Search Results for: salsa
Multi-Percussionist Carlos Navarro and his Son Y Clave Orchestra
Who is Carlos Navarro?
There have been many celebrities, orchestras, groups of all genres who played their part in the salsa cultural movement in the United States, but we cannot deny that bandleader Carlos Navarro and his Son Y Clave Orchestra played a very important role, since they achieved many goals in the Latin music scene in California, specifically in Los Angeles.
Carlos Navarro was a child of the couple formed by Rafael Navarro and Maria De Jesus Velasquez de Navarro, being at the same time the brother of Alexis Enrique (the famous singer Cherry Navarro), Manuel, Rene, Lelys and Audy. The whole family decided to move to Caracas, the parish of El Valle, where all the children continued their studies.
The first one to start an artistic career at a very young age was his older brother Alexis, who would later be known as Cherry Navarro in the artistic field. Carlos followed the same steps and also dedicates himself to music, but focused on salsa, mambo, merengue, and Latin jazz.
Las Versalles
In the early 80’s, specifically in 1983, the artist served as co-founder and percussionist in one of the first and most important orchestras in Los Angeles, California, with styles of Salsa, Guaguancó, Merengue, cha cha chá, and Latin Jazz.
This group was called Las Versalles and hired many musicians based in the same city. Here you can see some of the main members and their instruments, Güiro: Carlos Navarro and Jorge Luis Balmaseda, Vocalist, Piano, Arranger: Fito Foster, Vocalist, Guitar, Flute, and Arrangements: Niño Jesús, Bass: Geraldo Zuldo and Luis López, Trumpets: Carleton Smith and Robert Hernández, Trombo: Arturo Velazco, Violin: Gene Hugo, Congas: Humberto Hernández and José “Papo” Rodríguez, Timbales: Héctor Andrade and Edwin Rolland, Backing Vocals: Fitto Foster, Niño Jesús, Bobby Rivas, Jorge Luis Balmaseda and Bass in ‘’Cama Y Mesa’’: Cuco.
Son Y Clave
In 1999, the producer, percussionist and singer founded the Son Y Clave Orchestra and became a very important group in the nightlife of Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
One of the most attractive things for spectators of the places where they perform is the ease with which they dance and execute choreography, which are highly contagious, fast and elegant at the same time.
This diversity of performance styles is another one of the many things that has led this orchestra to the summit. In the same way, they have participated in all kinds of festivals, congresses, concerts and much more. They also had an important participation in salsa nights at venues in Los Angeles and the Bay Area such as El Floridita, where they played with Son Y Clave every Monday, until Carlos had to leave for a while and left talented musician Johnny Polanco in charge.
They have been so popular in the last few years that they have managed to open for world famous bands such as the Rolling Stones, who counted on the talent of the orchestra to grace their performances in one of their most important tours.
God & Salsa and more
They have also been involved in major film projects such as ”Almost A Woman”, whose director has a long-standing friendship with Navarro. They participated in both the promotional trailer and various parts of the film, especially where there are parties and dancing.
Kaplan was so pleased with Carlos’ work in ”Almost A Woman” that she decided to contact him again to work hand in hand on a project titled ”UNO” which is based on one of the most famous Latin American TV hosts, the famous Renny Ottolina. Once again, Son Y Clave will join forces with the renowned filmmaker to put music to ”UNO”.
”Almost A Woman” had a lot of repercussion at the time, but the film for which they became known in recent years was ”God & Salsa”. Carlos Navarro himself was the main responsible for composing much of the original music that was part of the soundtrack of the film. In addition, they were also present at the filming, displaying their great talent and dedication to the audience.
Currently, Navarro has a lot of contacts, friendships and dealings with other figures and producers of the stature of classical guitarist Yalil Guerra, with whom he has participated in multiple musical projects both with his orchestra and at the production level.
He has also shared the stage with important talents in Los Angeles such as Tito Nieves, Luis Barbarán, Guillermo Canales, Ernie Valenzuela, Melissa Campos, Roosevelt Córdova, among many others.
ISM February 2023
The world congress you were waiting for is in Spain
Salsa returns to Spain in April, after the successful Congress in 2022, this year it was decided to hold the Salsa Spain World Congress in a new city, Valencia. The entire event will take place very close to the sea, and will be full of great artists in different fields of this tropical genre, along with demonstrations of other genres. Know all the details in the following lines.
Valencia receives the Salsa Spain World Congress
Valencia is a charming and welcoming city with a beautiful Mediterranean climate. Modern architecture mixes with ancient art, the city’s history and culture, to offer visitors a unique destination. The beaches, museums, parks, and festivals contribute to its vibrant cultural scene.
The City of Arts and Sciences is the pride of Valencia. Here, you can explore historic temples or ultra-modern buildings, surrounded by gardens paved with colorful mosaics. This Spanish city also offers numerous culinary options, from traditional tapas to excellent restaurants serving modern Spanish and international cuisine.
And it is precisely this destination that has been chosen to host the Salsa Spain World Congress 2023. The Salsa Spain World Congress is an annual salsa dance festival that is expected to take place every year in Spain. The event highlights the main styles and trends of salsa dedicated to professional dancers, dance enthusiasts, musicians and followers of the genre.
Last year the festival attracted hundreds of attendees who enjoyed spectacular dance shows, master classes, hands-on workshops, musical showcases, and some well-organized competitions. This colorful event will have a program dedicated to salsa and other tropical rhythms.
