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How Birdland began operating and its role in Latin music

What is Birdland?

Birdland has been the place in which many of the most important New York’s stars of the show were born and has represented the beginning of many artistic careers that have achieved worldwide fame, so this spectacular venue deserves all the recognition and fame that it has accumulated over the years.

This is a jazz club that began operations in December 1949 in Manhattan and was closed for a few years until its reopening in 1986. What happened was that a second location of the same name was opened in Manhattan and was not too far from the land on which the original club operated. Today, Birdland operates at the same facility as the headquarters of the famous local newspaper The New York Observer in the past.

Stage at Birdland — Stage of the jazz club Birdland

Story about how the idea to create Birdland was born

During the 1920s, there were a lot of musicians who had to move to New York City because it was there that the biggest jazz movement of the moment was being produced. It could be said that the birthplace of the most famous jazz styles of the last decades was the Big Apple and its surroundings.

It was there where and when the musical career of Charlie Parker, affectionately known as Bird by most of his fans, emerged. Some time later, it would be this brilliant artist and talented saxophonist who would get one of the most popular jazz clubs in the city and the country in general named after him. This would be one of the many tributes received by Parker before and after his death in 1955.

Once Birdland was opened in the late 1940s, the saxophonist began performing there on a regular basis along with many other music legends of the moment such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Lennie Tristano, Maxie Kaminsky and many more. Although Birdland was named to honour Charlie, that did not keep the artist from having some friction with Oscar Goodstein, one of the founders of the venue, who said that Parker was constantly asking for too much money. As the story goes, this was the reason why the musician did not perform as many times as expected.

On the facade of the club, a neon sign could read Birdland, Jazz Corner of the World, making it clear what its customers would find once they entered the facility. Once inside, there was space for approximately 500 visitors and a full orchestra to lighten the mood that night. Birdland included a very long bar, spacious tables, stands with a wide variety of products, folding chairs, among other things. At that time, customers only had to pay a $1.50 fee to enjoy everything that the nightclub had to offer.

It went on to have so much prestige that it had among its visitors Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Gary Cooper, among other personalities from the entertainment world. It has taken so much popularity in those years that composer George Shearing dedicated one of his greatest creations entitled Lullaby of Birdland to it, which was also inspired by Charlie Parker as well as the name of the place.

Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane at Birdland — Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane performing at Birdland in 1951

The role of Birdland in Latin music

Just as Birdland contributed to the emergence of important careers in the jazz music scene, it also did the same with a good number of Latin music singers who saw this corner of New York as an opportunity to make their art known to other audiences. One of them was world-famous bandleader, composer and musician Tito Puente, who performed at the venue on several occasions and improvised many sets with Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton.

There is also the case of Tito Rodríguez, who made use of his great talent to record a spectacular live album entirely dedicated to Birdland and whose name was Live at Birdland. In addition, he featured incredible collaborations with great musicians such as Clark Terry, Al Conh, Zoot Sims, among others.

Another of the great Latin music artists who came to perform at this venue was Cuban bandleader, arranger and trumpet player Chico O’Farrill. The artist played and recorded at the club on a wekly basis about the time he already had his own orchestra called Afrocuban Jazz Orchestra. Arturo O’Farrill, worthy son of his father, also performs regularly at Birdland with his orchestra The Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Announcement about Tito Puente's concert — Announcement of Tito Puente’s show at Birdland in 1999

Music programming in January at Cascal Restaurant

What Cascal Restaurant has to offer

Cascal is a colorful and lively restaurant that has become one of the best culinary options that people of the State of California can choose when it comes to enjoying an exquisite meal in good company. When we check the official website of the establishment, we can clearly see the wide variety of cuisine that its friendly staff strives to offer its diners, one of the reasons why they are so popular in these times of pandemic.

One of the reasons why this restaurant stands out from the rest is that it strives to mix the delicious Spanish flavors with the exotic Latin American culture, something that has been very well received by those who have had the opportunity to attend its facilities and see for themselves how good this place they have heard about is.

In addition to offering spectacular dishes, they always have very special guests who ensure that visitors spent a pleasant time and pair their meal with good music and entertainment for the whole family. Next up, we will talk a little bit about what Cascal Restaurant has to offer to its visitors musically speaking.

This is Cascal — The facade of Cascal Restaurant

Music programming throughout the month of January

The first month of the year is reputed to be boring and lean in many ways, but this is not the case with Cascal, as it has a very special schedule for all Fridays and Saturdays in January.

