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-by Dena Burroughs
The Summer Music Series in downtown Burbank continued Thursday night with the Salsa vibes of Orquesta Tabaco y Ron. Every Thursday evening, from 7 pm to 9 pm, the AMC walkway (at Palm Avenue and San Fernando Blvd) fills up with dancers and music lovers who throughout the month of July enjoyed the beats of swing bands and will now dance to Salsa music until the end of August. Prior to each concert a dance class is offered at 6 pm provided by the Dance Family Studio. The event is free to the public, sponsored by the Downtown Burbank Partnership, Inc.
Orquesta Tabaco y Ron is one of five Los Angeles’ based Salsa bands under the Dimelo! Records label. One of them, Lucky7Mambo, will perform next in downtown Burbank on August 13th. The series will then continue with the Louie Cruz Beltran Latin Orchestra and culminate with the Susie Hansen Latin Band.
- by Dena Burroughs
Lucky 7 Mambo, a Los Angeles based band under the Dimelo! Records label, released last week a song entitled “El Pai de Don Julio.”
The track is a classic boogaloo reminiscent of the sound that Joe Cuba helped make irresistible at the end of the 1960s. And like Cuba’s music used to, “El Pai de Don Julio” incorporates the unique sonority of the vibraphone, played here by Craig Fundyga.
The song was written by percussionist Angel Rodriguez and produced by Hector Manuel Rivera, who has been the head of production for Dimelo! Records for over a decade. George Balmaseda, an experienced singer who has shared the stage with the likes of Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Eddie Palmieri, does the vocals.
The term “pai” according to a Dimelo! representative, has been accepted as a slang word for “song” by Latin musicians. Therefore, the track is ‘a song for Don Julio.’ Turns out that “Don Julio” is in fact an actual person – the father of the Espinoza brothers, two musicians in a sister Salsa band under the Dimelo! Records’s umbrella.
“El Pai de Don Julio” is currently available as a free download. It is Dimelo! Records’ move to give the audience a taste of what soon will be released as a full length album entitled “La Apuesta.”
The Western Region Puerto Rican Council (WRPRC) is a 37-year-old organization with its primary base in the San Francisco Bay area. Its main purpose is to raise the social, economic, and educational standard of the Puerto Rican community in the west region of the United States, as well as to promote its cultural heritage.
For the past 31 years, the WRPRC has organized the Dia de San Juan annual event, a fundraiser that seeks to award scholarships to people of Puerto Rican heritage interested in continuing their education beyond high school.
This year’s WRPRC's Dia de San Juan was held in History Park, in San Jose. Despite the over- a-hundred-degree weather, a large crowd of Boricuas – as Puerto Ricans are also known- gathered to enjoy the musical performances scheduled on two different stages, as well as the food and goods provided by several vendors. At least five San Francisco based tropical music bands, including Cuban Fito Reinoso’s and Orquestas America and La Verdad, put the hundreds to dance on a hot pavement made to seem cool under so much action. The day ended with great music by Grupo Mazacote, which boasts the leadership of Louie Romero, a timbalero whose resume includes participations with Salsa great ones such as Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and Willie Colon.
“This is our first year at this location,” said one of the event’s organizers. “If it goes well, next year we’ll hold it here again and perhaps even bring a band from Puerto Rico.”
SEE PICTURES HERE - Additional pictures at http://www.VidaSalsera.com
by Dena Burroughs
Rene has many production and arranging credits, and has performed for musical theater and television. He has worked with such outstanding national acts and local artists as Celia Cruz, Dizzy Gillespie, the Pointer Sisters, Marylin McCoo, Poncho Sanchez, Luis Conte, Buddy Collette, Francisco Aguabella, Bobby Matos, Conte Condoli, Bob Mintzer, Jose Rizo's Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars, Warren Vache, Lew Tabacken and Billy Davis, Jr., Ray Sepulveda, and the Tucson Symphony.
Balmaseda is widely known as a skilled sonero. His stunning soneos and his powerful voice put dancers in the mood for a great night of salsa. George was born in Camaguey, Cuba and immigrated with his parents to the US as a child. He has sung and toured worldwide with many of the greats, including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Oscar de Leon, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Nieves, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Ray De La Paz, Ismael Miranda, Camilo Azuquita, and Tony Vega. His voice has been utilized in film, TV, and radio commercials and he is also an accomplished songwriter and composer.
