left it and opted for a smaller, more compact format. This also gave them the freedom to make the music they wanted without consulting many people. 

Alfredo playing
Alfredo Sotolongo playing the violin during a concert

The biggest challenges Cuban Son faced at first

Regarding the receptivity of the people to Cuban Son Band’s work, Alfredo pointed out that they always try to make their music as traditional as possible so that the audience may know it. What has made things easier for them was his senior audience that misses these genres and enjoys listening to them, even if they are not what is trendy right now. There are many new genres in Cuba, such as reggaeton and cubatón, but the audience between 30 and 40 years old are not fans of that kind of music, but of more traditional genres such as bolero, bachata, changuí, and others.

Lizandro also added that as long as they offer something traditional, original, and authentic, language barriers should not be a problem, even though most of their fans are American. One of the biggest challenges for the group has been communication, precisely because of the language of their lyrics, but that has not prevented them from being listened to and fervently supported. 

In addition to that, they rely on covers of well-known English songs to connect even more with their non-Latin listeners, which has made them accept their work even more willingly. Their traditional foundation and open mind to new things have been the key to their progress.

Lizandro, Liaudriz, Alfredo, and Raysel
Trumpet player Raysel Reyes, keyboardist Liaudriz Fuentes, Violinist Alfredo Sotolongo, and guitarist Lizandro Muñoz

Current members of Cuban Son Band

Alfredo pointed out that they always try to be as loyal as possible to their main project, which is Cuban Son Band, but they are also aware that it will not always be possible for them to play only with their main orchestra, as they will have to work on other projects due to their economic situation.

Liaudriz also said that something that benefits them is that Tampa is a city that is growing a lot as for the Latin music scene, resulting in more and more work for them and groups with the same characteristics. This allows them to call each other and help each other without egos or pettiness.

Inspirations for each one

Alfredo was inspired as a singer by artists such as Ibrahim Ferrer, Pacho Alonso, Felix Chappottín, Pedrito Calvo, Oscar D’ León, Gilberto Santa Rosa, among others. in one way or another, all of them have honored Cuban music and that makes them bastions of what Cuban Son wants to achieve.

For his part, Lizandro mentioned Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo, Compay Segundo, Adalberto Álvarez, Chucho Valdez, Juan Formell, Bebo Valdéz, and Benny Moré.

Read also: Tito Planas talked to us about his Orquesta Afinke and its members

Young promise of music Sofia Grace Doellefeld tells us about her dreams

During our long journey in the world of music, we have had the enormous privilege of meeting fascinating people who show us that talent can come in many ways and at many ages. One of these people is Sofia Grace Doellefeld, a 15-year-old drummer with deeply held family and religious values that are not common in someone her age.

The young teenager, whose greatest hero and supporter is her father, aspires to go to college after finishing high school, but hopes to combine her academic activities with music as she has done so far. Here is what friendly and kind Sofia shared with us in pleasant and fluid conversation.

Sofia playing
Sofia playing the drums live

Who is Sofia

Sofia is a girl with many dreams and aspirations who is currently in ninth grade, while taking music lessons and playing in her school’s jazz band. The student of a Protestant Christian family has the support of everyone around her, especially her father, whom she describes as her greatest mentor and inspiration in life.

Despite being the first musician in her family, they have been a tremendous support to Sofia, to the point that they always accompany her to her events and performances so she knows they are there for her. Although they have not talked about a formal career in the entertainment industry, she knows they will support any decision she makes.

For now, she aspires to attend Full Sail University to study sound engineering so she can learn how to get involved in music production and all technical aspects related to her art because she thinks her academic background has prepared her for it.

Sofia wants to study
Sofia wants to study sound engineering at Full Sail University in the future

When did Sofia start playing music?

Sofia’s interest in music began when she was 10 years old with the electric guitar, as she felt it would be interesting to replicate the notes she always heard from her favorite artists. The problem was that she never truly connected with the instrument as much as she tried, so she switched to the drums, which she quickly noticed she enjoyed much more and inspired her to try increasingly complex songs and melodies.

