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Battle Of The Salsa Styles

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:13:42 GMT

Battle Of The Salsa Styles

What style of salsa sends you willingly or unconsciously to the dance floor? Which artist’s music makes your blood heat-up with tropical fervor? Exploring the different styles of Latin music categorized under the umbrella term “salsa” will give you the answer. And with that answer, you’ll have a far better chance of selecting an album, from the hundreds of choices available that is music to your ears.

Classic Salsa – The Fania Years:

The ‘Motown’ of salsa was the Fania record label. Formed in the late 1960s by Jerry Masucci and Johnny Pacheco, the label signed many of the great salsa artists of the time including Celia Cruz, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Hector Lavoe and Tito Puente. During these years, Fania almost completely monopolized the commercial marketplace; as they became larger and more successful, they gobbled up most other smaller salsa labels. Over time, almost every significant salsa artist became a Fania artist.

This was the original, classic salsa style, a style to which most newer salsa artists and bands are compared and contrasted.

As salsa’s star faded, so did Fania’s. But it was with Masucci’s death in 1997 that the label’s catalogue finally went on the bidding block. Purchased by Miami-based. Emusica Entertainment Group, the catalogue is currently in the process of being remastered and re-released so that fans of classic salsa will have the opportunity to listen to the music rejuvenated by modern digital technology.

Salsa Romantica:

By the mid-1980’s, Fania and classic salsa’s popularity were waning, giving way to a softer and more commercial style called salsa romantica. Taking its cue from the rising popularity of Latin pop and rock, salsa romantica took out the musical improvisation, softened the punch of the orchestra and focused primarily on ballads set to a slowed down salsa rhythm; social commentary was replaced by love songs.

The most famous early salsa romantica artists included Eddie Santiago, Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodriguez and Luis Enrique. With time, some of today’s most famous salsa artists took up the style including Gilberto Santa Rosa, Marc Anthony, India and Tito Nieves.

Detractors of salsa romantica have named the style salsa monga, or ‘limp’ salsa. But the straight salsa romantica style, having run its 20 year course, also started losing its commercial appeal. Today, some salsa romantica artists have started heating up their ballad-based salsa style. Gilberto Santa Rosa’s 2005 Autentico featured an orchestra with a much stronger punch, a brass section that clamored for attention and brought back improvisation. Marc Anthony’s Libre was a personal and unique blend of ballad and classic salsa.

Still other salsa romantica artists are paying attention to the popularity of reggaeton. India’s 2006 Soy Diferente incorporated both salsa romantica and reggaeton-fused numbers while Andy Montanez did the same with Salsa con Reggaeton the same year.

Salsa Dura:

Salsa dura means 'hard' salsa, salsa gorda means 'fat' salsa. Both terms are used to describe salsa that retains the basic characteristics of classic salsa: driving rhythms, call and response, 'montuno' sections and socially conscious lyrics. Salsa dura is the EverReady battery musical bunny that just keeps going and going, with musical breaks and blaring brass ideal for salsa dancing.

While Puerto Rico was focusing on salsa romantica, Colombia became a bastion of their own style of salsa dura, through the lean years and remain one today. As a result, Colombia can boast some of the finest, mature salsa dura bands in the world. With groups like Grupo Niche, Sonora Carruseles, Joe Arroyo and Fruko y sus Tesos, Colombia has a clear claim to call itself the salsa dura capitol of the world.

In the last few years, young salseros in New York have also been turning to salsa dura. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra has perfected the big band salsa sound of the Fania years while Jimmy Bosch, Wayne Gorbea and La Excelencia are becoming instrumental in the rise and popularity of salsa dura around the world.

Salsa Legend: Cheo Feliciano

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 01:44:52 GMT

The life of one the Salsa Greatest - Cheo Feliciano...

José Luis Feliciano Vega, better known as Cheo Feliciano (July 3, 1935 – April 17, 2014) was a Puerto Rican composer and singer of salsa and bolero music.

Musical career and singing debut. In 1952, Feliciano moved with his family to New York City and settled down in Spanish Harlem. Here he auditioned as a percussionist in the "Ciro Rimac's Review" band - giving him his first professional musical job. Bandleader Tito Rodríguez, heard Feliciano play and offered him a job in his orchestra. He accepted, but after playing for some time with Tito, he left the band to play the conga for Luis Cruz. Despite leaving, he always remained on friendly terms with Tito. Feliciano also played percussion for Kako y su Trabuco orchestra. He was also a roadie for Mon Rivera.

In 1955, Rodríguez found out that Joe Cuba was in need of a singer for his sextet. Aware that Feliciano was also a talented singer, he recommended Cuba that he try out for the position. Feliciano auditioned and became a vocalist for the Joe Cuba Sextet. He was the rare baritone among salsa singers, and his deep voice and quick wit as an improviser made him a favorite among the Latino public.

On October 5, 1957, Feliciano made his professional singing debut with the Joe Cuba Sextet, singing the song "Perfidia". He remained with the sextet for 10 years. In 1967, he joined the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra and sang for them for two years. However, at the same time he began using drugs at 21 years old. His increasing addiction led him to heroin, which in turn threatened his life and career. He decided to quit drugs "cold turkey" and eventually joined Puerto Rico's rehabilitation center, Hogares CREA. Feliciano credits Tite Curet Alonso, the author of most of his hits and his best friend, with pushing him through his rehabilitation. As a result, he was a vehement anti-drug spokesperson, who volunteered to assist in the rehabilitation of fellow salsa artists who fell prey to drug addiction.

Return to music. In 1972, Feliciano came back to music with the album Cheo, his first solo recording. The album, which featured compositions by Feliciano's friend Tite Curet, broke all sales records in the Latino music market. The album included:

"Anacaona" and
"Mi Triste Problema"

During the 1970s, Feliciano recorded fifteen albums for Fania Record Co. and had hits with "Amada Mia" and "Juan Albañil". He also recorded one of his first albums bolero music titled La Voz Sensual de Cheo. The album was recorded in Argentina, with a band directed by Jorge Calandrelli. Feliciano also participated in the first salsa opera Hommy.

In 1982, Feliciano started his own recording company called "Coche Records". In 1984, he was honored by artists like Rubén Blades and Joe Cuba in a concert entitled Tribute to Cheo Feliciano. The next year, he became the first tropical singer to perform at the Amira de la Rosa Theater in Barranquilla, Colombia. In 1987, he landed the role of Roberto Clemente's father in the musical Clemente. Feliciano also became a hit in Spain, and was a regular in the Tenerife Carnival. He also sang in the 1992 Universal Exposition in Seville.

In 1990, Feliciano recorded another album of bolero music, titled Los Feelings de Cheo. He also traveled all over Europe, Japan, Africa, and South America. In Venezuela, he had a reunion with Eddie Palmieri. In 1995, Feliciano won a Platinum Record Award for La Combinación Perfecta.

In 2000, Feliciano recorded Una Voz, Mil Recuerdos as a tribute to various Puerto Rican singers. The album was listed among the 20 outstanding recordings of the year by the National Foundation of the Popular Culture of Puerto Rico. In 2002, he recorded Cheo en la Intimidad. In 2012, Feliciano and Ruben Blades released a collaboration album titled Eba Say Aja where both artists performed each other's previously recorded songs. In the same year, Feliciano became part of Sergio George's group called Salsa Giants whom he was touring with at the time of his death. Feliciano was very active and continued traveling and performing all over the world until his last day.

Personal life. Feliciano met Socorro "Cocó" Prieto León in New York, when she was 15 years old. They married in October 5, 1958 and had four children together. Feliciano dedicated his 1993 album, Motivos, to his wife.