Angelo Rodriguez | Percussion | Lucky 7 Mambo
Angelo Rodriguez was born on July 16, 1974 in Downey, California, to Puerto Rica parents Maria and Angel Rodriguez Sr.. Angelo started performing at the age of nine at a local church where his family attended. The first band Angelo had the chance to perform with was "New Creation" directed by Andrew Crouchs’ musical director, Alberto Salas. At the age of 16 Angelo began his early career as a musician performing at all the local nightclub in Los Angeles. He attended rehearsals and performed five nights a week while attending High School. From then on Angelo has performed with the following artist: Joan Sabastian (Currently touring Mexico and the U.S.), Britney Spears (In the Zone promotional tour), Nelly Furtado (Area 1 Tour 2001), Jagged Edge (Jay Leno Tonight Show), Jennifer Lopez , Celia Cruz, Barry Manilow, The Long Beach Symphony, The Modesto Symphony, California State University in Long Beach Steel Drum Orchestra, The Ricky Minor Band, Tribute to Donny Hathaway, The Temptations, Ozomatli, Obie Bermudez, Tito Nieves, and Pete Conde Rodriguez. Angelo has recorded for Dimelo! Records since 2001, making his debut on Orquesta Tabaco y Ron's "Que Se Sepa" release...and is featured throughout Chino Espinozas recordings for the company as well.
Friday, April 10
at Gibson Amphitheatre
LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS
The internationally renowned Latin rock icons Los Fabulosos Cadillacs are back and set to perform at the Gibson Amphitheatre on Friday, April 10th. Tickets for this show go on sale Friday, December 19th at 1 PM on www.livenation.com. This show is in support of their highly anticipated new album La Luz del Ritmo which is set for release in early 2009. La Luz del Ritmo was produced by Robert Carranza (Mars Volta, Los Lobos, Jack Johnson, etc) and the first US single will be “Padre Nuestro.”
After a 7 year hiatus, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs are back with a successful stadium tour through Latin America. They sold over 100,000 tickets for their two shows in Mexico City this past November and 120,000 tickets for their Buenos Aires shows just this last weekend. Plans are to take the tour across Latin America, the United States and Europe in 2009. Fans should expect an energetic show filled with the classic hits and plenty of new surprises.
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs have been widely-acclaimed as one of the world’s most important rock bands of the past two decades. Recognized for their groundbreaking fusion of ska, rock, tropical, punk, reggae and Latin rhythms, the Grammy-winning Cadillacs have sold millions of records worldwide. They became stars in their native Argentina throughout the late 80s before propelling the Latin rock genre into the international spotlight in the 90s.
Songs like “Matador” and “Mal Bicho” were anthems for a generation and inspired thousands of youth and musicians across the globe. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs’ reputation led to recording collaborations with a variety of stars including Mick Jones (of The Clash), Deborah Harry (Blondie), Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth (of the Talking Heads), Fishbone, Celia Cruz and Ruben Blades.
Global hit “Matador” was called "one of the greatest rock songs, in any language" by New York Magazine, and was considered to be the first Latin Rock smash hit in the U.S. It permeated clubs, stereos and radio stations across the country. The song gained such notoriety that it won MTV Latino's Video of The Year award and the Billboard Award for Best Latin Video. It also caught the ear of actor John Cusack who would handpick the track for the Platinum-selling soundtrack of the film, Grosse Point Blank.
When the Grammy for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album was first presented, it seemed appropriate that the award would be given to the Cadillacs’ genre-bending masterpiece Fabulosos Calavera. The Los Angeles Times described the album at the time as “The Sgt. Pepper of the Rock en Espanol movement”. The Grammy award and wealth of critical praise for Fabulosos Calavera resulted in Los Fabulosos Cadillacs becoming the first Latin Rock band to appear on late-night national TV in the U.S.
FRIDAY – APRIL 10
GIBSON AMPHITHEATRE
ON SALE NOW! at LiveNation.com
THE LATIN GIANTS OF JAZZ AT THE MAYAN - January 15, 2009
On January 15, 2009 the Latin Giants of Jazz will perform at The Mayan, in downtown Los Angeles. Twenty one outstanding artists will share the stage that evening, all of them with extensive resumes of worldwide performances with the most recognized names in the Latin Jazz/Salsa music world, and at least two thirds of them having once belonged to the famous orchestras of the “King,” Tito Puente.
