DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013 ISSUE QUÉ PASA IN LA By Rudy Mangual Holiday celebrations in the City of Angels commence on December 7 at The Granada Nightclub in the city of Alhambra featuring, directly from New York City, salsa vocalists Cita Rodríguez and Frankie Vásquez, backed by the Afro-Son All Stars. Also highlighting this event is a special dance performance by Edwin Rivera's Starlite Dancers. Borinquen Post 508 presents "The 12th Annual Salsa Con Santa Dance" on December 8 at the VFW Post 8620 in West Covina. Live music will be provided by the group LA Bomba Mix and DJ Willie. An authentic Puerto Rican dinner is included in the admission price. For tickets and reservations, call (626) 919-5553 or (626) 592-3842. El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will be gracing the stage of The Conga Room at LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles on December 13, as part of their "50th Anniversary Celebration Tour." Chino Espinoza & Los Dueños del Son performs every Thursday evening at Steven's Steak House in the City of Commerce. The Savoy Nightclub in the city of Inglewood is the new home for live salsa music on Thursday nights. Upcoming performances include the bands Afro-Son (December 6), and Son Mayor (December 13). Ixtapa Restaurant in Pasadena presents "Tropicana Navideña" on December 18, featuring the sounds of Angel Lebrón & Sabor Latino, plus DJ Luis Pachanga. This event is hosted by Latin Dance Pro.com. The Susie Hansen Latin Band will be performing at the Fisherman's Village in Marina Del Rey on December 30. This is a free outdoor salsa dance event. Celebrate New Year's Eve in the South Bay at Ortega 120 with music provided by 2 Hombres. Located in Redondo Beach, Ortega 120 is the home of the best margaritas in town, plus great live music for listening and dancing, delicious Mexican cuisine, and over 120 different brands of tequila. Brazilian Nites Productions presents Brazilian New Year's Eve at The Queen Mary in Long Beach! Kick off the New Year with a spectacular celebration aboard the Queen Mary in the Long Beach Harbor, while enjoying party favors, music, dancing and an authentic Brazilian buffet. New Year (Ano Novo) is one of the most celebrated holidays in Brazil, where it is also known as Reveillon. Practitioners of umbanda, entirely dressed in white, offer flowers and gifts to the Lemanjá, the Goddess of the Water. Their colorful floating candles give a splendid view at the time of New Year. Partygoers who attend the abovementioned New Year's Eve party will be dancing non-stop to the pulsating rhythms of samba, marcha, axé, samba-reggae, forró, pagode, frevo and carnaval eléctrico provided by Katia Moraes,in conjunction with chorepgrapher Joany and the L.A. samba school known as Samba da Mudança. For tickets and reservations, visit www.BrazilianNites.com. Continue supporting all your local artists and their venues. Peace. A BITE FROM THE APPLE By Vicki Solá There's no shortage of swinging productions being released in the Big Apple these days... The CD "Los Hermanos Mangual Presentan: Sabor y Swing," featuring José Mangual, Jr. and Luis Mangual (sons of late icon José "Buyú" Mangual), has arrived, combining both brothers' bands. Bongocero Luis Mangual leads Conjunto Mangual, with the backing of Víctor Santos (piano), Jerry Madera (bass), William Ashe (tres), Richie Viruet and Pete Nater (trumpets), Luis Mangual, Jr. (congas, coro), José Mangual, Jr. (percussion, coro) and Ronnie Baró (vocals). Bongocero/lead vocalist José Mangual, Jr. fronts Zon Boricua Blues, which consists of Rubén Rodríguez or Máximo Rodríguez (bass), Mike Freeman (vibes), Carlito Ortíz (timbal), Benny Arroyo (congas), J.R. de Jesús (piano), and Luis Soto and Ada Chabrier (coros). CharanSalsa has released a second CD, "Pa' Mi Pueblo," featuring vocalist Julio Salgado. PharanSalsa's Flutist/co-leader, Joe de Jesús, has been on the scene for a long time, performing and/or recording with prestigious artists like Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz and David Byrne. "CharanSalsa's sound," says de Jesús "is a new concept, combining the best of charanga and salsa-highly