Rolling Afro-Latin Music 2024: Reggaeton, Dembow, Latin Pop, Salsa,Bachata, Bomba, Latin Jazz, Merengue, Urbano and more Latinx

Defining the music broadly here but trying to emphasize Caribbean & the Americas rooted Reggaeton, dembow, Latin pop, Salsa, Bachata, Bomba, Latin Jazz, Merengue, Urbano (more than pop-rock but occasional mentions of that genre are ok too). Hybrid music with Latin trap and Mexican Regional traditional styles combined are ok too

Here's last year's 2023 thread

Rolling Afro-Latin Music 2023: Reggaeton, Salsa,Bachata, Bomba, Latin Jazz, Merengue, Urbano and more Latinx

https://hullworks.net/jazzpoll/23/totals-latin.php

X-post- the Latin Jazz poll results.

Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo, El Arte Del Bolero, Vol. 2 (Miel Music) 13
Aruán Ortiz Trio, Serranias: Sketchbook for Piano Trio (Intakt) 9
Harold López-Nussa, Timba a la Americana (Blue Note) 7
Hilario Durán and His Latin Jazz Big Band, Cry Me a River (Alma) 5
Susan Alcorn & Septeto Del Sur, Canto (Relative Pitch) 4
Sammy Figueroa, Something for a Memory (Busco Tu Recuerdo) (Ashé) 4
Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band, Vox Humana (Jazzheads) 4
Edward Simon, Femininas: Songs of Latin American Women (ArtistShare) 4
David Virelles, Carta (Intakt) 4
Roxana Amed & Frank Carlberg, Los Trabajos Y Las Noches (Sony Music Latin) 3

That’s some of em. I think I liked the Zenon & Perdoma one slightly better than I liked prior Zenon releases, but he never has enough non-jazz rhythm for me .

Zenon & Perdomo is very pleasant jazz , but ( maybe it’s me), I don’t really hear the bolero mentioned in the album title

The Sanabria Big Band aren’t doing anything new, but they have that horns and more with vocals and percussive clave sound down

https://www.allmusic.com/year-in-review/2023/favorite-latin-and-global

Allmusic,com list of fave Latin and Global is more pop than the jazz critics list of course

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/pete-terrace-mn0000523404

RIP NY Puerto Rican vibraphonist Pete Terrace at age 96. Just heard it mentioned on Jim Byers Metro Mambo show but it’s not on the websites I have looked at yet

Saturday Jan 13
Barbes and Electric Cowbell Present Secret Planet 2024 in NYC
7PM DJ set (Discolocas) (may start earlier..)
7:30PM Shoko Nagai’s Tokala
8.15PM Bombay Rickey
9PM Laberinto del Coco
9.45PM Loboko
10.30PM Combo Daguerre
11.15PM La Perla
12PM Cumbia Heights
12:30AM: DJ set (Discolocas)
Doors 6:30PM
$20
Drom
85 Ave NY, NY 20009

Loboko is a new NY based Congolese band , many others are from the Latin music world. Cumbia Heights is DC based as is Electric Cowbell promoter. Barbes is Brooklyn NY club and promoter

I wrote about how Fela Kuti's song "Shakara" became a hit in Colombia in the early '70s, including three very different cover versions.

Just read that .Nice piece . I had referenced the Fela song in that in the 2023 thread in mentioning the obit of Lisandro Meza, Afro-Colombian accordion player and more

Colombia sure does have lots of great music that is reflective of African styles but with their own twist

OTM. Including some folkloric stuff on the Pacific side.

although maybe that’s slightly different than what you are talking about here.

Yeah, curmudgeon, it was your posting of the Meza version that inspired the piece. I had multiple compilations that included the different versions and somehow the pieces had never clicked together in my head until then.

X-post - I think but am not sure that Meza is from Pacific side of Colombia, and yes his music is Afro-folkloric.

There’s an annual music fest on the west coast of Colombia that I would love to go too. I think author musician Ned Sublette wrote about it and may have even done of those music tours he leads , there

Liking video clips I have seen of El Laberinto del Coco, Puerto Rican group rooted in Bomba but with other elements. A percussionist from Calle 13 is in the group. They were just on a big bill at Drom in NY yesterday, and might be at the Global Fest at Lincoln Center in Ny today

https://ellaberintodelcoco.bandcamp.com/track/todo-va-a-estar-bien

Pepe Flores, musicologist/lower east side NY activist, introduced El Laberinto del Coco @ Drom in NYC

https://wgrl.nyc/puerto-rican-music-with-pepe-flores/

Selena - Ones (a compilation) is #1 Latin Pop album on Billboard. Aventura has the #1 Tropical album on Billboard.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/17/arts/music/ana-tijoux-vida.html

Chilean born rapper & singer Ana Tijoux out with first new album since 2014. Vida, the new one has her vocalizing over salsa on one song and afrobeats on another according to Jon Pareles who wrote the article. Tijoux lives in Barcelona now the article says. I haven’t heard the album yet , but I have liked her earlier releases

I liked Tijoux album on first listen

Another 2023 best of songs list

https://www.latimes.com/delos/newsletter/2023-12-14/top-latin-music-songs-2023-latinx-files-latinx-files

A worthy #1- 1. Eslabón Armado and Peso Pluma, “Ella Baila Sola”

Pedro Tovar, bandleader of rising “sad sierreño” act Eslabón Armado, gave the tough-talking corrido star Peso Pluma a makeover with this sensual ballad about a mystery girl who dances alone. Peaking at No. 4, “Ella Baila Sola” came to be the highest-charting regional Mexican song on the Hot 100 since the list’s creation in 1958.

There’s a weekly Latin jazz night at a Latino club in DC , and I see that in NY tonight Ben Lapidus and Tony Rosa are at Latin Jazz night at Misto in the Bronx . Gringo
Me might find the sound too rote after all these years, but it’s living on

Marc Anthony w/ bachata song Punta Cana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXvudxMABqM

Was listening to El Laberinto del Coco last night. Led by Bomba percussionist Coco who was once in Calle 13, they meld bomba percussion, salsa horns, occasional Santana-esque guitar & call and response salsa, pop, & rap vocals .

Thankfully they don’t overdo the Santana funk rock guitar solos which are the weakest part of their sound

They did a free Kennedy Center gig some years back billed by Kennedy Center as Hector Coco Barez and El Laberinto del Coco. On Thursday February 1 of this year they will be at the U of Maryland Clarice Smith Center near me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx3mXp61myU

x-post - that new Marc Anthony song Punts Cana is now #1 on Billboard Tropical chart. His 36th Tropical chart top song

https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/marc-anthony-punta-cana-debuts-number-1-tropical-airplay-chart-1235594706/

Punta Cana

Afro-Peruvian singer Susana Baca is intensive care in a hospital in Peru. Apparently she’s also being mocked on twitter x by conservatives who don’t like her politics

Mon Laferte's 2024 North American tour has NY & Boston gigs , but then grrrr skips Washington DC and goes south

Listening to Orquesta Akokan, a retro Mambo & Cuban son group with NYC and Cuban members. I saw them on tour in DC back in 2018 (I think), and now they're touring the US again a bit in the spring. Daptone I think once put something of there's out, so yeah it's going for a throwback approach, but they do it well.

Chano Dominguez about to start.