Health. In June 2013, Feliciano confirmed that he was suffering from liver cancer and was already undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Doctors discovered the illness when they were treating him for a dislocated shoulder. Earlier this year, Feliciano celebrated being "cancer-free".

Death. Cheo Feliciano died in the early hours of April 17, 2014 in a single car accident on Highway 176 in the San Juan’s borough of Cupey, after losing control of his vehicle and hitting a light pole. His wife, Coco, told reporters that Feliciano did not like to wear a seat belt.

Influence. Through his career, Feliciano was recognized as a pioneer in the Salsa genre, and many artists considered him an influence. Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ruben Blades, Alex D'Castro, Jerry Rivas (of El Gran Combo) and his son Gerardo (of NG2) are among some of the singers that mentioned Feliciano as an influence. Rivas referred to him as "my inspiration", while Blades has admitted that he began his career copying Feliciano's style and tone.

Discography with Joe Cuba Sextet...

Cha Cha Cha's To Soothe The Savage Beast (1958)
Steppin' Out (1962)
Hangin' Out (1963)
Diggin' the Most (1963)
El Alma Del Barrio (1964)
We Must Be Doing Something Right (1965)
Comin' at You (1965)
Bailadores (1965)
Red Hot and Cha Cha (1966)

Solo

Cheo (1971)
La Voz Sensual de Cheo (1972)
Felicidades (1973)
With a Little Help from My Friend (1973)
Looking for Love (1974)
The Singer (1976)
Mi tierra y yo (1977)
Estampas (1979)
Sentimiento, tú (1980)
Profundo (1982)
Regresa el amor (1985)
Sabor y sentimiento (1987)
Te regalo mi sabor criollo (1987)
Como tú lo Pediste (1988)
Los Feelings de Cheo (1990)

Cantando (1991)
Motivos (1993)
Soñar (1996)
Un Solo Beso (1996)
El Eterno Enamorado (1997)
Cheo en Cuba (1997)
Pinceladas Navideñas (1998)
Una voz... Mil recuerdos (1999)
En la Intimidad (2002)
Romántico (2004)
Navidad más excelente de Cheo Feliciano (2005)
Pura salsa (2006)
La herencia (2007)
A Man And His Music (2009)
Historia de la salsa (2009)

Popular singles

"A las Seis" (1962),
"El Pito" (1967)
"Busca lo Tuyo" (1968), Eddie Palmieri
"Anacaona" (1971)
"Mi Triste Problema" (1971)
"Salomé" (1973)
"Nabori" (1973)
"Mapeye" (1973)
"El Ratón" (1974), Fania All Stars
"Canta" (1976)
"Los Entierros" (1979)
"Amada Mía" (1980)
"Juan Albañil" (1980)
"Sobre Una Tumba Humilde" (1980)
"Ritmo Alegre" (1981), Eddie Palmieri
"Trizas" (1982)
"Yo No Soy Un Ángel" (1991)
"Mentiras" (1991)

Awards and recognitions

1975 - The Golden Cup - Venezuela
1976 - "Most Popular Artist" by Latin New York magazine
1977 - Daily News Front Page Award for "Best Latin Vocalist"
1985 - Owl of Gols (Panama); The Silver Chin Award (Miami, Florida)' Golden Agueybana Award (Puerto Rico)
1983 & 1984 - Honorable Son of Ponce
1999 - A tribute in his honor from the Puerto Rican Senate
2008 - June 20 declared Cheo Feliciano Day in New York City
2008 - Grammy for Excellence in Music at the Latin Grammy Awards
In Ponce, he is recognized at the Park for the Illustrious Ponce Citizens.

Marc Anthony - '3.0' CD Review

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 20:02:25 GMT

Nearly 10 years since his last Salsa music recording, Marc Anthony is back to this vibrant Latin music genre with 3.0. Thanks to the hugely popular hit "Vivir Mi Vida" and the new set of songs that defined Marc Anthony's comeback to the world of Salsa, 3.0 grabbed the number one spot of the Billboard Top Latin Albumschart in only two weeks. The following is an overview of one of the most exciting albums of 2013.

"Vivir Mi Vida" Marc Anthony introduced 3.0 with "Vivir Mi Vida," one of the top Latin songs of 2013. This catchy track, which was produced and arranged by the well-known producer Sergio George, is a Salsa version of the original dance hit "C'est La Vie" by Cheb Khaled. There is, in fact, at the end of the track listing, a Pop version of "Vivir Mi Vida," which bears some similarities to the original track.

In my opinion, "Vivir Mi Vida" (the Salsa version) is by far the best song on this album. For better or for worse, this track offers an intoxicating sound that is quite different and unique from the one you can listen in the rest of the tracks included in this album.

Romantic Salsa Meets Pop After the vibrant beats of "Vivir Mi Vida," you are left in front of what 3.0 is all about: A romantic Salsa music album. With the exception of "La Copa Rota," the legendary Bolero song originally written by Puerto Rican songwriter Benito de Jesus, every single track included between the Salsa and Pop versions of "Vivir Mi Vida" belongs to the romantic Salsa realm.

This romantic Salsa is, however, very Pop. In fact, the intro section of tracks such as "Espera" and "Dime Si No Es Verdad" is pure Pop. In my opinion, "Espera," which I think is one of the best tracks on this album, is a song that achieves a great balance between Salsa and Pop. Plus, this track moves away from the traditional notes that Marc Anthony usually touches when he sings Salsa.

Although the album sounds great, and the arrangements are of great quality, at times it feels like most of the tracks have been shaped by the same formula, which almost always includes a melody with a soft beginning that little by little is taken to its Salsa climax under the same singing style. In other words, 3.0 may sound repetitive at times.

'3.0' - Bottom LineIf you are into the mainstream sounds of romantic Salsa, the latest work by Marc Anthony will definitely please you. Besides this, Marc Anthony's 3.0 exemplifies in a good manner how much Tropical music has become Pop music today. Although a bit repetitive, the album has a great sound.

'3.0' - Best Tracks

"Vivir Mi Vida"
"Volver A Comenzar"
"Espera"
"La Copa Rota"
"Dime Si No Es Verdad"
"Cautivo De Este Amor"

Latin Music Legends

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 04:42:15 GMT

A List Featuring The Top 10 Most Influential Latin Music Artists in History

This is the most difficult list to create regarding Latin music artists. With so many important figures in the history of Latin music, this list is far from perfect. However, I also think it is difficult to challenge any of the names I have included here. To come up with this list of Latin music legends, I used the following criteria:

Creativity, innovation and music production.
Best selling artists.
Outstanding performers.
Impact on a particular music genre.
Worldwide exposure of Latin music.

I hope you like this introduction to some of the most influential artists in the history of Latin music.

10. Roberto Carlos – The King of Brazilian Music

Roberto Carlos is one of the most popular Brazilian artists in history. An outstanding songwriter, Roberto Carlos is also a best-selling artist who has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Originally coming from the Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) movement, Roberto Carlos developed a unique style that placed him as one the most important Latin Pop pioneers. Since the 1960s, he has been often referred to as the King of Brazilian music.

9. Damaso Perez Prado – Mambo’s Father

I could use just the following sentence to tell you why this Cuban artist is on this list: Perez Prado invented the Mambo. Although the roots of Mambo were laid out in Cuba during the 1930s, Perez Prado was the one who finally played it. Thanks to Perez Prado's Mambo, Latin music gained lots of exposure worldwide. Mambo also played a significant role in the development of Salsa music.

