Poncho Sanchez: Hard Working Latin Jazz Artist with Love for Salsa
Poncho Sanchez is one of the hardest working Latin Jazz artists. He's produced 24 CDs in 28 years and is constantly touring with his 9-piece band.
I had a chance to talk to Poncho about his background, his recent and upcoming projects,…
Hector Lavoe Music Legend Part 2; Early Solo Career
Hector Lavoe had a very successful solo career. Hector inherited most of Willie Colon's band after they went on separate ways.
Willie Colon continued to support Hector Lavoe by producing most of his solo recordings. In my opinion, you…
Hector Lavoe Music Legend Part 1; The Willie Colon Years
Hector Lavoe was loved by Salsa music fans probably more than any other artist, and his legacy lives strong. This is amazing considering he lived a life that was way far from exemplary and full of disgraces.
Despite that, people loved…
El Gran Combo in Paradise with “Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso”
The latest album from legendary Puerto Rican salsa band, El Gran Combo titled "Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso" will make you feel in paradise if you like salsa music.
An excellent production with great themes, solid arrangements, and excellent…
Remarks on Latin Jazz: Conversation with Ricky Gonzalez
This is an excellent conversation that I got from Latin Jazz group in Yahoo. Musician Ricky Gonzalez, a master pianist, wrote this insightful commentary regarding the state of Latin Jazz.
It touches on the Latin Jazz popularity, or lack…
Justo Betancourt: 40+ Years of “Lo Sabemos” Salsa Album
Justo Betancourt classic album "Lo Sabemos" was released in the midst of the Salsa boom in 1975. That puts it at over 40 years old, but you would never know by its music and sound quality.
"Lo Sabemos" is the Fania All-Stars in Disguise…
Eddie Palmieri Shines with Strong Latin Jazz Group
Eddie Palmieri has not lost a beat regarding knowing how to put on a good Latin music show for the audience to enjoy.
Mr. Palmieri, a 9-time Grammy Award winner, has a solid group of star musicians that help him sizzle the stage with…
The Legend of Roberto Roena – Part 2
In Part 1, I gave you a brief history of the career of Roberto Roena. We covered his early career with Cortijo, El Gran Combo, and the start of his Apollo Sound. Here we'll cover a bit of his dancing and a lot more about his music.
The…
The Legend of Roberto Roena: Part 1
I had the fortune to witness the peak years of legendary Puerto Rican bongo player Roberto Roena. His Apollo Sound of the '70s and '80s made a profound impact on Salsa music.
One of my highlights regarding Roberto Roena was a concert he…