Orquesta Akokan are so great

This is sounding great, despite the fact that I am downstairs since upstairs is sold out

“Someday, My Prince Will Come”!

And now special guest Mino Cinélu!

Introduced as the triangle player on Decoy.

Now he switched from triangle to cajón

Thanks for the Mon Laferte tip. Maybe I will try to go to the theater at MSG.

Just listened to the last album which I hadn’t been aware of and now watching some of the related videos.

And now some video of a song she did with Fito Páez that’s pretty good.

From several years back:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JqyVoqavaU

Nice.

[googles Chano Dominguez and then I am reminded and remember --- Chano Domínguez is one of the most celebrated Spanish Latin jazz, post bop, and flamenco pianists of our time, having released over 20 albums as a bandleader, composer, and producer. Domínguez came to great international exposure in 2000 when he appeared performing his own composition, “Oye Como Viene,” in Spanish director Fernando Trueba’s Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz documentary, Calle 54, which also featured Elaine Elias, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band, and Tito Puente.

Lives in Brooklyn and has a Queens based label

Cool. Think he flew to Colombia to do some shows there, which is why there was no second set last night

looks like vocalist Jose “Pepito” Gomez is out of Orquesta Akokan . Jacob Plasse (tres) and Michael Eckroth (piano) who first formed group and brought Pepito Gomez on, are still there but Kiko Ruíz is now their vocalist.

Wait, Mike is in that group?

Ah you met him or know him, Michael or Mike of Orquesta Akokan. Their new singer Kiko Ruiz is Cuban. Was told that current bandmembers live in either NYC, Miami, or Havana now.

He moved to Florida where he has a teaching gig, can't remember what school. He used to live in my neighborhood though. And his in-laws still live nearby so when he is in town he stays with them. Last time I saw him he was at the coffee shop doing some grading. I've seen him play different gigs, thing I particularly like is his Arsenio Rodriguez tribute,

You know that both his sisters also play piano.

Oh, I see he is on a Fulbright now.

One sister anyway. She's played some pretty big gigs. Thought they had another sister too, but can't find mention.

Puerto Rican Dominican Jazz
Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra plays Puerto Rican Dominican jazz; at Sony Hall in the Times Square Theater District; on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 8pm. From $15.

Saw this on that Latin Things to do in NY email that I get , even though I don’t live up there

Just stumbled across a new Substack newsletter, Marco's Music Radar, covering Latin-American music (the writer's term) in English, from Colombia. I've subscribed — it could be interesting.

Thanks. Just subscribed to free version. His focus on post I looked at seems to be on indie/alternative rock .

To get that Latin Music in NY email I mentioned that lists salsa and latin jazz NY events, with a fair amount in the Bronx , go here -

https://www.newyorklatinculture.com/

Tonight in DC for free

"Fandango at the Wall" film 5 to 7 @ Library of Congress Pickford Theatre (Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra go to Veracruz, Mexico, to jam w/ “son jarocho" players

Arturo O’Farrill & his Afro-Latin Octet 8 to 10 @ Library of Congress Coolidge Aud

You gonna go?

Maybe to the show, but can’t get there early enough for the movie. Gonna try to stream that if available

I saw Arturo’s son play last week. One of these Sunday evenings I will get up to Birdland again.

And he was just playing now with this guy who seems really interesting, although I couldn't really stay too long: https://www.antoniolizanamusic.com/

I did go see Arturo O’Farrill & his Afro-Latin Octet 8 & it was a real good show. Started with some clave heavy dance numbers, then got jazzy, then did a Aster Piazolla tango song, and did a song that he described as whirling dervish music. Band had drummer, a percussionist on congas, another percussionist on cajon & congo; trumpet; sax & flute player; ... Arturo talked a lot in between. He first exclaimed his joy at being there all day and the Library folks showing him Mingus manuscripts and more , and he noted that this inspired him and was his America. The director of Fandango at the Wall was there and he brought him onstage (and the director played acoustic bass on one song) . He said he wasn't going to get into politics but he nonetheless talked a bit positively about immigration. He talked about Fandango @ the Wall and how every Labor Day that musicians get together on both sides of the Us wall w/ Mexico . He also expressed his love for Cubans. He talked about his non-profit that is building a community center in Harlem. He made some goofy Dad jokes. They're not really doing anything new new musically (no hints of reggaeton or Latin pop) but they do is classic and they have it down

Re my nitpicking of Latin jazz, I mean if Mackaya McCraven can play jazz and be influenced by Dilla and other hiphop folks, if some of those recent Shabaka Hutchings groups could also be influenced a bit by hiphop, where are the Latin Jazz groups that are utilizing hiphop and reggaeton. I haven't found 'em. So I enjoy the O'Farrill classic approach, but just would also like to hear some group trying something newer

Just saw an Instagram video clip story of bouncebeat go-go band TOB working on a track with akeyboardist adding salsa rhythmic accents! Yes, I like it.

Today's Google Doodle subject is Lola Beltrán it seems.

https://doodles.google/doodle/lola-beltrans-92nd-birthday/

Mexican ranchera singer and actor

Yes

Like many, I first heard her on an Almodóvar soundtrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukzR6qrI6Xo

Which song title I often use to remember a subtle point of Spanish grammar.

Cool. Someday maybe I will learn Spanish.

The person who did this interview with Rauw Alejandro speaks Spanish and knows Puerto Rican slang.

https://crfashionbook.com/rauw-alejandro-interview/

As he begins to share more about the new album over a Zoom call, his cat—a fluffy, smoke-gray Maine Coon named Kemuri—starts meowing incessantly outside his door. Distracted, Alejandro walks over to let him in. “¡Meraaa!” he says, deploying a classic Puerto Rican exclamation. “Get inside,” he says lovingly in Spanish

I liked Alejandro's last album, but am wondering if I will like new one when it comes out (based on this quote)

It’s too early to tell what the direction of the new record will be, but he knows for a fact that it’ll be nothing like Saturno. He’s been listening to a lot of pop-punk and nu metal, of all things—Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Blink-182—although there’s been some jazz and classical music on rotation too. “I’m still cooking, developing a new persona—the whole look and feel,” he explains. “But I’m not someone who follows a formula. All my big hits are different musical styles,” he continues, citing the raunchy reggaeton heater “Lokera,” the synth pop sparkler “Todo de Ti,” and the kizomba-tinged “2/Catorce.”

I know a little bit of Spanish I should say. But not enough

https://pitchfork.com/news/new-book-switched-on-chronicles-latin-american-women-in-electronic-music/

Switched On book included Latin American women in electronic music

Wow

RIP Pete Rodriguez, born in 1932, a Puerto Rican American raised in the Bronx whose bugaloo piano playing on “I like it like that “ has inspired many

RIP

Just came across this Dutch singer who was born in Uruguay, started singing disco then went jazz with some big names and seems to do Latin stuff as well, Laura Fygi.

Made an album called The Latin Touch which has some familiar songs.

Found an Arielle Dombasle Latin album as well.

Listening to Agustín Lara right now

I only have heard Lara's boleros a bit. I think Chavela Vargas and Natalie Lafourcade have covered that late icon.