8. Juan Luis Guerra – A Caribbean Music Innovator

With his unique music style, this Dominican artist has redefined for the past decades the sounds of rhythms like Merengue, Bachata and Bolero. Juan Luis Guerra is a talented songwriter and producer whose career has been marked by innovation and numerous awards including 15 Latin Grammy trophies. He has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

7. Hector Lavoe – The Voice of Salsa

Hector Lavoe is often considered the best Salsa singer in history. This top sonero was part of the legendary Fania All Stars that brought together the best Salsa performers of the 1970s. Lavoe also shaped the sounds of the Salsa that was developed in New York during the 1960s and 1970s. In other words, he was the perfect voice of Salsa's most glorious age. No wonder why he moved to history with the nickname "El Cantante" (The Singer).

6. Juan Gabriel – A Mexican Music Icon

Juan Gabriel is a living legend of Latin music. For the past four decades, this Mexican singer has shaped the sounds of Mexican music touching everything from Ranchera to Latin Pop music. Juan Gabriel is also one of the most prolific songwriters in Mexican music history. His name is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame. One of the best selling Latin music artist in history, Juan Gabriel has sold over 100 million albums worldwide.

5. Soda Stereo – Latin Rock Pioneers

This Argentinian band brought something quite new to Latin Rock. From the very beginning, Soda Stereo created a style that sounded less foreign than the music that other artists were producing at that time. Thanks to the simple but powerful music this band created, Soda Stereo became the very first phenomenon of the Rock en Espanol movement.

The impact Soda Stereo had on audiences throughout Latin America, inspired the whole Latin Rock boom in the region. Thanks in part to Soda Stereo, Latin America has been able to build a very interesting lineup of Rock and Alternative artists today.

4. Antonio Carlos Jobim – The Master of Brazilian Music

Tom Jobim, as he was usually referred to, was an outstanding songwriter and talented musician able to play the piano, guitar and flute. His name is behind some of the most famous Brazilian songs ever produced including "Garota de Ipanema" (Girl From Ipanema) and "Chega de Saudade," the song that started the whole Bossa Nova movement. His influence on Brazilian Jazz was also significant. He was known as "O Maestro" (The Master).

3. Carlos Gardel – The King of Tango

This Argentinian artist gave Tango its exclusive spot in the world. In a way, Carlos Gardel was sort of the Rudolph Valentino of Latin music. He was a talented songwriter, a singer with a wonderful voice, and an actor with the right looks. He elevated Tango's status to a worldwide phenomenon. His tragic death in an airplane accident in Colombia transformed Carlos Gardel into one of the most iconic Latin music legends in history.

2. Celia Cruz – The Queen of Salsa

This Cuban singer passed to history as one of the most beloved and charismatic figures that Latin music has ever known. The Queen of Salsa had a powerful voice and a unique figure that transformed this singer into an iconic performer. From La Sonora Matancera and Johnny Pacheco to Willie Colon and La Sonora Poncena, she produced a large repertoire of songs with the best Salsa bands in history.

1. Julio Iglesias – The Best Selling Latin Music Artist in History

With 300 million records sold worldwide, this Spanish singer is the best selling Latin music artist in history. Throughout his career, Julio Iglesias has produced nearly 80 albums recording songs in 14 languages. Since the 1970's, Julio Iglesias has captured audiences throughout the world with her romantic style and good looks. He has been the most influential ambassador of Spanish music in history. Julio Igesias is definitely a must have name for any list dealing with Latin music legends.

2013 Latin Grammy Awards Winners

Tue, 26 Nov 2013 04:14:46 GMT

This year's winners of the Latin Grammy Awards include a well balanced group of artists and genres. Leading the winning crowd, Colombian superstar Carlos Vives grabbed three trophies including the important awards for Song of the Year ("Volvi A Nacer") and Best Tropical Fusion Album (Corazon Profundo).

Besides Carlos Vives, the General category includes the popular Latin music artists Marc Anthony (Record of the Year), Draco Rosa (Album of the Year) and Caetano Veloso (Best Singer/Songwriter Album). The talented Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno won the Best New Artist award in that category. The following is the full list of winners of the 2013 Latin Grammy Awards.

Record of The Year

Album of the Year

Song of the YearBest Tropical Song

Best New Artist

Best Singer/Songwriter AlbumBest Recording Package

POP

Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

URBAN

Best Urban Performance

Best Urban Music Album

Best Urban Songs

ROCK

Best Rock Album

Best Pop/Rock Album

Best Rock Song

ALTERNATIVE

Best Alternative Music Album

Best Alternative Music Song

TROPICAL

Best Salsa Album
Producer of the Year

Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album

Best Contemporary Tropical Album

Best Traditional Tropical Album

Best Tropical Fusion Album

REGIONAL MEXICAN

Best Ranchero Album

Best Banda Album

Best Tejano Album

Best Norteno Album

Best Regional Song

INSTRUMENTAL

Best Instrumental Album

TRADIONAL

Best Folk Album

Best Tango Album

Best Flamenco Album

JAZZ

Best Latin Jazz Album

Christian

Best Christian Album (Spanish language)

Best Christian Album (Portuguese language)

BRAZILIAN

Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album

Best Brazilian Rock Album

Best Samba/Pagode Album

Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album

Best Sertaneja Album

Best Brazilian Roots Album

Best Brazilian Song

CHILDREN

Best Latin Children's Album

CLASSICAL

Best Classical Album

Best Classical Contemporary Composition

PRODUCTION

Best Engineered Album

VIDEO

Best Short Form Music Video

Best Long Form Music Video

Latin Songs for Halloween

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 03:49:51 GMT

Latin Songs for Halloween...
A Selection of Spooky Tracks from The Latin Music World

Latin music has lots to offer for every occasion and Halloween is not an exception to that rule. From El Gran Combo's "Brujeria" to Orquesta Zodiac's "Panteon De Amor," these are some of the Latin songs that are usually played during the celebration of the spookiest day of the year. If you are planning to organize a Halloween party, this playlist will definitely take your ghosts, vampires and werewolves to the dance floor.

"Brujeria" - El Gran Combo

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico has been producing good Salsa music for more than half a century. From love and the meaning of life to food recipes and Christmas, this popular Salsa orchestra has touched all kinds of issues and topics with its music. Besides the popular hit "La Muerte" (The Death), "Brujeria" (Witchcraft) is one of the band's best tracks for a Halloween celebration.

"La Llorona" - Chavela Vargas

This hugely celebrated Mexican song is the most mysterious one in this playlist. Although its origin is unknown, many people believe this song deals with a heartbreaking love story. In spite of this, and mainly because of its title, this track is often linked to the famous legend of La llorona (The Weeping Woman) that has inspired so many scary tales for generations. No matter what, Chavela Vargas' version is one of the finest pieces from the repertoire of this iconic artist.

"Tango Del Pecado" - Calle 13

Apart from its irreverent, spooky lyrics, this Reggaeton song is one of the coolest tracks in this list for hitting the dance floor. If you are looking for a nice beat for your Halloween party, "Tango Del Pecado" (Tango Of Sin) will do the trick. This is also one of the very best songs ever released by the popular Urban and Alternative band Calle 13.

"Ave Lucifer" - Os Mutantes

I have to say this classic tune from the Brazilian band Os Mutantes is not only one of the most alternative tracks in this list but also one of the spookiest titles of it. This is mostly due to the psychedelic sound of its melody and unique lyrics. If you want to listen an alternative version of this song, the Agentinian band La Manzana Cromatica Protoplasmatica recorded a nice one for the tribute albums to Os Mutantes El Justiciero, Cha, Cha, Cha.

