Mike Rivera and Chicago’s Tipica 78

 

Courtesy Mike Rivera Myspace page

Many years ago, and I mean many (1980s), a young salsa band began to make some noise in the salsa circuit in Chicago. The band, “Tipica 78,” was one of the youthful bands that were part of the “Caribe” repertoire of young Chicago salsa groups he (Caribe) managed. They had a very young following mostly because they themselves were kids back then. The leaders of the group, as I recall, were Vida Rivera (conga player) and Mikey Rivera, the bassist. Every so often when you see kids, you recognize one or two who stand out as someone who is destined to go far in life. Back then I predicted this same outcome for the bass player/ co-leader, Mike Rivera. You see, Mike Rivera was not only a good Latin bass player, but he was also a kid that thought things out and seemed to be the voice of reason. He was methodical and had a good business sense at an early age. Over the years, long after Tipica 78, Mike Rivera continued his musical career and delved into the business side of the industry. That is a tough job in today’s climate whre Latin Music is not necessarily the most profitable. His journey took him away from the windy city in order to enhance his experience to places like New York, Los Angeles, and Florida, where he now makes his home. Today Mike Rivera is a well established producer in the salsa scene who has produced and managed many of today’s premier salsa stars. Mike is still playing bass between productions and is one of the most sought after producers in the industry. Mike Rivera has paid his dues in Chicago and is someone you should know about. I have attached a link to his Myspace page so you could see his bio. I would post it but it is kind of lengthy. When we think about Old School Salsa in Chicago, we should definitely remember Mike Rivera and Chicago’s Tipica 78. If anyone has any old photos or stories about this group please let me know and I will post them.

http://www.myspace.com/mikeriveraofficialpage 

Angel Melendez and his 911 Big Band doin’ “Puente”

 

If you didn’t get a chance to go to Humboldt Park for the Puerto Rican Fest you missed a good one. Angel Melendez brought out the Caddy today when he came with the big band. This band is one of Chicago’s best and rightfully so. The theme of the mini-concert was “Tito Puente.” The band played mostly Puente big band standards with snappy solos by talented percussionists and an awesome solo by his saxophonist. If you didn’t see the band on Saturday (June 18^th 2011) make sure you catch a concert in the near future. Nice job Angel.

Hector Nunez at Humboldt Park

 

As I neared Humboldt Park while going to the festivities celebrating Puerto Rican week, I could hear the swing of the bass. As I got closer, the horn section blared and the singer went into his “soneo.” I recognized the voice of Hector Nunez right away. It was a blast from the past and reminded me of the days when Hector and other singers routinely performed at outdoor salsa venues in and around Humboldt Park. When I finally entered the park I could see spectators dressed in full Puerto Rican garb dancing on the grass. The smell of food was in the air and everyone appeared to be enjoying Hector’s performance. The band, I was told, was a collection of local musicians who were contracted to back up most of the singers who were to perform at the park through the weekend. I did not know many of them but did recognize some from the old days. The two besides Hector I did recognize was Freddie Rodriguez on trumpet and Jesus “Papiro” Vera, who was on maracas singing coro. “Papiro,” if you don’t know, is one of the city’s best timbaleros. There is a video of him on YouTube playing a timbal solo. It is worth checking out. It is a little dated (1970s) but it is still worth looking at. Freddie Rodriguez is a true salsa veteran with impressive credentials. It was great seeing and hearing them again. This is salsa in the windy city at its best. Que viva la salsa!

Jorge Dalto – Chicago Roots

When we look at the development of Latin music in Chicago we often overlook what was once in our own back yard. Many times musicians start out or do their “field training” in Chicago and later move on to the “big time.” You can’t really blame them for moving on to greener pastures. After all, you need to go where the work is. Recently, I came across a video of a former Chicago musician who really hit the big time. He was pianist Jorge Dalto. He lived in Chicago for only a few years but what an impression he made. Jorge Dalto came to Chicago from Argentina years ago to further his music career. He played here with a local quintet and met his wife Adela, who had moved here from Indiana. After doing the club scene for a few years he moved to the Big Apple where he made his name. Jorge Dalto is probably most famous for his work with George Benson but during his time in New York he also worked with Tito Puente, Machito, Willie Colon and was the pianist for Gato Barbieri. Attached is a video of Jorge Dalto playing a solo with some of the Fania Stars. Unfortunately, Jorge Dalto passed away at 39 years of age after a long illness. Click on the attached link and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQt9JiG5O7g&feature=related

“Suena” – Latin Jazz combo brings us “Salsazz” (Salsa con Jazz)

 

On Sunday, May 15, 2011, I had the great pleasure of doing my part in supporting the American Cancer Society Walk and Roll event at Grant Park in downtown, Chicago. It was cold, windy and it rained all day. Despite that, Latin music still found a way to warm our spirits and become part of our day. The band performing there did their part by keeping us entertained with their rendition of Latin standards with just a touch of jazz. It was a nice blend that I would like to refer to as, “Sals-Azz,” or Salsa con Jazz. The group I am referring to is a relatively new group from Chicago called, “Suena Latin Jazz.” The group is comprised of a pianist, a conga player (the leader), timbales, bongo, trumpet, saxophone and a baby bass player. Its leader, Juan Carlos Delgado or “JC” as he is referred to did his best to make good out of an otherwise miserable day (only due to the weather). I would like to thank them for sticking it out during the rain. As always, I am a supporter of all local Latin Bands. Please do the same. “JC” can be reached at jcarlos@windycitymix.com.