danceable, with modern harmonies and rhythms. CharanSalsa is fresh, and yet as comfortable as an old pair of dancing shoes" (I recommend a couple of my favorite tracks: "Los del Son" and "Yo bailo de todo"). CharanSalsa's coleader/ conguero Idelfonso "Pito" Castillo began playing drums at the age of fourteen and has performed and/or recorded with Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano, Angelo y su Conjunto Modelo, Martín Arroyo, Adalberto Santiago, José Alberto (El Canario), Bobby Rodríguez & La Compañía, Tito Allen, Héctor Casanova, Ernie Agosto & La Conspiración, and Santiago Cerón. A native of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, CharangaSalsa's lead vocalist Julio Salgado has worked with Charanga Sensual, Osvaldo Valentín, Orquesta Broadway and George Delgado. Along with Felo Barrio, he co-founded La Inspiración. And let's hear it for two groups of the next generation that have released new works - Grupo Arcano and Spanglish Fly. Grupo Arcano's "Desde el Otro Lado del East River" features a refreshing yet old school-based sound that is very danceable. "All the arrangements are fun to dance to, listen to and perform," says leader/vocalist George Vélez. "Each one has its own distinct flavor, yet somehow captures something similar that's particular to Grupo Arcano..." Take a listen to "Lluvia Viene." The Latin soul/bugalú band Spanglish Fly is devoted to remaining authentic while injecting a degree of freshness into the aforesaid styles, thus ensuring its appeal to a whole new generation. Founded by trumpeter and DJ Johnny Semi-Colón (a.k.a. Jonathan Goldman) —who noticed that the late-1960s recordings of Joe Cuba, Joe Bataan, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaría, Joey Pastrana, Johnny Colón and the Lebron Brothers really packed his dance floors—, the group features eleven members with diverse geographic origins (Puerto Rico, Cuba, México, United Kingdom, Canada and Upper Manhattan. The band's debut CD, "Latin Soul y Bugalú" (Electric Cowbell Records), featuring the hit single "Think (Pensamiento)" was released in the spring of 2010. A couple of additional heavy-duty tracks have been added under the guidance of Grammy Award winning producer Harvey Averne: "Brooklyn Boogaloo" and "My Shingaling Boy". By the way, I love Erica Ramos's voice! DJ Jeff's "Hot Pick of the Month": Eddie Montalvo's "El Hijo Del Ricachón", with Rubén Blades on vocals. DJ Jeff's favorite CD of 2012: Eddie Montalvo's "Desde Nueva York a Puerto Rico." Mario A. Torres Productions' Third New York Latin Music "Pionero Awards" were awarded on October 20, at Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture, in the Bronx. The list of honorees included conguero Eddie Montalvo, vibraphonist/television host Steve Pouchie, world-renowned flutist Dave Valentín, 'King of Boogaloo" Pete Rodríguez, flutist and educator Connie Grossman, Casa Latina Music Shop's Vicente Barreiro, saxophonist Pete Miranda, vocalist José "Cheo" Medina, multi-instrumentalist Gene Jefferson, and the late comedian Rich Ramírez. Attendees were treated to three sets performed by Luis Mangual y su Conjunto Mangual, featuring vocalists José Mangual, Jr., and Ronnie Baró. Congrats also sent to fellow Latina scribe Rebecca Miller-Pringle, the author of She's Not My Mother-in-law: She's My Husband's Mother, who was chosen as "Writer of the Month" by The Latino Press. The Salsa Music Awards-2013 will take place on March 16, 2013, at the University of Miami, in order to pay homage to the musicians, composers, producers, and promoters responsible for keeping salsa music alive around the world. The award ceremonies will highlight the new crop of artists carrying the cultural torch forward. Concerts around the U.S. and Puerto Rico will lead up to the aforesaid main event, whose founder and CEO is Bobby Pérez. Lefty Pérez is organizing festivities in Florida, while José Pagán and Bobby Allende will be assisting in the New York metropolitan area. Ocho y Más, Amadis, Aurora & Zon Del Barrio, Billy Carrión, Choco Orta, Conjunto imagen, Don Sonero, Eddie Montalvo, Frankie Morales, Grupo Arcano, "Juicy" Jusino, The New Swing Sextet and Yoko (La Japonesa