The Latin Giants are the result of the efforts of Johnny Rodriguez Jr., the orchestra’s executive director, and Jose Madera, the musical director, to continue to play with the other members of the Tito Puente orchestra, which disbanded after Puente’s death in May of 2000. Several of the members of the Latin Giants had shared the stage with Puente for up to 30 years.
The combined experience of these musicians translates into fabulous music. Their performance, plus the excellent sound and light system at The Mayan, should provide for a delightful sensory experience on January 15.
Below is the complete roster of musicians scheduled to perform at The Mayan. Take the time to get to know them. Without a doubt it will increase your appreciation for what you will be treated to the night of the event.
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JOSE MADERA
Timbal and Musical director
Born in New York of Puerto Rican parents. His father was the first arranger for the Machito Orchestra back in 1940. Himself began playing with the Machito Orchestra while still a teenager. Worked with the Tito Puente Orchestra for 30 years, the last 10 as musical director.
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Bongos and Executive director Because of his family’s friendship with Tito Puente, the 16 year old high-school student Dandy Rodriguez got a tryout and subsequently earned a spot playing bongos in the Puente band. He played with Tito Puente off and on until Puente’s death in 2000. He is quoted as saying: “There’s too much Puente out there to just put it away, you know… his wife or someone will continue the music and I’ll probably be one of the people who’ll have the job of keeping it all together... There’s too much Puente out there to just put it away.” 
JOHNNY “DANDY” RODRIGUEZ JR.
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SONNY BRAVO
Piano
Born in New York of Cuban-American parents, was raised in Miami, Florida. He has performed with Ray Barreto, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Machito, Willie Colon, Johnny Pacheco, Ruben Blades, and more. In 1972 he became the musical director of Tipica. He had a 15-year musical relationship with Tito Puente and toured with him worldwide.
More about Sonny Bravo (in Spanish) at http://www.anapapaya.com/especial/e_ppsonnybra.html
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BOBBY PORCELLI
Saxophone
Born in New York. Joined the Tito Rodriguez Orchestra in 1963, the Machito Orchestra in 1965, and the Tito Puente Orchestra in 1966 and stayed with him for about 30 years.
http://www.robertoswoodwind.com/giants/bob_porcelli.htm
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MITCH FROHMAN
Saxophone
Born in NY. For over 25 years he was the sax and flute soloist of the Tito Puente Orchestra. He has performed also with Mongo Santamaría, Charlie Palmieri, Machito, Típica 73, Manny Oquendo y Libre, Willie Colón, Larry Harlow All Stars, and merengue bands such as Las Chicas Del Can. He is the saxophone soloist on the theme song of HBO’s “Sex and the City”.
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LEWIS KAHN
Trombone (also a violin player)
Born in Los Angeles of European ancestry. Raised in NYC. Performed with Larry Harlow, the Fania All Stars, Africando, Tito Puente, and more.
See interview by John Child, for Descarga.com at http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/archives/Interview56 `
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RICHARD VIRUET
Trumpet
Born and raised in NYC. Has performed with Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, Tito Nieves, Jose Alberto"El Canario", Marc Anthony, La India, Larry Harlow and the Latin Legends Band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, La Sonora Matancera, Hector Lavoe, Frankie Ruiz, Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santarosa, Conjunto Clasico, Ralph Irizarry's SonCafe & Timbalaye, Cano Estremera, Willie Rosario, Milly Quesada, Sergio Vargas, Los Hermanos Lebron, Ray Sepulveda, Michael Stuart, Johnny Rivera, Jerry Rivera, DLG, Dizzie Gillespie, and many more.
http://www.myspace.com/richieviruet
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SAM BURTIS
Trombone
Trombonist and composer/arranger with the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble. Performs with the Big 3 Palladium Orchestra. From 1989 to 1996 he was the trombonist and arranger for the Tito Puente Orchestra.
More information at http://www.trombone-usa.com/burtis_sam_bio.htm
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REYNALDO JORGE
Trombone
Alumnus of the Tito Puente Jazz Ensemble. In his early days he backed legendary names like Xavier Cougat. He has toured and recorded with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Latin Giants Of Jazz, Eddie Palmieri (La Perfecta II), Ruben Blades (Son Del Solar), Hector La Voe, Ray Barretto, Larry Harlow, Fania All Stars,Tommy Olivencia, Bobby Valentin, and many more.
http://www.myspace.com/reynaldojorge
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KEVIN BRYAN
Trumpet
Has performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and more.
http://www.myspace.com/kevinbryantrumpet
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JOHN WALSH
Trumpet
Has performed and/or recorded with Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, The Chico O'Farrill Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Machito Orchestra, Johnny Pacheco, Celia Cruz, La India, Tito Nieves, Ray Barretto, among many others.
