Aquí enviamos imágenes de algunas de las orquestas que nos entretenieron este verano en Chicago…..
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Willie Torres Hardcore Concert – Live at Chicago’s Summerdance
It was a warm summer day in the windy city. The fast paced city was alive with visitors, site seers and Chicagoans, who took advantage of the last few of the free summer events in downtown Chicago before the return of the cold. “Summer Dance,” the popular summer event, outdid itself again. The headliner for the afternoon was none other than New York salsa vocalist Willy Torres. For those unfamiliar with the name, Willy Torres is one of the vocalists of New York’s popular Spanish Harlem Orchestra. The event was a huge success. Dancers and spectators arrived early at the park located at Michigan Avenue and Balbo claiming their territory with chairs and blankets. The program began as it typically does with “Lisa La Boricua” providing free salsa dance lessons for those who want to experience it. It serves to get everyone in the mood and it seems that each year the crowd gets bigger and bigger. As dancers spun around the dance floor, others crowded around the stage in an effort to absorb the magic. Those sitting on lawn chairs enjoying the moment tapped their feet to the beat of the percussion. The DJ ignited the crowd with standard salsa tunes that accompanied Lisa’s instructions. The band accompanying Willy Torres was none other than Chicago’s 911 Orchestra led by trombonist Angel Melendez. As the band counted down, the magic began. Willy Torres vocals filled the park with energy and swing. Willy is a charismatic vocalist, whose style draws you into his arena. His popularity has been gaining in Chicago, especially since his frequent trips to the Windy City have put his name out there. Willy has been collaborating with Chicago area musicians and has partnered with trombonist Angel Melendez throughout various projects. Angel Melendez is a featured trombonist in Willy Torres’ “Hardcore” album, which is his most recent release. For all those who missed this free concert, make sure you catch the next one. It’s an easy way to get your salsa “fix” while enjoying a summer afternoon in the Windy city. Salsa in Chicago – you’ve gotta love it.Click on the below link to see Willy at the set..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NxYeXNpC7c
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Marcus Persiani and Willie Colon
In a previous post I mentioned how Chicago salsa/ jazz pianist Marcus Persiani moved on to New York after paying his dues in the windy city. As a follow-up to that post I am attaching a link of Marcus jamming with Willie Colon for all to see. This video has some sync issues so be patient and let it buffer awhile before you play it. Great video. Enjoy…Sunday, July 17, 2011
Los Congeros De Humboldt Park
……Its summertime in Chicago - people getting shot, traffic congestion, open hydrants, street dealers working their spots and a lot of craziness out here. It’s hot - into the 90s they say. I need to get away so I’m going to Humboldt Park to see what “El Corillo de Humboldt Park” is up to. The park is our world. Bacalaitos, frituras, alcapurrias and other treats are plentiful as well as a cold one someone is willing to sell you from their secret stash. As you near the park, you pass a group of older cats playing dominoes at a table set up on Division Street. The speakers from Lily’s Records blare a Gran Combo tune entertaining the neighborhood. As you enter the park, the sounds put you in the mood. A salsero is marking time with a cowbell to the sounds from the boom box he set up. People are camped out ignoring the mess that society has to deal with outside the confines of the park. Further up, the rhythm from the conga players are playing to the crowds in the park and draw you into their world. There is no stage, no speakers - the grass is sufficient. It is good enough to move the scantly clad females into salsa frenzy. “El Corillo” is here. This is la salsa de mi barrio at its best. Come on over and check it out. Be sure to click on the link to get the feel of it…
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Los Primos
During the 1980s, there were a couple of cousins that were accomplished percussionists who were making their way around the salsa scene back then. I recall hearing about, and then meeting the first one, an extremely talented bongo player who everyone referred to as “Chocolate.” What impressed me most about “Chocolate” was his professionalism and versatility in all Latin percussion instruments. He was a perfectionist who influenced everyone he played with. His real name was Miguel “Chocolate” Cruz. He was a real showman who eventually moved on to Puerto Rico to pursue his musical endeavors while dedicating his life to his faith. He was one of the early salsa pioneers in Chicago. Also during that time, I had the pleasure of meeting a very talented conga player named, Jose “Negrito” Perez. “Negrito,” as everyone called him, was an outstanding conga player who had a very solid tone. Yes, I said tone. You see, many conga players today have a slapping sound or a “thud” when they play, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It is a rare few though who actually emit a tone when they play. It comes out as a note instead of a “thud.” Anyway, “Negrito” was one of the few in Chicago who did this. I later found out that “Negrito” and “Chocolate” were cousins. I remember that “Negrito” was often called on to play shows and to accompany visiting artists who appeared in Chicago. As it turned out, Jose “Negrito” Perez had a brother, another outstanding percussionist named, “Herbie.” “Herbie,” whose name I believe was Heriberto Perez, was another outstanding Latin percussionist. As was the case with “Chocolate” and “Negrito,” “Herbie” also had a hell of a swing and was the steady hand of many salsa groups in Chicago. All three of these guys had a style next to none and had a big influence in molding the Latin percussion sound in Chicago during that time.Recently, I was at the Chicago Salsa Congress checking out the headline act from Puerto Rico, “Sammy Garcia y El Sabor de Puerto Rico,” when someone mentioned to me that Sammy Garcia, the leader and conga player of the band, is also a cousin to Jose “Negrito” Perez and Herbie Perez. Wow! I was shocked. What a small world. This family is loaded with talent if this is true. They must have music in their veins. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could tell us what Miguel “Chocolate” Cruz, Jose “Negrito” Perez and “Herbie” Perez are doing today. I always had good memories of these guys and hope their careers flourished.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Mike Rivera and Chicago’s Tipica 78
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| 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.
Monday, June 20, 2011
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 18th 2011) make sure you catch a concert in the near future. Nice job Angel.
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