Salsera) are among the nominated New York artists. More information is available at www.TheSalsaMusicAwards.com and through José Pagán, at 973-960-2663. Around town... "Latin Fridays", a weekly event in which DJ Ray Colón features live salsa bands, has come to El Maunaloa by the Nile, located in North Bergen, New Jersey. More information is available at www.u-neeksounds.com... Located in Nyack, New York, the West Gate Lounge presents the following roster: Luisito Rosario & Rumba del Barrio (Dec.1); Palladium Night: The Machito Orchestra, with Mario Grillo (Dec. 8); Los Hermanos Colón (Dec. 15); Grupo Latin Vibe (Dec. 22); Orquesta Broadway (Dec. 29); and a New Year's Eve Party with Jimmy Sabater, Jr.'s NY Sabor Orchestra (Dec. 31). Happy New Year (y qué viva la música)! LATIN BEAT UPDATE By Nelson Rodríguez Although 2012 has come to its very last few days, we continue to get new releases, so let's get right to it. There is no indication that new artists will stop appearing at an alarming rate, but the good news is that the material coming out is pretty good. Once again, the salsa and Latin jazz recordings released this year topped the 150 mark! During the 1960s and '70s, some fine salsa groups emerged in México, and many Mexican radio stations provided support for these bands, as well as their U.S. counterparts. Recently we have been witnessing a resurgence of salsa in México, as exemplified by Combo Ninguno, whose latest CD "La Bruja" —recorded live at the 17th Annual International Afro-Caribbean Festival in Veracruz —is a true gem. Just listen to the title track, as well as "Son de Amor", "Noche de Luna en Xalapa", and "La Cumbancha." One of my Top 10 picks of 2012 comes from San Francisco's premier Latin big band, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, co-led by pianist Christian Tumalán and trumpeter Steffen Kuehn. Tumalán was part of the Montuno Swing band included in my Top 10 of 2011. This time around, the band swings through some great arrangements of mostly self-penned tracks. Its versions of Rubén Blades' "El Cantante" and Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed", combined with its original material, demonstrate why this CD became a big winner on my 2012 list. Papagofio (a bongocero and founding member of Havana's Conjunto Rumbavana who passed away in 2008) was usually recognized by his every-present hat, and left a legacy through his son Papagofio Jr., currently transmitted via the Miami-based band Papagofio y su Poder, whose debut CD offers some great Cuban music, including the powerful tracks "Se Tostó con Mantequilla", "La Razón", "El Borracho" and "La Distancia." Ed Byrne is a Grammy Award winning trombonist who has played with a who's who of jazz and Latin artists. He was also the featured trombonist on Eddie Palmieri's Grammy-winning album "Unfinished Masterpiece." On Byrne's bandleading debut ("Conquistador"), he fronts the group Latin Jazz Evolution, showcasing his talent not only on trombone but also as a composer. Ed Byrne's Latin Jazz Evolution is the real deal, and he is now poised for a very nice solo career. Orquesta La Máxima came to our attention last year and that's when we discovered its young vocalist Kevin Gabriel, who continues to grow and flourish on La Máxima's latest CD, "Mi Ritmo Inigualable." Chino Ramos is another new name in the salsa world, whose latest CD ("Indio de Raza Mayor") will project his band on radio shows and dance floors through tunes such as "La Originalidad", "Ojos Negativos", "Para Los Pueblos", "Magdalena (Llora Como Lloro)", "Kumba Kimba", "Maltrato, No", and the title track. Puerto Rican jazz pianist José Negroni has been on a mission for the past ten years (along with his drumming son, Nomar Negroni) and has won over many new fans with each release. Check out how José Negroni smokes throughout the new jazz offering of his Negroni's Trio ("On The Way"), which features guests Ed Calle and Federico Britos. Tumbao Bravo is one of the Latin music industry's hidden gems. Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, this group just came out with its fourth release, "Casa Versailles", a superb Latin jazz recording. Check out the tunes "One For Jamerson," Caoba y Ron," "Mogagua" and the title track" For many of us, Tito Puente was not only a friend and teacher, but also the most iconic figure in U.S. Latin dance music and Latin jazz. A new commemorative and limited edition of four of Tito's recordings ("Cuatro-The Definitive Collection") focuses on his early RCA years (1955-1960), when he recorded the albums "Cuban Carnival", "Dance Mania", "Night Beat" and "Revolving Bandstand." A fifth CD contains rare previously unreleased material, and more. The collection is also available on a five LP set of 180 grams and a digital box. Ken Davis and Ban Caribe, from the state of Virginia, has a unique sound that combines soul/R&B with Latin American/Caribbean sounds in such a way that you feel as if you were vacationing in a tropical island. Like their debut, "Clave Soul" (which has just been remixed), their new CD ("Vacation Time") makes emphasis on the utilization of steel drums revealing the rich flavors of the Caribbean. Rica Obsesión is another fine new band with a great debut, "Llegó Mi Turno", includingh the hit "Soy Quien Soy", "Reencarno", as well as great cover versions of "Lluvia," "Tú No Sabes Querer," "Quítate La Máscara" and "Anacaona." DESDE BORINQUEN Por: Elmer González Fotos por Miguel Rojas EL SUEÑO DE ANDY. El 2012 fue un año de múltiples gratificaciones para el cantante Andy Montañez. Celebró cincuenta años en la música, se le escapó a la muerte después de un aparatoso accidente automovilístico en el mes de abril y por último, editó y presentó su disco más reciente "Sueño" con boleros del repertorio del fenecido cantante cubano Fernando Álvarez. El pasado 1 de noviembre, el llamado "Niño de Trastalleres" presentó en concierto este disco en el Teatro Ambassador de Santurce. Lleno de emoción, Andy declaró que esa noche se cumplía "un sueño que comenzó hace medio siglo: grabar un disco con boleros de Fernando Álvarez". Los primeros discos como solista de Álvarez llegaron a Puerto Rico entre el 1958 y 1960. Para esa época Andy soñaba con ser un cantante de boleros como Cheito González o poder llegar a ser parte de un trío como Los Tres Ases. Al escuchar a Fernando quedó entusiasmado con el estilo y el "filin" del cantante santiaguero. En el 1962, El Gran Combo se cruzó en el destino de Andy y el resto es historia. Sin embargo, Andy admite que es un bolerista que canta salsa y que el bolero es "su pasión musical". Por medio siglo soñó con hacer el disco con los boleros de Fernando y su deseo se cumplió en enero de 2011 cuando se trasladó a los estudios de grabación de Pablo Milanés en La Habana para grabar temas como: "Total", "Eres sensacional", "No te importe saber", "Sueño", "Ven a la realidad" y "Si no eres tú", entre otros. El disco se grabó con un trío de jazz con la participación como invitados del saxofonista Miguel Zenón, el trompetista Yazek Manzano y las voces de Pablo Milanés y de Omara Portuondo con la dirección musical de Dagoberto González Jr. La presentación en Santurce estuvo a cargo del trio de jazz del pianista Luis Marín y la orquesta de Andy Montañez. FURITO RÍOS Y SU MAESTRÍA. El saxofonista boricua Furito Ríos ha participado en más de 300 grabaciones durante sus tres décadas de carrera musical. Comenzó en la salsa con orquestas como Bobby Valentín y Tommy Olivencia. Su historial lo ubica como director de festivales de jazz, grabaciones con artistas reconocidos del pop internacional, el jazz y la música clásica. ¿Qué le faltaba por hacer? Volver a su primer amor, la salsa. Por tal motivo creó su orquesta la cual llamó "La maestría" con la que se presentó junto a su disco nuevo el pasado 6 de octubre en el remodelado Teatro de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Tanto en el concierto como en la grabación participaron los cantantes Pedro Brull, el catalán Sicus Carbonell y el juvenil Joshua Marcell. Los percusionistas fueron Edwin Clemente, Cachiro Thompson y Richard Carrasco. La banda se lució con una sección de vientos que incluían, entre otros, a Luis Aquino, los hermanos Antonio y Víctor Vázquez, Raúl Ríos y Furito Ríos. Fueron más de dos horas de salsa netamente bailable con temas inéditos de Johnny Ortiz y de otros compositores.