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The Cajón throughout history

The main artists who put on a show always get the lead on stage, but nothing much is being said about the instruments accompanying them, which are a fundamental part of music as we know and enjoy it. One of these is the cajón, which has a most interesting and a little bit controversial origin, so there are certain considerations to express this regard.

This is the cajón — This is how the cajón looks today

What is the cajón?

The cajón, also known as the Paruvian cajón or flamenco cajón, is a percussion instrument consisting of a wooden box on which the musician sits and taps with his fingers and palms to produce the desired sounds, whether bass or treble. On certain occasions, it is used as a substitute for the drum kit and has gained popularity in jazz, flamenco, and some Latin genres.

One reason it is so popular is because of its versatility, transportability, and ease to be played, even if the musician does not have much experience. Therefore, many prefer it to the drum kit, which is bigger and more cumbersome in certain cases.

Origins of the cajón

What is known about the origin of the cajón is that by the end of Spanish colonization, African slaves bound for America were not allowed to use their drums because the Catholic Church saw them as sinful and pagan tools. Not to mention that these prisoners also used these drums to communicate with each other, which is why the Spanish nicknamed them “talking drums.”

This led to the aforementioned instruments and several of their musicians being burned. Not to mention that slavers wanted to ban black songs that sent messages about slavery through their melodies.

By the early 1800s, there was absolutely no record that the drum had existed in what we now know as Peru, and any viceregal document mentioning it disappeared. However, there is evidence of the existence of the cajón from 1840, and it is believed that the first to use it were Afro-Peruvians.

fiesta de amancaes with the cajón — Painting by the German Painter Mauricio Rugendas on the occasion of the “Fiesta de Amancaes”

Afro-Peruvians encompass a collection of African ethnic groups who, unable to express themselves through music as they did before, had no choice but to find other instruments with which they could do so. They then saw wooden crates used to transport goods as a way to do percussion and thus continue to practice their sacred rites and play their music.

Initially, the cajones were used to play coastal and traditional dances to central and north Peru, which gradually popularized them. They also began to be used to play the “Fiesta de Amancaes,” which is a Limean festival held during the time of the Viceroyalty. This event usually brought together horse breeders, artisans, and bohemian musicians from the north and center of the country.

The arrival of the cajón in Spain

Many years later, specifically the year 1977, the cajón arrived in Europe. It was Spanish flamenco composer and guitarist Paco de Lucía who discovered the instrument during a tour of Latin America when he attended a reception hosted by the Spanish ambassador at the time. On that occasion, Paco heard Brazilian musician Rubem Dantas play it during a show by singer-songwriter Chabuca Granda, and he instantly realized that those sounds combined very well with flamenco percussion, which was always done with the palms, although it was not as consistent and precise as required. The cajón achieved this without a hitch.

It is for this that Paco decided to take the cajón to his country and only added some inner strings to adapt it and tinge its sounds, thus becoming one of the most important elements of a flamenco show today. Both Paco and Rubem decided to release it at an open-air concert at the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid of the Casa de Campo, and the Peruvian instrument was a resounding success, marking the beginning of its addition to flamenco guitarists’ shows.

At the time, Paco said that this contribution to flamenco culture in his country made him very proud and with good reason, as it was a great revolution that continues to bear fruit.

The cajón today

Today, the flamenco cajón has three screws that allow the musician to adjust the tone and a system of strings that gives the Peruvian version a different resonance and offers a range of many different sounds in which the musician’s body plays a very important role. The Peruvian version remains the most traditional of all because it gets no strings and its sounds are deeper, while the Spanish version incorporates strings or bourdons in order to make more tearing and vibrant sounds.

There are also more modern versions that include the use of drumsticks and pedals to expand their sound range a lot further.

Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez was a master of the Baby Bass and was instrumental in its popularization within Latin music

Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy” (1927-2002) was a renowned bassist and a key figure in Latin jazz and salsa. He was known for playing both the upright bass and electric bass.

Roberto Bobby Rodriguez was a master of Baby Bass and played a decisive role in its popularization within Latin music

He worked with legendary artists and bands such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, Tito Puente, and The Alegre All Stars. Born in Tampa, Florida, to Cuban parents, he is often associated with the Baby Bass, a type of electric upright bass.

The Baby Bass is a specific type of electric upright bass developed by the Ampeg company. It has a distinctive sound and is very popular in Latin music, especially salsa.