Her greatest source of inspiration on a musical level came from various jazz drummers such as Buddy Rich and Max Roach, but they were not the only ones. In the Latin sphere, the artist also enjoys great singers such as Selena Quintanilla and Juan Luis Guerra, and her favorite Latin genre is Latin rock. In fact, she really likes Santana’s songs and other groups of this kind.

Sofia had many inspirations
Two of the most important inspirations for Sofia were Buddy Rich and Max Roach

The drums as a traditionally male instrument

Considering that the drums were traditionally played by men, it is interesting that a young girl like Sofia chose this instrument to take her first steps into the world of music. When we wanted to know her view on the matter, she confessed that one of her biggest motivations for choosing the drums was precisely the fact that it was seen as a male instrument, as she wanted to break that unspoken rule and prove that a girl could play as well as any male musician.

She really thinks she is doing a great job, is very passionate about what she does with music and hopes to continue improving every day to keep breaking the mold.

Although she is proud of what she does alone, many of her closest friends also play instruments and she would like to form a band with them or other musicians in the future, though she feels it is still too early to even consider that possibility. 

And speaking of friends, one of Sofia’s great musical inspirations in the real world is one of her best friends, who plays nine instruments and is excellent at each and every one. This makes her a great motivation for her friend and she always tries to keep pace with her peers when it comes to playing.

Sofia chose the drums
Sofia chose the drums precisely because she wants to demonstrate that a girl can play as well as a male musician

Other instruments

Sofia would also like to play several instruments as her friend and one she really likes is the piano, as it is applicable for almost any genre or song, making it very versatile and easy to include.

The pianist should know a lot about music theory, rhythms and many other things that provide a very complete training for any artist, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone wishing to know more about music on a deeper level.

Concluding comments on music and interests in this area 

To finish with our talk, we asked Sofia for some final comments regarding music in general and the interests she has with it, to which she states word for word that ”music is a great way to connect with oneself and others. It’s also a great way to discover who you are and who you want to become. It’s a blessing to be able to play music”.

Read also: This is Indiana composer, arranger, music teacher, and trumpet player David Hardiman

Los Surik is a musical group formed in Victoria, Las Tunas, in eastern Cuba

Los Surik, a musical group from Las Tunas a province known for orchestras recognized both nationally and internationally has distinguished itself in the Cuban music scene for its excellence.

Los Surik is a group that was created in Victoria Las Tunas, in eastern Cuba.
Los Surik is a group that was created in Victoria Las Tunas, in eastern Cuba.

This group of fifteen musicians (four of whom are vocalists) was established in Victoria, Las Tunas, in eastern Cuba.

They began their professional careers in 1982, focusing on harmonious arrangements through the use of complex structures, all in service of preserving the authenticity of the genres they perform, such as son, guaracha, merengue, song, and bolero, among others.

Los Surik used to rehearse at the home of José Luis Borrel, across from the old La Gran Señora store (at the intersection of Lucas Ortiz and Julián Santana streets). Later, they moved their instruments to Benny Revuelta’s house, on Gonzalo de Quesada street, at the corner of Lucas Ortiz.

This orchestra has stood out in the world of music in Cuba for its excellence.
This orchestra has stood out in the world of music in Cuba for its excellence.

Los Surik’s repertoire included, among other pieces, classic Spanish and American pop songs, and instrumentals that Benny would recreate with his saxophone. Pablín (now deceased) was an excellent singer, later a finalist on the TV show Todo el mundo canta. Paco Mesa also shone as a vocalist. Catalá was comfortable on the drums, as was Omarito on the bass. The speakers in the photo were designed by José Luis Borrell, who, in addition to being a musician, was a great electronics enthusiast.

In 1994, the group released an album titled Alma Musical (CD (Magic Music 0003-3)). Some of the songs from this album were number one in Cuba at that time.

Los Surik holds an interesting first in their career: its members ushered in the era of discography in Las Tunas, by recording the first long-play record in the territory in 1985. The album features 12 tracks, most of which were authored by group members, and it was recorded at Siboney studios in Santiago de Cuba. Due to its foundational nature, the album is an invaluable piece for the cultural heritage of Las Tunas.

