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Enrique Ramil presents his new single “Mentira”

The Spanish Enrique Ramil brings “Mentira” as part of his new stage

Enrique Ramil presents his new single “Mentira” as part of what he wants to show us in this new facet, which begins with AGTE Live. The single is not only exciting because it is Enrique’s latest, but is produced by the acclaimed Venezuelan duo SanLuis, made up of brothers Santiago and Luigi Castillo.

“The song talks about the moment when you discover that everything you have lived is a lie, because of someone who has been cheating on you. Feelings are mixed because it hurts that they have lied to you, but also having been slow to realize it. It’s something which is, in a way, liberating. On an emotional level it is a long but satisfying journey, “explained Ramil.

Enrique Ramil
Enrique Ramil and his Mentira.

This single is composed by Luigi and Santiago Castillo, Juan Mari Monte, Enrique Ramil and Frederick Meléndez. Recorded recently in the United States under the attentive and dedicated production of Santiago and Luigi who wanted to give more light to Enrique’s talent, while launching their own label “La Castillera Music”.

“We introduce you to Enrique Ramil, one of the most incredible performers we have ever met, and with whom we have the honor of presenting our label La Castillera Music. Thank you @enriqueramil @agtelive and @ada_latin for trusting in our pen and our artistic vision to develop such beautiful work. This is just the beginning… ” the duo posted on their Instagram account.

At the same time Enrique took advantage of this step to work with Erika Ender, Yasmil Marrufo, Ángel Pututi, Johan Morales, Juan Mari Montes, Julio César Rodríguez, Linda Briceño and Mario Cáceres, all Latin Grammy winners, in various songwriting sessions.

“Many people are going to feel identified. I like having worked with SanLuis, Frederick and Juan Mari, people that I admired from before,” added Ramil.

Learn more about Enrique Ramil

Enrique was born in Ares, A Coruña in Spain. Since he was little he had a penchant for music, singing, dancing and acting. His career obtained a new level and achievement when he won the 2020 edition of “Tierra de Talento” a program on Canal Sur, but Ramil is not new in the field, he already has more than 15 years of career with hard work.

Enrique Ramil
Enrique presents Mentira.

In fact, being part of a program is not something new for him and he is phenomenal, he has already participated in more programs in different facets as a contestant, coach, chorus or guest artist. He is a very versatile and chameleon artist, but what he has always stood out for has been his very unique voice and his brilliant personality. He has tried various genres like jazz, gospel, and even bossa nova.

“Music heals me, excites me and makes me a better person. That is what I want to provoke in whoever listens to me”, he maintains.

After his triumph in “Tierra de Talento” he secured a contract with AGTE Live Entertainment, a company based in the United States that marks the beginning of Enrique’s internationalization. “Mentira” is the first step in this new stage, a single that can be found on all digital platforms and whose official video already has almost 540 thousand views on Enrique’s official channel.

 

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Eddie Palmieri Memorable Career

Eddie Palmieri

There are not many musicians who try to step outside the industry’s pre-established mold and experiment, but those talented artists who dare to do so are often remembered. Some define him as a genius, others as a revolutionary, the truth is that it is evident that Eddie Palmieri’s style has always been ahead of his time. He is among those artists who preferred to do something different rather than simply adapt to the commercial trends that existed in the music industry in the 1960s, which is why he has always been considered an experimental and brilliant artist.

Eddie Palmieri

Born in New York, although with Puerto Rican parents, Eddie showed interest in music since he was just a kid. At the young age of 14, his talent did already lead him to create his first orchestra. Tropical music and jazz were special genres for Palmieri, so Palmieri showed a special interest in both. Despite starting out as a percussionist, he eventually showed more interest in the piano, and his natural talent was evident, so he decided to become a pianist. That was the beginning of a career that would be full of success.

His career began when he participated in the orchestras of Vicentico Valdés and Tito Rodríguez, where he gained experience that would later lead him to create his own band, one that would mark a crucial change in Palmieri’s personal and professional life, the name of the legendary band was “La perfecta” (The perfect one).

In 1962, la perfecta made their debut, adding trombones and trumpets to the sound of the flute and violins of the era, thus creating a fresh, and peculiar sound that people were starting to love. It is normal that his love for jazz led him to continually experiment with different sounds, but what Eddie did not know at the time, was that those “experiments” would eventually make him a person worthy of being considered one of the greatest exponents of Latin jazz and salsa.

