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Great Christmas salsa songs and their stories

Christmas is a time of joy where one of the most important elements is music, so we believe this is the best opportunity to feature some of the best Christmas salsa songs that we can remember. Here are the most cheerful songs in Latin music to listen to during the most beautiful time of the year.

Aires de Navidad by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

”Aires de Navidad” is a great song which is part of the Christmas album ”Asalto Navideño Vol. I” from 1971. In the same year, Lavoe and Colón were already making preparations to record an album entirely dedicated to the festivities, indeed, they already had some songs recorded, but they knew that there were still details to finish.

Then, Héctor asked musician Roberto García to join the project that was underway, as they needed a guitarist to accompany them. Garcia accepted the proposal almost immediately and got excited about the project that he even proposed Yomo Toro to join them, to which Hector and Willie agreed with no problems.

The day they agreed to record the material, Toro came in first and began playing a Puerto Rican cuatro when he was scheduled to play the electric guitar. However, Johnny Pacheco, upon hearing the sounds, liked the arrangement and approved it without question.

That is how the four artists set out and recorded what would soon become one of the greatest Christmas hymns in recent times, and it will surely be in thousands of homes around the world this month.

One of the photos taken during the recording of ”Aires de Navidad”

La Fiesta de Pilito by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

”La Fiesta de Pilito” is included in the album ”Nuestra Música” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which was recorded in 1985 as a tribute to the most beautiful and endearing of the Island of Enchantment during the Christmas holidays. Back then, any musical work created by El Gran Combo always became a resounding success once it was released and its members were sure that this would be no exception.

It is then when the composer of one of the main songs of ”Nuestra Música” came on the scene, and we are talking about Luis ”Pilito” Cruz, who would become part of the internationally acclaimed salsa group that same year.

What is known in the first instance about the song is that it did not have a specific name, so it was baptized as ”La Fiesta de Pilito” honoring the composer of its first two verses. Subsequently, the piece was completed with pregones and soneos created by the rest of the orchestra members.

Additionally, they received the support and collaboration from ‘‘El Caballero de La Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa, who served as a guest artist for the legendary recording.

Nuestra música at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Nuestra Música”

Bembé en Casa de Pinki by Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

”Bembé En Casa de Pinki” is a Christmas song written by the famous duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, which was released in 1971 and is the first single from the Christmas album ”Felices Pascuas”.

The song’s title comes from someone who would be very important in the career of the two aforementioned artists and that was the Panamanian-born diplomat named José Rogelio ”Pinki” Arias. The gentleman was a close friend of Richie and Bobby and, at the same time, director of the Panamanian Institute of Tourism. He used his friendship with the vocalists to invite them to various events in his country, knowing that they would be a complete success with the presence of the duo.

Such was the affection both exponents had for ”Pinki” that they dedicated to him two songs from their extensive repertoire, which were ”Bembé en Casa de Pinki” and one belonging to the album ”El Diferente”.

Among other songs, ”Felices Pascuas” also includes tracks such as ”Bomba en Navidad”, ”Mi Niñez”, ”San José”, and ”Aguinaldo Navideño”.

Felices fiestas at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Felices Fiestas”

Estelita by La Sonora Ponceña

Another group that never misses a chance to offer their talent to please their fans and make them enter the Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season, leaving great classics that can not be missing every year in our homes and one of them is ”Estelita”.

Something that can never be missed in a Christmas album is that colorful character who always brings playfulness and good humor to the atmosphere. In this case, it is Estelita, who is a party neighbor who always sneaks into the Christmas parrandas in her neighborhood, something that many people will surely feel identified with in various parts of Latin America.

The song was written by the late maestro Joe Torres and was part of the album ”Otra Navidad Criolla!” along with ”Opera Gandinga”, ”Vamonos Pa’l Campo”, ”La Vengo Siguiendo”.

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival

North America / USA

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival Western Region Puerto Rican Council, Inc.

