Salsa Thread 2004

Remixes don't play a big role in salsa, but there have been some successful experiments in that direction. I don't need salsa to be like other types of modern dance music, but I think if they can pull off this sort of thing, it probably will extend the life of the genre, so I'm basically in favor of it; not to mention that I simply enjoy some of these remixes.

Keep hope alive!

WRTI streams live, I've just noticed, so if you ever feel like reviving this thread on a Saturday night, it would be great to be able to listen in and see your reactions/opinions/comments in semi-real-time...

Sure, I would be willing to do that, if I am at home (which I often am, unfortunately) if you are interested. I've kind of done that by e-mail with one of my friends. Actually, the next broadcast of El Viaje is an anniversary broadcast, so it may be an atypical show. He sometimes plays a lot of material I don't like, but it varies.

Question: if this were done in a chat format instead, on AIM (which I have never used before), would we be able to capture and save our precious words? It might make more sense to really do it closer to real time, except it would be fun to preserve it AND getting both my friend and I to download AIM could be a pain.

Actually, using AIM might slow the audio stream down for me friend. We had that problem when we were discussing things by e-mail.

But are you going to be around this Saturday, Paul? If you aren't here there's not much point in my doing it. I don't think this has mass appeal. (Incidentally, I forgot my password for this e-mail account. Pathetic, I know.)

But I don't use AIM either, I'd have to download/install it I guess. (I've never used anything like it.) Out of laziness I'd prefer just to keep it on an ILM thread.

Guest commentator (?) !

I am pretty definite about doing this, since I will be working Saturday, which means I most likely won't want to go out Saturday night.

The broadcast is 9pm to midnight East Coast (USA) time.

(Three hours is a long time so we could start late/end early)

Hmm. Let me see if I can get the stream from WRTI.

(Haha don't be nervous I'll ask lots of stupid questions.)

General comment: I LOVE the brass scoring. The vocals don't appeal to me as much/as instantly but not an insurmountable obstacle.

Yeah, he's starting off with somewhat older material. Mambo, guaguanco (I guess, they were singing that, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is).

yes I like the timbales!

x-post.

I would guess this is late 50's or early 60's, but that's a guess.

xpost

now this is a new track with similar instrumentation, I like it much better!

Before I moved, a Verizon representative told me that I would be unable to get dsl at this address, so I signed up for a (more expensive) cable internet connection. Not long after that, I found out from another Verizon rep. that no, in fact I can get dsl at this address.

LEILA COBO, Billboard

It is time for our annual prediction of Latin Grammy Award winners. These aren't endorsements (particularly since voting has already closed), but rather educated guesses and personal opinion.

In that spirit, enjoy the read, and place your bets in time for the Sept. 1 event.

RECORD OF THE YEAR: Should Win: "Lagrimas Negras" by Bebo Valdes and Diego "El Cigala" exemplifies what can be achieved when music is allowed to shine in a pure, unadulterated manner. A triumph in a time of skeptics.

Will Win: Alejandro Sanz's "No Es Lo Mismo" is beautifully recorded. It also enjoys prestige, name recognition and commercial success across many borders.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Should Win: "No Es Lo Mismo" is an album of original material on which Alejandro Sanz takes a major leap beyond what he has done before. And he lets us enjoy the ride. "Lagrimas Negras" by Bebo Valdes and Diego "El Cigala" is a strong contender.

Will Win: Sanz. No other artist in this category has the name recognition to adequately compete. "Lagrimas Negras" could be an upset winner, but I'm betting on Sanz.

SONG OF THE YEAR: Should Win: "Andar Conmigo," performed by Julieta Venegas and co-written by Venegas and Coti Sorokin, is lovely and unpretentious -- a rare combination. Cafe Tacuba's "Eres," written by Emmanuel Del Real, is an uncharacteristic, lushly romantic track and the best cut on the album. Both are personal favorites.

Will Win: Alejandro Sanz's "No Es Lo Mismo," penned by Sanz, is the only one that was widely heard. And yes, it is a great track as well. Perhaps Venegas' success in Mexico will give her a leg up.

BEST NEW ARTIST: Should Win: Akwid, for bringing the new urban/regional movement to the fore, or Obie Bermudez, for positioning himself as a strong pop artist with a songwriter's credibility.

Will Win: Even toss between the two, although Bermudez is better-known outside the United States.

BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL ALBUM: Should Win: Rosario's "De Mil Colores" and Paulina Rubio's "Pau-Latina" are energetic, sparkling and different albums that put new punch into female pop.

Will Win: Rubio is long overdue for a Grammy. But this voting body may go for the more esoteric Rosario, who may also garner the strong Spanish vote.

BEST MALE POP VOCAL ALBUM: Should Win: How do you choose among three giants -- Luis Miguel ("33"), Ricky Martin ("Almas del Silencio") and Alejandro Sanz ("No Es Lo Mismo") -- and well-regarded newcomers Obie Bermudez ("Confesiones") and David Bisbal ("Buleria")? There is plenty of commercial success here, but the best-crafted set among these is "No Es Lo Mismo."