Yes, just discovered the recording by the latter.

https://www.bronxdoc.org/exhibits/conzo/detail

CONZO
A LOOK BACK AT THE BRONX, 1977-84

OPENING RECEPTION
MAR 22, 2024 | 6 - 9PM
ON VIEW
MAR 22 - APR 21, 2024

Opening Reception: March 22, 2024 | 6-9PM
On View: March 22 - April 21, 2024

Born in 1963 in the South Bronx, Joe Conzo Jr. acquired a passion for photography as a young boy. By some combination of luck and circumstance, as a teenager Joe found himself at the very center of cultural and activist movements changing the Bronx. His father was the personal confidant of Tito Puente, promoting some of the biggest salsa shows of that time; his grandmother, Evelina López Antonetty, was a community activist known as the Hell Lady of the Bronx; and Joe’s classmates at South Bronx High School were literally birthing the culture of Hip Hop.

Starting at the age of 10, Joe began to carry his camera daily, photographing everything from school walkouts to the infamous fires ravaging the Bronx, to rap battles between the Cold Crush Brothers and other foundational Hip Hop groups. Forty-five years later, Joe’s images provide an unmatched and intimate document of the complex forces that created today’s Bronx.

Ned Subl$tte is excited about

Thursday, March 28, 7:30 pm: José Aquiles Virelles, Terraza 7, Queens. From Santiago de Cuba, the trovador whose son and sometime collaborator, pianist David Virelles, is well known in NYC music circles.

Saturday, March 30, 8 pm: Sonora Ponceña, 70th anniversary concert, with guests Luisito Carrión, Pequeño Johnny, and Reynaldo Jorge. Lehman Center, in the Bronx.

La Sonora Poncena are also doing a Washington DC gig at Kennedy Center

Sonora Ponceña — all-time champions of "this album does not sound anything like I would have guessed based on its cover art".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Diabla_(Xavi_song)

Xavi "La Diabla" still topping Hot Latin chart

It's Mexican regional music with a bit of rap flavor

N$d Subl$tte re Eddie Palmieri from Ned’s latest email:

Music in NYC: Eddie Palmieri (!) Spring Residency, Blue Note, Apr 8, 22, May 6, 20, 27 . . . One of the great living American musical artists, the 87-year-old Mr. Palmieri is the inventor of an original, recognizable style of montuno and his own system of harmony, with a unique understanding of the structural drive of the son form. He's still playing, still available for hearing close up on a Monday night.

Cool! Wonder who’s in the band? Saw him at Dizzy’s but it was a while back so I’m due, much as I dislike the Blue Note experience

I see on Instagram that Ansonia Records and La Sala de Pepe in NY are presenting a new exhibit on Avenue C called Salsa Con Estilo , about the evolution of the music genre salsa. There’s a double album with that name too. Exhibit opens 5 to 8 tonight and goes to May 26

https://www.lasaladepepe.org/

The associated compilation is on Bandcamp; I think I might buy it:

https://ansoniarecords.bandcamp.com/album/ansonia-records-presents-salsa-con-estilo-dance-floor-gems-from-the-vaults-1950s-1980s

Introducing "Ansonia Records Presents - Salsa Con Estilo - Dance Floor Gems from the Vaults: 1950s - 1980s," a vibrant compilation that traces the musical journey of salsa through the iconic NYC-based Latin label, Ansonia Records and its founder Rafael "Ralph" Pérez. A trailblazer in the U.S. recording industry, Pérez played a pivotal role in shaping the Latin music landscape, particularly during the label's heyday from the 1950s to the 1970s.

The album unfolds in two distinct parts: "Roots of Salsa" and "Salsa Boom."

"Roots of Salsa" invites listeners to explore the pre-1970s era, delving into the foundational recordings that laid the groundwork for the salsa phenomenon. These tracks boast danceable rhythms, vibrant brass, and the unmistakable influence of Afro-Cuban genres like son, guaguancó, and son montuno. The compilation carefully highlights key elements such as the coro, montuno, moña, and cierre, providing a rich historical perspective on the roots of salsa.

In the 1970s, when salsa exploded onto the New York scene, Ansonia faced formidable competition from larger labels. Despite being a small fish in a big pond, Ansonia persevered, releasing fantastic records that held their own against industry giants. "Salsa Boom" captures this dynamic period, showcasing the resilience and talent of Ansonia's artists. Despite limited airplay and media attention, these tracks stand as a testament to the label's enduring impact on the salsa movement.

As you embark on this revelatory journey through Ansonia's musical legacy, each track challenges preconceptions about the label. "Salsa Con Estilo" pays homage to one of Ansonia's legendary salseros, Frankie "Mr. Estilo" Figueroa, while celebrating the vibrant dance music that defined the label over the decades. Join us in rediscovering the hidden gems and untold stories of Ansonia Records, a family-run business that left an indelible mark on the Latin audience it faithfully served.

I'm not familiar with the label, but the few tracks I've sampled are good.

Ansonia has a lot of releases on their Bandcamp page. The album covers are very old-school, and it's mostly artists I'm not familiar with, though there's a Cortijo album and a Mon Rivera album that both look interesting.

https://ansoniarecords.bandcamp.com/music

Thanks for that.

One thing I really appreciate is that the individual album pages often have really detailed notes about the music. Check out the essay Pablo Yglesias wrote about the Cortijo album I mentioned, which is from 1970:

https://ansoniarecords.bandcamp.com/album/noche-de-temporal-2

Good record geek salsa.

Meanwhile more popular salsa still gets some Sirius XM radio play on their Caliente station along side Latin pop, reggaeton, bachata, and a little Mexican regional meets hiphop.

My DC commercial Latin radio station still plays Marc Anthony , Victor Manuelle and others ( and Manuelle has a nearly sold out gig at Kennedy Center tonight. I found that his salsa romantica had more energy live than on recordings when I saw him a few years ago).

Saw Orquesta Akokan with new singer last night in DC. Good show. New guy can sing and dance . Nice set of pre-salsa mambo and such

I'm a dilettante, at best, wrt this thread's remit, but I quite like the new Reyna Tropical album

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/reyna-tropical-malegria/

I see that Isabelia Herrera likes it too in Pitchfork

The record is an imaginative meditation on the possibilities of diasporic genre collage: Reyna, Díaz, and new collaborator Nay Mapalo collect hues of Peruvian chicha, Mexican zapateado, Congolese soukous, and a handful of other styles, glazing them over each other like a highly saturated watercolor painting. With its loose construction, inventive arrangements, and liturgical tranquility, Malegría is an incisive exploration of the porosity of diasporic life.

I like it too.

And Ned S*blette liked pianist legend Eddie Palmieri on the first date of his Blue Note residency in NYC:

He's back, and as happy as everyone was to be hearing this music again, I don't think anyone was happier than him. It's a thoroughly satisfying, full-force musical experience. After all the times I've heard him play (must be at least 150 over the last 40 years), when he hits one of those fff percussive interjections during someone else's solo I still have the sense that I've never heard that exact chord before . . . as always with Mr. Palmieri, the band is top-notch and they make the arrangements sound: Luques Curtis (whose ongoing bass-and-piano conversation with Palmieri gets more intricate all the time), Jose Clausell, Little Johnny, Luisito Quintero on bongó, Brad Mason, and Jimmy Bosch, no less . . . Louis Fouché played what had been the lead vocal of "Adoración" on alto and rocked the house with maybe four choruses of fire . . . guest spot by Gregoire Maret on harmonica . . . Mr. Palmieri's jokes still need work, though . . . residency continues on April 22 and May 20 and 27 . . .