Many famous bassists in the genre, including Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy,” are known for playing this instrument. With its deep, percussive tone, the Baby Bass helped define the sound of salsa music.

In summary, the connection between Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez and the Baby Bass is that the famous bassist, Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy,” was a master of the instrument and was instrumental in its popularization within Latin music.

“Big Daddy’s” Career and Legacy.

The son of Cuban and Puerto Rican parents, Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez “Big Daddy” was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 2, 1927. His talent left a lasting mark on the performance of both the upright bass and the electric bass.

He began his career in New York at the age of 17 with Machito and His Afro-Cubans, where he replaced Julio Andino. He participated in recordings with Chico O’Farrill, Dizzy Gillespie, Cal Tjader, Eddie Palmieri, Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaría, Joe Cuba, Eric Dolphy, the Alegre All Stars, and Tito Rodríguez. His most important and enduring collaboration, however, was with Tito Puente.

Rodríguez’s involvement with Puente’s band resulted in a catalog of countless tumbao basslines. He occasionally had the opportunity to lead the band with a solo, loaded with highly creative melodic improvisations.

On the 1990 album, Goza mi Timbal, the track “Ode to Cachao” features a large number of Bobby Rodríguez’s solos. In addition to being a tribute to Israel López, this track is a showcase of “Big Daddy’s” immense virtues and is considered one of the most unforgettable solos in Latin jazz. This partnership remained active from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Roberto Bobby Rodriguez Big Daddy was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 2, 1927

The nickname “Dedo Gordo” (Fat Finger) was given to him for his way of playing the electric bass, with a thick sound—something that in American musical circles is called a “groove.” According to experts, his technique was meant to emulate the sound of the Ampeg Baby Bass.

One characteristic he was always recognized for was his unique ability to play the clave rhythm with his foot while performing on the bass. His musical experience always made him seem like a contributor with a jazzy style.

On July 29, 2002, after a life full of resounding successes and an impressive legacy, Bobby Rodríguez passed away in New York.

Ambiguities with the Name Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez.

The name “Bobby Rodríguez” has been used by several artists within the universe of Caribbean music.

One common source of confusion is the flutist, clarinetist, and saxophonist from Manhattan, Robert “Bobby” Rodríguez, who founded the group “La Compañía.” His date of birth has not been confirmed.

Another point of confusion is the common misconception that “Big Daddy” began his career with the Marcano Quartet. The truth is that the quartet featured Félix Manuel Rodríguez, who, in the early stages of his career at age 17, also went by the name “Bobby Rodríguez.” He would later adopt his famous stage name, Bobby Capó.

A third artistic namesake is Dr. Bobby Rodríguez, a trumpet player born in Los Angeles, California, who is also a teacher and author of the book, ABC’s of Brass Warm-Up. He has been nominated for a Grammy and has received awards as an educator.

Roberto Bobby Rodríguez Big Daddy (1927-2002)

The list of names similar to Roberto “Bobby” Rodríguez becomes much longer if you search for homonyms of his given name. For example, there is Roberto (Reimundo) Rodríguez, a trumpet player from Cienfuegos, Cuba. He co-founded the orchestra Los Jóvenes Estrellas de Cuba and became a member of the Fania All Stars. He also appears in the documentary Nuestra Cosa Latina. In 1982, he founded the group Los Rodríguez with his sons, Roberto Jr. and Willie.

His son, Roberto Rodríguez Jr., is another homonym we encounter in these musical paths.

Continuing with more homonyms, there’s the Cuban trumpet player Roberto Luis Rodríguez, who is the father of the currently famous trumpet player Roberto Juan Rodríguez, also Cuban, but who moved with his Jewish family to Miami at the age of nine. He has played with top artists such as Joe Jackson, Julio Iglesias, and Paul Simon.

By: Diego Aranda (Audiokat)

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Los Mejores Salseros del Mundo

Also Read: Bobby Valentín, the King of the Bass in the Fania All-Stars Machine – The Mind of a Master

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flautists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Valentín: The Master of the Flute in Latin Jazz.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important flutists in the history of Latin jazz, thanks to his technique, rhythm, and vast musical knowledge.

