Henry Cole’s “Roots Before Branches” CD Review
"Root Before Branches" is the debut album for Puerto Rican drummer Henry Cole with his "The Afro-Beat Collective" group.
Henry Cole is a talented percussionist that has participated with many different groups of many different music…
Can Victor Manuelle Remain Youth’s “Sonero”?
Some 19 years ago, Victor Manuelle did his recording debut in the midst of the "Salsa Romantica" craze. Back then, he was just 24 years old, and was quickly baptized "El Sonero de la Juventud" (Youth's Son Singer).
But that was then, and…
El Gran Combo A Puerto Rican Musical Institution
Why did El Gran Combo earn the nickname of "the musical institution of Puerto Rico", when there were so many other music groups? On their 50th anniversary I want to highlight the impact they've had in Latin music and Puerto Rico's musical…
Victor Manuelle “Busco Un Pueblo” CD Review
"Busco un Pueblo" is Puerto Rican "sonero" Victor Manuelle's 14th studio recording. It was released in January 2012.
"Busco Un Pueblo" brings the same formula of "Salsa Romantica" with good swing, which has worked well for Victor…
Wynton Marsalis and the Joy of Music
I recently had the opportunity to attend a concert by Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Band. More than Wynton's musical prowess as a trumpet player, the one thing that stood out of the concert for me was how Wynton makes music…
Christian Latin Music on the Rise?
Christian Latin music (I guess what is considered gospel music in English) seems to be on the rise, although I don't have data to back it up.
Recently new Christian music artists seem to be gaining popularity. Luis Quintero and Tercer…
Salsa Music Best All-Time “Coristas”: Part 2
The chorus is an integral part of Salsa music. Good "coristas" can make or break a song. In this Part 2 of the best "coristas" I'll cover some of the more contemporary "coristas".
Their work may overlap with some of the "coristas" I…
Salsa Music Best All-Time “Coristas”: Part 1
Salsa music is as much based on percussion, rhythm, winds, as it is on the singer and the chorus. And as there were specialist for every instrument, there were those who had a special gift to do “coro”.
A good chorus can make a big…
Luis Enrique’s “Soy y Seré” CD Review
“Soy y Seré” is the 18th recording of veteran Nicaraguan singer Luis Enrique. After the huge success of Luis Enrique’s 2009 comeback album “Ciclos”, “Soy y Seré” was the widely anticipated follow-up.
“El Principe” of the “Salsa…