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