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Search Results for: music
Julio Albino Y Su Secreto A Voces released ‘‘Pasaporte A Rumbero’’
After a few months of absence, we’re finally back with the batteries recharged to put a magnifying glass on the current projects of the best soneros right now. Today it is the turn of percussionist Julio Albino, who, as usual, delights us with every project he releases.
But before that, we are going with a bit of the artist’s story so that everyone can know him better.
A little bit about Julio Albino’s beginnings
Julio Albino, also known artistically as Junito, became interested in music in his homecity of New York, and after his subsequent return to Puerto Rico, this curiosity did nothing but grow as time went by. It was then that he started listening to the music of legendary names in the industry such as “El Rey de Los Timbales” Tito Puente and Oreste Vilato, who inspired him to join the San German’s school band to some extent. He would later pursue an artistic career through collaborations with more experienced artists.
He ventured into this world professionally in the 1960s, when he began to be taken into account by several of the greatest salseros of the time, such as Frankie Ruiz, Hector Tricoche, Marvin Santiago, Paquito Guzman, Junior Gonzalez, Los Hermanos Colon, Joe Quijano, among others.
There is no denying that each of these collaborations contributed to Julio making known his great talent as a percussionist, but he would not rest until he was able to form his own project, which he eventually achieved. That was how he founded his own orchestra, Julio Albino Y Su Orquesta Secreto A Voces.
Secreto A Veces
Thanks to all the effort invested in his career, Julio has managed to secure a place for his orchestra in the salsa scene, and his best-known musical works are proof of this. His big debut came in 2005 with the album ‘‘Bailalo’’, which ranked high on the charts in countries such as Italy.
Ten years later, he also released the album “Haciendo Ruido” and, the following year, he came with his single “Chachara Con Cua” and the promise of a new album. In 2018, he released “Edén Borinqueño” as his second promotional single, and shortly after, Julio released the full album, which he named “El Secreto Ya No Es Secreto”.
Pasaporte de Rumbero
In 2025, Julio once again showed why he deserves the place he has earned and released his new single “Pasaporte de Rumbero”, with which he looks to consecrate himself as a worthy heir to the soneros who previously gave him the opportunity to join their ranks. Similarly, he shows absolute respect for Afro-Caribbean culture and its deepest roots.
This joyful and energetic piece is not only a reflection of the Puerto Rican artist’s talent, but also of the strength and modernity of his orchestra, which is deeply connected to the Cuban musical tradition. From the very first seconds of the song, listeners can appreciate a festive street atmosphere, but at the same time with sophisticated percussion led by Julio himself, who boasts incredible technique that serves as a guide for the rest of the musicians accompanying him.
Among the members of the orchestra, we can mention trombonist Juan Colón, trumpeter Juan “Junito” León, saxophonist Ricardo Dávila, pianist Gabriel Rodríguez, and bassist Luis Rodríguez. Likewise, the lead vocalist is the charismatic singer Ángel Ríos, who contributes his exquisite phrasing and an enviable dominance of the clave at all times.
Rumbao Latin Dance Company
North America / USA /
Rumbao Latin Dance Company represents the vision of five Charlotte Latin dancers to provide a fusion of fun and technique for Salsa Dancing. Rumbao combines two key aspects of salsa dance to provide the best performance and instruction possible. Our emphasis is on Rumba and the Tumbao.
Tumbao is the percussive beat in salsa music that On2 dancing follows. Rumba implies a party aspect where people get together and have fun. Together the words make “Rumbao”. Rumbao was formed in March 2013 by a group of five talented and dedicated individuals who are passionate about Latin dance and who are always striving to new heights
Each dancer enjoys creative freedom and brings unique talents to the group following an On2 New York Style. Rumbao has been able to present beautiful choreographies full of sabor (flavor) and has quickly made a mark in Charlotte and surrounding cities. In addition to being passionate Salseros, Rumbao dancers are also proud Charlotteans and are committed to the continued growth of salsa in their hometown.
Meet Rumbao Latin:
Brian Frias | Dancer:
“I have always liked to dance growing up, but somehow salsa dancing had never crossed my path, until it was casually introduced to me in 2007. I have been in love with salsa ever since. I love being able to create a fun and unique experience with a dance partner over the course of just a few minutes.”
Morgan Cruz | Art Director:
“Learn the music before you learn the dance. The music will guide you and make learning more enjoyable. Also, don’t be embarrassed by being less experienced. Everyone starts somewhere.”
Chan Martinez | Audio Specialist:
“I like salsa because it connects me with all kinds of people. Everybody is very generous and they really get along. I discovered more of my interest in salsa when I moved to the US. I saw a group of performers doing cool moves while dancing salsa. They were able to go to big events and perform beside some other really good dancers. I wanted to be part of that experience.”