"Sortilegio" - Aterciopelaos

This is, in my opinion, one of the best songs from Aterciopelados. "Sortilegio" (Spell) features the original Punk sound that defined the beginning of Colombia's most popular Rock band. The lyrics of this song talk about a magical elixir where you can find things like urine from a black frog, holy water and a stone from the street. The aggressive final of this song is fantastic.

"Black Magic Woman" - Carlos Santana

If there is a song where Carlos Santana's guitar sounds just plain good, that song is "Black Magic Woman." Besides the memorable melody, the lyrics describe the effects provoked by the magical powers of this enigmatic, magic woman over her victim.

"Hombre Lobo En Paris" - La Union

All of those who grew up during the Rock en Espanol revolution of the eighties and early nineties will probably remember this classic song from the Spanish band La Union. If you are into werewolves, this is the perfect song for you. From a full moon and the streets of Paris to the werewolf and the female victim on the song, "Hombre Lobo En Paris" is a Halloween track that has it all.

"Panteon De Amor" - Orquesta Zodiac

Believe it or not, this hit from Orquesta Zodiac was written 40 years ago by Angel Laureano. Besides the cool Son of the melody, "Panteon De Amor" features one of the spookiest intros you can find in Latin music. Recently, the popular Salsa singer Victor Manuelle recorded a funky version of this song for his popular album Me Llamare Tuyo. This is definitely a perfect track for a Hallowen party.

Top Bachata Songs of 2013

Wed, 09 Oct 2013 16:08:53 GMT

I know it may be a little bit early to select the best Bachata songs of 2013. However, this popular Dominican genre, especially the Urban/Pop version that has been flourishing in the US, has already defined a big chunk of the popularity surrounding Latin music this year. There is not any doubt, indeed, about the significant role that Bachata has been playing in the consolidation of Tropical music as a mainstream phenomenon today. From Toby Love's "Lejos" to Prince Royce's "Darte Un Beso," the following are this year's most popular Bachata songs.

"Lejos" - Toby Love. This track is one of the very best tunes from Tony Love's 2013 album Amor Total. Although this song belongs to the so-called Urban Bachata style, I find the sound of "Lejos" right in the middle of the traditional and Urban beats of Bachata music. Nice song and very nice singing by Toby Love in this one.

"Llevame Contigo" - Romeo Santos. From the hugely celebrated album The King Stays King: Sold Out at Madison Square Garden, "Llevame Contigo" enjoyed lots of popularity during the first half of 2013. Even though the original track belongs to Romeo Santos' solo debut album Formula Vol. 1, this live version became much more popular than the studio track.

"Creiste" - Anthony Santos. From one of the most influential Bachata artists of all time, "Creiste" has been one of the most popular Bachata songs of 2013. In fact, this year "Creiste" was honored with the prestigious Premios Soberano Best Bachata of the Year Award. This catchy track is a wonderful choice for a good Latin party.

"Te Me Vas" - Prince Royce. Throughout all 2013, Prince Royce's single "Te Me Vas" has been one of the hottest Bachata songs on the Billboard Latin music charts. As a result of this, "Te Me Vas" has been one of the most popular hits of Phase II, Prince Royce's second studio work and one of the best Latin music albums of 2012.

"Tu Y Yo" - Maite Perroni. Traditionally speaking, Bachata music has been dominated by productions from male artists. However, this pattern has been changing in the last couple of years with the arrival of female singers and Latin Pop stars who has been seduced by this vibrant Dominican rhythm. One of those artists is Maite Perroni. Her single "Tu Y Yo" is a good example of the Bachata-Pop style that has been flourishing in Latin music.

"Loco" Enrique Iglesias featuring Romeo Santos. Besides being one of the most popular Bachata songs of 2013, this track may be the most defining one in the consolidation of the Bachata-Pop style. While Romeo Santos' single "Promise," featuring Usher, brought together Bachata and R&B, this heartbreaking collaboration between Enrique Iglesias and Romeo Santos is a mainstream track that perfectly combines Pop and Bachata.

"Te Perdiste Mi Amor" - Thalia featuring Prince Royce. Thalia's hit "Te Perdiste Mi Amor," which was originally written by Prince Royce, is another track that exemplifies in a good way the increasing production of Bachata-Pop tracks in the Latin music market. Even though this song was released towards the end of 2012, "Te perdiste Mi Amor" has been one of this year's top Latin songs and one of the most popular duets of 2013.

"Te Lo Pido A Gritos" - Zacarias Ferreira. After the enormous success he enjoyed last year with songs such as "Me Sobran Las Palabras" and "Quedate Conmigo," Zacarias Ferreirahas continued to stay on top of the charts throughout 2013. "Te Lo Pido A Gritos" has been one of the songs that has confirmed this Dominican singer as one of today's most influential Bachata voices.

"Frio, Frio" - Juan Luis Guerra featuring Romeo Santos. This live version of Juan Luis Guerra's classic romantic Bachata hit, is one of the most popular tracks from Asondeguerra Tour, one of the very best Latin music albums of 2013. Thanks to Romeo Santos' performance, "Frio, Frio" has been able to capture younger generations of Bachata fans. Overall, a fantastic performance from beginning to end.

"Be My Baby" - Leslie Grace. After taking the Bachata world by storm with her bilingual single "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," one of the top Bachata songs of 2012, this young star from the Bronx hit the Latin music market this year with her highly anticipated self-titled album. Besides "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" Leslie Grace's debut album also included the track "Be My Baby," another bilingual song featuring the unique sound produced by the combination of Bachata with American classics from the sixties.

"My Way" - Henry Santos. Henry Santos' "My Way" is definitely one of the hottest Bachata songs of the year. If you are looking for something truly Urban, this bilingual single is by far one of the best choices of 2013. Another song that fits perfectly into the style that is defining modern Bachata today.

"Propuesta Indecente" - Romeo Santos. By incorporating elements from Tango music, Romeo Santos provided Bachata with one of this year's most distinctive sounds in this genre. The suggestive video that was produced for this single transformed "Propuesta Indecente" into one of the most popular Bachata songs of 2013.

"Infiel" - Karlos Rose. Early this year, Karlos Rose hit the Latin music market with one of the most heartbreaking songs in the Bachata field. Thanks to its nice music and powerful lyrics, "Infiel" ("Unfaithful") became a hit in music charts all over the place. I have to say this is one of my favorite Bachata tracks of 2013. Karlos Rose's interpretation is great.

"Darte Un Beso" - Prince Royce. After leaving Top Stop Music, Prince Royce kicked off his partnership with Sony Music Latin with one of the most popular Bachata songs of 2013. A big part of the popularity surrounding "Darte Un Beso" was produced by a refreshing sound where Prince Royce combined Bachata with a bit of Reggae and Hawaiian arrangements. Its simple lyrics helped to reinforce the mainstream appeal of this track.

2013 Latin Grammy Awards Finalists

Wed, 02 Oct 2013 23:33:29 GMT

2013 Latin Grammy Awards Finalist - Featuring The Full List of Nominees for the 14th Edition of The Latin Grammys

This year's Latin Grammy Awards finalists have brought a rich combination of sounds ranging from Vallenato, Salsa and Brazilian music to Latin Alternative, Pop music and everything in between. On top of the list of nominees, Colombian superstar Carlos Vives and the Argentinian group Illya Kuryaki & los Valderramas have shared the glory with five nominations each. Additional top finalists include artists like Natalia Cole, Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alboran, Draco Rosa, Bajofondo and Caetano Veloso. The following is the complete list of finalists for the upcoming 14th edition of the annual Latin Grammy Awards.