Concilio De Organizaciones Puertorriqueños Del OEste

Countdown to El “Día de San Juan” Festival 2018

40th Anniversary

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, 2018

Due to the ongoing effects of the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the WRPRC will be directing all proceeds of El Dia de San Juan Festival to aid in the educational programs of the youth of Puerto Rico. http://www.wrprc.org/

“Día De San Juan” Salsa Scholarship Festival Line Up

Charlie Aponte

Charlie Aponte, one of the most beloved and remembered voices by millions of Salseros worldwide, returns to the stage as a Soloist after 41 successful years with La Universidad de la Salsa…El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

With Charlie Aponte as their lead singer El Gran Combo recorded many hits Brujería; Amor Brutal; La Loma del Tamarindo; No hay Cama pa’ tanta Gente; Hojas Blancas; Arroz con Habichuelas; among many others.

Tony Vega

Internationally known salsa singer and band leader, Tony Vega, emerged from Puerto Rico in the 1980’s, He has worked with many of the greatest salsa stars from the beginnings of the genre, to the present.

Vega was exposed to music at a very early age; influenced by many adults in his family who were musicians. Even in those early days, it was clear to Vega that nothing could satisfy his musical preferences like the music of his native Puerto Rico.

He was greatly influenced then by Ismael “Maelo” Rivera and Cortijo y su Combo, Rafael Ithierand El Gran Combo. Vega signed with the then new RMM record label and released his solo debut with “Yo Me Quedo!” in 1988.

Vega’s riveting voice and his innate ability to perform contemporary salsa in the best tradition of the classic “soneros” has been honed and refined over 19 years as an artist, first as a percussionist and then as a singer. Thus far Vega has participated in the recording of 17 albums, including the last four on the RMM label with his own band.

Tony Vega has recorded Hablando del Amor, Greatest Hits, Aparentemente, Hoy Quiero Cantarte, the self-titled Tony Vega, and these have established Vega as a highly regarded salsa star.

Taino Orchestra

Taino Orchestra began as a project to deliver salsa and latin jazz in August of 2010. The concept is very simple, a nine piece band with the sound and elegant sophistication of a big orchestra.

Inspired by bands and individuals such as Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Willie Rosario, Eddie Palmieri and many others, TAINO has developed into one of the most solid, hard-hitting salsa bands in the area.

The band is led by percussionist and lead vocalist, Aaron Routtenberg. Aaron has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in the salsa industry including Jerry Rivera, Tito Nieves, La India, Tito Rojas and many more.

The percussion section features Carlos Caro on congas and Papo Martinez on bongo. On bass, Taino is proud to have veteran bandleader and musician Gilbert Roman, while the extremely talented Erick Peralta occupies the piano chair.

The sizzling horn section is proud to have Mike Rinta and Charly Aguilar on trombones, while Carlos McCoy dazzles audiences on baritone sax and flute. With this strong vocal section, swinging rhythm section, and blazing horn section that will make you move, we invite you to experience a musical masterpiece that you won’t soon forget! Ya lo ves, que viene TAINO!

‘‘La Chiqui Some’’ and ‘’El Some’’ in International Salsa Magazine

Much prominence is given to singers, musicians and the visible part of the entertainment in general, but there is not enough talk of those who make it possible for the aforementioned to record what they have created for their audience. That is why we wanted to talk to Jennifer Freedman, better known as ”La Chiqui Some” and Agustin Someillan, who is known as ”El Some”.

Singer Jennifer Freedman and trumpeter Agustin Someillan in the studio

Jennifer and Agustin ‘’El Some’’’s first contact with music

Jennifer started in music with percussion in 2005, but moved away from it for a few years to pursue other activities until other artists and groups called her to play with them. She was then invited to attend some rehearsals at Mam-Ax Studios, where by a twist of fate, there was a man named Someillan who already had a studio at that time. They still did not know each other at that time, but soon, one would be very important for the other’s professional life.

In 2018, she had to go again to the same building, which is when she finally met Agustin, who tells her that she was in the wrong place and had to go to another office. Her visit to Mam-Ax was intended to participate in the recording of a single for singer Freddy Nieves, but that chance encounter would help her to learn that both she and Agustín had a partner in common, who recommended her to work together.