Will Win: Sanz. Because he is an author, an interpreter and an extraordinary musician.

BEST SALSA ALBUM: Should Win: I'm not a fan of posthumous awards, but Celia Cruz's "Regalo del Alma" touched my heart like few albums have. I'm for Celia even though Victor Manuelle's "Travesia," which features an eclectic mix of styles, may be his best album yet.

Will Win: Hard to imagine that it will be anyone other than Cruz, unless voters have decided to finally move on after her death. In that case, Los Van Van may get the nod for the historic recording "Live at the Miami Arena."

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM: Should Win: "Cuatro Caminos" is undoubtedly Cafe Tacuba's best album in years. Ozomatli is a contender, but since "Coming Up" is an EP, the impact isn't the same. Honorable mention goes to Babasonico's surprising "Infame."

Will Win: Cafe Tacuba has the international scope.

BEST RANCHERO ALBUM: Should Win: This year's nominees make up a strong, competitive category. I love that Marco Antonio Solis effectively pulled off a ranchera album in his own style with "Tu Amor O Tu Desprecio," but "En Vivos Por Ultima Vez," with Vicente Fernandez and Alejandro Fernandez, features two generations of music in one exciting performance. They deserve a nod. (Vicente is also nominated for solo set "Se Me Hizo Tarde La Vida.")

Will Win: Vicente Fernandez. A contender for years, Fernandez finally won his first Latin Grammy two years ago. Now, voters everywhere recognize him as the top artist in the genre.

BEST NORTENO ALBUM: Should Win: Conjunto Primavera deserves its nomination for "Decide Tu." But Los Tigres del Norte went the extra mile with "Pacto de Sangre," an album that entertains and advocates and does it well across the board.

Will Win: Perennially popular Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte will give them a run for their money with "Titere En Tus Manos/El Invicto," but Los Tigres del Norte, with their newfound popularity and good will in Spain, will win.

(Ignoring the non-salsa noms because I'm not familiar with those genres.)

"Regalo Del Alma," Celia Cruz; "Van Van Live at Miami Arena," Los Van Van; "Travesia," Victor Manuelle; "Tito Nieves Canta Con El Conjunto Clasico 25 Aniversario Recuerdos," Tito Nieves; "Canto A Mi Idolo ... Frankie Ruiz," Jerry Rivera.

Hmmm, no Sonora Poncena. Sometimes the Grammys define a "year" differently, so maybe it was nominated previously.

Also it's debatable whether Los Van Van should be considered salsa. They call what they are doing "songo" and I think lots of people would call it timba. As far as what it actually sounds like: at least three songs on Llego Van Van sound like salsa to me, but most things I've heard by them seem like something else. But if there's no other Latin Grammy category where they fit, then I guess it's the best place for them.

Also, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra should be in the running. Again: small (Pennsylvania, in fact) label (but with very good distribution and marketing).

(This is a late 70's recording.)

No wonder I'm bored at work, not that I'd rather be writing, but I'd rather that life were more like "Baila Que Baila."

It's also weird how they give out a few token 'international' grammys at the 'regular' Grammys and then have this all 'Latin' one...

I may be out and about tonight. I guess I should videotape the event and then just skim through it later.

Also, I think I lost track of Tito Nieves Canta Con El Conjunto Clasico 25 Aniversario Recuerdos, which I'm surprised I haven't bought yet. And I see Nieves has just put out a solo CD as well.

Oh, new Tito Nieves. This should be good too.

A relentless, expertly executed workshop in sal-sa dura dynamics by the most formidable trombone player of them all — New York’s own Jimmy Bosch. You can marvel at the sheer poetry of the piano solo that brings "El Embajador" to a screeching halt, or shake your hips to the savage trombone riffs that restore the tune’s epic dance ability. The contribution of vocalist Ray Bayona cannot be underestimated. His nasal delivery and humorous inspiraciones operate on the same privileged artistic territory that was once inhabited by Héctor Lavoé.--The New York Post Online, 9/15/2004.

I wouldn't normally go looking in the New York Post for CD reviews, but the salsa reviews I read today sound like they are coming from someone well-informed on that genre. Anwyay, I will probably get this, despite complaining about Bosch's soloing style. I want to check out this Ray Bayona (who descarga.com was also raving about).

Tito Nieves

Fabricando Fantasías (Sony Discos)

A deeply emotional production, recorded a few months after the death of Nieves’ son, Ommy. The Sergio George-produced title track is one of the most tasteful salsa tunes ever written about loss and pain — demonstrating that the genre’s lyrical possibilities are indeed limitless. Boosted by India, Nicky Jam and K-Mil, "Ya No Queda Nada" explores the aggressive tendencies of the Nuyorican tropical sound, whereas the five songs recorded in Puerto Rico bring the swing into more traditional territory (check out the conga accents on "El Capitán." This is definitely one of Nieves’ strongest efforts.--See above.

