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The latest news about the world of salsa

As usual, Johnny Cruz brings us the latest news about the world of salsa in New York. This month is very special, as there are currently many new musical productions made by some of the most famous Latin music groups of recent times. In addition, we talk a little about upcoming events at one of the most recognized venues in all of New York.  

New recording by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

It was recently announced that El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico has released its latest album entitled De Trulla Con El Combo, the first Christmas musical work in decades. The album contains a total of 10 songs with a focus on lighthearted and Christmas themes, which are very popular in the Island of Enchantment. This could make more than one boricua return to his roots and remember what this wonderful time of year was like at his birthplace. 

Let us recall that the orchestra had already released a Christmas album called La Fiesta de Pilito in 1985, so it is not the first time that the Puerto Rican group experiences this type of themes for some of its musical productions. 

Something that makes Rafael Ithier, director of the orchestra, very proud is that they managed to create the album in a very short time, thing that did not happen with their other Christmas works. Evidently, these times of pandemic were extremely productive for the Gran Combo, which is very near to celebrating its 60-year artistic career. Despite the prolonged time, this group of musicians has not yet lost what makes them unique in the public’s eyes.  

New Christmas album by La Sonora Ponceña 

As well as the previous case, La Sonora Ponceña has done the same and released a new Christmas album entitled Christmas Star, which would be the fourth musical work of this kind that the group has done in its entire artistic career. 

What most characterizes this musical production is the use of themes that are largely related to the holiday season in Puerto Rico, something that will undoubtedly create a nostalgia feeling in many who listen to it.   

Enrique Pappo Lucca said they want to present a work which is as faithful as possible to the musical quality that has always characterized La Sonora Ponceña, but without losing the essence of what this season is and what it represents for Puerto Ricans. 

This album is available on digital platforms and physical stores for those who wish to purchase it and celebrate Christmas with this incredible group in the background.  

Events at the Lehman Center for the Arts in the coming months 

The first big event at the Lehman for the Arts in January will be Manny Cruz’s first performance in the establishment. This talented Dominican will be delighting the audience on January 29 at 8 pm. It is worth mentioning that Cruz has been nominated for the Latin Grammy four times and the genres in which he specializes are ballad, pop, merengue and bachata. 

Almost a month later, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández will perform at the Lehman Center to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a very special classical choreography for the occasion. The company’s last tour a few years ago was a resounding success and there is no doubt that this time will be no exception.   

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

Review of Rubén Blades’ National Tour

The Ruben Blades concert at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre on Saturday, November 20th was sensational!  The anticipation of the packed intergenerational crowd to his first visit In 18 years was at a high peak.

Blades wowed the audience with a stunning performance backed by bassist Roberto Delgado’s dynamic Big Band.

Ruben’s powerful voice was as crystal clear as when he started his career with Ray Barretto back in 1974.

Latin Grammy for Salswing!

His set list was a retrospective into his vast and deep repertoire that included his big hits, crowd favorites, esoteric song choices and selections from his Latin Grammy award winning album Salswing!

The musicianship that accompanied Blades was top notch as Roberto Delgado’s crack band were tight, explosive and swinging!

The visuals projected on the huge screen above Ruben were imaginative displaying photo tributes to Hector Lavoe as well as to recently deceased Latin music giants and clever animation that was the backdrop for songs.

This was a triumphant return to the SF Bay Area for Blades who last played a concert here in 2003 at Roccapulco.

He performed for 2 hours and 40 minutes to the delight of the massive crowd.  What a show!!

BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM

Edwin “Mulenze” Morales was born on 9 April.

Orquesta Mulenze came out in 1976 due to the motivation of Edwin Morales. At that time, he was a young rocker who decided to change his guitar for a bass and in turn become part of Orquesta Yambo, often accompanyng artists such as Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda among others arriving in Puerto Rico without an orchestra; then it was later identified and we would know as MULENZE.

The Orchestra was created in the era where salsa was booming and was fortunate to have musicians, composers and singers of great stature who are now recognized. These include Cano Estremera (R.I.P), (El albino de la Salsa) who would later join Bobby Valentín’s band as a vocalist; in the choir singer-songwriter Pedro Arroyo who has brought several of his compositions to Mulenze, in the piano Andy Guzmán and Eric Figueroa. The latter would be one of the influencers in the style which would be adopted by the orchestra, practicing a little sophisticated and revolutionary rhythm for the public that follows popular music.

Mulenze was one of the first orchestras to use synthesizers within salsa, working rhythmically out of the beat in which the clave pattern is set, giving some jazz variations to their music; it was an innovation that was not very accepted by the groups that were already established at that time, though later this would give respect and an its own identity to the orchestra with its brilliant arrangements.

The ninth record production “Extravagante”

This ninth record production “Extravagante” is impossible to get since 1990 as the company under which it was released has ceased to exist and it is one of those many lost records.

In the voices of Pedro Brull and Rafy Andino, excellent album and Edwin “Mulenze” Morales as director of the group with a first-class team of musicians and arrangers surprises us with this release.

Orquesta Mulenze – Extravagante 1990.

Record label: Hitt Makers

Quédate: Written-By – Pedro Arroyo

Ese Loco De La Vida: Written-By – Juan Bautista

Es Al Amor Que Llega: Written-By – Jose Luis Perales*

No Hay Preguntas: Written-By – Jose Luis Perales*

Contra Viento Y Marea: Written-By – Gloria Gonzalez

Zumba Con Mi Rumba: Written-By – Poldo Castro

Mi Tremendo Caso: Written-By – Tite Curet Alonso

A Dormir Afuera: Written-By Fabio Espinoza, Joaquin Galan, Lucia Galan

Arrangers:

Eric Figueroa (2) (tracks: B3),

Julio Alvarado (tracks: A2, B1),

Luis Garcia (5) (tracks: B2),

Ricky Rodriguez (3) (tracks: A1, A3, A4, B4).

Talent:

Bongos, Cowbell – Charlie Sierra

Congas – Jimmy Garcia (3)

Choir – Alex Castro (3), Cheo Andújar

Guest Musician, Congas – Giovanni Hidalgo, Johnny Rivero

Guest Musician, Keyboards – Jose Pujales

Guest Musician], Maracas – Cusy Castillo

Guest Musician, Timbales – Chago Martinez

Guest Musician, Trombone – José Berrios

Guest Musician, Trumpet – Carlos Martinez (3), Mario Ortiz Jr.

Güiro – Ricardo Salgado

Leader, Bass, Producer, Directed By – Edwin Morales

Mixed By – Papo Sánchez (2)

Piano, Keyboards – Ricky Rodriguez (3)

Producer – Antonio Rodríguez

Technician – Andrés Reyes, George Kamarinos

Technician, Mixed By – Ricky Martínez

Timbales – Roberto Whatts

Trombone – Eliut Cintron, Rafy Torres

Trumpet – Angie Machado, Roberto Santiago (2)

Vocals – Pedro Brull, Rafy Andino

Vocals, Choir – Jose L. Ramos

Extravagante 1990

#SalsaIsCulture

Article of Interest: Mulenze The Orchestra of Eternal Youth

Sources: Julio Vázquez Productions