While reminiscing about the old days and thinking about the salsa musicians that made it happen I couldn’t help but wonder whatever happened to some of them. Back in the 1970s, there was a young bass player playing the salsa circles named Joe “Poruco.” I believe his real name was Joe Torres but everyone called him “Poruco” – I hope I am spelling it correctly. Anyway, Joe was a southpaw (lefty) who played a right handed bass. You really needed to hear him to understand what I am talking about. Joe was a damn good bass player. He played the Ampeg Baby Bass with a quickness I had not seen in Latin bass players and worked with many of the bands of the day. He had a great swing and was very personable. For whatever reason, Joe eventually drifted from the Chicago salsa scene. During one of our conversations I remember Joe telling me about his kid brothers. He said that they were really talented and were starting to play gigs on a regular basis. I remember him telling me that one was Edwin, who played timbales, and the other one was Freddy, who also played bass. Some time after our conversation I had an occasion to check them both out. Although they were kids, you could see that they had natural talent and they were really good. At the time, they were playing in a group with their father, another great musician. Over the years, I again ran into one of the brothers. Freddy was now an accomplished bass player with a similar style to “Poruco’s” and was making a name for himself in the Salsa circles. Every now and then, you run into one of these musicians that can play just about any instrument they get their hands on. I am sure everyone knows somebody in their family that is made up that way - great musical genes. Anyway, as the years went by, I saw this young man play the bass, trumpet, piano, and guitar. The thing is that he was really good at all of them. He could literally do a recording playing all the instruments. I am not sure what his vocal chops are like but as far as his playing he is one of the best. Freddy Torres did time with many of the Salsa bands of the day but is better known as a free lance bassist. As with many of the good salsa musicians however, Freddy eventually moved from Chicago. I am sure that wherever he is today, he is still swinging that bass, trumpet, piano, guitar and whatever he gets his hands on. I wish him luck. If anyone can give us an update on Freddy Torres, Joe, or his brother, Edwin, please drop us a line so we can let everyone know. This group of brothers played a key role in the salsa scene from the 70s through the 90s. I recently found a video on Youtube featuring Freddy Torres playing a bass solo during a visit at Humboldt Park in Chicago and linked it four your listening pleasure. Check it out.
In the days of early Chicago salsa, the band that started it all here in my opinion anyway was La Justicia. The band had a huge following and inspired many a young Chicago Hispanic musician to play salsa music. All the band members were young, talented and enthusiastic. Among the band members was multi-talented trombonist Charlie Burgos. Charlie not only played trombone, he also did occasional vocals and composed his own songs. Earlier I posted a video of a Charlie Burgos composition entitled, “That’s No Sweat,” which not only was a great crossover tune but represented many of the urban Latinos of that time who spoke little or no Spanish. His composition was a way for little Spanish speaking Hispanics to enjoy salsa and still understand the lyrics. Recently I was made aware that Charlie Burgos had passed away. This is a great loss for Chicago salsa. In his memory I am asking if anyone can tell us a little more about him. We are looking for any pictures, songs or general stories about him and his role in Chicago’s old school salsa. Any posts would be appreciated. 
This Question came to us from Orquesta Solar today - From Son Cubano to Salsa, from losing legends such as Ismael Rivera, Frankie Ruiz, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Chamaco Rivera. I would like to know from your audience what is it that they would like to hear (as far as styles, salsa romantica, guapachosa, erotica, ect)? Classics get worn out and put on the shelf, after some time the demand comes back-nostalgia imposes itself and dancers want what at one time was hot. Feel free to post your response. I will publish them as they come in.
Since this blog is partly dedicated to bringing to your attention musicians who made it happen for us in Chicago back in the day, I couldn’t help but mention Shorty Ramirez Y Su Orquesta. I am told that they were around in the early part of the salsa era. While searching for information on them, I stumbled upon a video on Youtube of their first and only recording. The album is entitled, “Muerto De La Risa.” The recording is pretty good and captures the essence of the Chicago Latin sound of that time. The vocals are by Hector Colon. In the album cover photo I think I recognize pianist Juan Perez and his brother Angelo Perez, who was one of the premier Latin bassists of that time. It was recorded in 1969. I attached the link below for your enjoyment. If anyone out there knows the name of the musicians in the recording let us know so we can give them proper credit. Peace…