Edgardo Cambón y Su Conjunto LaTIDo will be one of the groups to be presented at the venue just as they did during 2021 on a recurring basis. It is a Latin music group based in Oakland, California, and was created by Edgardo Cambón, who has a long history as a bandleader, vocalist, conguero and other things. The group has been shown to have a vast repertoire that can mix the classic salsa style of the 80s and 90s with much more recent rhythms without ever falling into monotony.

Edgardo Cambón playing — Edgardo Cambón performing at Cascal

According to information provided by Brad Daley, who is part of Cascal’s staff, Edgardo and LaTIDo will be performing at the establishment on 7 and 21 January between 7:30 and 10:00 P.M.

Another artist performing is acclaimed guitarist and music teacher Daniel Yarritú, who has been performing at Cascal since some years ago. On this occasion, he will not be alone, as he will be joined by fellow guitarist Gary Carpenter and master percussionist Luis Carranza. It is expected that the trio will perform on Saturday 8, Friday 14 and Friday 28 during this month.

The third and final group that will be at Cascal will be Gypsy Tribe, which will perform on Saturdays 15, 22 and 29 of this month. The band consists of Nesser Babolmoradi (founder of the band, musician and composer), Nicolas Adams (lead guitar), Jack Marshall (bass guitar), Willie Garza (percussion), Dany Cobo (violin), Ardie Salem (percussion).

Acknowledgements

We want to give special thanks to Brad Daley, Cascal’s general manager who was the one who provided us with all information related to events and shows at the venue for the month of January.

What effects does music have on our brain?

Undeniably, music plays a very important role in the life of every human being, even if he/she is not dedicated to it in a professional manner. This is because this set of sounds has very specific effects on the brain that might surprise those who deny how influential it can be at various levels.

Since we were just kids, we are fully exposed to all kinds of musical genres, some of which can help us develop our mental and brain capacities which, as an effect, can lead to a better memory, a higher concentration and much more attention to the activities we do. At the same time, our mathematical, language and conflict resolution skills.

The ear is an extremely powerful stimulation tool for our brain, which has made it to be taken into account as one of the many ways in which certain physical and mental suffering can be treated. In the specific case of music, we must remember that not all musical genres serve to achieve the same goals, so we should evaluate each of them individually.

Music is important to our brain — Brain and music

What effect does salsa have on the brain?

Salsa

In the case of salsa, we can say that the brain will receive a very special cocktail of adrenaline and dopamine, which will bring as a consequence the activation and relaxation of certain areas of the brain at the same time. It might seem counterintuitive, but it is really not. Given that salsa is a genre that invites to body movement, the effects are numerous, such as the stress relief, the increase in cardio-vascular capacity and a tremendous improvement in the coordination and balance.

What is happening with salsa can perfectly happen with other dance rhythms such as bachata, merengue, kizomba and many others. There are many physical trainers and coaches who use these genres to relax their clients after having used other sounds of greater impact.

Jazz

One of the biggest benefits brought by jazz on the brain is total relaxation of the body and the mind in those moments when we can be full of stress or anguish. Many used to think that this genre induced sadness in those who listen to it, but it there is evidence that the opposite can happen.

In fact, it has been proven that jazz can have the same calming effect as a cigarette in a smoker. The same can happen with blues, which is very similar to jazz, so its effects on the brain are similar.

Classical Music

A lot has been said and studied about the effects that classical music can have in certain areas of the brain. There are also many myths about it, such as becoming more intelligent when we listen to it, which has already been proven to be completely false. What is true is that it can help us develop our ideas in a better way and learn in a more optimal way. In fact, it has been proven that several symphonies put the brain in a state of alert that can be highly conducive to learning in many cases.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, world-famous composer of the Classical period

More information here: Frequency 432 Hertz and what experts say on this issue

Liveri Music Festival and its 7 great musical groups.

After several days of confinement for many of us internationally, the entertainment world has managed to stay alive in one way or another, such as: the emergence of online events that was a new and experimental experience for many since Most of us enjoy a live event, but distraction and enjoyment were achieved through social networks in a safe way for its spectators, inside their homes, however after almost 2 years the organizers of musical events They already know what are the security measures against the Covid-19 pandemic which are being applied everywhere, especially vaccination with this terrible disease.

Liveri Music Festival flyer — Liveri Music Festival 2021 Flyer

Latin America little by little began to come out of the shadows and open the premises, academies and the performance in events including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, among others. In November of this year (2021) in Venezuela the Liveri Music Festival 2021 was held at the Soccer Field of the Simon Bolivar University (USB) in Caracas on November 27 thanks to the production of Evenpro and its hosts (Copa Airlines, Corona , Vincenti, Diablitos Underwood, Venemergencia, Cacique, Pepsi, Digitel, Ridery, La Mega and Universidad) where great DJs of the country were presented and there were also great international musical artists, which are Rawayana, Guaco, Nacho, Caramelos de Cianuro, Sixto Rein , Public Disorder, Akapellah.

