2020-09-01 20:08
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 als… Read More
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Latin Music Blog for Latino music fans.
2020-08-26 16:40
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 inte… Read More
2020-08-22 12:33
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… Read More
2020-07-12 13:30
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” Musi… Read More
2020-06-24 12:22
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“… Read More
2020-06-21 16:30
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 ha… Read More
2020-06-15 13:30
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 wro… Read More
2020-06-11 10:31
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 i… Read More
2020-06-08 17:02
Two Latin Jazz gems from the late vibraphonist Cal Tjader, “In a Latin Bag” and “Soña Libré” have recently become available through streaming services… Read More
2020-06-02 12:59
Charlie & Jerry are the favorite duo of El Gran Combo singers for the majority of Salsa fan who voted in the Latino Music Café poll.
But to understand the results, perhaps we shou… Read More
2020-05-28 13:12
This week El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico celebrated its 58th anniversary, and I couldn’t pass the chance to find out which is your favorite duo of singers.
As we’ve seen through th… Read More
2020-05-10 14:05
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers! Here are two Salsa songs that celebrate this great day, both written by the artists who perform them.
Ismael Miranda, “Madre“
Ismael Mira… Read More
2020-04-25 17:23
Eddie Montalvo‘s 3rd solo album, “Señor Tambó“, has a title that he’s earned through his long career, and is worthy of his 2nd Grammy nomination.
&ldquo&hell…Read More
2020-04-22 16:21
In the mid 1500s four musicians performed at a tavern in the town of Havana, Cuba and used a Cuban güiro among it’s instruments. This was perhaps the first record of this instrume… Read More
2020-04-06 18:04
Musicians, like the rest of us, are home with a lot of time on their hands, so they’ve written songs of coronavirus to keep us entertained.
Among the various songs that Latin artists h… Read More
2020-03-26 20:16
“Brazilian Whispers” is the result of fan request for Andrea Brachfeld to play more Brazilian music. Her thorough research resulted in an album true to the music while conserving… Read More
2020-03-22 14:04
Live online concerts are flourishing as an entertainment alternative caused by social distancing, but should they all be free or should we pay for some?
Live Online Concerts During Coronavir… Read More
2020-03-11 03:36
If a few cases of Coronavirus are reported in your city or country, would you still attend a Latin music event in a stadium, theater or small club? I invite you to respond in the survey prov… Read More
2020-02-27 22:58
Cheo Feliciano came in top of all Salsa-Bolero singers as your favorite in the recent Latino Music Café poll. Ismael Miranda and Hector Lavoe came second and third respectively.
Salsa… Read More
2020-02-24 20:38
The music of “currulao” is very popular in Colombia’s South Pacific coast. Currulao music is featured in the Petronio Alvarez Music Festival.
Currulao is not only festive m… Read More
2020-02-21 11:24
I received a link to the video below, The Power of Drums, from my friend Bart Goff. The video is an interesting and long teaser (9 minutes) of the documentary.
The Power of Drums… Read More
2020-02-18 16:12
The trio of musicians called Sonido Tré just released their EPK “Tributo a Juan Luis Guerra“, which includes four standards of the Dominican icon.
Sonido Tre EPK Tributo a… Read More
2020-02-16 14:32
We continue the month of love with Part 2 of poll of your favorite Salsa-Bolero singer.
These are Salsa singers that are also remarkable bolero singers.
This time we ask you for you favorite… Read More
2020-02-13 16:21
Since February is the month of love, here’s a short poll so you can share who is your favorite Salsa–Bolero singer.
These are Salsa singers that also distinguished themselves as… Read More
2020-02-10 19:20
The album “La Voz Sensual de Cheo Feliciano” was launched over 48 years ago. It’s release occurred one year after his comeback album “Cheo” came out.
Note: I pu… Read More
2020-02-07 21:26
The Pacific Mambo Orchestra (PMO) started nearly 10 years ago, did a crowdfunding project for their first recording in 2012, and with it won a Grammy in 2014. Now, they’re back with th… Read More
2020-01-30 01:37
The Puerto Rico Jazz Jam 2020 was a celebration of its 10th edition and we fully enjoyed its second day concert featuring Humberto Ramirez Big Jazz Band.
Poster of the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam 2… Read More
2020-01-23 20:16
Using a subtle blend of Jazz with Puerto Rican rhythms, The Nuñez Project launched their debut EP “Historias Desde Otros Lares”.
I want to highlight that the music in &ldq&hell…Read More
2020-01-21 20:51
Salsa and Latin music legend Roberto Roena turned 80 years old this month, so here are some highlights of Mr. Bongo.