Dave Valentín is considered one of the most important Latin jazz flutists in history, thanks to his technique and rhythm

Born in the Bronx, New York, on April 29, 1952, to Puerto Rican parents from Mayagüez, Valentín grew up in a home filled with music. From the sounds of Tito Rodríguez and Tito Puente to Machito, the musical culture that surrounded him as a child was a major influence. Although he loved the bongos and congas, he joined a Latin group as a timbalero during his teenage years. He played in the “cuchifrito” circuit and in working-class dance halls in New York.

Dave Valentín’s life largely reflects the story of the children of Puerto Rican immigrants in New York who forged their own destiny through hard work, dedication, talent, and family support. In fact, the musician, composer, and arranger himself liked to say that “each person creates their own reality.”

A Legacy-Filled Career

GRP Records Pioneer: Valentín was the first artist to sign with the influential GRP record label, which allowed him to consolidate his career and spread jazz fusion and Latin jazz to a wider audience. He recorded 16 albums with the label, including titles like Legends, The Hawk, Land of the Third Eye, Pied Piper, In Love’s Time, Flute Juice, Kalahari, and Red Sun, among others. These works combine the intensity of Latin cadences with influences from pop, R&B, Brazilian music, and smooth jazz. For the musician, being signed by this multinational company represented “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Notable Collaborations: Throughout his career, he worked with major figures in jazz and Latin music such as Tito Puente, Manny Oquendo, Cano Estremera, Eddie Palmieri, Ricardo Marrero, Dave Grusin, and Patti Austin.
Awards and Recognitions:
- He earned a Grammy nomination in 1985.
- He won a Grammy Award in 2003 for his work on the album Caribbean Jazz Project, alongside vibraphonist Dave Samuels.
- He was chosen as the top jazz flutist by readers of Jazziz magazine for seven consecutive years.

Come Fly with Me (2006)

Dave Valentin - Come Fly With Me — Dave Valentin – Come Fly With Me

Dave Valentín always moved in the realm of fusion. His incorporation of smooth jazz elements, Latin influences, and the sensitivity of modern jazz made him a difficult artist to pigeonhole. Come Fly with Me is one of his most notable albums, as it focuses on a direct approach to Latin jazz. The majority of the songs are Afro-Cuban with a New York flair, without including funk or samba rhythms.

Driven by a formidable rhythm section that includes Robert Ameen on drums, Milton Cardona and Richie Flores on percussion, Luques Curtis on bass, and his friend Bill O’Connell on piano, the album overflows with power and elegance. Trombonist and arranger Papo Vázquez also participates on several tracks. The group’s rhythm is profound and the solos are filled with inspiration. Despite some less successful moments, Valentín’s innate sense of taste and melody shines brightly.

Album Credits

Musicians:

Dave Valentín (Flute)
Bill O’Connell (Piano)
Luques Curtis (Acoustic Bass)
Papo Vázquez (Trombone)
Chris Barretto (Tenor Sax #1)
Robert Ameen (Drums)
Milton Cardona (Percussion)
Richie Flores (Percussion)

Tracks:

Come Fly with Me
Twinkle Toes
Enciendido
Mind Games
If You Could See Me Now
Easy Street
Tu Pañuelo
House of the Sun
Song for My Brothers

Sadly, Dave Valentín suffered a stroke in 2012 that forced him to step away from music. He passed away in 2017. Despite his passing, his musical legacy remains a fundamental reference for flutists and lovers of Latin jazz.

Valentín El maestro de la flauta en el jazz latino

By:

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

Rafael Vega Curry for the National Foundation for Popular Culture

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Pamir Guánchez, brilliant Venezuelan singer, flutist, saxophonist and arranger.

Cuban singer-songwriter Osmay Calvo shows his versatility in the New Jersey music scene

Osmay Calvo is just one of many examples of why Cubans have triumphed so many times in the United States, which is why his story and that of many of his compatriots always serve as inspiration for those seeking a career in the music industry but who do not dare to do it because of the misfortune of being born in a place that did not offer them the necessary opportunities for this.

Calvo was kind enough to take a few minutes of his time to talk about all that had happened to his career to date, so it is an honor for us to describe what was discussed in the following lines.

Osmay performing — Singer Osmay Calvo performing during a birthday

How Osmay became interested in music

Osmay tells us that, from an early age, he loved popular music, so he began to participate in school music events when he was just six years old in Tarará, east of the city of Havana. At the same time, his mother enrolled him in singing lessons and he spent much time with his family musicians, including his uncle, singer Pedrito Calvo, who was a member of Los Van Van.