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Conga Born in the Bronx, NY, of Puerto Rican parents, at 14 years old relocated to Puerto Rico and began to play timbales with Tito Rojas in the city of Humacao. Relocated to NY in 1983 and eventually became the conguero for Manny Oquendo y Libre. During his career he has played with Oscar De Leon, Tony Vega, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and more. http://www.myspace.com/mrswing1
GEORGE DELGADO
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GERALDO (JERRY) MADERA
Bass
Has played with Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, The Big Three Palladium Orchestra, The Latin Giants, Los Soneros Del Barrio and Jose Alberto "El Canario". He is the brother of the musical director of the Latin Giants, Jose Madera.
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Saxophone Worked and recorded with Machito, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and more
PETE MIRANDA
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PETER BRAININ
Saxophone
Born in the Bronx, NY. Has performed with Mongo Santamaria, Willie Colon, the Chico O’Farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra, Paquito D’Rivera, Cachao, Eddie Palmieri and many more.
http://www.myspace.com/peterbrainin
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PETE NATER
Trumpet
Raised in the Bronx, NY. Began to play at 15 years old with Larry Harlow. Has performed with Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, and many more.
Recent interview at http://www.nme.com/video/id/cBIL1AbI2sA/search
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=437083304
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JIMMY BOSCH
Trombone
Born and raised in New Jersey of Puerto Rican parents. Began to play the trombone at 13 years old and has played with Cachao, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barreto, Ruben Blades, the Fania All-Stars, Willie Colon, Oscar D’Leon, Marc Anthony, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo O’Farrill, and many more. He is the youngest 52 year old you will ever see.
http://www.jimmyboschmusic.com
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TODD BASHORE
Saxophone
http://www.toddbashore.com under construction.
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FRANKIE VASQUEZ
Vocals
Raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Moved to New York in 1977. Has participated with several Salsa bands – Manny Oquendo y Libre, The Lebron Brothers, his own Soneros del Barrio and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
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Vocals Daughter of famous Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez. 
CITA RODRIGUEZ
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MARCO BERMUDEZ
Vocals
Born in Ecuador. Resident of New York City for the past 20 years. Has toured around the world with Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Ruben Blades, India, Tito Nieves, Domingo Quinonez, and more. He has been with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra since 2003.
http://www.myspace.com/marcobermudez
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The Latin Giants of Jazz
The Mayan
1038 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
$20 presale / $25 at the door
- by Dena Burroughs. Visit her directly at http://www.VidaSalsera.com
I wanna take your class... just to watch you dance!! 
Sixty eight years ago, Frank Sinatra was on stage on the grand opening night of a soon to become famous Hollywood Palladium. From that night forward, a long line of artists graced its stage, including salsa classics like the La Sonora Matancera, Celia Cruz, the Fania All-Stars and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The venue became the place to be, and therefore, nearly anyone who has lived long enough in Southern California has a story to tell about a fabulous night once had at the Palladium. Mine was only eight years ago or so, when I attended a Pochy y su Coco Band concert and, as an exciting first for me, made it backstage to take pictures of the band, thanks to the pull of Abelardo de la Pena, the editor of LatinoLA.com, who allowed me to cover the event. Sure, by thattime the Hollywood Palladium was only a shadow of what it had once been, although it still had the largest dance floor I had ever seen and it was still possible to visualize the splendor it once held. But the Palladium continued to deteriorate until finally a broken pipe and a flood brought about its complete close down.
The good news are that last year Live Nation signed a contract to renovate and run the Palladium, and the work is now done. Like so many others in Hollywood, the Palladium has undergone "reconstructive surgery" and for all accounts is now as good as new, with fresh bars and restrooms, light and sound systems, refurbished chandeliers, and more. Last month, Jay-Z was on stage on its rebirth night. It is now time to bring salsa back to the Palladium! On Saturday, December 13th, Eddie Palmieri and his orchestra La Perfecta II will perform, accompanied by Herman Olivera, Tito Rojas, and Los Angeles orchestras Son Mayor and Charanga Cubana. General admission is $49.50. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/338069/ -- by Dena Burroughs -- VidaSalsera.com
LARRY HARLOW AND THE CSULA AFRO LATIN ENSEMBLE, AT THE LUCKMAN THEATER - November 15, 2008
Around 7.45 PM on Saturday, Larry Harlow stood by the box office of the Luckman Theater greeting and shaking the hands of his many fans, and smiling to the flash of their cameras. Minutes later he walked the hallways inside the theater, signing autographs on CDs and old LP covers that folks brought along intentionally. Harlow was a most gracious host to the hundreds who made themselves present at his concert meant to raise funds for the newly instated Larry Harlow Fund for Students and Programs of Afro-Latin Music at CSULA.
