RIP Ralph Irrizary – Master Timbalero for Ray Barretto, Ruben Blades, Timbalaye, Son Cafe and others.
Master Timbalero Ralph Irrizary passed away on Sunday, September 5th. He died due to complications caused by a degenerative muscular disease. He was 67. Irrizary was a Grammy award winning percussionist, bandleader and studio musician who has played on jingles, film and television scores and who was known for his fluid, distinctive playing style has made an indelible mark on those artists with whom he has performed.
read moreAdalberto Alvarez “El Caballero Del Son” RIP
Prolific Cuban Composer, Producer, Bandleader and vocalist Adalberto Alvarez who was nicknamed “El Caballero Del Son” died last Wednesday, Sept. 1st due to pneumonia caused by the coronavirus. He was 72. Alvarez was a major figure in Cuban popular music long before Timba began in the late 1980’s-early 1990’s. He wrote a body of work which included huge hits for his own groups “Son 14” and “Adalberto Alvarez Y Su Son”.
read moreRIP Larry Harlow “El Judio Maravilloso” of Orquesta Harlow & Fania All Stars
Pianist, Producer, Bandleader and composer Larry Harlow “El Judio Maravilloso” of the Fania All Stars and his own Orquesta Harlow passed away this past Friday, August 20th due to complications with Kidney disease at the age of 82. In the late 60’s and in the early 1970’s, Larry Harlow served as producer of countless Fania albums and produced over 260 recordings in his career.
read more2nd Annual Bay Area Latin Jazz Festival was a Blast!!!
The 2nd Annual Bay Area Latin Jazz Festival held at Rowell Ranch in Castro Valley was a swinging musical affair full of great highlights. The bill for the afternoon was full of top-notch entertainment from beginning to end.
read moreCon Sabor Playlist 8/14/2021
I’ve been moving to a new place which is one of the most stressful things that one can experience in life which is why I haven’t posted much during the past few weeks. However, I had the pleasure of hosting Con Sabor live from the KPFA Studio this past Saturday evening. Timbalero/percussionist Leo Rosales (pictured left with Luis Medina-photo: Luis Medina) from the new all-star Latin Rock group Momotombo SF and formerly from Malo in their early 70’s glory days was my special guest.
read moreTribute to Johnny Ventura ‘El Rey Del Merengue” RIP
Merengue legend Johnny Ventura passed on July 28. He was 81. Born Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano, better known as Johnny Ventura as well as by the nicknames: El Caballo Mayor and El Rey del Merengue. He started his career at the age of 16.
read moreSabiduria Con Tumbao Playlist 7/21/2021
I’m posting playlists again for Sabiduria Con Tumbao starting with this program which is my 50th official program since I started on WorldSalsaRadio.com a little more than 1 year ago. This week, we featured the music of trumpeter/vocalist/bandleader Alexander Abreu y Havana d’Primera. Our Six at 6 pm tribute featured the swinging music of timbalero-bandleader Don Perigñon (pictured left) Y La Puertorriqueña! Don is celebrating more than 4 decades in show business! Here is the playlist:
read moreMusic News 7/19/2021
The 2nd Bay Area Latin Jazz Festival brought to you by Montuno Productions is scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 11 am to 6 pm at Rowell Ranch (Rodeo Park), 9275 Dublin Canyon Road in Castro Valley. Headlining will be the hot Cuban vocalist Bobi Cespedes and her band.
read moreMusic News: World Salsa Radio 1st Anniversary & More
I’m back from my Birthday break, feel refreshed and ready to give you the following news: WorldSalsaRadio.com is celebrating it’s 1st Anniversary with a fundraiser for the station this Saturday, July 10th. I have been broadcasting my program “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM PST.
read moreWhat’s up SF/North Cali Father’s Day Weekend and Music Reviews
Bobi Cespedes and her band will be kicking off the Yerba Buena Gardens Summer of free events starting on Saturday, June 26th at 1 pm. The Gardens are located on Mission between 3rd and 4th Streets in San Francisco.
read moreLive Appearances
Follow Luis on
Follow Luis on