Although a more spaced schedule of activities had been organized (3 days of event “25, 26 and 27”), it ended up taking place only on November 27, being a very busy day with a great variety of themes and musical genres in the Simon Bolivar University .

For this great day, the participation of the artists was enjoyed starting at 12 pm, all participants followed all the corresponding biosafety protocols (temperature check, antibacterial gel and / or alcohol, N95 mask), the event was not will ask to present a negative PCR or the vaccination certificate.

Liveri Music Festival 2021- Photo far from the stage

Unlike other events, their tickets were limited (where you could pick it up in liver and cinex) so there were fewer people at the event and even so this great concert resonated everywhere both from musical groups and / or DJs as well as of the sound of the crowd clapping and singing.

The schedule of activities was carried out at the Liver Music Festival as follows:

12:00 pm – Start the Liver Music Festival with good music thanks to the DJs (they will be there throughout the event).
2:00 pm – Nacho
3:30 pm – Sixto Rein
5:00 pm – Ben Aler
6:00 pm – Akapellah
7:00 pm – Rawayana
8:45 pm – Caramelos de Cianuro
10:30 pm – Desorden Público
12:15 am (28 de Noviembre) – Guaco
1:30 am (28 de Noviembre) – After Concert

The public gathered in groups where they danced, chatted and in turn enjoyed consumer and beverage services such and a huge screen to better see the artists playing, not to mention the almost warm weather in the afternoon and cold in the afternoon. the night.

Liveri Music Festival photo — Photo from Liveri Music Festival USB

If you would like to know when an upcoming event will be held or would like to know other details of this festival or of the artists, follow them through the following means:

WebSite: https://liveri.com.ve/ticket/
Instagram: @evenpro

Jorge Luis Suárez is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist and a bastion of Afro-Caribbean music

In Venezuela, the musical talent is undoubtedly first line and proven quality on any stage nationally and worldwide.

Specifically in the state of Lara and in the city of Barquisimeto, a great number of artists with category and hierarchy have emerged and been born, exalting our Latin rhythms.

For this edition of “Salsa Escrita”, we are honored to have as a special guest vocalist Jorge Luis Suarez, pride and bastion of Afro-Caribbean music and various genres, who, for years, demonstrates his class and professionalism.

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist; born on August 7 in the city of Maracaibo, son of parents from the city of Carora, where he spent part of his childhood in that state and began to lean towards music, having as main influence his father, who played the guitar and sang romantic music.

In the early 80’s, he moved to Barquisimeto to attend university and was discovered as a singer and player of the bass, cuatro and guitar. Welcome Jorge Luis Suarez to “Salsa Escrita”, through International Salsa Magazine, www.salsagoogle.com.

Vocalist Jorge Luis Suárez, pride and stalwart of Afro-Caribbean music

To begin this pleasant, enjoyable and long awaited meeting, because we wanted to have you as one of our interviewees and tell us about your experiences about your artistic career, which has been very successful nationally and worldwide for the pride of all who know you.

Thank you Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for inviting me to your well read and recognized salsa column, unique in the center-west of the country and in which you project Venezuelan musicians worldwide.

Jorge Luis, with which groups did you begin your journey through this wonderful art, in which you have demonstrated versatility, perseverance, discipline and quality?

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist

Well, let me tell you that I started my musical activity professionally, being part of groups of regional renown, among them: “Las Estrellas del Momento”, “Orquesta Alegría” and then “Venezuela en Gaitas”, “Sazón Latino” and in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I became part of the staff of the orchestra “La Banda Actual”, a salsa icon in the state of Lara.

By the way Jorge, we remember your beginnings with “La Banda Actual” and it was an obligatory reference to be hired in private parties, night clubs and of course to share the stage with great artists and luminaries of the Latin-Caribbean music genre.

In which billboards did you have the joy and privilege of singing, alternating with national and international stars?

Indeed professor, with Banda Actual we performed with Héctor Lavoe, Wilfrido Vargas, Las Chicas del Can, Porfi Jiménez, Guaco, Los Melódicos, Hermanos Carruyo, Billos Caracas Boys, Orquesta La Crítica and many more, in their visits to Barquisimeto, having as locations the Domo Bolivariano, Complejo Ferial, among others.

In fact, Jorge Luis and due to your outstanding and outstanding vocal ability, the son of the maestro Billo Frómeta, Luis Frómeta, called you to join the ranks of the Billo Caracas Boys, how was that experience?