Sporting a bright yellow jacket over black clothing, Harlow sat at the piano during the second half of the show, accompanied by a CSULA Afro-Latin Ensemble sprinkled with a few special guests – timbal player and Latin Jazz master Bobby Matos, conga player Fausto Cuevas, bassist Eddie Resto, percussionist Victor Barrientos, and singers Adonis Puentes and CSULA voice instructor Iris Sandra Cepeda. Together they delighted the audience with numbers such as “Gracia Divina,” a song composed by Harlow and first recorded in the voice of the fabulous Celia Cruz, and “Salsa Suite – La Raza Latina, Part III,” a Harlow original first written for a 40 piece orchestra and arranged especially for this concert by CSULA alumnus, Jose Arellano. According to Harlow, this was the first time that the piece had been performed for an audience. The first part of the program featured the members of the CSULA Afro Latin Ensemble with solos that displayed their individual musical talents. It showcased as well the vocals of Addie Benavides, Susana Rivas, Tim Davis, and a most well received Madelyn S. Washington. Particularly appreciated in Davis and Washington was their ability to sing Spanish lyrics made more colorful by their adorable English accents. The ensemble was directed by CSULA Assistant Professor Paul De Castro, who introduced by name the members of the orchestra and between songs explained to the audience the significance of having CSULA be the only institution of higher education in the US currently offering a Master of Music degree specializing in Afro-Latin music. After the concert, a reception was held in the Donor’s Garden of the Luckman Theater with music provided by CSULA’s DJ Horchata, during which the members of the ensemble, the special guest performers, and some of the evening’s most generous contributors enjoyed each other’s and Harlow’s company. In retrospect, Prof. De Castro called the evening musically successful, of a great purpose and especially significant to the performing experience of the members of the CSULA Afro-Latin Ensemble. As stated in the concert’s program, CSULA, and in particular the College of Arts and Letters, is thankful to Larry Harlow “for his tireless efforts on behalf of Latin music and musicians, and for his generous contribution to the Afro-Latin Music Program at CSULA." As far as the Dimelo! family is concerned, violinist Tylana Enomoto and singer Iris Sandra Cepeda, both of the Charanga Cubana represented! - by Dena Burroughs see pictures here Additional pictures at http://www.VidaSalsera.com
Reseñas de álbumes poco conocidos
Coordina: Carlos Velásquez
Círculo Cubano - Orange County - Orquesta Mazacote con su Música de Oro; cantan Tata Ramos, Jorge Luis, y Orlando "Mazacote" López.
Aquí, otra vez, con Carlos Velásquez, después de decidirme por cuál elepé hacer la reseña de esta edición, el cual considero raro, debido a que las ediciones fueron limitadas a 2.000 copias. El elepé que escogí tiene como nombre "Circulo Cubano - Orange County" - Orquesta Mazacote con su Música de Oro, cantan Tata Ramos, Jorge Luis, y Orlando 'Mazacote' López". López fundó la orquesta en el año 1967.
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Quiero contarles que tuve la oportunidad de platicar un rato con el mismísimo líder del grupo y compositor, Orlando "Mazacote" López, adquiriendo información que le brinda a esta reseña un elemento diferente. Comenzaré con anécdotas compartidas por Mazacote, y después volveré a terminar hablándoles de este ejemplar elepé, escogido para esta ocasión.
La presente fue una conversación repentina -- lo digo así porque no hubo una introducción formal de un amigo a otro. Sencillamente tomé el teléfono y comencé la charla con Mazacote, por la cual fue todo un caballero, y cordialmente comenzó a relatar unos cuántos episodios de su trayectoria musical.
Mazacote es percusionista y cantante cubano, nacido en La Habana en 1939. Por cosas del destino, y la revolución de su patria natal, embarcó para Florida, y le faltaron 17 millas para llegar a la costa americana. Llegó a Key West, después de estar remando por dos días, usando una guagua flotante, el 13 de abril de 1964.