The Legend of Roberto Roena
Ten years ago I wrote a 2-blog series followi… Read More
2020-01-18 13:56
Angel “Cachete” Maldonado turned his curiosity for Latin music into knowledge, which he used to spark musical innovation, which he then used as a platform for advancing our music… Read More
2020-01-05 16:56
A record store owner, an innovative trombonist-violinist, a legendary musician who became one of the best arrangers, and two of the best crooners are among those that departed our Latin musi… Read More
2019-12-30 20:48
At least for a time, the “Brindis del Bohemio” became a New Year’s Eve tradition throughout Latin America. Here’s a bit of background on it.
About Guillermo Aguirr… Read More
2019-12-27 20:06
Salsa duo NG2 entered the Christmas music scene with “Mi Primera Navidad“, a quality production of “Salsa Navideña“.
Music in “Mi Primera Navidad&ldqu……Read More
2019-12-23 12:25
I just read an NPR article about lack of new Christmas songs in pop music, a problem we don’t have in Latin music.
Here in Latino Music Café I’ve published about 3 revi… Read More
2019-12-22 15:43
This Salsa Lab video of a guy who’s car broke down and ends up doing a “Parranda en Uber” is fun to watch. The song, a “Plena“, is pretty catchy as well.
I g… Read More
2019-12-20 10:01
Bobby Capó, the great Puerto Rican singer-song writer, left us 30 years ago this week, leaving us with a rich legacy in Latin music.
This short blog is to render homage to whom I h… Read More
2019-12-18 10:01
Es Navidad, y José Nogueras nos trae su disco #40 con “La Vivo y La Gozo“. La ya esperada producción navideña nos trae nueve canciones para festejar.
M&ua……Read More
2019-12-16 10:01
It turns out that “8 Doors” is the 30th album for trumpeter and bandleader Humberto Ramirez. Like good wine, Humberto’s music has gotten better with time.
The songs in … Read More
2019-12-15 14:34
El video que comparto a continuación rinde homenaje al trompetista puertorriqueño Elías Lopés, quien hizo grandes contribuciones a la música latina a lo… Read More
2019-12-12 10:02
As “Bomba” turned into the 20th century, it only survived in the backyards of the black neighborhoods in Puerto Rico.
The free, but still marginalized, negro population in Pue… Read More
2019-12-12 10:01
Ya para el comienzo del siglo XX, la Bomba solo sobrevivía en los patios traseros de los barrios negros de Puerto Rico.
La población negra “libre”, pero aú……Read More
2019-12-08 22:31
El ícono de la música de Salsa Victor Manuelle nos trae su segundo álbum de música navideña con “Memorias de Navidad“. El proyecto audiovisu… Read More
2019-12-06 20:35
Salsa music icon Victor Manuelle brings us his second Christmas music album with “Memorias de Navidad“. The audio-visual project takes us through a virtual memory-lane of all… Read More
2019-12-04 10:46
El especial de Navidad “Tiempos de Aguinaldo” del Banco Popular de Puerto Rico ya está disponible, y los dos críticos en mi casa no están muy entusiasmado… Read More
2019-12-03 20:20
The new Christmas special from Banco Popular “Tiempos de Aguinaldo” is here, and the two critics in my household are not too enthused about it.
“Tiempos de Aguinaldo&rdq……Read More
2019-11-29 15:04
Classico Latino recently released “Havana Classic“, their new album that combines Latin and Classical music.
Never heard of Classico Latino? I hadn’t either until Julian… Read More
2019-11-27 13:34
In the United States and Puerto Rico, the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
[Note: I updated this 2010 blog to be more current with 2019]
In Puerto Rico, t… Read More
2019-11-25 19:03
This is the final part of a 5-part historical-fiction series commemorating the 125th birthday of Miguel Matamoros, one of the pioneers of the Cuban “son“.
When Miguel finally… Read More
2019-11-25 19:03
Este es el capítulo final de una serie de ficción-histórica de 5 partes conmemorando el natalicio 125 de Miguel Matamoros, uno de los pioneros del “son” c… Read More
2019-11-22 12:14
Ok, we’ve come to accept that Grammy or Latin Grammy awards don’t always go to the deserving artist. Yet it’s inexplicable that the just released Grammy 2020 nominations… Read More
2019-11-18 12:10
En 1978 Miguelito Valdés hizo su última presentación en un famoso hotel de Bogotá, Colombia. Ese año, la Salsa estaba en todo su esplendor, y sin embarg… Read More
2019-11-18 12:08
It was in 1978, at a famous hotel in Bogota, Colombia, where Miguelito Valdes performed for the last time. The Salsa boom was at its peak then, and yet today, few remember Miguelito as we… Read More
2019-11-06 16:59
If you haven’t heard of “Joropo Alternativo”, you’re not alone. I just learned of it through the article I’m sharing below.