Group Photo and Member

This photo was taken in the 1980s at the home of actress and promoter Blanquita Becerra (center), during the time when this once very popular and distinguished lady of Cuban lyrical theater resided in Las Tunas.

Among other members of the musical collective pictured are Arturo Gooden, Alberto Bada, Benny Revuelta, Gerardo Leyva, Raúl Cáceres, Héctor Aguilar, and Rafael Diez.

At that time, Los Surik was composed of the following musicians:

  • Julián Galbán Cruz – Bass
  • Fernando E. Quintana – Saxophone
  • Herminio García Rodríguez – Trombone
  • Gastón H. Allen Binhan – Trumpet
  • Rolando Portillo Cedeño – Trumpet
  • Arnaldo García Estrada – Keyboards
  • Eldo A. González Mantilla – Piano
  • Pablo S. Machado Palmero – Congas
  • Edilberto Machado Alba – Timbales
  • Luis Alfonso Guerra Ramírez – Bongos
  • José Eugenio Marín Tejeda – Vocals
  • Virginia Iznaga Cantero – Vocals
  • José Manuel Arnedo Rodríguez – Vocals
  • Francisco G. Mesa Marrero – Vocals

Lost Treasures and Alma Musical

Los Surik - Alma Musical (1994)
Los Surik – Alma Musical (1994)

Almost all the orchestra members were composers of the songs they performed. Sadly, many of these songs were never recorded on any album, so we cannot enjoy the high quality of the tracks they created. Only a lucky few had the chance to enjoy them live in concerts they gave outside of Cuba.

Los Surik – Alma Musical (1994)

Tracks:

  1. Dame Un Traguito (Son)
  2. Estoy Romántica (Ballad son)
  3. Amor De Película (Son montuno)
  4. El Cantante Enamorado (Son)
  5. Lo Que Cae Es Candela (Son)
  6. A Ese Le Llaman Parejero (Son montuno)
  7. La Fuerza Del Amor (Merengue)
  8. Juanita Morey (Merengue)
  9. La Luna Compartir (Ballad son)
  10. Voz Universal (Son)
  11. La Noche Junto A Ti (Bolero)

Musicians:

  • Julián Galbán Cruz (Bass)
  • Fernando E. Quintana (Saxophone)
  • Herminio García Rodríguez (Trombone)
  • Gastón H. Allen Binhan (Trumpet)
  • Rolando Portillo Cedeño (Trumpet)
  • Arnaldo García Estrada (Keyboards)
  • Eldo A. González Mantilla (Piano)
  • Pablo S. Machado Palmero (Congas)
  • Edilberto Machado Alba (Timbales)
  • Luis Alfonso Guerra Ramírez (Bongos)
  • José Eugenio Marín Tejeda (Vocals)
  • Virginia Iznaga Cantero (Vocals)
  • José Manuel Arnedo Rodríguez (Vocals)
  • Francisco G. Mesa Marrero (Vocals)

By:

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

EcuRed

Also Read: Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Piñero has played an important role in Cuban music for over seven decades.

Tribute to Alberto Naranjo and his musicians

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

40 years of El Trabuco Venezolano A Deserved Tribute to Alberto Naranjo and his musicians

Teresa Carreno Theater. Caracas, Venezuela August 21 to 25, 2017
Collaboration and Photographs by Lysbeth Weffe

From August 21 to 25, at the Teresa Carreño Theater (TTC), in Caracas, the Tribute to maestro Alberto Naranjo was held for his 57 years of artistic life, and to the group of his creation El Trabuco Venezolano for its 40 years of founding . With a long time of preparation and a lot of love involved, as it said in the hand program and was perceived in the environment, the event had the general production of Franklin Rojas, the Grupo Madera Foundation and the Teresa Carreño Theater Foundation.

Alberto Naranjo and Noel Mijares
Alberto Naranjo and Noel Mijares

More than an orchestra, El Trabuco Venezolano has been an authentic Venezuelan salsa movement born from the initiative of Alberto Naranjo, a veteran drummer and arranger who has walked the trade through the most diverse tendencies and schools of popular music in the Caribbean, always counting with the direct support of the musical producer, Orlando Montiel(I).