After that, both accepted and began to know each other better, which led ”El Some” to advise Jennifer on her singing and other details of the business. At the same time, the girl was beginning to see music as something much more serious, since it was only a hobby for her by then. She had certain doubts because she had not jumped right into music professionally, but Agustín convinced her to try to start a career as such, to which she ended up giving in.

The owner of the studio did not have the support of anyone at that time, so he had the great idea of partnering with Jennifer and bringing together their qualities in the same project.

In the case of ”El Some”, he comes from a musical family and studied music in Cuba. He became a trumpet player just like his father. Back in his country of origin, he was fortunate to accompany many orchestras such as the Sexteto Nacional de Ignacio Piñeiro, with which he was nominated for Latin Grammy in 2014.

Having decided his country did not provide him with all the opportunities he needed as an artist at that time, he tried his luck in New Jersey, where he currently resides as does Jennifer, with whom he currently shares the Sonority Record Studios project.

At this moment, they are creating the album ”Los Some Son” as an idea of Jennifer herself to get people know ”El Some”’s career. Among the guests of the project, we can mention former Los Van Van singer Pedrito Calvo, former Los Van Van singer Melly Cartero, Jennifer herself, singer Frankie Vazquez, pianist Arturo Ortiz, among many others.

Chocolate and Agustín El Some — Cuban jazz trumpeter Alfredo ”Chocolate” Armenteros and Agustín Someillan

How Jennifer and ”El Some” created Sonority Music Studios

Agustin has been in the studio for almost 12 years, while Jennifer has only been there for five, but that has not stopped them from getting together perfectly, of course. He has always liked to play the trumpet, but his neighbors started to complain about the constant noise coming from his house, so he decided to look for a place to make music without disturbing anyone.

However, before that, he was already working on music at home, to the point that he produced an album for José Mangual from his own home, which he describes as ”a huge odyssey”, since he did not have the conditions to complete a job of that magnitude. That is when he decides to look for a space more conditioned to record and produce, so he acquires half of the space he currently uses and elongated it after partnering with Jennifer.

There were implements they did not possess the knowledge to use, but little by little, they were learning on their to create the brand they have today and the prestige that they acquired in the Latin music community with so much sacrifice.

”Although this is not a big studio, great things have happened here. There is a great vibe and we make very good music” said ”El Some” about what has been achieved with this space, which has become their musical home.

The studio has a vacuum-sealing cabin and everything necessary for mixing, mastering, editing, recording and much more.

Jennifer during a performance — Jennifer Freedman during a live performance with Los Some Son

Relationship between Los Some Son and Sonority Music Studios

At the moment of expanding the studio, Agustin had already named the place ”Some Son”, but once he and Jennifer became partners, they started to think about how to market it more effectively in the United States. Since everything they did there had to do with sonority, they opted for something with that word, so the studio ended up being called Sonority Music Studios.

Both are listed as company managers and ”El Some” focuses on the music, creation, engineering and production side. On the other hand, Jennifer is much more focused on the administrative part, contracts, bookings, among other details of this type.

Seeing what they were achieving with the studio, they felt they could expand a little more to other facets, so both artists also engaged in founding their own band that they called ”Los Some Son” in homage to the ”El Some”’s family of trumpeters and Cuban salsa music in general.

In conclusion, both the studio and the band are formed by the same team, so both projects go hand in hand.

Sessions from La Loma brings together salsa fans from all over the world in Puerto Rico

On October 5, 2024, we witnessed the third edition of Sessions from La Loma, which is meeting for the second time at the Dorado Agrotourism Park. The annual activity has already become a massive concert, on par with the great salsa productions worldwide. With just five years of launching the concept and two concerts before what was an unforgettable Saturday, Nor-Bert achieved a balanced production between veteran and new artists. The following were brought together on the La Loma stage: Luva, Juan Vélez, Manolito Rodríguez, Jota Ruiz, Jorge Yadiel Santos, Carlos García, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Víctor Manuelle and José Alberto “El Canario”, at the invitation of Nor-Bert, who also gave way to Michelle Brava during her performance.