A few years later, he began to attend various types of contests and joined the Mariana de Gonitch Singing Academy, directed at the time by maestro Hugo Oslé, thanks to which he met Pacho Alonso, Ela Calvo, Mundito González, and many other important figures of Cuban popular music.

Official beginning of his professional life

Osmay’s professional start was in Cuba when he joined the Adolfo Guzmán company in 1995, which is when he had his first paid job in music. Although it is true that the Cuban government got a huge percentage of the money earned by the artists, Osmay appreciates the experience and the chance to know other countries through his activities with the company.

Some time later, he had the opportunity to travel to Spain and then to Mexico, where he participated in a music competition and won first prize with the song “La Bamba.” He then spent another month in Spain for an event until returning to Havana and winning the Mariana de Gonitch Singing Contest, obtaining the prize for the great popular generation of national music award, which led him to travel through the 14 provinces of Cuba to offer his services and make himself better known.

Osmay, Ela, and Beatriz — Singer Ela Calvo, Osmay Calvo, and ”La Musicalísima” Beatriz Marquez

Moving to the United States

It was in 2002 that Osmay finally decided it was time to look for other roads and leave Cuba to no longer return. He was going to sign a contract with Mambo Records in Miami, but things did not go according to plan, so he started recording his own music and went to New Jersey, where he began to organise his own orchestra with which he has 16 original songs written by himself, but also numerous covers of hits by other artists.

He has not been back to his native country for about 24 or 25 years. In fact, most of his family also lives in the United States and Canada, except for his uncle Pedro Calvo, some cousins, friends, and his music teachers.

However, after all the time he has been gone, things have not been entirely easy for Osmay, especially in the beginning. The hardest thing for him was language learning and how little he knew about his new place of residence, but the artist quickly learned and was gradually integrated into this new music scene, thanks to which he was able to play with many orchestras and meet great figures such as Oscar D’León at the Coco Bongo Club in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Fernandito Villalona, for whom he opened one of his shows.

In New York, he played with many bands and learned a lot of music that was played locally. Osmay brought an academic background in lyrical and symphonic singing from Cuba, but New York has mostly restaurants, nightclubs, and fairs, so he had to adapt to a completely new format and audience.

Osmay, and Oscar — ”El Sonero del Mundo” Oscar D’ León and Osmay Calvo

Fortunately, he got it and was recommended by other musicians to play in many places until one night he was asked to play at Don Coqui and was told that Tito Nieves would be there. Then, when it was time for Osmay and nine other musicians to perform on stage, Jimmy Rodríguez, the owner of Don Coqui, approached them to say that Nieves might come and play with them later. A little while later, the Puerto Rican actually did approach with a microphone in his hand, and both he and Osmay began to improvise, and the show lasted until two o’clock in the morning. For the Cuban, it was an exceptional experience and an unforgettable moment in his career.

Haberte Conocido

After all the progress made, in 2021, Osmay felt ready to release his first independent album, which he titled “Haberte Conocido”. This was a goal to fulfill since Hugo Oslé, who was also his singing teacher, told him and the rest of his students that it was very important to be an independent artist who wrote and recorded his own songs.

In addition to that, he remembers that everyone in the class was a bolero singer, so he wanted to do something that would set him apart from the rest, and that is how he began to turn to salsa and other genres. This made him a much more versatile artist who could sing almost any genre coming his way. From then on, he stopped learning the original soneos of the songs and started to improvise on many occasions, which eventually led him to compose. Finally, in 2021, he wrote “Haberte Conocido,” which he put together from ideas that came to his mind and that he saved on his mobile phone during rehearsals. Then, stanza by stanza, he created the first song of his own.

Osmay and Tito — Osmay Calvo singing with Tito Nieves at Don Coqui

Albert Torres The Ambassador Of Salsa

North America / USA / New York

Albert Torres, a sympathetic boy with blushing cheeks who born in Brooklyn – New York – never suspected what his destiny had prepared him, to be the father of the Congresses of Salsa worldwide. His name would resound from North to South and from East to West, by the continents: American, European and Asian; in the different important scenes of the Latin music movement and would be the inspiration for many dancers of this branch.