From April 14 to 16, Valencia will open its doors to all those professionals, and lovers of Latin dance to enjoy everything that the Salsa Spain World Congress will offer. All the events will take place at the Hotel Versus Gandía Palace, a beautiful brand new hotel, whose facilities are only 100 meters from Playa Gandía.
Great artists will highlight each activity
There are many artists confirmed for this great congress and there are still many who are confirming their participation. There will also be incredible performances by the following DJs, who will further elevate the party mood.
Regarding programming, the following information is handled, but is subject to change:
THURSDAY (a pre-party is not included):
- 23h – 24h Workshop
- 00h – 04h Part
FRIDAY:
- 15h – 20h Workshops
- 11:30h Doors Open
- 24h – 1:30h Shows
- 01h – 06h Party
SATURDAY:
- 11 – 14h Workshops
- 14h – 20h Workshops
- Doors Opening 11pm
- 23:30h – 1h Shows
- 1:30 – 06h Party
SUNDAY:
- 11 – 14h Workshops
- 17h – 20h Pool Party
- 22h – 23:30h Night workshop
- 23:30h. – 04h Party
To know the price of the tickets, which will depend on what kind of ticket you are looking for, and in what condition you go, you can check the prices on the LaSalsaDelBaile portal. They also make available a WhatsApp number, and an email for any questions or doubts: [email protected].
Romantic duos in Latin music
The month of love is coming, and nothing better than accompanying those moments with good music. Latin music has always been loaded with romance, passion, heartbreak, and despite that each of the listeners feels identified with the lyrics, and moves to their rhythms. Added to the great artists, both the active ones and those who have already left, there have been songs that raise the level due to the union of two of those singers. In this article we tell you about the most romantic duos in Latin music.
These are the most romantic duos in Latin music
Marc Anthony and La India – Vivir Lo Nuestro
One of the most popular salsa songs at the start of the new millennium. This work launched both singers to stardom. To this day it is a song that many couples definitely identify with, with lyrics like:
“En una noche cerrada
Voy a detener el tiempo
Para soñar a tu lado
Que nuestro amor es eterno”
The eternal love between both parties, the desire to shout to the world how much you love your other part, and that there is no obstacle to stop them, is the message they want to give.
“En un mundo sin razas
Sin colores, ni lamentos
Sin nadie que se oponga
En que tu y yo nos amemos”
Despite the resounding success of the song, and the boost it gave to both their careers, they are currently not on good terms, which shows that although the song is loved by its fans, and speaks of a love without barriers, external factors can end a relationship, be it friendship or professional. So it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting a fresh, live version of this romantic classic anytime soon.
Maná and Rubén Blades – Sábanas Frías
This is a combination that few expected back in 2002, but Blades has never hidden his desire to collaborate with many artists. On this occasion it was the Mexican Rock group Maná, who had the great opportunity not only to mix the talent of the group with the great Panamanian artist, but also the fusion of two genres, rock and salsa so characteristic of Rubén.
The song talks about how lonely a person in love feels, without their other half living under the same roof. So as the track progresses, he invites his love to live together, to take care of each other forever, and share everything.
“Y te cuidaré por siempre y donde quiera
Te amaré como uno quiere a su bandera
Yo te quiero compartir todo, todo mi amor
Te comparto mi cuarto, mi cama, mis besos
y todo, todo amor”
This is one of the emblematic songs of Maná Revolución de Amor album, released in 2002. As its name indicates, it is totally dedicated to love, that’s where Sábanas Frías came from, but nobody expected the collaboration with Rubén Blades to bring that tropical sound so typical of Panama.
Eddy Herrera and Liz – A Dormir Juntitos
Merengue is another genre that does not escape love, and one of its hymns is A Dormir Juntitos by the Dominican singer Eddy Herrera, who invited the Venezuelan Liz, known for having been part of Los Melódicos, so that both of them could mix their talents in this song.
If you take a look at the lyrics, it’s not completely a love song, but more about heartbreak, since it talks about a couple who are separated, and although they still love each other, they can’t sleep together again.
“Y yo te veo
A través de la ventana cuando te vas
Y llorando me dan ganas de decirte, quédate
Por qué estamos durmiendo solos
Si nos seguimos queriendo
Si nos seguimos amando
No dejamos de lado el orgullo y volvemos”
Víctor Manuelle and Oscarcito (Yakozuki) – Si Tú Me Besas
Puerto Rican singer Víctor Manuelle is well known for the romantic lyrics that make up his songs. For 2011 he worked with the Venezuelan producer Oscar Hernandez, better known as Oscarcito or with his new name Yakozuki. This is how Si Tú Me Besas was born, a song that was originally covered in 3 versions for the album Busco Un Pueblo, so you can enjoy the song in salsa, pop and ballad.
“Bésame despacio
Y no se te ocurra dejar libre
Ningún beso ni ningún espacio
Con ese cuerpazo
Dame el privilegio de viajar hacia el espacio”
The lyrics talk about the experience of kissing your partner, and everything that this awakens in both parties. It not only talks about the feelings that arise from a kiss but also that you can forget the world through it. There is a fourth version of this song, although it follows the salsa genre, it is sung by both Víctor and Oscar, which got more followers in many countries.
This is just a small glimpse of all the great duos that Latin music has given us over the years. Without counting all those who will come, since the new generations show more and more talent.