Connie Chen | Stage Manager:
“Have fun, relax, and never stop wanting to learn! Salsa is an enjoyable experience; make it a great one with Rumbao!”
Jennifer Geyer | Business Operations Manager
“I was inspired to dance salsa while at Davidson College, I joined a student organization called Dance Ensemble and there was always a salsa choreography. I would always try out to be in the routine but I would never make it. It looked like fun and it was something I always wanted to do. I finally made it into a choreography my junior year with a professor and after that experience took classes in the Dominican Republic while studying abroad and got hooked!”
Classes
Rumbao aims to provide excellent instruction for salsa dancing focusing on the foundations for music, movement and connection. They bring sabor (flavor) to the basics and emphasize personal style and expression while having fun. Also emphasize the importance of posture, timing for on2 salsa dancing, footwork, proper technique for connection in partner-work and musicality.
Location: Abundant Life Creative Expressions 2424 North Davidson Street, Ste 110, Charlotte, NC
- Salsa class time: 7:30PM – 8:30PM, Every Tuesday
- Bachata class time: 8:30PM-9:30PM, Every Tuesday
- New Brazilian Samba Class! Mondays at 7:00pm
- New Cha Cha Class! Mondays at 8:00pm
- Drop In Price: $20.00 per class
- Class Packages: $150.00 (ten classes)
Benefits of Salsa Dance Reduce Stress
- Help loose weight
- Increase energy
- Increase muscle tone and stamina
- Meet new people, make new friends
- Learn about musicality, rhythm and other cultures
Omar Ledezma Jr. shares with us the new from his project with Azesu
Today’s guest needs no further introduction because you know him very well. This is the talented Venezuelan percussionist and singer Omar Ledezma Jr., with whom we have been able to talk about his latest projects, one of which gets him focused and excited in equal parts.
What is Omar Ledezma Jr. up to now?
After showing his gratitude for the latest of many invitations we have made to him in International Salsa Magazine, Omar went on to describe the new phase of his career, in which production plays a major role. We are talking about a project he has been involved in since 2011 called Azesu, which includes great musicians and is led by Cuban percussionist Orestes Vilato.
Although the initiative had progressed considerably, Omar and the rest of the group are still waiting for official communication from the social media of the organization that will fund the project by the artists who have applied for it. The group is awaiting approval, although they already have promotion, photos, and a series of details ready to be released once the financing becomes a reality.
What was required of Omar and the rest of the team to present the project
At the beginning, the idea of a recording was floated because this was one of the categories in which artists could apply for funding, so Omar and the others chose to pay tribute to Orestes Vilato. The organization loved the idea, which led them to be one of the groups chosen to receive this financial aid, and they are very happy about that.
However, not everything was rosy, as the members of Azesu could not find the right moment to start recording due to personal situations of some of them and the arrival of the pandemic. After overcoming all that, Jonathan Alford, the group’s pianist and overall director on the project, came to Omar with the idea of recording a second album (they had already recorded one in 2011, also called Azesu) to resume the project they had left behind.
It was then that the Venezuelan artist came up with the idea of paying tribute to Orestes and, in turn, bringing to life some of the lyrics written by his father, who passed away two years ago.
The material also seeks to be a tribute to that generation that is quickly departing, which is why Azesu tries to recreate those concepts and that way of making music, but at this time.
Timeline and objectives for the project
When Azesu released his first album in 2011, it all started with Orestes calling some of the group’s members, who were pianist Jonathan Alfort, Venezuelan singer María Fernanda Vázquez, Peruvian bassist David Pinto, and American saxophonist Sheldon Brawn.
The project is not conceived as a commercial album in every sense of the word, but as a hymn to Las Americas that has a little bit of everything, including jazz, folklore, popular music, dance music, and many more elements coming together to create a unique and different result.
It is also important to note that Azesu’s new album, next to release in 2016, will feature new tracks and covers with completely new versions in the style of Azesu, some of which will be sung and others instrumental. In addition, the new music was composed and arranged by Jonathan and David, although Omar also played an important role in the creative process when it comes to lyrics and melody. It is anticipated that they will enter the studio to start recording in about three weeks, and the album is expected to be released before the summer of 2026.
Omar and teaching
We have already addressed the issue of Omar and his role as a teacher in previous editions, so we wanted to know if he is still teaching and which capacity he is using. The musician replied that the teaching part has been and will remain very important in his overall project as an artist, as he believes that, due to his profession, he has a great responsibility to showcase the music he grew up with and the instruments that have allowed him to develop his career.
He currently teaches Latin percussion at the California Jazz Conservatory at Berklee, which is basically a summer ensemble where students learn to play congas, timbales, and bongos. During the rest of the year, he focuses on specific instruments and developing the tumbadora curriculum.