Four groups have taken to the tas… Read More
2019-10-29 20:27
Raymond Santos fue uno de esos increíbles músicos que muchos de los más jóvenes fanáticos de la música latina pueden haberse perdido.
Aquí… Read More
2019-10-28 19:26
Raymond Santos was one of those amazing musicians which many of the younger Latin music fans may have missed.
Here I will try to give you a glimpse of Ray Santos with the aid of a couple… Read More
2019-10-23 13:52
¡Rafael Hernández escribió “Lamento Borincano” y “Preciosa” hace más de 80 años! Aun así, estas canciones sigues siendo ta… Read More
2019-10-18 17:29
El veterano músico cubano Kiki Valera lanzó su primer álbum con su propio grupo, titulado “Vivencias en Clave Cubana”, donde trae el sabor del Son origina… Read More
2019-10-18 17:27
Veteran Cuban musician Kiki Valera launched his debut album “Vivencias en Clave Cubana”, where he brings the flavor of the original “son”, of which he is inheritor… Read More
2019-10-14 01:47
El álbum de Salsa de Mario Ortiz, Jr. “Mario Ortiz All Star Band 55 Aniversario” es una de esas grabaciones raras donde el amor y el talento se entrelazan para crear un… Read More
2019-10-14 01:47
Mario Ortiz, Jr.’s Salsa album “Mario Ortiz All Star Band, 55 Aniversario” is one of those rare recordings where love and talent intertwine to create a musical gem.
This… Read More
2019-10-11 19:44
Este es el 4to capítulo de una serie de ficción-histórica de 5 partes conmemorando el natalicio 125 de Miguel Matamoros, uno de los pioneros del “son” cub… Read More
2019-10-11 19:42
This is Part 4 of a 5-part historical-fiction series commemorating the 125th birthday of Miguel Matamoros, one of the pioneers of the Cuban “son”.
Only after they returned fro… Read More
2019-10-03 19:31
The New York Times traveled to Cuba and provided a good overview of their music in the context of a road trip through the island. I thought you might find it an interesting read.
Discover… Read More
2019-10-01 20:54
Es muy raro que Marc Anthony y Gilberto Santa Rosa se pierdan la nominación para un Latin Grammy 2019, pero eso es exactamente lo que sucedió.
Desde mi punto de vista, las n… Read More
2019-10-01 12:28
It’s very rare that Marc Anthony and Gilberto Santa Rosa miss a nomination for a Latin Grammy 2019, but that’s just what happened.
The way I see it, Grammy nominations are a g… Read More
2019-09-27 19:13
Ruben Blades celebrated his “50 Years” in music with a concert at the Coliseum of Puerto Rico which I consider one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen by any artist.
In… Read More
2019-09-27 18:33
Rubén Blades celebró sus “50 años” en la música con un concierto en el Coliseo de Puerto Rico que considero uno de los mejores conciertos que he vi… Read More
2019-09-20 19:36
With the release of “Sonero: the Music of Ismael Rivera“, Miguel Zenon continues his mission to preserve part of the Puerto Rican culture through the magic of Jazz.
“Son… Read More
2019-09-16 18:57
La conmemoración del “Cinco de Mayo” y su “Batalla de Puebla” nos recuerda cómo una canción ranchera como “La Adelita” nos cuenta… Read More
2019-09-13 15:54
If you’re not in Puerto Rico, you might have missed the public feud between ex-Menudo Ray Reyes and a local media person that ridicules others to get high number of listeners, follo… Read More
2019-09-03 21:04
Multi-Grammy winning pianist and bandleader Oscar Hernandez returns with the second recording of his Alma Libre Latin Jazz sextet titled “Love the Moment”.
Alma Libre’s… Read More
2019-09-01 20:36
This is Part 3 of a 5-part historical-fiction series commemorating the 125th birthday of Miguel Matamoros, one of the pioneers of the Cuban son.
After Miguel noticed that Mr. Terry had l… Read More
2019-09-01 20:29
Este es el 3er capítulo de una serie de ficción-histórica de 5 partes conmemorando el natalicio 125 de Miguel Matamoros, uno de los pioneros del “son” cub… Read More
2019-08-29 20:55
Humberto Ramirez and Giovanni Hidalgo recently celebrated 20 years since their release of “Best Friends”. It also marked the return of Giovanni after a three-year absence from… Read More
2019-08-26 00:59
Cuando Roberto Roena decidió abandonar El Gran Combo hace 50 años, no tenía un nombre para su nueva agrupación, y terminó llamandola el Apollo Sound. Re… Read More
2019-08-13 17:26
When Roberto Roena decided to leave El Gran Combo 50 years ago, he didn’t have a name for his new band, which ended up as the Apollo Sound. Here’s how that happened.