GENERAL
Record of The Year

"Tanto" - Pablo Alborán
"Vivir mi vida" - Marc Anthony
"La nave del olvido" - Buika
"Lo mejor que hay en mi vida" - Andrés Cepeda
"Bachata rosa" - Natalie Cole with Juan Luis Guerra
"Desde lejos" - Santiago Cruz
"Más y más" - Draco Rosa and Ricky Martin
"Mi marciana" - Alejandro Sanz
"Um abraçaço" - Caetano Veloso
"Volví a nacer" - Carlos Vives

Album of the Year

Tanto - Pablo Alborán
Presente - Bajofondo
Papitwo - Miguel Bosé
Lo mejor que hay en mi vida - Andrés Cepeda
En español - Natalie Cole
Escultura - Guaco
Versiones - Gian Marco
Vida - Draco Rosa
La música no se toca - Alejandro Sanz
Corazón profundo - Carlos Vives

Song of the Year

"Esse cara sou eu" - Roberto Carlos, songwriter (Roberto Carlos)
"La que me gusta" - José Luis Pardo, songwriter (Los Amigos Invisibles)
"Llorar" - Mario Domm, Hanna Huerta and Jesse & Joy, songwriter (Jesse & Joy con Mario Domm)
"Lo mejor que hay en mi vida" - Amaury Gutiérrez, songwriter (Andrés Cepeda)
"Mi marciana" - Alejandro Sanz, songwriter (Alejandro Sanz)
"Mi novia se me está poniendo vieja" - Ricardo Arjona, songwriter (Ricardo Arjona)
"Si yo fuera tú" - Jorge Luis Piloto, songwriter (Gilberto Santa Rosa)
"Sólo el amor nos salvará" - Aleks Syntek, songwriter (Syntek con Malú)
"Um abraçaço" - Caetano Veloso, songwriter (Caetano Veloso)
"Volví a nacer" - Andrés Castro and Carlos Vives, songwriter (Carlos Vives)

Best New Artist

A Band Of Bitches
Leslie Cartaya
EliaCiM
Clarice Falcâo
Jesús Hidalgo
Maluma
Mojito Lite
Gaby Moreno
Quattro
Milton Salcedo

Best Singer/Songwriter Album

Ruiseñora - Andrea Echeverri
Kany García - Kany García
12 historias - Tommy Torres
Abraçaço - Caetano Veloso
Sueños clandestinos - Yordano

POP
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album

Papitwo - Miguel Bosé
Vida - Draco Rosa
La música no se toca - Alejandro Sanz
Syntek - Aleks Syntek
Los momentos - Julieta Venegas

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Tanto - Pablo Alborán
Lo mejor que hay en mi vida - Andrés Cepeda
En español - Natalie Cole
Otras verdades - India Martínez
Viajero frecuente - Ricardo Montaner

URBAN
Best Urban Performance

"Rompe la cintura", Alexis y Fido
"Pegaíto suavecito", Elvis Crespo with Fito Blanko
"Amor", Illya Kuryaki & los Valderramas
"Echa pa'llá (manos pa'rriba)", Pitbull with Papayo
"Quien manda", Mala Rodríguez

Best Urban Music Album

Prestige - Daddy Yankee
Musa - Ivy Queen
Bruja - Mala Rodríguez
Invicto - Tito El Bambino
Líderes - Wisin y Yandel

Best Urban Songs

"Echa pa'llá (manos pa'rriba)" - Dj Buddah, Papayo, Pitbull, Gregor Salto and Tzvetin Todorov, songwriters (Pitbull with Papayo)
"Limbo" - Daddy Yankee, Eliezer Palacios, Giancarlo Rivera, Jonathan Rivera and Francisco Saldaña, songwriter (Daddy Yankee)
"Quien manda" - Clément Dumoulin and Mala Rodríguez, songwriters (Mala Rodríguez)
"Sacar la voz" - Jorge Drexler, Andrés Mujica Celis and Ana Tijoux, songwriters (Ana Tijoux with Jorge Drexler)
"Ula Ula" - Illya Kuryaki & los Valderramas, songwriters (Illya Kuryaki & los Valderramas)

ROCK

Blanco - Eruca Sativa
Será - La Vida Bohème
La velocidad de la luz - Los Bunkers
El calor del pleno invierno - NoTeVaGustar
5. 99% - Ska-P

Best Pop/Rock Album

La conexión - Edición especial - Black Guayaba
Transformación - Beto Cuevas
Primario - DLD
Destinología - Tan Biónica
Tercera llamada - Tren A Marte
Vicentico 5 - Vicentico

Best Rock Song

"A las nueve" - Emiliano Brancciari, songwriter (NoTeVaGustar)
"Creo que me enamoré" - Cachorro López and Vicentico, songwriter (Vicentico)
"16" - Erik Canales, songwriter (Allison)
"Hornos de cal" - Henry D'arthenay, songwriter (La Vida Bohème)
"Todo cuenta" - Francisco Familiar Roldán, Edgar Hansen Otero and Erik Neville Linares, songwriters (DLD)

ALTERNATIVE
Best Alternative Music Album

Elegancia tropical - Bomba Estéreo
El objeto antes llamado disco - Café Tacvba
Chances - Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas
Mujer divina - Homenaje a Agustín Lara - Natalia Lafourcade
Solstis - León Larregui

Best Alternative Music Song

"Brillas" - León Larregui, songwriter (León Larregui)
"La flotadera" - Hello Seahorse!, songwriter (Hello Seahorse!)
"Monta el trueno" - Emmanuel Horvilleur and Dante Spinetta, songwriters (Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas)
"Pena en mi corazón" - Bajofondo, songwriter (Bajofondo)
"Pensando" - Sig Ragga, songwriter (Sig Ragga)

TROPICAL
Best Salsa Album

Una mujer que canta - Albita
25 años, 25 éxitos, 25 artistas - Guayacán
Me llamaré tuyo - Víctor Manuelle
Que seas feliz - Tito Nieves
Gilberto Santa Rosa - Gilberto Santa Rosa
Sergio George Presents Salsa Giants - Varios Artistas

Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album

El show máximo nivel - Daniel Calderón y Los Gigantes
La 9 batalla - Silvestre Dangond
Irreverente - Kvrass
El chacho de la película - Jorge Oñate
Diferente - Felipe Peláez & Manuel Julián

Best Contemporary Tropical Album

Leslie Grace - Leslie Grace
Escultura - Guaco
Asondeguerra Tour - Juan Luis Guerra
Amor total - Toby Love
Amarle - Vocal Song

Best Traditional Tropical Album

Sentimentales - Lucy Fabery y Humberto Ramírez
La canción cubana - Miriam Ramos with Barbarito Torres, Ernán Lopez-Nussa and Rolando Luna
Un siglo de pasión - Arturo Sandoval
La Habana tiene su son -
- Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro
Vamos pa' la fiesta - Septeto Santiaguero

Best Tropical Fusion Album

Obesiónate - Casadiego
Pégate - Grupo Treo
Boogaflow - Palmacoco
Suerte - Tecupae
Corazón profundo - Carlos Vives

Best Tropical Song

"No soy un hombre malo", Yoel Henríquez y Amerika Jiménez, compositores (Héctor Acosta "El Torito")
"Para celebrar", Sergio George y Jorge Luis Piloto, compositores (Varios artistas)
"Si yo fuera tú", Jorge Luis Piloto, compositor (Gilberto Santa Rosa)
"Volví a nacer", Andrés Castro y Carlos Vives, compositores (Carlos Vives)
"Y yo dejándola", Víctor Víctor, compositor (Víctor Víctor)