Eddie Palmieri
An amazing career.

Awards

It is true that the quality of a great artist is not only defined by the awards he owns, but it is a prove of how relevant his music has been in different eras; in Eddie Palmieri’s case, his showcase is quite full of awards, here are a few of the most important ones: In 1976 the American achieved a memorable feat at the Grammy Awards by winning the coveted statuette, all thanks to The Sun of Latin Music, a production recorded by him. This would be the first Latin American production to win this award.

Eddie Palmieri

On the other hand, Eddie also won the award for Musical Excellence, an award given by the Academia Latina de la Grabación (Latin Recording Academy); Another important achievement was being recognized by the NEA Jazz Masters Award thanks to his passage through jazz.

His musical career is very extensive, as is his discography, so his biggest hits have been compiled in the following compilations: The History of Eddie Palmieri (1975), Gold: 1973-1976 (1976), The Music Man (1977), Salsa Caliente de Nu York! (2001), Sugar Daddy (2007), El Virtuoso (2010) y Salsa Brothers (2011).

 

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Written Salsa, Barquisimeto’s Salsa Column presents Pamir Guánchez

By: Professor MSc. Carlos Colmenárez (Venezuela)

Pamir Guánchez, brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger.

The special guest of this edition of Salsa Written is the brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger Pamir Guánchez, born in Caracas, who began his artistic career at an early age.

Welcome Pamir to the Barquisimeto salsa column, we would like to know how were your musical beginnings? Thank you Professor Carlos for inviting me to your column, which has won praise both in my country and here in the United States of America. I received formal training in my beginnings at the National Conservatory of Music “Juan José Landaeta” in the city of Caracas, where I studied for 10 years, graduating as a flutist.

I studied theory and solfeggio, harmony and music history, I received saxophone lessons with Maestro Rolando Briceño in New York City for 5 years, I was also part of the Youth Symphony Orchestra with Maestro José Antonio Abreu and also in the Caracas Chamber Orchestra for 3 years.

Written Salsa, Barquisimeto's Salsa Column presents Pamir Guánchez
Pamir Guánchez, brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger

Which orchestras have you belonged to? I belonged to different orchestras and tropical groups such as Orquesta La Bronko, Los Melódicos de Renato Capriles, Orquesta La Magnífica de Elio Pacheco, Tabaco y sus Metales, Orquesta Amistad de Chuito y Rodrigo, Orquesta Fascinación de Maracay.

Excellent Pamir, by the way, how did you join the orchestra of the Sonero del Mundo? In 1989, while I was with the Fascinación Orchestra, I was discovered by maestro Oscar D’León, who recognized my talent and opened the doors of his orchestra for me to enter as a flutist and saxophonist. I was there permanently for 15 years, where I was able to travel the world and experience some of the most important moments of my career, such as playing at the famous Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Guanchez thanks to his preparation, experience and artistic career with Oscar D’Leon, went on to join one of the iconic orchestras of salsa, as is the Orchestra of the Queen of Salsa Celia Cruz, where he remained for 2 consecutive years, performing as a flutist and baritone saxophonist, experience that marked his artistic career, to live very emotional moments next to the “Guarachera de Cuba“.

Pamir, I understand that you also participated with maestro Tito Puente Jr? Indeed professor, I was also a flutist and saxophonist, making myself known during my time with the orchestra of Tito Puente Jr., with whom I recorded his penultimate musical production “Siguiendo los pasos de mi padre” alongside Latin Jazz stars such as the sax master Mario Rivera and I also accompanied him in his presentations around the world.

In terms of recordings, what can you tell us? In 2004 I began recording my first musical production entitled “Pamir con alma de protón“, which with the song “La Charanga de Pamir” won the Estrella award, an award given to local artists with international projection, the CD was signed by the company Protel and was distributed by Universal Latino, with this CD I begin another facet of my career and it is as a singer.

In 2006, seeking to attract and enter the Anglo-Saxon market, I recorded my second CD called "Via Miami", completely instrumental and with the Latin jazz cut, a production that has had great acceptance among jazz lovers.
Pamir Guánchez brilliant Venezuelan singer, flautist, saxophonist and arranger

In 2006, looking to attract and enter the Anglo-Saxon market I recorded my second CD called “Via Miami“, completely instrumental and with the Latin jazz cut, a production that has had great acceptance among jazz lovers.