Naming th… Read More
2019-07-22 20:05
The situation in Puerto Rico is politically hot, and musicians have played a leading part of them.
I believe the multiple public manifestations they’ve made, need to emphasize that… Read More
2019-07-19 09:29
Hosanna Carella has made positive news from Puerto Rico. In a climax of social and political crisis in the island, the Puerto Rican violinist was the only Hispanic musician to be selected… Read More
2019-07-18 11:05
Esa noche, con el club nocturno lleno, Miguel Matamoros trataba de mantener sus emociones bajo control en anticipación a lo que podría ser la noche más crucial de su… Read More
2019-07-14 14:51
That evening, the nightclub was full of patrons. Miguel Matamoros was excited in anticipation of what could be a defining evening in his career.
Yet he remained calm and collected, as he… Read More
2019-07-04 20:14
El año había transcurrido excelentemente para Miguel Matamoros, hasta el verano. Fue entonces cuando las cosas parecieron derrumbarse para el músico.
El Santiaguero d… Read More
2019-06-30 18:11
The year was going great for Miguel Matamoros until the summer. That’s when things suddenly seemed to have taken a downturn for the aspiring musician.
The 34 year-old slim and light… Read More
2019-06-22 19:36
Rubén Blades regresa a sus orígenes en el rock con “Paraiso Road Gang”. Aunque Rubén utiliza diferentes géneros en este álbum, sus mensajes… Read More
2019-06-19 18:53
Ruben Blades returns to his origins in rock in the “Paraiso Road Gang”. Although Ruben uses different genres in this album, his messages remains the same.
Note: for the versio… Read More
2019-04-04 23:51
In 1993 and was able to enjoy the only time I saw Alberto Cortez and Facundo Cabral perform live.
It so happened to be part of the tour they were doing which was recorded and launch the f… Read More
2019-04-04 23:51
En 1993 tuve la suerte y el privilegio de disfrutar la única vez que vi a Alberto Cortez y Facundo Cabral cantando en vivo.
Da la casualidad que esa presentación pasó… Read More
2019-03-27 20:39
Estuve reflexionando sobre el legado que dejó Papo Rosario en El Gran Combo a raíz del reciente anuncio de su retiro.
Debe entenderse que cualquier cambio en el personal de… Read More
2019-03-25 16:47
Here’s my thoughts on the legacy Papo Rosario left in El Gran Combo as he recently announced his retirement.
Any change in the personnel of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, specificall… Read More
2019-03-21 12:30
El güiro cubano, la güira dominicana y el güícharo puertorriqueño son parte de la misma familia de instrumentos de percusión.
Aunque son instrumentos s… Read More
2018-11-23 23:30
Desde los 12 años de edad, el “Asalto Navideño” de Willie Colón ha sido el primer álbum que he tocado para celebrar la llegada de la temporada… Read More
2018-11-23 21:50
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 Navide&ntild……Read More
2018-11-17 14:10
El maestro del Jazz, Wynton Marsalis, se unió al maestro de la Salsa. Ruben Blades, en un evento grabado en vivo titulado “Una Noche con Rubén Blades”.
Estas dos… Read More
2018-11-17 14:09
Jazz great Wynton Marsalis teamed his Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Salsa great Ruben Blades in a unique event and live recording “Una Noche con Rubén Blades”.
The… Read More
2018-11-01 02:14
A principios de los 1900, un hombre que viajó desde las Antillas menores a Puerto Rico en busca de trabajo trajo consigo un tambor de mano; el primer pandero conocido.
Este evento… Read More
2018-11-01 02:14
In the early 1900’s, a man that traveled from the West Indies to Puerto Rico looking for work, brought with him a hand-held drum; the first known “pandero”.
This event p… Read More
2018-10-16 21:12
Raphy Leavitt’s widow continues her shameful pursuit of lawsuits and money against her late husband’s bandmates of La Selecta!
Raphy Leavitt Must be Turning in his Grave
Why w… Read More
2018-10-16 19:13
La viuda de Raphy Leavitt y su familia continúa su vergonzosa persecución legal y de dinero en contra de Sammy Marrero y los músicos que pertenecieron a La Selecta.
R… Read More
2018-10-12 14:25
Puerto Rican folk group Atabal just released the single “Bajamos Duro”. The song is a contemporary Plena with a message to preserve our cultural roots.
Atabal’s Plena in… Read More
2018-10-12 14:23
El grupo folclórico puertorriqueño Atabal acaba de lanzar el sencillo “Bajamos Duro”. La canción es una Plena contemporánea con un mensaje que invi… Read More
2018-08-29 11:40
Una canción que reúne el pasado con el futuro, “Yo Soy Atabal” es el nuevo sencillo (aquí incluyo el video oficial) del legendario grupo folclórico… Read More
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