It was at a recital conference given by César Miguel Rondón and Domingo “El Flaco” Álvarez at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Caracas, in August 1977, that El TrabucoVenezolano(2) made its public debut.It immediately became the most finished and interesting musical project known to the city of Caracas up to that time. Alberto Naranjo organized it under the concept of a big band with the idea of ​​developing a particular proposal that would differ from its similar ones in the rest of the Caribbean, with a sound that bridges salsa, jazz, funk and Venezuelan.

With seven albums released, two of them live with the group Irakere from Cuba, and having passed more than a hundred performers through its ranks, El Trabuco, more than a group in conventional terms, has been a download and meeting space for local musicians, as well as the best of schools for many of them.

Alberto Naranjo
Alberto Naranjo

He also counts among his achievements, having motivated the Caracas salsa environment of the moment, imposing a high standard that influenced the formation of the best salsa orchestras, apart from creating, in short, his own Caracas sound brand(3).

The activities of this large tribute began on Monday 21 with the talks in the Protocol Plate of the TTC: “History in Venezuelan salsa” with Franklin Rojas and “Hera & Pablo, the Venezuelan salsa dance”; on Tuesday 22, Cheo Guevara’s discussion on “Alberto Naranjo, and his historical mark” and the forum “The production of salsa content in alternative radio” moderated by Zulay Millán. They continued like this throughout the week.

Several workshops were held, among them, “Percussion Tuning” dictated by Nicolás Monterola and “Latin Percussion” by Professor Frank Márquez. Also in the lobby on the ground floor of the TTC, the following concerts were presented: Caracas Legends Ensemble, with its tribute to Eddie Palmieri, the Salsarría Orchestra, Grupo Madera, Mundito and his Orchestra La Celestial, The Big Band of San Agustín and the Orquesta Carlin.

Grupo Madera
Grupo Madera

The highlight of this week of well-deserved recognition was the Trabuco Venezolano concerts at the Ríos Reyna venue on August 24 and 25, presented by Zulay Millán and José Gregorio Acero.

Although with a room not completely full and recalling other times of splendor of a TTC that received the stars of the show from all over the world, we enjoyed two nights of memorable, tasty, lively and educational concerts, with a stage full of great musicians. and a full Alberto Naranjo, going through it and playing around more than directing the members of the big band. With the best of the best-known musicians and singers of Venezuela in the genre, with some of the original members of this group and new talents, we were able to delight ourselves in an exquisite waste of salsa, jazz and funk, lasting three hours each day.

“The teacher was narrating the stories of the different themes that they interpreted…”

Alberto Naranjo at the Teresa Careño with his orchestra "Trabuco Venezolano"
Alberto Naranjo at the Teresa Careño with his orchestra “Trabuco Venezolano”

The member musicians of El Trabuco Venezolano 2017, present at the concerts on August 24 and 25, were: Alberto Lazo (piano), José “Mortadelo” Soto (bass), William Vásquez (three), William Mora (tumbadoras), Frank Márquez (timbale), Franklin Rojas (bongo), Hugo Olivero (sax), Eduardo “Mondy” Dávila (sax), Manuel Barrios (sax), Irvin Blanco (sax), Edwin Ruiz (sax), Adrián Suárez (trombone), Eliel Rivero (trombone), Pedro Carrero (trombone), Franklin Moreno (trombone), Oscar Mendoza (trombone), Vicente Freijeiro (trumpet), Rafael Rey (trumpet), Gustavo Aranguren (trumpet), José “Cheo” Rodríguez (trumpet) , Noel Mijares (trumpet), Edgar “Dolor” Quijada (voice), Troy Purroy (voice), José Luis Peña (voice), Yeci Ramos (voice), Arturo Guaramato (voice).

