Friday March 12 2010, 01:22:25 PM | Posted by FaniaDigital
The creator of the concept known in Spanish as salsa focila – which means “the folklore of Latin cities” - Panamanian singer/songwriter Rubén Blades will always be remembered as the vocalist who made salsa fans all over the world think.
From his very beginnings in the Panamanian music scene with Bush y Los Magníficos, the group of Papi Arosemena and Los Salvajes del Ritmo, the young singer and guitarist found his own artistic identity in the observation and analysis of the human dramas that are part of the social and urban life in the Latin barrios. Read more...
Thursday March 11 2010, 02:55:26 PM | Posted by FaniaDigital
The memory of Celia Cruz is plagued with misunderstanding. When they remember her, casual fans of Latin music evoke her colorful wigs, glamorous outfits and the instantly hummable hits that she recorded during the last chapter of her career (one of them, the rap-meets-salsa smash “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” is included in this collection).
Celia Cruz and her prodigious discography captured the very essence of tropical music. The tracks in this anthology prove that she possessed one of the most seductive voices in the history of Latin American music. Furthermore, her astute choice of repertoire and her knack for surrounding herself with the right bandleaders and producers (from Tito Puente and Memo Salamanca to Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colón and Ray Barretto) allowed her to transcend the usual clichés that regard salsa as “hot” music for “passionate” people. Read more...
Wednesday March 10 2010, 02:58:18 PM | Posted by FaniaDigital
The history of the Fania All Stars, Fania Records’ flagship supergroup comprising of the label’s bandleaders, top sidemen and vocalists, represents the rise and promulgation of salsa as a marketing tag for Latin music.
Italian-American lawyer Jerry Masucci (1934-1997), who co-founded Fania in 1964 with Dominican Republic-born bandleader Johnny Pacheco, explained the genesis and early development of the band in a 1973 piece entitled The Story of the Fania All Stars. “In December 1967, I was vacationing in Acapulco. I was out fishing and when I got back I received a phone call from New York from two promoters Jack Hooke (1916-1999) and Ralph Mercado of Cheetah fame (a club on the southwest corner of 52nd Street and 8th Avenue, which Mercado co-managed in the ‘60s, promoting R&B acts like James Brown and Aretha Franklin). At that time they were holding concerts at the Red Garter (in Greenwich Village) Monday nights and were interested in getting the Fania All Stars together to do a jam session with invited guests Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri of Tico Records and Ricardo Ray and Bobby Cruz of Alegre Records. It sounded like a good idea to me, so I flew back and got in touch with Johnny Pacheco. We put some material together and packed the place with 800 people. We also made the first two recordings of the Fania All Stars: Live At The Red Garter Vols. 1 & 2 (1968).” Read more ...
Monday March 8 2010, 03:56:58 PM | Posted by FaniaDigital
The title of this definitive compilation of Héctor Lavoe highlights is somewhat misleading. The 14 tracks on this disc are, indeed, Héctor’s biggest hits. But they are also his most successful tracks from a purely artistic point of view. Lavoe’s “Greatest Hits” album qualifies as a “Best Of” retrospective as well—which cannot be said for most singers of his caliber.
In effect, Héctor Lavoe combined art and commerce with the sophistication of the underrated musical genius that he was. Together with his partner in crime – trombonist, producer and songwriter Willie Colón – he enriched the landscape of Afro-Caribbean music with his unique vision and the gritty power of his vocals. Read more...
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Wednesday March 3 2010, 04:54:53 PM | Posted by FaniaDigital
Fania records paid tribute to Joe Cuba on Wednesday, February 24th at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. This tribute comes one year after he passed away and it was amazing to see how strong is his influence on young talented artist and music lovers. For this special night, a new generation of Latin music artists like Boogaloo Assassins, Chico Mann, dj Bobbito Garcia and dj Turmix performed on stage and made a crowded room dance and sweat with Boogaloo, Latin Soul, Salsa and Joe Cuba’s music.
At this tribute event, we were blessed with the presence of Joe Cuba’s wife, Joe Bataan, Larry Harlow, Jimmy Sabater, Bobby Marín, friends and fans. Everybody shared great memories and had a great time. Also, we took the opportunity to present to the public, Joe Cuba – El Alcalde Del Barrio, Fania latest release. Joe Cuba and his friend and music producer, Bobby Marín, worked close on this release. Like Mr. Marín says: “I’m sure Sonny (Joe Cuba) is up there seeing everything and feeling proud of this release and all these new bands playing his music”
Friday February 26 2010, 02:24:22 PM | Posted by FaniaDigital
Ricardo "Richie" Ray's "Lookie Lookie" isn't one of the best boogaloos ever recorded but it may very well be considered the first. "Lookie Lookie" appeared on Ray's Se Soltó album from 1966, an LP which exclaimed that it was Introducing the Bugaloo and best that anyone's been able to figure out, this was the first time a Latin artist had invoked the term "boogaloo" to refer to a new, distinct Latin dance style. Read more...
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Monday February 22 2010, 10:59:14 AM | Posted by FaniaDigital
We had the chance of doing this exclusive interview with Bobby Marin, the man behind dozens of Boogaloo hits. Bobby worked very close with Joe Cuba during years. Also, they worked together on Joe Cuba – El Alcalde Del Barrio. Joe Cuba passed away last year and couldn’t see this release published. If there is someone to talk about Joe Cuba, Boogaloo and El Alcalde Del Barrio, that person is Bobby Marín.
Thanks a lot Bobby for giving us the honor of talking to you. Boogaloo!!!
Find more info about Joe Cuba “El Alcalde Del Barrio” click here.
Wednesday February 17 2010, 04:40:09 PM | Posted by FaniaDigital
Fania records went to San Francisco and Los Angeles to host two amazing Joe Cuba – El Alcalde Del Barrio 2cd deluxe edition release parties.
New talented bands like Chico Mann and Boogaloo Assassins performed at the events. Also, we had the chance to meet with dj’s, tastemakers, journalists and fans to get their views about Joe Cuba “The architect of the nuyorican sound”. Read more..