To enjoy the salsa party, hosted by the charismatic Norberto Vélez, whom the music scene calls Nor-Bert, fans came from Panama, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Spain, Canada and Switzerland, to name a few. It is a source of satisfaction and encouragement to see how salsa is still current, despite the changes that the music scene has undergone.

Within the framework of the changes, it is striking that the successful event has taken off with the forcefulness with which it has called us all without the direct support or visibility of the radio stations that program salsa within Puerto Rican territory. That, from the objective perspective of the salsa fan, gives more merit to the production team that Nor-Bert has surrounded himself with.

We take advantage and congratulate him, attesting to his desire to do without delegating what he feels is his responsibility. We note the international presence, stating that in this third edition the concert was filled to capacity with the rotation of the concept through YouTube and social networks. What would have sounded like madness years ago is a success story that feeds the salsa scene in a varied way without limiting itself to what could become routine.

The public that follows the salsa sound already trusts Nor-Bert and his musical management. Regarding his power to attract people, the leader and manager of La Loma tells us: “currently we have a responsibility and we are committed to continuing with this project. What began as a hobby is now an obligation that we carry out with great pride and with much love. We do it from the heart, because we receive the support of the people. We feel the affection of the people. That can be seen here, in each video that we upload and in each post.”

Nor-Bert is a multifaceted singer-songwriter. He grew and polished his musical talent in NG2. His discipline has allowed him to continue growing, when the general consensus is that the salsa scene is too difficult for singers. Nor-Bert proves that being a soloist can be difficult although possible. His success makes salsa look good. He is living proof that salsa lives on. He says: «I decided to make music. I decided to believe in myself and in my project. I decided to believe in my career. I don’t expect anyone to do anything for me. I decided that my success is in self-management. Today that faith has given me the possibility to grow, along with my team. In other words, the one who stays at home and complains that he is not working is because he is staying at home. I go out on the street, and with the boys we go to work. We go to look for something to do and that is what has given us results. Regardless of whether the radio sounds good to you or not, we continue making music. I looked for my own platform. That is what we did, that is how sessions from La Loma was born and here we are.»

«I continue making my music, I help the boys who are close to me so that they can also expose their talent, with the hope that this will be a springboard for many people to get to know us. The idea is that those who want to continue doing their individual projects,” he says as he says goodbye to continue moving the production. Certainly, as a collaborator of his peers and colleagues, a few months ago we saw how Nor-Bert supported Karla Mari when she was presenting her show inspired by the Queen of Guaracha, Mirta Silva, at the Teatro Tapia in San Juan.

Nor-Bert not only produces, promotes, promotes and interprets. He also makes sure that others sound at the same time that he also sounds. As you can see, he is a unique artist. We wish him good health and prosperity so that he can successfully carry out all the projects that are presented to him.

Also Read: Metamorphosis: from music to photojournalism, a reinvention without limits

Salsa trip – Where to dance Salsa in Europe?

Europe

Do you want to go to Europe but you don’t know where are the best places to dance? Do you want to enter in the passionate salsa world? Are you looking for adventures and meet new people? International Salsa Magazine wants to guide you to the best salsa and Latin places in Europe. In this edition we show you the dance life in three different countries: Ireland, Switzerland and England.

Ireland

Strictly Salsa

This academy/club offers a weekly Salsa Classes and a Salsa Club every Thursday in The National Stadium on the South Circular Road, Dublin. The classes are divided for categories:

Ladies: Alexandra – Ladies Styling with Body movement. For those of you who know Alex, this will be one of the greatest most indebted workshop focused around not just footwork and styling but how to use your body and techniques and tips on how to practice and perfect what will be thought to you in class. It will not just be watch me then try it, Alex loves questions and wants to share her knowledge.
Men: Claudiu – This for you guys will really help you put more flavor and movement into your dancing skills, incorporating all this with steps that are very usable on the social dance floor, there will be elements of Rumba & Guaguanco and by the end it should all come together nicely. As with Alex, Claudius knowledge is very deep so ask as many questions as possible to maximize the time.

For more info: http://strictlysalsa.ie/

Salsa Dublin

A lot of our instructors are also performers and they have a huge amount of experience performing on stage /in competitions/ at weddings & parties. The academy has dancers from Ireland, Turkey, Poland, Spain, Romania, and each one brings their own individual strengths to our group.