His legacy would belong to the astonishment and shelter of the artists and the public that would applaud his talent, vigor and semblance to the rhythm of the phrase “Una Bulla”. This cheerful infant, without a doubt, was going to be a legend of Afro-Caribbean music. I’m talking about Albert Torres, The Ambassador of Salsa!

Albert began to listen to the salsa genre from the age of 5, staring in astonishment at the whole scene, sitting, of his first dance lessons … At the famous Palladium in New York, where his mother danced and liked the music of Mongo Santamaría and Tito Puente.

This child, future congressman of Salsa, grew up when the history of Latin popular music (salsa) was being written in the South Bronx, where Puerto Rican communities were having a great explosion of creativity and musical activity.

At the age of 12 years old his family decides to move to Puerto Rico, “By that time I did not want to speak Spanish, I did not want to be Puerto Rican. I did not want to be part of that environment”, said Torres. He only danced disco and Hustle. However, at the age of 15 his life took a dizzying turn when he heard:

“Oye que lio que lio se va a formar

cuando mi gatito sepa

y es tan simple la razón

El que a su gata le cuenta que el que a

su gata le cuenta

no es nada más que un ratón

un ratón…

…Échale semilla a la maraca pa que

suenen

chacucha cuchu cucha cucha

échale semilla a las maracas pa que

suenen

échale semilla a esas maracas oye

chacucha cucha cucha cucha

y hace rato está sonando sonando

chacucha cucha cucha cucha…”

Albert Torres simply fell in love with the Salsa thanks to this theme: “El Ratón” of Cheo Feliciano together to Fania All Stars. “The legends of salsa changed my life. When I heard these legends, that August 26th of 1971, in the Cheetah, something happened inside me. The music entered by the feet and came to my heart”. Thus, declared his beginnings in the Salsa, Albert Torres.

In 1991 his passion for Salsa took him to impress the girls of the neighborhood by his incredible steps to a Hollywood celebrity when he, first time, participated in the movie Mambo Kings in which he was chosen as one of the main dancers.

Hollywood - Albert Torres — Hollywood – Albert Torres

There he not only helped Antonio Banderas with the dance steps, but also with the English by that time for Banderas was very hard. In addition, during the filming of the movie Albert had the opportunity to share with big of Salsa like Celia Cruz, José Alberto “El Canario” and his great idol Tito Puente.

That film was the hit that catapulted Torres to world fame being chosen by Debbie Allen as one of the 4 dancers (of more than 400 couples) to participate in the Academy Awards (1993) and to dance “My beautiful Maria” whose Singer was Plácido Domingo and where he stood out as the first Puerto Rican to dance in the history of the ceremony.

Then, he returns to the cinema being the choreographer and dancer of Salsa scenes in the romantic film “Dance with Me” with Vanessa Williams and Chayanne during 5 months.

Later he worked on the movie “Out to See” (1998) with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matteau and in the same year he also made a guest starring appearance on the Keenan Wayan’s Show where he performed with Jennifer Lopez. Everywhere there was Salsa, Torres seemed to be there. At the time and with all this like trajectory Albert Torres in 1991 also began his stage as a producer.

He started promoting Salsa clubs in Los Angeles, “I lost a lot of money. Nobody wanted to know about Salsa”, said Albert. Nonetheless, he began to handle Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad, which were the best-known salsa group in the Western United States.

In 1992 he founded his own company, Albert Torres Productions Inc. (ATP) and began to organize salsa parties in several places in Los Angeles. The most important were the Boathouse in Santa Monica, St. Marks in Venice and Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

At that moment the genre of salsa was losing popularity. However, Albert Torres with his wit, insight and a lot of intelligence pulled him forward on his own. He revived it in such a way that he became the most influential salsa promoter in the United States. He was who brought to Los Angeles some of the most important names in the Latin music such as: Fania All-Stars, El Gran Combo, Oscar D ‘León, José Alberto “El Canario” and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, among many others.

In the late 1990s, after the I administration of President Clinton relaxed the laws restricting presentations by Cuban artists in the USA, Albert Torres was the first promoter, who brought to the famous and the notorious Van Van group to Los Angeles in January, 1997.