In 2009 I recorded my third musical production entitled “Pamir inconfundible“, with the promotional number “El soñador“, lyrics, music and composition by Oscar D’León, and also with the participation of former Fania All Stars bassist Salvador Cuevas in a tribute to Jhonny Pacheco, director and flautist of Fania, This CD was on the list for the Latin Grammy nominees, I also counted with the participation of the musicians of the Oscar D’León Orchestra with whom I have a magnificent relationship both professionally and as a friend.

Professor Carlos, I also had the honor of recording with José Alberto “El Canario”, the song “El canario y la flauta”.

Also, with Oscar D’León the song “Baila apretao“, both compositions of the maestro Víctor Gámez.

Pamir has received certification of participation in the 11th annual Latin Grammy Awards, for his participation as a musician in the winning recording, “Tesoros de la música venezolana” (Treasures of Venezuelan music), as he accompanied Ilan Chester.

I was part of the Youth Symphony Orchestra with Maestro José Antonio Abreu.
Pamir Guánchez, born in Caracas, began his artistic career at a very early age.

He has appeared on numerous television programs such as “Despierta America” on Univision, Azteca TV, America TV, interviews on different radio stations in Venezuela, USA, Colombia, Peru, Europe, where they have given him the opportunity to make himself known and continue advancing in his artistic career. Recently he was promoting his fourth musical production called “Se pega“, which has its promotional video. With this production Pamir & La Pachanguísima has won for two consecutive years the 3rd Annual Legends Award and 4th Annual Award as best flutist, at the same time when he is requested by maestro Oscar D’León he accompanies him on stage.

Congratulations Pamir for your extraordinary artistic career and from International Salsa Magazine and from www.salsagoogle.com and from this server Carlos Colmenárez, we wish you to continue reaping success, putting the name of Venezuela on high. Thank you very much Professor Carlos for giving me the opportunity to make contact with my country through your column and I hope to be with you again, blessings, a hug in the distance.

Pamir Guánchez, brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger.

 

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Let us remember the Puerto Rican Catalino Curet Alonso.

Biography

By: Héctor Valor Fernández correspondent from Caracas, Venezuela

 

 

Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso was born in the town of Guayama, Puerto Rico on February 12, 1926, the son of an orchestra musician and a seamstress. He was just two years old when his parents separated; his mother and sister moved to Barrio Obrero, Santurce, with his grandmother, who was responsible for his upbringing. He also received his primary and secondary education.

 

Puerto Rican composer Catalino Curet Alonso
Photo of the Puerto Rican composer Catalino Curet Alonso

Life in the neighborhood and his experiences there influenced his music. He studied music theory and solfeggio with professor Jorge Rubián, at the same time as growing up with other Latin music great legends such as Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Rivera, and Daniel Santos.

After graduating from high school, he began studying journalism and sociology at the University of Puerto Rico. For more than 20 he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and, at the same time, he was composing songs. In 1960 he moved to New York City, where he worked for the newspaper “La Prensa” as a sports journalist.

In 1965, Alonso met percussionist and salsa singer Joe Quijano, who committed one of his compositions entitled “Efectivamente” to record for the first time. In 1968 and 1969 he composed songs expressly for La Lupe such as “Carcajada final”, “Puro teatro”, and “La Tirana”.

In the early 1970s, “Tite” got into the salsa movement led by the label of Fania Records in which he became the composer of the greatest classics of the genre.

Alonso composed more than two thousand songs, such as “Anacaona”, “Periódico de ayer”, “Lamento de Concepción”, “Las Caras lindas”, “Juan Albañil”, “Mi triste problema”, “Tiemblas”, “Plantación Adentro”, “De todas maneras rosas”, “Marejada feliz”, among many others.

Alonso’s compositions were interpreted by the greatest singers and groups in the Latin American music industry: Joe Quijano, Cheo Feliciano, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Willie Colón, Tito Rodríguez, Héctor Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Ismael Miranda, Roberto Roena, Bobby Valentin, Marvin Santiago, Justo Betancourt, Willie Rosario, Pete “Conde” Rodríguez, Andy Montañez, Rafael Cortijo, Tommy Olivencia, Frankie Ruiz, Rubén Blades, among others.  Tite” Curet Alonso is considered the most important composer of salsa music in his country and Latin America of the 20th century.