The teacher’s team has two previous winners of the Irish Salsa Championships, and the current (2012) Champion of the Irish Bachata Open. We also have instructors with backgrounds in Ballroom, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary etc. which gives the team a greater understanding of musicality and a deeper appreciation for what they teach.

Development of the dancers is a key focus in our structure. Through regular team meetings, teachers training and dance group practice, we are able to keep physically and mentally growing and improving. You never stop learning no matter how good you are, so we are always striving to better ourselves. This academy works with world class international teachers and champions, bringing them to Ireland so that they can share their knowledge and ideas with the academy and their students.

Workshops are crafted for all levels of Salsa and Bachata lovers. A day of workshop involves a total of 4 hours of learning from four local and international dance instructors!! You will be sharing this amazing experience with both your fellow learners and from people from outside the regular classes.

For more info: SalsaDublin.com

Switzerland

La Movida Laussane

La Movida/Poco Loco is a bar-restaurant known by its Latin-Mexican aesthetic and food, which also offers special nights and parties for Salsa and Latin music lovers. With the performances of Dj’s and live bands, this special club is bringing all the Latin flavor to Switzerland. Cocktails, food, music and more!

For more info and reservations: https://pocoloco-movida.ch/

Salsa Passion Company

Whether you are completely new to the art, or experienced dancer, Salsa Passion Company has the knowledge and the experience to bring you further with your dance skills.

The academy philosophy is understanding that dance is about social and fun, but while you are investing your time and money to learn, why not learn it properly.

They’ve develop a “step by step” method that is fun and efficient for everyone to learn. They teach the “know how”. You will learn the vocabulary and the techniques of how to put them together, so you can be.

To learn how to dance Salsa, you should first understand the rhythm of Salsa, the steps, the body movement, the TWO persons but only ONE system principle in order to dance together with harmony, then move on to the turns and figures, and that’s the focus of the academy.

For more info: http://www.salsapassion.ch/d_course.html

England

Caramelo Latin Dance

Looking for Salsa classes in London? You’ve come to the right place! At Caramelo Latin Dance you will find only the highest quality tuition in Crossbody Salsa On1 and On2, as well as in and many other Latin dances.

Caramelo Group - Salsa — Caramelo Group – Salsa

The 4-week Latin dance courses are perfect for a consistent and immersive approach that will help you see a marked progression in your dancing irrespective of your level.

Classes take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can Combine your Salsa classes with Bachata, NY Mambo On2, Cha Cha Cha, Pachanga and Styling and enjoy Latin dancing to the fullest!

For more info: http://www.caramelolatindance.co.uk/

Incognito Dance

Incognito Dance Company (IDC) was established in 1999. It has some of the most experienced and qualified Latin Dance instructors and performers in Europe. All our Latin dance courses, workshops, holidays, events and clubs are run and taught by highly trained, friendly instructors who encourage dancers of all levels to enjoy the spirit of dance.

Try the award winning Gold, Silver & Bronze Salsa Courses, learn to dance, have fun, keep fit and meet new friends. Check out the private lessons, weekly classes, regular workshops, bootcamps, monthly parties, holidays, and special events.

Experienced dancers are given fun, technically challenging classes, and plenty of hours to social dance to the latest Latin music by our fabulous DJ’s. The academy teach many Latin dance styles of salsa from LA Style, NY Style, Cuban and Puerto Rican, as well as Bachata, Kizomba, Cha Cha, Reggaeton, Latin Hip Hop, Merengue etc.

For more info and classes: https://www.incognitodance.com/

Salsa Soho London

The best place to celebrate your Latin roots! Salsa classes every night of the week, amazing drinks menu with over 50 cocktails and of course non- stop Latin music.

This club/restaurant has menus to suit all occasions and tastes. For a bigger party or less formal occasion they Sharing Planks are perfect and includes Salsa favorites like tacos and Iberico ham croquettes. Special events, birthdays, parties and more, with the best atmosphere in London!

For more info and reservations: https://www.bar-salsa.com/soho