Mike Maldonado – “Sonero De Los Soneros”

As you near the club you could hear the music at a distance… Once you get inside and make your way through the crowd you can feel the swing of the band in high gear as the congas move the tempo forward like clockwork. The “cascara” of the timbal and the slapping sounds of the bongo compliment the tempo and complete all the necessary elements to carry the swing of the band. The dancers respond. The ones not dancing form a crowd around the stage. As the “Sonero” joins the tune and begins to sing, all eyes are on him. His crafty lyrics send a message to all letting them know he is the baddest mother f in the house. As the dancers revolve around the dance floor it is hard for the ladies to ignore the voice that carries the message. The singer, although small in stature is a giant in many ways. That singer is no other than Mike Maldonado, the Chicago Salsa Icon who delivered the message for so many salsa bands in Chicago for decades.
Mike Maldonado came to Chicago many years ago from Utuado, Puerto Rico. His love for music was second to none and he quickly became involved in the Chicago Latin music scene. In the over 50 plus years he spent in the city he sang with most of the popular salsa bands. Back in the day Mike Maldonado sang with Los Humacaenos and Rio Platense. I recall the first time I saw him he was singing at the Las Vegas Night Club with a group there. I remember that Mike was never out of a gig and had done time with many other established bands such as, Felipe Y Su Gran Sonora, “Tarzan” (Edwin Rivera) Y Su Orquesta, and on occasion with La Sonora Tropical and La Confidencia. I recall that during the 1970s Mike Maldonado started a band called “Nova.” I remember comparing the group to Tipica 73 from New York at the time because they had a similar sound. The group was very popular and became the house band for one of the Latin clubs in the city for a long time. They were one of my favorite groups of that time. Later on, after the breakup of “Nova,” Mike Maldonado found a new home with “La Confidencia,” who was going through some personnel changes. Mike’s professionalism and savvy style of singing solidified the sound of La Confidencia, who became one of the longest lasting salsa bands in the city.
After several years away from the Latin scene I heard about a band called the 911 Mambo Orchestra. I found out that the band, under the direction of Trombonist Angel Melendez, had recorded an album that was nominated for a Grammy – a first for a Chicago Salsa band. I decided to check out a few tracks from the CD and was surprised when I recognized the vocals of none other than Mike Maldonado. I remember talking to Mike Maldonado about the recording later on. He would beam when he talked about it. He said that after so many years paying his dues in Chicago he could not believe that his first recording with 911 Mambo Orchestra resulted in a Grammy nomination. He said it was “like hitting a home run in your first at bat.” He was truly proud of this accomplishment and proud of the band and grateful to Angel Melendez for the opportunity.
A couple of years ago a local musician called me and told me that Mike Maldonado was retiring and moving to Florida and that Angel Melendez was having a homage to him at a popular downtown restaurant. I agreed to go and was glad to meet up with him again and reminisce about old times and the development of salsa over the years. We had a great time and exchanged numbers. After a few weeks, I called Mike to see how things were going in Florida. He told me things were great and that I should come down because there was a lot of work there. As it turned out Mike couldn’t stay away from salsa. He wound up singing for a group there called “La Nueva Herencia” and never really retired from music. You see, it’s not easy retiring from salsa or completely quitting something you love. A short time after our conversation I was saddened to learn that Mike Maldonado had passed away in Florida. Mike Maldonado may have left us with no one to fill his role here in Chicago as the premier “Sonero” but make no mistake, Mike Maldonado is still singing those crafty lyrics in the sky letting them know he is still the baddest mother f  around. Thanks for giving us all those years of good salsa. We miss you.

To read a little more on Mike Maldonado click on the attached link.
http://redalyc.uaemex.mx/pdf/377/37716111.pdf 

Chicago Salsa Bands - Past and Present

While conducting research on Chicago Salsa Bands I was able to compile a list of links of videos of Chicago Salsa Bands that came to my attention. Some of the bands are new to the scene and other videos are of past salsa bands. Listed below are the links or ULR addresses for the videos. Paste them to your address bar and see what was posted. Enjoy..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIHKTLR3yu8&feature=related

Sonora Tropical

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vm3a4wG9Rg

Everardo Y Su Flota Musical

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0rdkSSrsiQ

Orquesta Yambo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntyU4bAafk0

Carpacho Y Su Super Combo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJvIEr4xED4

La Tremenda Rumba

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E47xVVsAPFY

Chicago Mambo All Stars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqxIyXDiwqM&feature=related

Eliezer Y Su Orquesta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcJ9JvIPqp4&feature=related

Gelito Sanchez

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SeD3Yme5mo&feature=mr_meh&list=PLD3504264750CD7FA&index=2&play

La Justicia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdzUUL5MMN8&feature=related

Tarzan Y La Poderosa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=058aeWrNVC4&feature=related

La Solucion de Chicago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n48jcA8urP8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

La Confidencia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg6ecFlagXo

Angel Melendez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra

http://salsadelbarrio-chicago.blogspot.com/2011/03/charlie-burgos-and-la-nuestra-sing.html

La Nuestra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6hpxjetdY

Orquesta Sensacion de Chicago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TDarXq096o&feature=related

Orquesta Suave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_4Z83pXd9U

La Controversia de Milwaukee, Wisconsin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAUlGPB85zY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Manuel Y Sus Estrellas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KysQkl6_EeI&feature=related
La Union de Chicago 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkC37l9ufXQ&feature=related
Juventud Tipica 78 de Chicago 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwEoPjSLalM

Teddy Torres 
http://www.mamboexpress5.com/
Vic Parra and the Mambo Express 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dbPnXs3b-o&feature=related

Shorty Ramirez Y Su Orquesta
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYYFxQMm8J8 
Tipica Leal 79
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tzum26uucc
Rica Obsesion