Christmas Latin Music Begins with “Asalto Navideño”
Since I was 12 years old, Willie Colon's "Asalto Navideño" was the 1st album I played to celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season.
"Asalto Navideño": My Favorite Christmas Classic
Since then, "Asalto Navideño" became my way…
Willy Calderon “LA Impromptu” Review
If you want to experience new Salsa that sounds like Classic Salsa, then check out Willy Calderon's "LA Impromtu".
The young Colombian musician, producer, pianist, and percussionist, who grew up in Los Angeles, produced an impressive…
Hector Lavoe’s Supposed Suicide Attempt
It's "supposed" because Hector Lavoe never attempted suicide by jumping from a 9th floor hotel room.
The general knowledge the public has is that Hector jumped to take his life. But in an interview with Frankie Jay, Richie Viera, who…
Mauricio J. Rodriguez “Luz” Review
The Jazz / Latin Jazz album "Luz", led and produced by Mauricio Rodriguez, was a delightful listening experience.
The Cuban bassist and producer assembled a nice group of musicians that participated alternately throughout the album's 10…
BMI Launches “Música y Más” Series
As part of the closing of Hispanic Heritage Month, BMI launched "Música y Más", an interview series highlighting influencers in Latin music today!
The first episode features renowned young producers Andres Torres and Edgar Barrera. I…
Rafael Hernandez “El Jibarito” Anecdote
This month we commemorate the 130th birthday of Rafael Hernandez "El Jibarito", considered one of the best songwriters from Latin America.
I'll share an anecdote my father told me about him, as my dad knew Rafael Hernandez personally.…
Salsa Orchestrations in the ’70s
The evolution of Salsa orchestrations during the '70s dramatically increased its popularity and established it as a solid genre of popular music, not a passing craze.
Salsa Music in the '60s
It started in the '60s when bands began to mix…
Jose Aguirre & Cali Big Band (Gente con Alma)
I was mesmerized when I heard the first notes of Jose Aguirre's Cali Big Band in "Gente con Alma". It just got better from there.
This album, nominated for Best Traditional Tropical Album at the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards, features a 23…
Mother of Song (Queen Marimba): Songs and History
It's a song, a protest, a call for justice! And it's framed in the sound and history of the Marimba. "Mother of Song (Queen Marimba)" captures it all.
As you know, I rarely write about singles, but this one merited an exception. I…
A Market for Hybrid Concerts
I believe that there is a market for Hybrid Concerts, where an artist performs in front of a (socially distanced and/or fully vaccinated) live audience and via streaming simultaneously.
The Case for Hybrid Concerts
The COVID-19 pandemic…