Ned liked pianist Omar Sosa and his band live too

Tickets for "The Buena Vista Social Orchestra" (whoever they are) are nearly gone and very expensive at the 1800 seat or so Warner Theatre in DC.

Google tells me the group is:

The Buena Vista Social Orchestra, under the direction of trombonist Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos, continues the legacy of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club in an exciting new stage production featuring the ensemble’s greatest hits and deep-dive cuts.

In this inaugural tour, Ramos is joined by an all-star ensemble including three original BVSC members, "Betun" Luis Mariano Valiente Marin (Congas, Bongo), Emilio Senon Morales Ruiz (Piano) and Fabían Garcia (Bass), as they showcase the Cuban musical heritage that gave birth to Latin Jazz, Salsa and many other genres of music as we know them today.

Snenie doing the now 21 year old song by Julieta Venegas "Lento"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjGEem0WFbU

The SNenie version was highlighted here among other new Latin pop releases

https://remezcla.com/lists/music/15-new-songs-to-listen-to-this-week-from-ca7riel-paco-amoroso-to-luiza-brina/

New Marc Anthony album Muevense coming out

All I can think of is Jennifer Lopez's statement (in the documentary about the making of her recent album and its accompanying movie) that "the world is not clamoring for a new J-Lo record," and wonder who is clamoring for a new Marc Anthony record.

Do you ever say that about jazz musicians who are Anthony’s age or older?

Jazz and pop are entirely different things and the comparison is absurd. But you know what? My assumption was that Anthony was still out there trying to have pop hits, but looking at Wikipedia it seems like he's spent the last 15 years playing strictly to hardcore salsa fans. He hasn't done a Latin pop record since 2010. So let him do his thing.

I think any musician of any age or genre can put out music whenever they want even if "the world is not clamoring for" it. I am saying this even though my late Mom used to say that all old singers and musicians should give it up.

plenty of people have been listening to march anthony's music for years

*marc

Yep, I am a fan of Anthony's pop and salsa , and clearly the announcement of his latest album and his recent tours has generated excitement that I have seen. Regarding Unperson saying "he's spent the last 15 years playing strictly to hardcore salsa fans"....Marc Anthony just played the 20,000 seat basketball hall, Capital One Arena in DC in February 2024. Pretty sure not all those folks were hardcore salsa fans. The hardcore salsa acts coming to DC often play places ranging from 500 to 4,500.

Unperson, you don't have to like Latin pop, but cheap shots at the genre versus hallowed old school salsa and jazz, sounds just like the cliched rockists versus pop thing.

And speaking of genre prejudice, I like the Reyna Tropical album (Latin pop with soukous guitar and other influences discussed above in this thread) more than Still House Plants latest (Brit art-rock band on cover of the Wire, and called by a Guardian writer the most import band in Britain) or that acclaimed Cindy Lee album that's just on Youtube.

I don't think I said anything in either of my posts about the quality of Latin pop. I haven't heard nearly enough of it to have an opinion. I don't like Bad Bunny because his voice annoys me. That's literally about all I know about Latin pop in 2024. But one thing I do know is that pop music is a young person's game. Old people making pop records, especially after years away, with an eye toward the charts, Marc Anthony or Jennifer Lopez or anybody else, almost always only succeed in embarrassing themselves. The new song is the part of your concert where the audience pulls out their phone to check on the babysitter. It's much better for a performer over 50 to settle into a genre that embraces veteran artists, which is why I think Anthony sticking to salsa is a wise move. Hell, if he made a surprise appearance to sing with Eddie Palmieri's band at the Blue Note some night, that shit would probably be amazing and get him some of the most rapturous press of his life.

Have seen on Facebook some awesome videos by Colombia band Rancho Aparte at gigs in New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana during the festivals happening there.

I read that they’re going to do a US east Coast tour in September and October

On vacation in Texas and listening to Tejano radio, and might go see hipster band La Lom from Los Angeles who play chicha and cumbia. Saw a banner in San Antonio for a Conjunto festival

Andria Rose who's on the bill with La Lom sounds a bit like Kali Uchis , Latin pop-r&b

Am getting industry emails for Young Miko, hailed by The New York Times as one of the artists “shaping the sound of 2024, and going on tour

In the cover story of its Future Of Music issue, Rolling Stone said, “Funny, charming, and unapologetically raunchy, she’s the Puerto Rican star everyone wants to work with.” Young Miko was named Nuevo Artista Del Año (New Artist Of The Year) at the recent Latin American Music Awards while “Classy 101,” her collaboration with FEID, took honors for Canción Global Latina del Año (Global Latin Song of the Year) and Mejor Colaboración – Urbano (Best Collaboration – Urban). Earlier this year, Young Miko received the Impact Award at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards and was named Best New Artist (Latin Pop / Urban) at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

x-post - so down in McAllen, Texas we went to the final night of the 3 night MXlan fest with live music, Mexican Lucha Libre wrestlers, fire-using acrobats, fireworks, and indigenous folk-dancing pole climbers. Music included obscure to us (and based on small size of the Sunday crown at the outdoors stage to everyone) : Sunday May 5 – MXLAN Pepsi Stage artists include:

06:00 – 06:30 – Dani Tiscareno

06:45 – 07:15 – Andria Rose

07:30 – 08:15 – Desta French

08:45 – 10:00 – La Lom

10:15 – 11:00 – Alta Ralea

Saw a bit of San Antonio Latin pop-r&b balladeer Rose with band and liked her. London England's Desta French alternated between sining Spanish bachatas and Latin pop and r& b and talking and rapping in Brit-accented English. Los Angeles' La Lom may be hipster in their choice of chicha and cumbia and surf but I liked their originals and their covers of "Hey There Lonely Girl" and Smokey's ""ooh, Ooh , baby, baby " . We didn't see Alta Ralea. The crowd was 99% Spanish speaking

Puerto Rican Mother’s Day Salsa
La India sings salsa for Mother’s Day at Lehman Center in Jerome Park, The Bronx; on Saturday May 11, 2024 at 8pm. From $58. 🇵🇷

Puerto Rican Festival
Los Pleneros de la 21 celebrate the Puerto Rican Las Fiestas de Cruz, at Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in “El Barrio” East Harlem; on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7pm. 🇵🇷

was back at dayjob yesterday after vacation and then wimped out last night on going to see Lido Pimienta open for Chicano Batman. IG story videos I saw this morning of her looked impressive. I like her Latin pop w/ synths and more

She's Colombian but moved to Canada

She just did guest vocals on percussionist Mas Aya 's latest

https://www.stereogum.com/2262544/mas-aya-tu-y-yo-feat-lido-pimienta/music/

Pimienta opened for Chicano Batman in NYC too last night

Cool. Didn’t go but at interested

Am

I don't know if I'd exactly call it a movie, and there isn't a poster, but I want to show y'all an edit I've made (or will have made by then) of footage from our January Postmambo trip La Ruta de los Fundamentos, to sacred sites and events in western Cuba, focusing mostly on Yoruba and Kongo music in Matanzas, Jovellanos, Pedro Betancourt, Pinar del Río, Melena del Sur, and of course good old Havana.