Puerto Rican composer Catalino Curet Alonso
Colash of Puerto Rican composer Catalino Curet Alonso

Catalino Curet Alonso left a son, Eduardo, and a daughter, Ilda, as well as several grandchildren. He maintained a fruitful loving relationship with Norma Salazar, an excellent Puerto Rican exponent dedicated to working with children, literary work, craftsmanship, and dance with traditional Puerto Rican rhythms.

She knew quite a lot about Tite’s efforts because she knew full well that beneath that face, that unbreakable smile, and that ever-present hat, there was a man permeated by great emotions, a loving discourse with a political edge, and she kept vigil with a man responsible for his work.

Catalino Curet Alonso died in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., on August 5, 2003, at the age of 77, as a consequence of respiratory involvement which caused him a heart attack.

His remains rest in the Santa María Magdalena cementery of La Perla in Viejo San Juan. “La Perla, where patriots are buried”. His tomb is close to those of Rafael Hernández, Pedro Flores, and Daniel Santos.

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Takafumi Nikaido Born in Sapporo Japan in 1993

“To Takafumi Nikaido we send our congratulations for his professionalism, virtuosity and mastery of the tumbadoras”.
Giraldo Piloto Barreto (Klimax)

During his time in Cuba, he studied with leading percussionists such as José Luis Quintana “Changuito”.

Takafumi Nikaido began playing the saxophone at age 6 and was inspired to venture into percussion and studied with Fujio Saito after seeing a live performance by Earth Wind & Fire at age of 7.

At the age of 12, he traveled to Cuba to take dance and drumming lessons where he collaborated with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.

He studied theory and interpretation with people like Eguie Castrillo, Tiger Okoshi, Mark Walker, Oscar Stagnaro and Jim Odgren.

Takafumi Nikaido Born in Sapporo Japan in the year 1993
Takafumi Nikaido professionalism, virtuosity and mastery of the tumbadora drums

In 2014 he traveled back to Cuba to attend the Fiesta del Tambor Percussion Competition where he received the “Best Foreign Participant Award”.

During his time in Cuba he studied with prominent percussionists such as Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito”, Adel Gonzalez, Adonis Panter Calderon and Osain Del Monte.

At Berklee, he performed with artists such as Oscar Feldman, Terence Blanchard, Jon Secada, FANTINE, Sivamani, Ruben Rada, Totó la Momposina and Mane De La Parra.

That summer, he became involved with “The United East Jazz Quintet” and performed live in 9 clubs from all over Japan and South Korea.

In the summer of that same year, he became involved with "The Untied East Jazz Quintet" and played at 9 venues throughout Japan and South Korea.
During his time in Cuba he studied with the outstanding

They formed the musical group “MIXCLA” together with musicians Zahili Gonzalez Zamora and Gerson Lazo and perform pretty regularly, especially within Boston.

In 2015, he performed at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal as a Zahili Gonzalez Zamora Project member.

He is currently studying at Berklee College of Music and participating in musical projects other than Latin music such as pop and jazz.

After high school, he attended Berklee College of Music as a scholarship student. He studied theory and interpretation with people like Eguie Castrillo, Tiger Okoshi, Mark Walker, Oscar Stagnaro and Jim Odgren. While at Berklee he performed with artists such as Carlos Vives,Yosvany Terry, Oscar Feldman,Terence Blanchard,Jon Secada, Darren Barrett, Sivamani,Ruben Rada,Totó la Momposina, and Mane De La Parra. He graduated with a degree from Berklee College of Music in 2016.

In 2014 he traveled to Cuba to attend the Fiesta del Tambor Percussion Competition where he received the “Best Foreign Participant Award”. During his time in Cuba he studied with prominent percussionists such as Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito”, Adel Gonzalez, Adonis Panter Calderon, Barbaro Crespo “Machito”, and Osain Del Monte.

At Berklee he performed at international jazz festivals such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the Monterey Jazz Festival and the DC Jazz Festival, among others.

The Latin trio “MIXCLA” was nominated for “International Artist of the Year” by the Boston Music Awards in 2018 and 2019.

As well as recorded the sounds of percussion for the soundtrack of “Final Fantasy XV”, which is a video game series that has surpassed 6 million sales worldwide and for the original soundtrack of the anime Dr. Stone.

After moving to New York in 2020, he continues to perform with legendary artists such as Paquito D’ Rivera, and Darren Barrett. Next year, he will perform as an ensemble/dummer in the off-broadway musical “The Visitor” directed by Daniel Sullivan which is a Tony Award winner in 2001.(Last updated Sep, 2020)

Website: Takafumi Nikaido