REGIONAL MEXICAN
Best Ranchero Album

Viva la vida - Vikki Carr
Totalmente Juan Gabriel - Aida Cuevas
Hoy - Vicente Fernández
La música - Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández with la Sinfónica de las Américas
Amémonos - Homenaje a Lucha Villa - Sheyla

Best Banda Album

Las vueltas de la vida - Banda Carnaval
El Free - Banda Los Recoditos
2012 fin y principio de una era - Cuisillos
Pa' la raza - El Dasa
Muchas gracias - La Adictiva Banda de San José Mesillas
La Original y sus boleros de amor - La Original Banda El Limón de Salvador Lizárraga

Best Banda Album

Solo tencha - Shaggy García y Grupo Recuerdo
Just Friends - David Lee Garza
Texas Towns & Tex-Mex Sounds - Los Texmaniacs
New Horizons - Jay Pérez
El mundo se acabó - Siggno

Best Norteno Album

En peligro de extinción - Intocable
Hoy y siempre - Los Canarios de Michoacán
A las personas de mi vida - Emilio Navaira
Mi promesa - Pesado
Y ahora resulta - Voz De Mando

Best Regional Song

"Cachito de cielo" - Pedro Fernández, songwriter (Pedro Fernández)
"Mi razón de ser" - Horacio Palencia, songwriter (Banda Sinaloense Ms de Sergio Lizárraga)
"Romeo y su nieta" - Manuel Eduardo Toscano, songwriter (Paquita la del Barrio)
"Todo y nada" - Luis Carlos Monroy, Adrián Pieragostino and Alex Rodríguez, songwriters (Los Canarios de Michoacán)
"Tu última canción" - Adalberto Gallegos, songwriters (Jay Pérez)

INSTRUMENTAL
Best Instrumental Album

Presente - Bajofondo
Dos mundos 2 - Huáscar Barradas & Leopoldo Betancourt
Trío - Hamilton de Holanda
Dances From The New World - Paquito D'Rivera y Sergio & Odair Assad
Latin American Classics - Orquestra Sinfonica di Venezuela & Theodore Kuchar

TRADIONAL
Best Folk Album

El caballo de oro - Reynaldo Armas
Luz - Una navidad celta en Venezuela - Gaêlica
Gualberto + C4 - Gualberto Ibarreto y C4 Trío
Clásicos - El pecado original - Los Nocheros
De cantos y vuelos - María Mulata
Carnaval en piano charango - Chuchito Valdés and Eddy Navia

Best Tango Album

Tango nostalgias - Julio Botti
Romance de la luna tucumana - Diego El Cigala
Tangos y canciones criollas - Hernán Lucero
Piazzolla de cámara - Ramírez - Satorre
Amsterdam Meets New Tango - Pablo Ziegler & Metropole Orkest, dirigida por Jules Buckley

Best Flamenco Album

Tierra - Vicente Amigo
Un viaje por el cante - Argentina
Mi única llave - José Mercé
Autorretrato - Estrella Morente
Real - Miguel Poveda
Soy flamenco - Tomatito

JAZZ
Best Latin Jazz Album

What's Up? - Michel Camilo
¡Ritmo! - The Clare Fischer Latin Jazz Big Band
On the Way - Negroni's Trio
Live in Hollywood - Poncho Sánchez and his Latin Jazz Band
Border-Free - Chucho Valdés & The Afro-Cuban Messengers
Grand Piano Live - Chuchito Valdés

Christian
Best Christian Album (Spanish language)

Mi refugio - Daniel Calveti
Regreso a ti - Alex Campos
Amor favor gracia - Lilly Goodman
Encontré su amor - Mónica
Tu nombre - Marcos Vidal

Best Christian Album (Portuguese language)

Jesus, o Brasil te adora - Eyshila
Raridade - Anderson Freire
Aceito o teo chamado - Bruna Karla
Profeta da esperança - Kleber Lucas
Paz e luz - Padre Reginaldo Manzotti
Herói - Ministério Adoração e Vida

BRAZILIAN
Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album

Músicas para churrasco Vol. 1 ao vivo - Seu Jorge
Aor - Ed Motta
Acústico - Natiruts
Take It Easy My Brother Jorge - Adryana Ribeiro
Ao Vivo: Rock In Rio - Skank
Ultraleve - Ultraleve

Best Brazilian Rock Album

Ao Vivo: Rock In Rio - Jota Quest
Sacode! - Nevilton
Sei - Nando Reis e Os Infernais
Nacional - Vespas Mandarinas
Nossa verdade - Vowe

Best Samba/Pagode Album

Ao vivo em Cuba - Diogo Nogueira
Vida que segue - Zeca Pagodinho
Electrosamba - Ao vivo - Alexandre Pires
Sambabook Martinho Da Vila 2 - Varios artistas
Dora Vergueiro - Dora Vergueiro

Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album

Concerto de cordas & máquinas de ritmo - Gilberto Gil
Edu Lobo & Metropole Orkest - Edu Lobo
Redescobrir - Ao vivo - Maria Rita
Herivelto Martins - 100 años - Varios artistas
Luar de sol - Ao vivo no caerá - Jorge Vercillo

Best Sertaneja Album

A festa - João Bosco & Vinícius
A hora é agora - Ao vivo em Jurerê - Jorge & Mateus
Cores - Marcos & Belutti
Sunset - Michel Teló
Ao vivo em Floripa - Victor & Leo

Best Brazilian Roots Album

Era assim naquele tempo...! - César Oliveira & Rogério Melo
Os Serranos interpretam sucessos - Gaúchos Vol. 3 - Os Serranos
Vambora lá dançar - Elba Ramalho
Salve Gonzagão 100 anos - Varios artistas
Sob o Olhar Januarense / O Velho Chico - Volume 1 - Varios artistas

Best Brazilian Song

Bangalô - Djavan, songwriter (Djavan)
Esse cara sou eu - Roberto Carlos, songwriter (Roberto Carlos)
Eu descobri - Gilberto Gil, songwriter (Gilberto Gil)
Roda-Gigante - Biquini Cavadão y Dudy, songwriters (Biquini Cavadão)
Um abraçaço - Caetano Veloso, songwriter (Caetano Veloso)
Vai embora tristeza - Arlindo Cruz, Gegê D'Angola y Julinho Santos, songwriters (Arlindo Cruz)
Vem me completar - Joelson Castro and Felipe Salles, songwriters (Bruna & Keyla)

CHILDREN
Best Latin Children's Album

Vamos a bailar - Atención Atención
¡Fantástico! - Lucky Díaz y La Familia Música
Vamos a cantar - Eslabones Kids
Estoy feliz - Karito
Four Magical Stories to Live - Miami Lighthouse For The Blind

CLASSICAL
Best Classical Album

Adagio - José Serebrier & St. Michel Strings
Brasileiro - Nelson Freire
Cofresí: Rafael Hernández - Elaine Ortiz Arándes, Rafael Dávila, Manolo González, Guido Lebrón, Ilca López & Gil René
Dvorák Symphonies 3 & 6 - José Serebrier
Um olhar sobre Villa-Lobos - Mario Adnet
Villa-Lobos: Symphony No. 6 - On the Outline of the Mountains of Brazil - Symphony No. 7 - Isaac Karabtchevsky