Mudándose a Los Ángeles al final del 1964, trabajó con artistas y grupos locales. Además grabó con talentosos artistas, por ejemplo Arsenio Rodríguez (1964), para el sello Ansonia Records; Celia Cruz (1964), donde compartió el escenario por dos semanas en el Million Dollar Theater de Los Ángeles en el 1965; Miguelito Valdez (1965), para el sello RCA Victor Records; y Xavier Cougat (1965). Ese mismo año, 1965, La Charo, española y esposa de Xavier, debutó con Mazacote en el Hotel Tropicana de Las Vegas. Exactamente cuando se terminaba el contrato de Pérez Prado, entraba Mazacote, el cual podría ser un buen argumento para determinar la calidad de orquestas que tocaban en el Tropicana en esa época. Otros célebres con los cuales Mazacote grabó, fueron René Touzet (1965), y Alfredo Sadel, cantante venezolano, en el Million Dollar Theater (1965). Hablando de Venezuela, Mazacote viajó para el Festival La Onda Nueva, con el maestro Aldemaro Romero, por un periodo de tres semanas (1965). También grabó "Willie Bobo and his friends" con Willie Bobo, percusionista de jazz latino, para el sello disquero Latin Internacional, en el 1970. Para seguir nombrando unos cuántos más con los cuales ha grabado Mazacote, están Thelma Houston (1971) y Diosa Acostello (1973). Durante la conversación, se le podía escuchar la alegría de estar charlando de estos acontecimientos, en particular me comentó que en 1988, él grabó con Celia Cruz un disco nombrado "Mazacote y Celia Cruz"
Mazacote está activo y trabajando los viernes y los sábados de 9pm a 1am en el restaurante cubano y club nocturno "Habana Cabana", ubicado en la ciudad de Huntington Beach, en el sur de California. Ahí ha estado trabajando por los últimos tres años. El establecimiento está ubicado en 18285 Beach Boulevard. Destacándose como percusionista y cantante, entre los instrumentos que aquí está usando, se encuentra el timbalito que —recalcó— se toca entre el estilo de timbales y congas. Explica que son pocos los músicos, como Papaíto, que saben o sabían tocar este instrumento.
Para ampliar un poco el tema, hablé brevemente con mi amigo peruano, DJ Jorge Ormeño, y él me comentó que el club nocturno Candilejas de Hollywood era uno de los mejores clubes durante los 1980. Me dijo que en aquel entonces la gente llegaba a gozar y a bailar salsa de la buena. Esto lo confirmó Mazacote, porque ellos eran la orquesta de la casa los viernes y los sábados durante los finales del 1975 hasta los finales del 1981.
Hablando del disco que nos atrae en esta discusión, vuelvo a comentarles que el vendedor del elepé rompió el sello del mismo, para añadir el precio encima de la carátula adversa. Ustedes saben que, como coleccionista, era mejor que no se hubiese abierto el elepé, para preservarlo intacto. Por eso mismo podría señalarles que este elepé está en buenas condiciones, en lo referente a las carátulas y el sonido.
Por otra parte, las carátulas manifiestan poca información de la orquesta, y se puede percatar que el diseño brinda un 90 por ciento sobre la directiva de los socios del Círculo Cubano de Orange County. En la portada reversa se habla en detalle de los logros del círculo cubano desde el 1971, y después se despliegan los nombres de los líderes y las juntas durante los siguientes 13 años, hasta 1985.
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Para mí este elepé es un buen guiso que lleva un paladar exquisito hacia los pies de los bailadores, e incluso para el radioescucha. Igualmente, el sello del disco lleva su nombre, Orlando López Mazacote Records (OLM Records - stereo 10015). Les indico que se pueden escuchar diferentes y lindas melodías; entre ellas hay boleros, cumbias y guarachas. Mazacote agregó que además tiene un bolero moruno, el cual es un bolero español con arreglos cubanos. Además tiene una guaracha songo, que se puede regocijar de una fusión al estilo de guaracha típica cubana con los ritmos afrocubanos. Entre otros temas, existe un bolero-cha, el cual normalmente es un bolero bachata, y era un tipo de bachata. En aquel entonces, el autor del tema dijo que no usaran el ritmo característico de bachata, y pidió que lo renombraran seductor para atraer al público. Incluso, nos relata Mazacote que visitó a la República Dominicana desde 1980 a 1982, a Santo Domingo, donde pudo amenizarse con la bachata, la cual no tenía tanta popularidad en esa época [por lo menos en Estados Unidos].