The teacher was narrating the stories of the different songs they performed, referring to the fact that his musicians were chosen by meritocracy, sharing with the audience and ordering someone to shut up on more than one occasion, in a humorous tone, yes. He reminded us that they are not only dedicated to salsa and in some pieces where they did not sing, he emphasized that they were instrumental and that they could help us soar our imagination and dream.

Yeci Ramos, Juan Jose Conde, Edgar "Dolor" Quijada, Jose Luis Peña, Troy Purroy
Yeci Ramos, Juan Jose Conde, Edgar “Dolor” Quijada, Jose Luis Peña, Troy Purroy

The great experience of this meeting of musicians that has been El Trabuco Venezolano was reflected in a repertoire of 13 songs, including originals, emblematic and premieres, which they gave us.

They began with the songs “Yo Soy La Rumba” (Marcelino Guerra) with the solo voice of Troy Purroy and a timpani solo by Frank Márquez, “Bravo Rumbero” (José “Cheo” Navarro) sung by Edgar “Dolor” Quijada, “ La Negra Tomasa” (Guillermo Rodríguez Fiffe) in the voice of Arturo Guaramato, “Tres Días”, an original theme by Chucho Valdés and ceded to El Trabuco, sung by José Luís Peña, with the participation of the dancers Hera and Pablo. At this point, the entire audience had warmed up, and there was even a couple from the public who danced in the hall from the beginning of the concert until the end, both days.

The night continued with the emblematic “Almendra” (Alberto Barroso). This theme arranged by Naranjo for Arturo Sandoval 46 years ago, featured the masterful participation of Noel Mijares -Venezuela Big Band Jazz, Desorden Público- on trumpet, interacting with great complicity with the maestro. It followed with a premiere, “Alna’s Mambo” an instrumental composition, subliminal as Naranjo described it.

Yeci Ramos, Juan Jose Conde, Edgar "Dolor" Quijada, Jose Luis Peña, Troy Purroy - Photo
Yeci Ramos, Juan Jose Conde, Edgar “Dolor” Quijada, Jose Luis Peña, Troy Purroy – Photo

The concert continued with “Gongo Blues” (Eduardo Cabrera), a theme in which the extraordinary solos of Eliel Rivero on the trombone, Gustavo Aranguren on the trumpet, Manuel Barrios on the saxophone and Alberto Naranjo pleased us playing the kettledrum. . He followed up with the instrumental “El Ojo del Huracán,” a Latin jazz combo, which was written in the early ’70s and still sounds weird, Maestro Naranjo said.

Then with the song “Oye como va” (Tito Puente) the rumba was lit up, the lights in the room were turned on and hardly anyone could keep up without stopping and dancing. In the song “El Hijo del Sonero” (Ricardo Quintero) Yeci Ramos sang, in “El Cumaco de San Juan” (Francisco Delfin Pacheco), Arturo Guaramato and in “Compañeros” (Ricardo Quintero), Juan José Conde, these three songs they were accompanied by the drums of Grupo Madera.

“Imágenes Latinas” (Bernardo Palombo – Andy González), was the theme chosen as the finale, a piece that has become a cult object among music lovers, the salsa audience and lovers of Latin jazz, according to the words of connoisseur José Orellán .

It featured the extraordinary participation of Adrián Suárez in the trombone and bodyguard solo, and the interpretation of the son player Edgar “Dolor” Quijada.

Alberto Naranjo in his tribute
Alberto Naranjo in his tribute

At the concert on Friday 25, El Trabuco Venezolano and its creator were declared CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE NATION by the Institute of Cultural Heritage (IPC) and the Ministry of People’s Power of Culture of Venezuela.

With the hope that this experience can be repeated in other theaters in the country and the world, we congratulate the organizers, Alberto Naranjo and the musicians of El Trabuco Venezolano for having received such well-deserved recognition as Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Notes: (1) and (2) The salsa book. Chronicle of urban Caribbean music. Cesar Miguel Rondon. Ediciones B Venezuela SA., 2007. (3) Taken from the Caracas Exhibition. Ciudad del Son, montage and texts by Alejandro Calzadilla, at the La Estancia Cultural Center, belonging to the company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA La Estancia), September 2017.

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