Best Classical Contemporary Composition

"A igreja vem" - Anderson Freire, songwriter (Anderson Freire)
"Abertura jobiniana" - Rafael Piccolotto de Lima, songwriter (Jeremy Fox with the Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica)
"Elegía" - Gabriela Ortiz, songwriter (Southwest Chamber Music)
String Quartet # 5 - Leo Brouwer, songwriter (The Havana String Quartet)
Zingaros - Carlos Franzetti, songwriter (Carlos Franzetti)

PRODUCTION
Best Recording Package

Abaporu - Filipe Costa y Mateus Sá, art directors(Laura Lopes)
Abraçaço - Tonho Quinta-Feira y Fernando Young, art directors (Caetano Veloso)
De taitas y de mamas - Belén Mena, art director (Varios artistas)
El techo es el suelo - The Welcome Branding Group, art director (Quiero Club)
Repeat After Me - Masa, art director (Los Amigos Invisibles)

Best Engineered Album

Barra da saia - Eduardo Sobral, engineer; Léo Guimarães, Roberto Jr. & Luiz Carlos T Reis, mixers; Ricardo Dias, mastering engineer (Karyme Hass)
Kany García - Edgar Barrera, Sebastian De Peyrecave, Javier Garza & Julio Reyes Copello, engineers; Mike Fuller, mastering engineer (Kany García)
Mujer divina - Homenaje a Agustín Lara - Carlos Campón, Ernesto García, Noah Jorgeson, Demian Nava & Sebastían Schon, engineers; César Sogbe, mixer; José Blanco, mastering engineer (Natalia Lafourcade)
Rua dos amores - Marcelo Sabóia, engineer; Carlos Freitas, mastering engineer (Djavan)
Soy flamenco - Bori Alarcón, Sergio Delgado & Salomé Limón, engineers; Bori Alarcón, mastering engineer (Tomatito)

Producer of the Year

Rafael Arcaute
Sergio George
Javier Limón
Julio Reyes Copello
Dan Warner

VIDEO
Best Short Form Music Video

"Eres tú" - Alex Cuba - Christian Bielz & Taylor Fox, video directors; Taylor Fox, video producer
"Más cerquita" - Famasloop - Marcel Rasquín & Joe Torres, video directors; Marcel Rasquín & Joe Torres, video producers
"Corazón de metal" - Jotdog - Ricardo Herrera, video director; Horacio Ortega, video producer
"Ula Ula" - Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas - Luciano Benjamín Cieza & Hernán Corera, video directors; Sebastián Sutton, video producer
"Vis a vis" - Leiva - Titán Pozo, video director; Titán Pozo, video producer

Best Long Form Music Video

"Me Atizo Macizo Tour" - Cartel De Santa - Diego Álvarez, video director; Carlos Huerta, video producer
"Wayra Tour" - Fuerza Bruta - Leo Aramburú, video director; Corazón Animal, Fuerza Bruta & Fernando Moya, video producers
"Mujer divina - Homenaje a Agustín Lara" - Natalia Lafourcade - Juan Luis Covarrubias, video director; Gonzalo Ferrari, video producer
"El amor después del amor 20 Años" - Fito Páez - Diego Álvarez, video director; Fito Páez & Sebastian Vinelli, video producers
"Hecho con sabor a Puerto Rico" - Variius artists - Kacho López Mari, video director; Tristana Robles, video producer

Latin Party Music - Top 20

Mon, 27 May 2013 17:45:03 GMT

Latin Party Music: A Selection of 50 Latin Songs for A Night of Dancing...

In terms of dancing and having fun, I do not think there is anything that can beat a good Latin party. Using my DJ experience, I am going to lead you through the following playlist as if I were playing music in front of a crowd. This selection features 50 classic and contemporary songs from various genres such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton, Latin Rock and Brazilian music. Whether you are planning to have a Latin party or need some music you can dance to, the following playlist will provide you with a good spectrum of the amazing sounds that Latin music is able to offer.

1. "Congo Mulence" - Machito: When playing Latin music, the first thing I like to do is creating the mood. People like to chat or have some drinks before hitting the dance floor so it is important to set up the mood first. A Latin Jazz track will do the trick. This classic song by Machito is an ideal way to start your Latin party. "Congo Mulence" is also featured in a very nice Latin Jazz album produced by Putumayo Records.

2. "Menina Moca" - Stan Getz: We will continue to set up the mood by bringing more 'sophisticated' music with a Latin flavor to it. Another jazzy track will help us to carry out the mood of the previous song. However, this time we are going to move from the vibes of Afro-Cuban Jazz to the realm of Brazilian Jazz. Out of the many songs produced by the legendary Jazz musician Stan Getz, during the time he played alongside Bossa Nova icon Joao Gilberto, "Menina Moca" is definitely one of the best songs to get into the mood for a Latin party. With this transition, we are also introducing the crowd to a large variety of sounds.

3. "Marianao Social Club" - Cachao: We will continue with our previous jazzy mood. However, this time we are ready to turn this Latin party up a notch. "Marianao Social Club," a wonderful song included in the album Master Sessions Volume 1 by Cachao, will allow us to do that. This song offers a perfect 'bridge' to move from the sounds of Latin Jazz into something a bit spicier.

4. "Sou Negrao" - Rappin Hood: Now it is time to move into a different field. From the sounds of traditional Cuban music and Latin Jazz we are jumping into the vibrant flavors of Brazilian Urban music. One of the biggest stars in this field is Rappin Hood. In "Sou Negrao" this rapper mixes in a very fun and creative way traditional Pagode with the Urban sounds of Sao Paulo, one of the biggest metropolis in the world. Now, it is definitely the time to start heating up this Latin party.

5. "Lo Que Paso Paso" - Daddy Yankee: We will stay in the Urban field with this hit of Daddy Yankee's breakthrough album Barrio Fino. This time we are moving from the Brazilian beats of Rapin Hood's "Sou Negrao" to one of the best Reggaeton songs by the Puerto Rican superstar. "Lo Que Paso Paso" will definitely bring people into the dancing floor of this Latin party.

6. "A Lo Cubano" - Orishas: We will stay in the Urban side with this fantastic song from one of the most influential groups that Latin Urban music has ever seen. "A Lo Cubano" is one of the best tracks included in Orishas's album Antidiotico. The song offers a nice combination of rap with a background sound of traditional Cuban Danzon. This song is perfect to move into a Salsa or Timba track, something that I will do with the next song of this Latin party playlist.

7. "Tributo al Niño Rivera" - Afro Cuban All Stars: Now that you got some people on the dance floor, it is time to hit them with a nice Salsa song. "Tributo al Niño Rivera" is a fantastic song from beginning to end. It offers a very elegant sound defined by amazing musical arrangements. You gotta love the flute and the tres playing in this song. This single offers six solid minutes of pure good music.

8. "Mujer Celosa" - El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico: We are going to stay in the Salsa field. This time, however, we will switch vibes a bit. From Cuba we are moving into the sounds of Puerto Rican Salsa with this track of one of the best groups in the history of this genre. "Mujer Celosa" is one of the best songs by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. A very nice song that will keep your crowd dancing.

9. "Canto Al Amor" - Sonora Ponceña: I am going to close this Salsa set with a track from another of the most influential Salsa bands from Puerto Rico. "Canto Al Amor" offers the typical sound that La Sonora Poncena has forged throughout a long and successful musical career. The piano in the intro part, the brass sections, the chorus, and the hard melody of the second half of this track are just plain fantastic. Because of all this, "Canto Al Amor" remains as one of the most popular songs ever produced by La Poncena.