Ned S ia showing this Thursday via zoom

Gonna miss Ned's Zoom movie thing tonight as I have something else happening

Meanwhile got an email in Espanol for an awards event I never heard of:

Conozca aquí el listado de nominados de los HEAT LATIN MUSIC AWARDS:

MEJOR ARTISTA MASCULINO

Feid

Bad Bunny

Peso Pluma

Carin León

Arcangel

J Balvin

Eladio Carrión

Chayanne

Carlos Rivera

MEJOR ARTISTA FEMENINO

Karol G

Shakira

Young Miko

Maria Becerra

Nicki Nicole

Anitta

Greeicy

Kany García

Kali Uchis

Kenia OS

Natti Natasha

More " Heat Latin Music Awards"

MEJOR GRUPO O BANDA

Morat

Eslabón Armado

Piso 21

Grupo Frontera

Los Ángeles Azules

Grupo Firme

RBD

Wisin & Yandel

Fuerza Regida

Reik

Monsieur Periné

Cultura Profética

Rawayana

MEJOR ARTISTA ROCK

Juanes

Morat

Molotov

Maná

Belanova

Jorge Drexler

Aterciopelados

Mar Rendón

MEJOR ARTISTA POP

Luis Fonsi

Greeicy

Sebastián Yatra

Manuel Turizo

Camilo

Carlos Rivera

Ana Mena

Aitana

Lasso

Maluma

Fonseca

Chris Lebron

Manuel Medrano

MEJOR ARTISTA URBANO

Feid

Karol G

Wisin

Ozuna

Young Miko

Blessd

Eladio Carrión

Duki

Anuel AA

Arcangel

J Balvin

Mora

Myke Towers

Rels B

Justin Quiles

Yandel

Nicky Jam

MEJOR ARTISTA TROPICAL

(Bachata, Merengue, Vallenato, Cumbia)

Romeo Santos

Carlos Vives

Silvestre Dangond

Prince Royce

Juan Luis Guerra

Grupo 5

Eddy Herrera

Felipe Peláez

Ke Personajes

Charlie Zaa

Olga Tañón

Jorge Celedón

Jandy Ventura

Servando y Florentino

MEJOR ARTISTA SALSA

Víctor Manuelle

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Willy García

Grupo Niche

Alvaro Rod

Christian Alicea

Yiyo Sarante

La India

MEJOR ARTISTA REGION SUR

Nicki Nicole

Ludmilla

Emilia

Anitta

Duki

KHEA

Cris Mj

Trueno

La Joaqui

Amy Gutiérrez

Cielo Torres

Tini

Milo J

Thiago PZK

Lit Killah

MEJOR ARTISTA REGIÓN ANDINA

Mike Bahía

Manuel Turizo

Camilo

Greeicy

Danny Ocean

Ovy On The Drums

Ryan Castro

Dayanara

Andreina Bravo

Elena Rose

Lasso

Farina

Jerry Di

Nacho

Fanny Lu

MEJOR ARTISTA REGION NORTE

Lenny Tavárez

Darell

Jay Wheeler

Young Miko

Lola Índigo

Rauw Alejandro

Quevedo

Eladio Carrion

Jhayco

St. Pedro

Kim Loaiza

Lunay

Álvaro Díaz

ARTISTA REVELACIÓN

Xavi

Kenia OS

Humbe

Joaquina

Saiko

Gabito Ballesteros

Junior H

Yng Lvcas

Elena Rose

Omar Courtz

Santa Fe Klan

Bad Gyal

A few more Heat Latin Music Award nominations-

CANCIÓN DEL AÑO

“Luna” -Feid, ATL Jacob

“La Diabla” - Xavi

“Que Chimba de Vida” - Karol G

“Mi Ex Tenía Razón” - Karol G

“Harley Quinn “- Fuerza Regida & Marshmello

“Lala” - Myke Towers

"La Víctima" - Xavi

“El Amor De Su Vida” - Grupo Frontera, Grupo Firme

PRODUCTOR DEL AÑO

Tainy

Ovy On The Drums

Big One

Master Chris

The RUDEBOYZ - Kevin y ChaN

Bizarrap

SOG

Sky Rompiendo

Icon Music - Jowan y Rolo

Sergio George

Andrés Castro

Edgar Barrera

ÁLBUM DEL AÑO

“Mañana será Bonito Bichota Season” - Karol G

“Ferxxocalipsis” - Feid

“Génesis” - Peso Pluma

“Colmillo de Leche” - Carin León

“Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana” - Bad Bunny

“El Comienzo” - Grupo Frontera

“Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” - Shakira

“Orquídeas” - Kali Uchis

“Un Sueño Llamado Ranchera” - Felipe Peláez

dug this one from rels b and junior h
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwKqIu-ZMZ8

the beat to "gata only" is a bit mesmerizing, my current lizardbrain obsession

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r687V8yqKY

X-post - like the reggae ish feel on some of that Rels B and Junior H cut.

Need to listen to “Gata Only “ again

Puerto Rican parade in NY this weekend

stumbled on this group by chance. wish i could find out more about them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy8AtVG_daI

i'm thinking maybe there is some crossover with this folkways release in terms of genre. another one of their videos they're playing a style or type of song called "torbellino"

https://folkways.si.edu/afro-hispanic-music-from-western-colombia-and-ecuador/african-american-music-latin-world/music/album/smithsonian

Will check it out. I am listening to WPFW DJ Jim Byers on the Latin flavor show play out of print 1949 Machito music now

Romeo Santos & Aventura farewell bachata music tour sells out arenas & is largely ignored by English language music media . Night 2 @ Capital One in DC was the other night. Back in 2007 as a freelancer for the Washington Post I pitched and then did a concert review of them. Washington Post runs less concert reviews now from freelancers alas.

x-post re Grupo Palmeras from Colombia. The government of Colombia's Ministry of the arts has a twitter x page and they shared photos and a video clip of the group back in April 2024

https://x.com/mincultura/status/1777798337053262059

Looks like there's a Facebook page also for a band of that name

cool!

So I have never been to NYC club Terraza -7 but I follow it on Instagram and have seen some cool old school Latin conga jams

HI DERE!

It's in your hood isn't it

Yes

About a ten minute walk

I go there several times a week. Intending to go tonight for the 10:30 show

There now, but might not end up on camera

Sitting near my friend from Memphis who asked me how come I know so much about his hometown.

I had a house guest and brought him with me. I enjoyed pointing out all the Grammy winners in the place.

I missed the early show with Roman Diaz although I did chat briefly with drummer Diego Lopez who was on that gig when I got there. But Festejation was great as always. I forgot to wear my band t-shirt, which I only thought about when I saw the drummer, Juan Felipe, wearing his.

Claudia Acuña is there tonight!

Hopefully I can get back out

Back again for Claudia Acuña and it’s sounding great!

Somehow never saw this awesome bass player before

She seems to be doing a slow Spanish version of “God Only Knows” that’s really working

At the end of that just now she interpolated a quote from Minnie Riperton’s “Lovin’ You.”

Think it’s been fifteen years are so since I last saw her perform.

Still have not seen Claudia Acuna when she’s been in my locale.

