Rafael Muñoz; the Dictator of Rhythm
One day in 1934, Rafael Muñoz was playing the bass with his modest band at an event, when two executives approached him with a business proposition. They wanted him to lead the house band of the most popular night club in Puerto Rico.…
Güiro, Güira, and Güícharo: the Güira
The güira has two distinct qualities when compared to the two other instruments in this percussion family; its the only one made of metal and its the only female.
The güira also happens to be the mother of the Dominican rhythms of…
Fania All Stars and The Night Salsa Music Was Transformed
The event that occurred in New York’s Cheetah’s night club the night of August 26, 1971 changed Salsa forever. The Fania All Stars made a popular genre in Latin music become international.
People that liked Salsa now became fervent fans.…
Remembering Eydie Gorme en Español
To me Eydie Gormé represents one of the first artists to make a reverse cross-over, from the American market to the Latin American market.
I say this in part for the great quality of her recordings with the Trio Los Panchos and with…
Hilario Duran: “The Cuban” Review
Cuban-Canadian pianist Hiliario Duran released "The Cuban", the soundtrack of the movie of the same name that provides a journey through Cuban music.
"The Cuban" Music
Without having seen the movie, I can tell you that "The Cuban"…
Jose Feliciano Unites with “I’m America”
In these times of racial tensions, José Feliciano released a new video of his new song "I'm America", included in his latest album "Behind This Guitar".
José Feliciano's "I'm America"
"I'm America" is about all of us. It's a song that…
Father’s Day Special: Hector and Caymmi Rodriguez
For this Father's Day Special we honor two great father-son musicians in Hector (Atabal) Rodriguez and his son Caymmi Rodriguez.
Past Father Day Specials in Latino Music Café have honored Bebo & Chucho Valdez, Rafael Jose and Juan…
Racism in Latin Music and MLK
As we observed the Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I reflected on two books I read recently which pointed out racism in Latin music. Is there still racism in Latin music?
Note: I originally wrote this blog for Martin Luther King Jr. day in…
Bronco Records Now in Streaming Services
Bronco, the record label of legendary bassist, arranger, and bandleader Bobby Valentin, has now made their catalog available in streaming services.
If you're a fan of old Salsa, this is great news!
Bobby Valentin, Willie Rosario, and…