"Perdoname" (salsa romantica with a vengeance, but I think some of the melody is beautiful, and I associate it with my first salsa classes. And I like salsa romantica some of the time.)
"Que Menera de Quererte" (is this an old standard? It's been covered a lot.)
"El Apartmento" (w/ Willie Rosario)(Great for dancing. Builds in a hundred different ways.)
"La Agarro Bajando" (Ditto: great for dancing. The interplay between his soneo and the coro is just the way it should be.)
"No Quiero Na' Regala'o"
"El Son De La Madrugada" (my favorite from the new CD, but probably the two cuts after it as well)

At least two pretty good songs on his new CD. That's probably enough to get me to buy it and hear the rest.

I'm feeling very optimistic about the future of salsa tonight. There are too many people who still want it to remain alive for it to die away.

Yea, salsa's still hanging in there--not quite as dominat as it once was though.

I don't like the one Bosch CD I have that much, but I'll probably still try this.

Also, Oscar D'Leon has a new CD out. I'm not that optimistic, but it could be good. He needs a producer who doesn't clutter things up to much and try to make things to poppy, because he really isn't suited to that kind of treatment.

"Yolanda Rivera and Luigi Texidor, two classic salsa artists come to Washington, DC this weekend. On Saturday they appear at Fanaticos Nightclub at 2 S. Whiting St. in Alexandria, VA.

visit www.hijodecoqui.com to hear Yolanda's "Rumba En El Patio"
In 2004, La Sonora Ponceña celebrates fifty years in the business. Two very recognizable voices during Ponceña’s middle years belong to Yolanda Rivera and Luis Guillermo “Luigi” Texidor. Contributing to Sonora Ponceña’s huge success, the two are well known for their work within that group. Their voices can be heard on many of the albums and compact discs on a host of numbers made famous by the two.
Yolanda Rivera was born in Ponce in 1951. By the time she was 18 she was singing back up in the orchestra of Willie Rosario. She later joined Sonora Ponceña and had a major impact. Yolanda was one of the few women beside Graciela, Celia Cruz and La Lupe to penetrate the male-dominated salsa industry by the 60s.
Yolandita, as she is affectionately known, in many ways is the “Billie Holiday” of salsa. On Unchained Force her vocalization of the Johnny Ortiz composition Boringuen fills Puerto Ricans with pride.

Luigi Texidor, known as “El Negrito Del Sabor” was born in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico and began his musical career as a percussionist. He recorded and toured with La Ponceña for 10 years leaving in 1978 to move on to the orchestra of Bobby Valentin. He sings salsa, cha cha, bolero and is also a composer.

According to an interview in December 2001, Texidor declared he was 66 and would turn 67 on January 20, 2002. This nearly 70 year-old singer has the same voice he possessed in earlier years. He is a master sonero (lyrical improviser) who takes delight in injecting humor into his verbal creations.

Luigi Texidor's Noche Como Boca ‘E Lobo and Boranda also on the Gigante Del Sur collection are classics. If you are not familiar with Mayeya, Tiene Pimienta, La Montana Del Oso, please pick up the CD titled Tiene Pimienta.Luigi Texidor appeared as vocalist with Bobby Valentin’s orchestra during a recent past World Salsa Congress in Puerto Rico.

I like her on "Ramona" and some other Sonora Ponceña songs I've heard. At first her voice seemed kind of odd, but in some ways I'm clicking her with more than I do with Celia Cruz (a lot of the time anyway).

"He was one of the sources used by the late Lise Waxer for her outstanding book The City of Musical Memory. . ." Good book, but I had not idea the author had died.

Johnny Pacheco
Entre Amigos
CD (Bronco 175), Released 2004;
Editor's Pick:
The Silver Prince of salsa is back with a fiery new release featuring much of salsa royalty: Bobby Valentin, Roberto Roena, Papo Lucca, Nelson Gonzalez, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval and Ricky Gonzalez.
Did I mention the singers? Listen to this: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Tito Rojas, Jose Alberto "El Canario," Michael Stewart, Herman Olivera and Johnny Ventura. Need I say more?
Review to follow.
Very Highly Recommmended. (BP, 2004-12-28)
Song titles include:
Coco Seco
El Exigente
Celia...Reina Soberana
La Bicicleta
Busca Tu Puesto
La Mujer De Mi Vecino
La Cirugia
Que Mareo
El Bacaliboro
La Mujer Del Paso
Yo Falle
Musicians include:
Johnny Pacheco Flauta
Musicos Invitados:Bobby Valentin Bajo
Papo Lucca Piano
Arturo Sandoval Trompeta
Roberto Roena Bongo
Dave Valentin Flauta
Nelson Gonzalez Tres
Ricky Gonzalez Piano
Cantantes Invitados: Gilberto Santa Rosa/Cheo Feliciano/Ismael Miranda/Adalberto Santiago/Tito Rojas/Jose Alberto "El Canario"/Michael Stewart/Herman Olivera/Johnny Ventura