Tonight in another genre I am missing the return to my area of Peso Pluma . He’s going to be at Capital One Arena .

And I see via the NY Latin Culture email and website that the following just happened

Friday
Rauw Alejandro and Farruko play the Governors Ball music festival in Queens 🇵🇷

Saturday
116th Street Festival is in “El Barrio” East Harlem 🇵🇷
New York Salsa Festival with Willie Colón, Gran Combo, Grupo Niche, Tito Nieves, José Alberto “El Canario” and more, is at Barclays Center in Brooklyn 🇵🇷

https://voz.us/don-omar-announces-that-he-has-cancer/?lang=en

Don Omar announced he has cancer

Ned S*blette is reporting in his email that the following folks passed away:

Percussionist Eugenio Arango, conguero y batalero, most widely known for his work with Pablo Milanés (hear him on one of Pablo's most beautiful songs, "Identidad"), and for Los Hermanos Arango, a group with his bassist brother Feliciano Arango that made a memorable presentation for us one night in Guanabacoa. He had so much more to give, but fortunately, he was able to record this wonderful album from 2017:

Musicologist Laura Vilar, professor and founder of Producciones Abdala, director of CIDMUC (Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo de la Música Cubana) for almost twenty years, director of Revista Clave, and a friend, at 66.

Arango 2017 album is called Arango's World

Someone for NY Times and Isabelia Herrera in Pitchfork are excited about Guatemala born , Mexico City based cellist rocker Mabe Fratti

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/mabe-fratti-sentir-que-no-sabes/

Always plenty of options for Nueva Yorkers (below are a few things from the NY Latin Culture magazine website email

Dominican Bachata
Aventura “Cerrando Ciclos Tour” brings Romeo Santos and the Kings of Bachata; to Madison Square Garden in Chelsea, Manhattan: on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 8pm (7pm doors). 🇩🇴

Haitian Rara House Dance Party
Gardy Girault, the Haitian electronic rara DJ and producer, spins for Summer for the City on The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza in Lincoln Center; on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 8pm. FREE. 🇭🇹

Latin Jazz
Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra play Latin jazz at Birdland in Hell’s Kitchen, on Sundays at 8:30pm & 10:30pm. From $30+ per person minimum. 🇨🇺

Aww man , Reyna Tropical canceled their dc show scheduled for end of July

Listened to Sentir Que No Sabes by cellist rocker Mabe Fratti twice now and I like it. Rock en Espanol w/ tuneful melodic vocals and nice blend of cello and other instrumental sounds. Some of it doesn't wow me but most is pretty good

Yes to Mabe Fratti cello driven rock.

I need to catch up though on current Latin pop and reggaeton.

Some Substacker Marco Pisciotti faves:

Cuba’s modern musical icon Daymé Arocena, returns with her transformative album Alkemi. Known for blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Latin Jazz, and contemporary pop, Daymé pushes boundaries once more with this release.

Teaming up with Grammy-winning producer Eduardo Cabra, Arocena reinvents her sound, seamlessly fusing her Afro-Cuban roots with neo-soul and pop. The lead single "Suave y Pegao" featuring reggaeton star Rafa Pabon, epitomizes this blend with its smooth jazz, bossa nova, and urbano styles.

….
Argentine urban music icons Bizarrap and Milo j have struck gold again with the deluxe edition of their EP En Dormir sin Madrid. This release further cements their powerful collaboration, showcasing the depth and versatility of their combined talents.

The standout live rendition of their session "Hoy me voy al Sol", performed at the Latin Grammy Awards with Uruguayan murga group Agarrate Catalina, added a rich traditional layer to the modern urban beats that have become a trademark of Bizarrap’s productions. This track, alongside other gems in the record, highlights the seamless blend of tradition and innovation that defines both artists’ music.

a week or so ago I mentioned Mabe Fratti and now I see she has her own thread (but I think I posted here first)

Listening now to Teno El Melodico, Colombian salsa choque vocalist who is going to be at a Colombian Independence Day Fest July 20 in Washington DC. He sings and kinda raps over a tuneful mix of reggaeton and salsa.

https://remezcla.com/lists/music/lets-put-the-shine-where-it-belongs-8-dominican-artists-making-merengue-electronico-to-know/

Dominican merengue electronica aka merengue de Calle

Joe Bataan | Meridian Brothers | Madame Vacile for free July 19 @ Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park Brooklyn

Liking Feid songs I hear on radio . Reggaeton and pop.

Also Luis Figueroa who is more salsa and tropical rooted but also pop friendly

Listening to Plena Libre today. They're coming to do a free show in the DC area . Their bassist leader Gary Nunez died of cancer in 2023. Not sure who has replaced him the group

https://jazzdelapena.com/puerto-rico-project/plena-libre-mourns-the-loss-of-leader-gary-nunez/

The Plena Libre fast-tempoed mix of hand-held percussion, barrel bomba drums, maraca, snare drummer, keyboard and horns and bass , with lead vocals and harmonized back vocals sounds great to me

Is this how you say "talking to myself" in Spanish?

Hablando conmigo mismo

Sounds about right

Have you ever used Linguee?

No, but I will

X-post to myself- Plena Libre is now lead by the late Gary Nunez’ son who has taken over on bass and has been playing music since he was a little kid

Another x-post to myself from upthread- The Reyna Tropical show in DC that I thought was cancelled is back on. Alas, its the same night as Plena Libre is in DC area. But maybe I will live it up and go see Plena Libre the next night in Baltimore.

WHAT:
Premios Juventud will air a special tribute tonight (7/25) celebrating the 60th anniversary of Fania Records, the legendary label that revolutionized music and exported salsa to the world via. Univision. To commemorate this milestone, the tribute will include star-studded performances of timeless hits like “Quimbara” and “Mi Gente.” from Anitta, Ivy Queen, La India, Luis Figueroa, Oscar D’León, Tito Puente Jr., and Tony Succar, under the musical direction of Sergio George

On Univision

That Fania tribute is just one part of the show. Lots of young acts I don’t know. Some I do . Some big names like Prince Royce , who performed with a guest rapper , and some dancers.

Emilia and Lod Ángeles Azules !

Los Esquivel!

Mau y Ricky are a fun Latin power pop indie duo on guitar and drums who were joined by a band

Now Wisin !

Y'all should have watched it

“, Billboard revealed the first round of artists confirmed to take the stage at Billboard Latin Music Week which will take place in Miami October 14-18, 2024. Latin superstars Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, JOP, Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, María Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon LaFerte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua and more are among the first group announced to participate. “

Saw Reyna Tropical in DC last night. Latin pop w/ a bit of Cumbia & Manu Chao & Afro-Mexican influences

August 24 near dc- old school salsa greats show

*Salsa Fest w/ Willie Colon, El Gran Combo, La India, Tito Nieves, Rey Ruiz, Frankie Negron, Los Adolescentes @ Eaglebank Arena *

dug this new one from floyymenor, whose "gata only" is probably the biggest reggaeton hit of the year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke2RPv1rXNw

His voice sounds a bit different on that one compared to “Gata Only “. I like both. His new album is now out

yeah the new album only has two new songs, of which "lorea mami" is one

random songs I heard on radio I like - "Carita de Inocente" remix of Prince Royce song feat Myke Towers. a Jay Wheeler song, Luis Figueroa salsa song, and 10 Muchacho by by Chimbala, DJ Adoni, and El Rubio Acordeón

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRoqYAwQNJM

RIP Johnny Rodriguez

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_%22Dandy%22_Rodr%C3%ADguez

This one hurts.😪 Rest in peace to my uncle and the best bongo player in the world, Mr. John "Dandy" Rodriguez, Jr. He has worked with my father's orchestra for over 35 years and has known me since birth. pic.twitter.com/Qj8Kr2sCos

— Tito Puente, Jr. (@titopuentejr) August 17, 2024

Yeah keep seeing things on social media about this.