The show, which took place in a night club in downtown LA, was a success. Since then, Los Van Van has received major media awareness with prestigious publications such as Los Angeles Times, New York Times, among others and including the most coveted music honor, a Grammy and Latin Grammy nomination. Torres’s passion and promotional skills have played a key role in the U.S.A Latin Entertainment explosion. Ricardo Lemvo, musician and singer living in Los Angeles, founder and leader of the salsa band Makina Loka said:

“Personally, I have a great deal of gratitude to Albert. In 1996 when I released my first album, Tata Masamba, he was the one who presented my music to the Latin audience in Los Angeles. He also placed my band at Sportsmen’s Lodge, Grand Park and many other venues. Albert was also who recommended me to film director Randa Haines and as a result, my band, Makina Loca came out in the movie “Dance with Me” with Chayanne and Vanessa Williams. I will be eternally grateful to Albert Torres for giving me a hand at the beginning of my career”.

1997 was crucial for Albert and the world of Salsa in Los Angeles because began the dream of Mr. Eli Irizarri of Puerto Rico, the concept of the Salsa Congresses in San Juan. “I was not the first year, but I heard a lot of nice things even though it was a financial failure. I attended the event in 1998 and was the master of ceremonies. Then, I started the same concept in Los Angeles beginning in 1999 and in the next 8 years following the Los Angeles Congress stood out as the largest in the world. There attend more than 6000 people daily arriving from more than 42 countries”, said Albert for an Argentine media.

In 1998, at the head of ATP, organized the first edition of Los Angeles Salsa Congress and in May 1999 was carried out, with the presentation of Tito Puente in the opening. In this first congress Albert transformed the event into an exciting music and dance venue that attracted 20,000 Latin Music enthusiasts from all over the world and USA and with such great success that he immediately became co-producer Salsa Congresses in over 32 countries.

“My most important desire to be a promoter of the Congresses would be that this can be used for dancers, can realize their dream of dancing on a stage and also find a way to respect the dancers as they deserve it. This is extremely important”. Albert Torres.

In LA Salsa Congress the stars are born, many of the world renowned dancers have their start at this event. The mission of LA Salsa Fest is to pass on to the next generation through educational seminars, dance workshops and being able to perform on stage.

Since then, Albert Torres Productions has created and produced the World’s Largest Salsa Music event. In addition to this, ATP is the co-producer of the World Salsa, broadcast from Las Vegas every year by the ESPN TV network being watched by more than 20 million homes worldwide, where more than 1000 competing dancers will be known on the planet. “On ESPN told me that if I wanted to see it on TV I had to do competitions.

I do not like it, but for the dancers to get to know each other worldwide, I decided to make the World Salsa Championship, the biggest and most important salsa tournament in the world. Now, since April (2012) I decided to do it alone, without partners, and now it’s called World Latin Dance Cup. I added other categories like cumbia, bachata, casino, children and people over 45 years. We have about 20 categories”. Torres Said in an interview with a Peruvian media.

In the World Latin Dance Cup No requirements. You have to take stock and follow the world rules. These are of time, originality of the dressing rooms, of musicality. If you drop the wig, the earring (while dancing), points are removed; if you do not wear stockings, too. A wig will not give points, but if it falls it will take the points. In this championship there is not a world champion, so there is a champion in each category.

According to his friends, Albert was a “workaholic”. He was always on the road promoting salsa music through all the congresses he organized around the world. Always in transit, he spent one night in Istanbul, the next in Paris and the following week in Tokyo. For example, at the beginning of 2007 he had 48 weeks of travel and in one year he could travel to 48 exotic countries such as Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Bulgaria, Romania, China, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Holland, Hamburg, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia and Puerto Rico.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see on your Facebook wall, the immense and felt messages of thanks from dancers from all corners of the earth. His latest project called “The Legacy Project” is an initiative to combine our music culture with the latest technology tendencies in order to reach and unite more people so future generations can appreciate, preserve and be part of the history of Latin dance and music around the world.

In 2011 Albert Torres was honored to be accepted as a Member of the Council for Dance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) and Elected Grand Marshall at the National New York Puerto Rican Day Parade in front of 2 million spectators lined up on 5th Ave that past June 12 of the same year. This past May, 25th the world of Salsa and entertainment received a huge impact, the news of the death of Albert Torres, victim of a Stroke.

Family, friends, national and international press as well as web portals lamented and reviewed this regrettable fact. Rudy Mangual, creator of the famous magazine Latin Beat Magazine commented to an international media that before this terrible fatal outcome, Albert was very delicate of health in the last months; he had diabetes and had an infection in the pancreas. He also said that he regretted his gone because he and his wife Yvette Mangual had a very special affection to Albert.

