Shorty Ramirez Y Su Orquesta – Good Old Chicago Salsa

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…

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

Today’s Featured Artist – Freddy Torres

 

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGKZsfGZH9Q&feature=related 

Mr. Boricuaman and El Corillo De Humboldt Park

 

A few posts ago, I was telling y’all about El Corillo at Humboldt Park. Humboldt Park is the place were musicians, both good and bad, get together and play salsa along with anyone else who cares to join in. Some play along with recordings and others bring full scale sound equipment along with their instruments. Crowds of spectators enjoy free live music and dance to the infectious rhythms while passing musicians and others join in to take turns playing along with the makeshift bands. Age doesn’t really matter. Young and old all take part. Some of these musicians are pretty good. The park is their stage and the people there become a part of it. I was checking out Youtube the other day and found several Youtube videos that have been posted by some guy named “mrboricuaman.”  All his videos are about “El Corillo” de Humboldt Park. Check them out if you get a chance so you can get a preview of what is going on there. The summer is coming to a close so try to get over to Humboldt Park to check it out. Believe me, after a few visits, you too will become part of “El Corillo.” Attached is one of “mrboricuaman’s” videos. I don’t know who mrboricuaman is but whoever you are, thanks for keeping salsa alive. Enjoy the video everyone.

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

Introducing Sureya….

 

During this year’s Cuban Fest, which was held at Riis Park in Chicago this summer, I had the fortune of learning of a new Chicago talent - or at least new to me. This talent I am referring to is none other than the Latin female vocalist, Sureya. Her real name is Sureya Perez and she has been making herself known in the Chicago Latin music circles as of late. As I approached the stage over at Riis, I was impressed with her vocal talent and ability to hold her own in this vastly male dominated salsa industry. She mastered the stage and provided a spicy repertoire filled with a mixture of mambos, son montunos, and Latin rhythms that proved infectious. The band was in top form and helped make her the complete package. If you haven’t checked her out make sure you do. You won’t be disappointed. If anyone knows more about her, drop us a line so we can give everyone an update.