Even saw somebody take a call during a performance video and talk to another person who wanted to discuss this

Wow

Latin rock band Mana has pulled from availability their earlier collaboration with reggaeton artist Nicki Jam who recently endorsed Trump. Mana posted in Spanish on their Instagram page that they don’t work with racists .

Another reggaeton rapper Annuel had also endorsed Trump. Most Puerto Ricans do not support Trump and these 2 have gotten flack

Was never a Mana fan but now I respect them

https://afropop.org/audio-programs/the-new-york-sound-of-latin-music?utm_source=main_mail_list&utm_campaign=ebdf918e5a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_09_16_04_47&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-ebdf918e5a-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Not sure but I think Afropop.org is just re-airing old shows . But I don’t think I ever heard this one

Nicki Jam just pulled his endorsement of Trump but claims it’s not because of what Mana said, but because when Jam was with Trump and was announcing his endorsement, Trump mistakenly introduced him as a woman saying “ Latin Music Superstar Nickey Jam . She’s hot.”

Nicky

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/21/1197958351/venezuelan-protest-music-2024

Venezuela protest music

https://www.npr.org/2024/09/04/1197958422/alt-latino-new-music-la-dona

Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: La Doña, Sinego and Spanish Harlem Orchestra

.@alexoficial & @Anitta's "La Tóxica" hits No. 1 on this week's #RegionalMexicanAirplay chart.

Anitta becomes the first Brazilian artist in history to hit No. 1 on a Regional Mexican chart.

The song also earns Fernandez his 10th No. 1 at the format.

— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) September 17, 2024

Billboard Latin Grammys announced today .

https://www.billboard.com/lists/latin-grammys-2024-nominations-snubs-surprises/

Listening to La Dona , San Francisco Latin Pop

Xpost from the Billboard article

Xavi, who Billboard predicted could score a best new artist nomination, was not nominated…at all.
Maybe he doesn’t qualify for the coveted best new artist because he’s released more than 15 singles, according to the Latin Grammys category definition — but at 20 years old, the artist born Joshua Xavier Gutiérrez is one of the biggest hitmakers today, releasing some of the top-charting songs this year with his signature tumbados románticos sound

Lots of music above to catch up on. As worthy as MJ Lenderman or other US and UK rockers getting lots of press

Rancho Aparte from Quibdo, Colombia on the Pacific side were full of energy tonight playing Chirimia carnival sounds @ the little Marx Cafe in the Mt Pleasant neighborhood of Washington DC. The vocalist sang and rapped. The group have a marching band drum, clarinet, sax , tuba and bass with lots of fast tempos and sing song lyrics. They were in NYC the night before, they are in Philadelphia on Wed. the 25th, then some shows in Virginia and they finish off in Baltimore October 1. Some videos on the link

https://www.womex.com/virtual/borojo_music/rancho_aparte

Rancho Aparte were so fun last night in DC

So much energy and fast tempos

There's a new Rauw Alejandro single "Pasaporte " out. New album coming Nov. 15. He's gonna be at the pricey Global Citizen fest in NYC Saturday in Central Park

Once old man me retires from my day job, I will post detailed posts here with video clips and analysis, that may inspire more folks to come to this thread (or maybe not) .

Saw Colombian brass band and more Rancho Aparte again, at the Richmond Folk Fest. They were again lots of fun.

Back in August we talked about the passing of late NYC based percussionist Johnny Dandy Rodriguez . I missed this Bobby Sanabria written obit

https://www.wbgo.org/music/2024-08-27/johnny-rodriguez-a-pillar-of-percussive-tradition-dies-at-the-age-of-78

Oct. 10: Sofia Rei: Folk and Futurism. NYC based I think Argentinian singer / composer with Guadaloupean co-music director J.C. Maillard and international guest vocalists: Gaby Moreno, Xenia Rubinos, Daymé Arocena, Mireya Ramos, Charo Bogarín, and Juana Luna. @ Le Poisson Rouge

This looks interesting although I don't really know Rei's music. ILXOR James Redd seems to be the only person here who does. Author musician Ned S*blette is a fan too

Ned's also listening to :

Cimafunk: Pa' Tu Cuerpa. Cuban New Orleanian with guests

Andrés Levin: Regreso a Gondwana. Venezuelan producer who divides his time between Havana, New York, and the world with many guests

Mambo Legends : the Music Never Ends doc is available to watch via PBS . I haven’t seen it yet

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qW8bfgxbdRJ5PW8m/?mibextid=K35XfP

Haven’t seen Sofia in a while, but think she’s good. Her friend J.C. is really talented has kind of a way ahead of the pack vibe about him.

Thanks.

Colombian Latin pop & reggaeton ish singer Sebastian Yatra hasn't put out an album since 2022 but I heard him twice in one day on Sirius XM Caliente station. I kinda like him

Ah, Sofia was around on Friday, since her friend J.C. was playing and then she sat in with the next band.

Next Friday the 18th ,Eddie Palmieri and a trio are doing a free show at the Library of Congress, and the Afro-Cuban Allstars are at Strathmore that is not far from DC. Alas, I will be out of town for a niece’s wedding.

Lots of music on this thread for me to catch up on. Am writing a preview of Palmieri for a dc site though, so will be busy with his music

Xpost - nice that Sofia was still around and sat in .

Dominican dembow rapper Chamala has got one of those great cartoonish reggaeton voices on his song "Che Che" that has millions of Youtube views and lots of radio and streaming airplay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_g-RO3E6tE

Chimbala is his name . Ugh typos

It's a fun song but y'all are too busy listening to MJ Lenderman rock music

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_Tropical_Airplay_number_ones_of_2024

that karol g song is fun, hear it a lot and always enjoy it

Yes, the opening just draws you in and her just tuneful enough voice over the catchy, repetitive Latino line-dance like bottom keeps one listening

Marc Anthony , Bad Bunny, and a few other musicians who fit in this thread have now endorsed Harris . Bad Bunny just did so today apparently after seeing online that guy speaking at Trump rally who said racist nonsense about Puerto Rico

Don Omar now backing Harris too.

Nicky Jam who Orangeman thought was a woman when he endorsed him and was with him in person, has now withdrawn his endorsement !

that was so funny

"do you know nicky? she's hot!"