Títulos de la canciones:
Lado A
1. Mírame, mírame - cumbia - Canta Orlando López Mazacote
2. Contigo en la distancia - bolero - Canta Tata Ramos
3. Carmela mía - guaracha - Canta Jorge Luis
4. Pecado - bolero - Canta Tata Ramos
5. Bailare solo - guaracha songo - Canta Tata Ramos
Labo B
1. Castillito de arena - bolero moruno - Canta Tata Ramos
2. Con el don de tu amor - bolero - Canta Tata Ramos
3. Óyeme María - guaracha - Jorge Luis
4. Porque te fuiste - bolero-cha - Canta Orlando López Mazacote
5. Penas de un campesino - cumbia - Canta Tata Ramos
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De pie y de izq. a der. Arnaldo Rodríguez, piano; Pat Rodríguez, timbales; Ronnie Ossa, trompeta; Dowg Wing, trombón; Jerry Rush, trompeta y Cuquito Martínez, bajo. En cuclillas y en el mismo orden: Tata Ramos, Orlando López "Mazacote", y Rudy Calzado, todos cantantes. Foto cortesía de Orlando López "Mazacote" |
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Espero que al brindarles esta información, les traiga un poco de nostalgia por el ayer, el ayer donde a veces solamente nos queda recordar los momentos agradables.
Para comunicarse conmigo, envíe sus comentarios al correo electrónico de carlosvelasquez@charter.net
Nota: Me gustaría ofrecerle las gracias a DJ Jorge Ormeño, por su anécdota, y al señor Manny González por su entrevista de Mazacote en el website, www.comoenla.com
Y en total agradecimiento a Orlando "Mazacote" López, por su colaboración en este trabajo.
Derechos Reservados de Autor
SECOND ANNUAL LOS ANGELES SALSA MUSIC FESTIVAL, AT THE GREEK THEATRE - August 23, 2008
A t 7:30 PM on Saturday, Hector Resendez, the host of the Canto Tropical L.A. radio show, welcomed the crowd to the 2 nd Annual Los Angeles Salsa Festival at The Greek Theatre. The members of Puerto Rican Power went on stage, wearing t-shirts that advertised their latest CD, Salsa of the Caribbean , and began to play as Puerto Rican dancers Stacey and Lucy Lopez performed in the background. In such way began an evening of fabulous music and a parade of singers that lasted until 11:00 PM.
Xiomara Laugart, the Cuban singer who has been busy in Broadway with her role as Celia Cruz, was first to perform. “Her voice is very powerful,” said Pauline Bao, a concert attendee. And the crowd seemed to be in agreement as they danced and sang along with Xiomara to several of Celia Cruz’ hit songs.
Johnny Rivera walked on stage next, sporting a pair of glasses of black thick frames that added on to his nice looks. Not that the crowd needs anything to further love the man who put his career on hold while he stood by his wife in her time of ill. Now that he is back, his audience, in turn, stands by him.
“El Gallo,” Tito Rojas, was next, with his voice of Salsero that could have been Mariachi and those songs that start with notes that make one think of “Chente,” but then pick up the clave.
Puerto Rican Power followed with a set of their own, although they had been on stage since the start and its singers had been the background voices for all prior performers. Singer Josue Rosado, with his infectious energy and his willingness to interact with the crowd, is a definite plus to this group. The group was joined by Puerto Rican cuatro player and Fania star, Yomo Toro, and later by Osvaldo Roman, with his trademark blond hair and a performing history with both this group and the one that would follow, Grupo Niche.
In sharp contrast to the t-shirts and baseball caps worn by Puerto Rican Power, Grupo Niche got on stage suited up and elegant. The audience, heavily Colombian, went crazy as their beloved musicians represented them well.
The promotion for the concert had been “Puerto Rican Power VS. Grupo Niche.” Thankfully, there was no “V .” This was a truly enjoyable night of great music performed by expert musicians and the craft of amazing vocalists. A party rather than a match, this was a successful event put on by Nederlander Concerts in association with Eddie Rodriguez and Latin Works Music.
See pictures here Additional pictures are at http://www.VidaSalsera.com
- by Dena Burroughs
