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

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

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!