Alas, the endorsements were not enough (although data shows Puerto Ricans were supportive of Harris more than Cuban Americans)

https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/karol-g-responds-57-song-criticism-1235825644/

Lyric controversy regarding lyrics by guest vocalists on Karol G new song blamed on Karol G

Need to get some albums here considered for 2024 critics polls

Latin Grammys took place last night and I was out seeing dub reggae producer Mad Professor and forgot to dvr them. Maybe performances will show up on YouTube or Grammys site.

https://people.com/latin-grammys-2024-performers-nominees-how-to-watch-8744142

Marc Anthony and La India revisited an old song

Aquí el video 👇🏼 #LatinGRAMMYpic.twitter.com/emMy6aOYcc

— Carla ❁ (@shannonlada) November 15, 2024

Jorge Drexler, Mon Laferte, and Ruben Blades won awards . Uh , Pitbull performed with Jon Bon Jovi

Juan Luis Guerra won biggest award and it seems Latin Grammys went with some safe , older picks. Not surprising

https://www.npr.org/2024/11/15/nx-s1-5191334/latin-grammys-juan-luis-guerra-edgar-barrera

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/eddie-palmieri-says-dont-call-it-a-comeback

A nicely written, detailed and long but readable article by Carina del Valle Schorske about 87 year-old Eddie's whole life and how he's still at it. The author noted on Facebook that this is the first ever feature article in the New Yorker's history on an artist associated with salsa in the magazine's history.

Saw some great Rauw Alejandro IG stories from his gig last night at Brooklyn Paramount

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: Tiny Desk Concert went viral a little while ago. They're Argentine pop and touring North America in April

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kqnsoY94L8

Natti Natasha sang a nice bachata song at the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade

Rolling Stone best album list has Alvaro Diaz “Sayonara “

At 16

At 16

NPR list has Kali Uchis

And Latin Mafia

can't stop playing ca7riel and paco amoroso lol

17. Omar Courtz, ‘Primera Musa’

The debut album from the rising Puerto Rican star Omar Courtz is a musically diverse approach to reggaeton’s future. He’s a sweet, sensual singer, and maintains a sense of playfulness in his songs that suggests a time back before the genre’s global-superstar era.

From Jon Caramanica’s list for NY Times

N7d S*blette is reporting in his email-

RIP Agustín Díaz Cano (Aug. 28, 1956 - Nov. 20, 2024), longtime member of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, who played seis por ocho (the mid-pitched of the three rumba drums, also known as salidor) with the group for decades, including their history-making 1992 US tour.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2024/12/05/arturor-sandoval-kennedy-center-honors/

Arturo Sandoval, Cuban American jazz trumpeter is going to get a Kennedy Center honor award. Washington Post sent their classical music reviewer to tell Sandoval’s story. There’s a little about his most recent album in the article and how he both practices everyday still and smokes cigars still. Much of the article retells his story of escaping Castro’s Cuba and his family doing so also and how difficult to do that was .

His family came over in a boat lift and suffered physical injuries.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-latin-albums-2024-1235191400/

Rolling Stone best 2024 albums list

I want to dig through that list.

This was last weekend -

Mega Bash 2024 by Alex Sensation is a night of dembow, reggaeton, trap, and urban pop at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 8pm (7pm doors). 🇨🇴 🇩🇴 🇵🇷

It’s always a great show. Alex Sensation is one of America’s top radio DJs. They don’t have to carry the whole show, so the talent is very relaxed. Many of these artists collaborate, so this is like a night out with friends.

Alex Sensation ~ Colombian reggaeton DJ @alexsensation 🇨🇴
Alexis y Fido ~ Puerto Rican reggaeton @alexisyfido 🇵🇷
Baby Rasta y Gringo ~ Puerto Rican reggaeton @babyrastaygringo 🇵🇷
Chimbala ~ Dominican dembow @chimbalaofficial 🇩🇴
El Mayor Clasico ~ Dominican dembow @elmayorclasico 🇩🇴
Farruko ~ Puerto Rican reggaeton @farruko 🇵🇷
J Alvarez ~ Puerto Rican reggaeton @jalvarezoficial 🇵🇷
La Insuperable “La Mami Del Swagger” ~ Dominican dembow @lainsuperable 🇩🇴
Lomiiel ~ Dominican dembow @lomiiel 🇩🇴
Nicky Jam ~ Dominican Puerto Rican reggaeton @nickyjam 🇩🇴 🇵🇷
Tito El Bambino ~ Puerto Rican urban @titobambinoelpatron 🇵🇷
Vico C ~ Puerto Rican reggaeton @soyvicoc 🇵🇷

i don't know anything about Mexican rap but heard this Tornillo song yesterday and liked it. it's from 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bD_9aDgO_o

accordion on it. Nice. I read that Tornillo has a cumbia -rap song out too. I think he's now a big deal in Mexican rap

Eddie Palmieri sad Instagram posting
An Open Letter to My Supporters and Fans

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I must share some personal news. After recent consultations with my doctors, I have been advised to temporarily suspend all travel and live performances to prioritize my health.

This was not an easy decision to make, as performing and connecting with you has always been one of the greatest joys of my life.

(Full letter on Instagram with Spanish translation)

I need to re-read that Palmieri article in the New Yorker and research some stuff mentioned in there. Plus dig into the Rolling Stone best Latin list.

Saw this on someone's best of 24 list

Zaccai Curtis, Cubop Lives! (Truth Revolution Recording Collective)

Cool! Who else is on that, his brother?

Yes! Here's the list -Zaccai Curtis (piano); Luques Curtis (bass); Willie Martinez III (timbales); Camilo Molina (congas, pandero); Reinaldo DeJesus (bongos, chekere, guiro)

https://www.zaccaicurtis.com/articles/2024/10/7/bebop-spoken-here-album-review

Album melds old bebop and Latin jazz

https://www.zaccaicurtis.com/articles/2024/11/14/hartford-jazz-musician-gets-grammy-nod-for-cubop-album

Zaccai Curtis lives in Hartford, Ct . In this interview linked he says :

Curtis said "Cubop" was especially popular in the 1940s, made famous by artists like Tito Puente, before it was absorbed into other styles. So he's delighted at the critical recognition for this revival album.

"It's like a period piece record," he said in an interview. "It's not even the type of music I play every day. I don't hear too many people playing it. But it's the music I love. I absolutely love to play it and I study it."

Curtis, a pianist and composer, said he was lucky to find other musicians who could play Cubop, including his brother Luques Curtis.

While he is not Cuban himself, Curtis said "all jazz musicians do have a connection to Latin music or Cuban music. There is a common cultural connection with our music."

Curtis said two songs on the "Cubop Lives" album are original; the rest are covers "but each one of those arrangements are done very differently than anyone else has done in the past."

Although Curtis has played on other award-winning albums, this is the first time his own project has been nominated for a Grammy.
The awards ceremony takes place in February.

Maybe I will put this on.

Sounds pretty good a few seconds in

Typical me likes the more Afro-Cuban aspects on it than the Black American jazz parts which are good too but don't get me quite as excited

https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2024-12-31/best-latin-songs-2024-peso-pluma-kali-uchis-karol-g-becky-g

3 writers choose their fave Latin pop, etc and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra makes an appearance for salsa

https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2024-12-31/best-latin-songs-2024-peso-pluma-kali-uchis-karol-g-becky-g

Cool. Are you gonna roll the thread?

Also saw a video on social media of Luques playing behind Eddie, which made me smile.

Rolling Afro-Latin Music 2025: Reggaeton, Dembow, Latin Pop, Salsa,Bachata, Bomba, Latin Jazz, Merengue, Urbano and more Latinx

Rolling the thread to 2025 here