With Billo I learned to have more artistic discipline and gain experience for 4 years, recording three albums touring Latin America, the United States and Europe; precisely in the carnivals of Tenerife we starred in the Güines Record in public attendance at a bailanta, sharing the stage with Celia Cruz and Oscar D’León.

Jorge, tell us about your entrance to the orchestra of the world’s sonero Oscar D’León.

Professor Carlos, precisely because of that event in the Canary Islands, maestro Oscar called me and told me that he needed a vocalist with my characteristics to accompany him in his shows and international tours and honestly it was a difficult decision because with Billo Caracas Boys I was well established along with other Barquisimetans: Ely Méndez and Wolfang Perdomo, integrating the line of vocalists at that time, pure “guaros”.

But maestro Oscar’s offer seemed interesting to me and I finally said yes. With the Sonero del Mundo, to whom I owe a lot, because thanks to him I established myself even more as a performer and especially in salsa, taking his recommendations to the letter and of course it was an unforgettable experience, because with his orchestra we toured many countries and performed in venues such as: Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, House off Blue in Los Angeles, Orange Ball, jazz festivals in Europe, sharing with renowned artists.

Professor, I wanted to tell you that at the same time working with Oscar’s orchestra, I recorded my production “Una Tercera Persona”, in the middle of 1992, which included the hit “Niégalo Todo”, obtaining the first places in the hit parade.

In that production I was accompanied in the recording by renowned musicians such as: Luisito Quintero, Roberto Quintero, Robert Vilera, Raul Agraz, Yorman Leon and the Nicaraguan Luis Enrique.

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist, born on August 7 in the city of Maracaibo, son of parents from the city of Carora, Venezuela.

Jorge, how many years did you stay with Oscar and why did you decide to leave his orchestra?

I was with Oscar for about four years and I decided to leave the group due to major reasons, as a result of business and commercial commitments that I had and still have in Barquisimeto.

For those who do not know, Jorge Luis is a multifaceted artist and has managed to venture as a vocalist in different musical genres, from salsa, gaitas, tropical danceable, guaracha, merengue, Venezuelan and boleros; achieving in this last aspect, being the arranger and musical producer of the trio Carora International at the end of 2014.

At the same time, he produced and performed 19 songs of Venezuelan music with arrangements by Jean Piero Gonzalez, which will be released soon.

Jorge Luis, having settled again in the musical capital of Venezuela, with whom have you recorded? Professor, in Barquisimeto I have been invited to record with the following groups: Venezuela Somos Gaita, Nikitao, Amantes de la Gaita, Venezuela en Gaitas, Unión Gaitera, Rafa y sus Diamantes, Grupo Colorama, Con Klase, Orquesta Variación, Orquesta la Mayor, Orquesta la Gran Premiere, Venezuela Rumba, La Orquesta Raza Caribe, recording with the latter 8 songs in the production that is about to be released. I was also invited to record with the Orquesta Son Colón de Maracay and with the Latin Grammy nominees, our Grupo Santoral de Barquisimeto, participating with them as a special guest in the show “El Amor se Canta”, in celebration of the Day of Love and Friendship, touring, starting at the Teatro Juares and other cities in the country, as well as private presentations.

As for current projects, what can you tell the readers of Salsa Escrita? Currently my second solo production in the salsa genre is about to be released, with arrangements by multi-instrumentalist Taylor Aranguren from Barquisimeto and myself.

We are launching the record label, precisely this June with the promotional track “No lo beses”, a song that was interpreted by Alejandro Fernandez, by the Mexican composer Jose Luis Roma.

The production is called “José Luis Suárez Covers”, which includes songs that have been hits around the world, such as: Cobarde cobarde, Escándalo, La bomba, Cuatro rosas, Darte un beso, El amor más grande del planeta, Bailando, No lo beses, among others. In this production, I am accompanied by my nephew Taylor Aranguren, the musicians: Carlos Giménez, Rómulo Paiva, Jeison Marchán, Wílner Navas, Freddy Adrián, in the master and mixes: Latín Récods Digital. Sound engineer: René Zerpa and in the general production: Jorge Luis Suárez. Jorge Luis, what are your social networks or digital platforms to interact with your followers? My contacts are, Instagram: @jorgeluissuarezoficial, Youtube: Jorge Luis Suárez Oficial, [email protected]. Jorge Luis, to finish, we want to congratulate you for your perseverance in music and wish you to continue harvesting triumphs, because you have quality and to spare.

Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto”, will be at your disposal to support you in your present and future projects, good luck… Thank you professor and personal friend, Carlos Colmenárez, for giving me your support in your salsa column, unique in the west of the country and thus allowing you to reach your regular readers around the world; again a thousand thanks, blessings and long live Venezuela!

Article of Interest: Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”