Albert Torres’s family wishes to thank all of our Salsa Family for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. Albert passed away today May 25th, 2017, peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. We all find comfort knowing that he is now promoting and dancing alongside his Idols, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Rodriguez and Ray Barreto. As well as his close friends Johnny Polanco, Rudy Regalado, Alicia Gomez and many others. We would love nothing more than for you to help us continue keeping his legacy and DREAM OF UNITY alive by supporting the great event that he started 19 years ago:

The LA SALSA FEST.

Thank you again and may you all be blessed. UNA BULLAAAA!

Rest In Peace ALBERT TORRES

6/14/1956 – 5/25/2017

On the other hand, different personalities of the artistic world expressed their deep pain:

“Salsa and I lost a good friend. Like everyone else in the music world, I was in shock: Albert was an exuberant, vibrant person. It seems unfair that he left the planet in the prime of his life at only 60 years old.

I remember in one of our many conversations, he expressed his great desire to bring the famous African salsa group Africando to the United States. Africando had a song, “Yay Boy,” that was all the rage not only in New York but also in Latin America, but not many people had seen the group live. It was a huge undertaking to organize a concert with Africando since the lead vocalists lived in Senegal, Togo, and other parts of Africa. When Albert finally managed to bring Africando to Los Angeles in 2004, he was over the moon. That was one of his greatest triumphs.

Albert, your passing is a huge blow to all of us in the salsa world. We will miss you terribly. Thank you for everything you’ve done to promote our music. Salsa. We will never forget you.

Rest in peace, brother.” Ricardo Lemvo

“Creating Unity through Salsa”, words from my brother Albert Torres. That’s exactly what we are trying to do, will keep this in my heart forever… Your legacy lives. Thank you Albert! Thank you Edwin and the #LASalsaFest team for this”. Tony Succa

Famed Salsa legend, dancer and Hollywood choreographer turned mega event planner Albert Torres is already part of our history. His continuous efforts to globalize Salsa have made a major impact on the preservation and accessibility of both Salsa Music and Salsa Dance around the world. To achieve this, he was constantly traveling around the world, encouraging conferences and festivals, discovering talents for dancing.

No doubt, Albert Torres brought the music it in the blood. He had his own vibration and constantly he was being a role model. He played that key role in the confluence of people and places that created an environment for the growth of Latin music in America and the world.

For that reason, on the Facebook wall of Albert thousands of emotions multiply. And the messages coincide in the gratefulness and the claim of “una bulla”, una bulla salsera para Albert. Today on some side of the Salsa´s Big, sure, you’re dancing and singing!

Albert Torres in solidarity with charitable causes

“Before I was an event producer, I handled 50 beds in a hospital helping people with drug, alcohol, and mental problems… I have been sober since December 14, 1985. For that, I can live and help others to live their Dreams”. Albert Torres

Great dancer and Champion fell ill last year after the WLDC. With the support of dancers worldwide he was able to beat leukimia and will be back this year. What an inspiration and great story. Let’s all appreciate each day that we are blessed with. Welcome back Jeremy.

ATP continues with the Albert’s legacy and offering top-notch quality events with world-class performers. His bands are legendary and his events feature some of the finest musicians and dancers the world has ever known.

“Para mí la salsa no es latina sino mundial. No tiene barreras de colores ni de país. Es increíble ver niños chiquitos bailar como los de los 80 que bailan… Para mí la salsa es como si fuera una paella, una comida increíble: tiene tantos condimentos y tantas cositas.

La salsa es así: con un poquito de rumba, jazz, tango, y si le pones swing, ballet y se mezclan todos con una bella canción de Óscar de León, algo sucede que nos afecta desde los tobillos hasta el corazón… Los problemas siempre van a estar esperándonos en casa, pero qué cosa bonita llegar a un lugar donde todo el mundo se lleva. Cuando empieza esa música todos tenemos algo en común. Ojalá el mundo aprendiera de eso”. Albert Torres (June 14, 1956 – May 25, 2017)

To learn more about Albert Torres and his events, please visit: www.worldlatindancecup.com, www.mysalsacongress.com and www.alberttorresproductions.com

To read more about Albert Torres’ work with Baile de Los Niños, providing cultural outreach programs to at-risk youth and low-income families, visit: www.alberttorresevents.com/bailedelo sninos/mission.asp