10. "Dulces Sueños" - Rita Indiana: Now, it is time for a little break and switch gears. To accomplish that, I am bringing the track "Dulces Sueños" by Latin Alternative artist Rita Indiana. This is a funky bilingual version of the legendary song "Sweet Dreams" by Eurythmics. This single offers the so-called Techno-Merengue (literally a combination of Techno music with Merengue) that Rita Indiana usually incorporates into her productions. This song is a nice bridge to jump into a Merengue track.

11. "Llueve El Amor" - Tito El Bambino: Now, we are going to move from Rita Indiana's funky Merengue style into the classic beats of this Dominican genre. Although "Llueve El Amor" is not the typical track from Tito El Bambino, one of today's top Latin Urban artists, this song is one of the most popular tracks that this singer has produced in recent years. "Llueve El Amor" is an ideal song to add a romantic touch to this Latin Party playlist. Lovers will surely hit the floor with this one.

12. "Tu Eres Ajena" - Eddy Herrera: Now that we have entered into the world of Merengue, it is time to bring a good track for dancing. Eddy Herrera is one of today's most popular Merengue stars. His repertoire is an ideal option to consider if you want to spice up your Latin party. "Tu Eres Ajena" is just one of the many Merengue hits this Dominican artist has produced throughout his successful career.

13. "Procura" - Chichi Peralta: Now, we are going to move to a different style without leaving the sounds of Dominican music. In order to maintain the energy of the previous song, here there is another great track for dancing. "Procura" is a fantastic song from beginning to end. It offers an intoxicating fusion of Tropical sounds that will keep people on the dance floor. This is one of the most popular singles included in Chichi Peralta's breakthrough album Pa Otro Lao.

14. "Corazon Sin Cara" - Prince Royce: After listening to some Merengue songs and the Tropical fusion of Chichi Peralta, it is time to bring a good Bachata track into this Latin Party. "Corazon Sin Cara" is one of the songs that transformed Prince Royce into one of today's most popular Bachata artists. This is also one of the best songs included in the album Prince Royce.

15. "Oye Mi Canto" - N.O.R.E.: After traveling through the sounds of Dominican music, it is time for a change of style. We will do it aggressively by bringing one classic Reggaeton hit. My choice to accomplish this is "Oye Mi Canto," a nice track by N.O.R.E. featuring different Reggaeton stars. Latin Urban music fans will definitely hit the floor with this one.

16. "I Know You Want Me" - Pitbull: With "I Know You Want Me," we will move from the classic beats of Reggaeton to the unique Urban style of Pitbull. This song is defined by Pitbull's traditional combination of Rap and Hip-Hop with Dance music. People who like this kind of Disco stuff will definitely love this one.

17. "Bossa 31" - Rosalia De Souza: We are about to switch the dancing style now. An eclectic mix of electronic sounds with Brazilian music will add something really cool to this Latin party playlist. "Bossa 31" is one of my favorite tracks from Brazilian artist Rosalia De Souza. This song provides an intoxicating sound that will keep your feet moving.

18. "Tic Tic Tac" - Carrapicho: To continue with the vibes of Brazilian music, I bring now "Tic Tic Tac," the most famous single ever produced by the Brazilian group Carrapicho. Back in the time when I used to be a DJ, people always went crazy about this track. Everytime I played this song, I had the dance floor packed. I do not know if this song still delivers the same effect but I still think it is a nice track to include in a Latin party.

19. "1, 2, 3" - El Simbolo: Time to bring this Latin party up a notch. Just like "Tic Tic Tac", this track is also one of those songs where people usually dance in groups. I prefer to stay away from very commercial stuff like the annoying "Macarena" and similar songs. However, I think "1, 2, 3" can bring a good energy to the dance floor. Once, I listened to this track in a Latin bar in Tokyo, Japan, and people just loved it. This Tropical song has definitely a global appeal.

20. "Guallando" - Fulanito: To keep the dancing mood in the right place, I bring a classic Merengue hit from Fulanito. Because of the energy it has, "Guallando" is a timeless track for any Latin party. This song offers an intoxicating sound defined by a fast Merengue beat and the nice touch provided by the notes of the accordion in the background. A fantastic track for any Latin party.

History of Mambo...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:44:52 GMT

...A Look at The Origins of Mambo.

Mambo is one of the greatest Latin music rhythms ever created. Originally from Cuba, this genre was also responsible for shaping the sounds of modern Salsa music. The following is a brief introduction to the history of Mambo.

Danzon and The Roots of Mambo

Back in the 1930s, Cuban music was heavily influenced by Danzon. This music style, which appeared in the late 19th century, bore lots of similarities to the original and melodic Cuban Danza.

One of the popular bands at that time was the orchestra of Arcaño y sus Maravillas. The band played lots of Danzon but some of its members introduced variations to the classic beat of Danzon. The members were the brothers Orestes Lopez and Israel "Cachao" Lopez. In 1938, they produced a Danzon single entitled Mambo.

The Lopez brothers incorporated a heavier African beat into their music. This new type of Danzon, which is at the base of Mambo music, was known at that time as Danzon de Nuevo Ritmo. Sometimes, it was simply called Danzon Mambo.

Perez Prado and The Birth of Mambo

Although the Lopez brothers set the basics of Mambo, they really did not move forward with their innovation. In fact, it took a couple of decades for the new style to be able to transform itself into Mambo.

The popularity of Jazz music and the big band phenomenon of the 1940s and 1950s played a major role in the development of Mambo. Damaso Perez Prado, a talented pianist from Cuba, was the one who was able to consolidate the definitive arrangements that pushed Mambo music into a worldwide phenomenon.

Perez Prado moved to Mexico in 1948 and built his career in that country. In 1949, he produced two of his most famous pieces: "Que Rico Mambo," and "Mambo No. 5." It was with these two singles that the mambo fever hit the 1950s. Around that time, the famous Cuban artist Beny More joined the Perez Prado band in Mexico recording enduring tracks like "Bonito y Sabroso."

Tito Puente and The Mambo After Perez Prado

By the mid 1950s, Perez Prado was already a huge point of reference for Latin music all over the world. However, at that time Perez Prado was criticized for producing music that was moving away from the original sounds of Mambo.

Because of this, that decade saw the birth of a new wave of artists willing to preserve the original sounds of Mambo. Artists such as Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente consolidated the original Mambo sound that Perez Prado had previously created.

During the 1960s, Tito Puente became the new king of Mambo. However, that decade was defining a new kind of music of which Mambo was just one of the ingredients. The new sounds that were coming from New York were creating something much bigger: Salsa music.

The Legacy of Mambo

The 1950s and 1960s saw the golden years of Mambo. Nevertheless, those golden years were rapidly overcome by the development of Salsa, a new crossover experiment that borrowed elements from different Afro-Latin rhythms like Son, Charanga, and, of course, Mambo. The deal at that time was not about improving Mambo but rather using it to better develop Salsa.

All things considered, Salsa is probably Mambo's most enduring contribution to Latin music. The influence of Mambo in Salsa is a significant one. For Salsa, the idea of having a full orchestra comes from Mambo. Besides Salsa, Mambo also played a significant role in the development of another popular Cuban invention: Cha Cha Cha.

Although Salsa finished with the golden years of Mambo, this genre is still quite alive in ballroom dance competitions all over the world. Thanks to Mambo, Latin music gained lots of exposure around the world during the 1950's and 1960s. Thanks to Mambo, Salsa and Cha Cha Cha were born. For everything it accomplished, Mambo is definitely one of the most successful creations in Latin music.