He also offers private lessons in which students can enjoy a much wider range of instruments to learn, such as drums, cajón, bongos, timbales, and much more.
Omar concluded this important topic by saying, “I always take on the idea of remaining a student. Just as I teach classes, I want to continue acquiring knowledge and taking classes with teachers who know many things I don’t.”
Read also: Caesar Vera Y Su Sexteto NuevoSon, traditional Cuban music with a touch of modernity
Trumpeter Davián Raúl Launches Solo Career with “Despierta Salsero” Album
Davián Raúl has released his debut production, Despierta Salsero, available now in digital format and on CD. The young Puerto Rican salsa artist is currently on a promotional tour for the album.
Davián Raúl is no stranger to the salsa scene. He’s been playing the trumpet since he was ten years old, starting with the Banda Sinfónica de Toa Baja. He eventually became a trumpeter for Sonora Ponceña, thanks to the support of Papo Lucca, director of “Los Gigantes del Sur.” To reach his current position, Davián Raúl pursued an education in Music Education and Performance, with the trumpet as his primary instrument. He is a graduate of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and is currently a music teacher at a school in Comerío, Puerto Rico, where he mentors students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.
Before joining one of the most important and iconic salsa orchestras—one that heavily emphasizes the trumpet’s sound—Davián was a trumpeter for the orchestras of Nino Segarra, Primi Cruz, Osvaldo Román, and Anthony Cruz, to name a few. He was also part of Conjunto Chaney shortly before auditioning for La Ponceña. During his time as a backing musician, he traveled the world, playing his instrument in major venues and gaining the experience necessary to make his leap. Davián Raúl makes his debut as a solo singer with Despierta Salsero, bringing a solid hard salsa proposal aimed at satisfying the taste of true salsa aficionados.
Album Details
The album features 10 tracks encompassing hard salsa, romantic salsa, rumba, bolero, and son. The recording includes: ‘Al que nace pa’ salsero,’ ‘Tengo que marcharme,’ ‘La campana’ (a song dedicated to Cali, Colombia, known as “the salsa capital of the world”), ‘Ahora me extrañas,’ ‘Coño, despierta salsero,’ ‘Mientras me sigas necesitando,’ ‘Mi salsa no muere,’ ‘La pachanga,’ ‘Te traigo el son,’ and ‘Ten compasión.’ The orchestration was arranged by Raúl Berríos Raymundí, with arrangements by talented musicians such as Ramón Sánchez, Ernesto “Tito” Rivera, Ángel “Pajay” Torres, and Andy Guzmán. Nine of the ten compositions are original works by Raúl Berríos Raymundí and Irvin Raúl Berríos López. The tenth track, ‘Mientras me sigas necesitando,’ is a renowned song by the celebrated Camilo Sesto.
Musical Production and Guest Artists
The musical execution was handled by a carefully selected group of great Puerto Rican and international musicians. The congas feature “Pequeño” Johnny Rivero, Kachiro Thompson, Gadwin Vargas, Charlie Padilla, and Sammy García. Japhet Rodríguez, Pete Perignon, Edwin Clemente, Pablo Padín, and Diego Camacho play the timbal. Alexandra Albán, Luisier Rivera, Javier Oquendo, and Richard Carrasco perform on the bongos. Richard Bravo is on drums, while Raúl Berríos Raymundí, Sergio Múnera, Ricardo Lugo, Ramón Vázquez, and Pedro Pérez provide the rhythm on bass. Andy Guzmán, Ramón Sánchez, and Carlos García play the piano. The trumpet section showcases David “Piro” Rodríguez, Angie Machado, Jesús Alonso, Marito Ortiz, Dante Vargas, Pedro Marcano, Yoandy Vera, and Davián Raúl himself. José Berríos Raymundí and Irvin Raúl Berríos López contribute on trombones. For the choruses, the voices of Carlos García and Jorge Yadiel Santos alternate with those of Raúl, Irvin, and Davián himself. The sound engineering team responsible for mixing and mastering included Papo Sánchez, Andy Guzmán, and Rolando Alejandro. With this impressive lineup, Davián Raúl, one of the youngest members of the Berríos dynasty, makes his debut, confidently declaring that “salsa is still in control.”
Endorsements
Recently, “El Caballero de la Salsa,” Gilberto Santa Rosa, endorsed Davián Raúl’s debut production via a video clip shared on social media. Santa Rosa stated, “Davián Raúl is a tremendous young talent whom you must listen to… so that true salseros know there’s plenty of salsa for a long time to come. Davián Raúl: Go for it!” In response, Davián Raúl commented on his Facebook page, “Infinite thanks (…) for making this dream possible. You didn’t just give me space, you gave me an opportunity worth gold! This is just the beginning… and may the salsero awaken throughout the world!”
