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Mario Ortiz Jr. All Star Band…awesome!

Posted on Sep 27, 2009

“Tributo 45 Anniversario” on Zamora Music/Sony is the spectacular new recording by the Mario Ortiz All Star Band. The late Mario Ortiz was an esteemed trumpeter, arranger and bandleader who for four decades was an intergal part of the Puerto Rican salsa scene until his death in 1999. His son Mario Ortiz who is also a fine trumpeter has put out a terrific tribute to his dad by assembling a recording featuring the legendary creme de la creme of the scene: Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montanez, Ismael Miranda, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Papo Lucca, Roberto Roena, Bobby Valentin, Adalberto Santiago, Tony Vega, Pedro Brull, Tito Allen and others too numerous to mention. What exciting music big band style! This gem of a cd is so rich with explosive salsa, latin jazz and mambo (with a touch of reggaeton) that it is difficult not to have at least 4 or 5 favorite tracks. This is simply an exceptional recording from the smooth distinctive vocals of Cheo wrapped around a smokin’ rendition of “A Quitarse” to the closing notes of the cinematic Spanish tinged instrumental “El Cid” featuring Ortiz Jr’s scorching trumpet solo paying tribute to his dad. This will soon to be a collector’s item! Big DJ Alert – you should be playing it already…allright? Everyone else…Pick it up now! A top ten contender for this...

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Hola From Barcelona, Espana-Talking with Ël Molestoso

Posted on Aug 3, 2009

Barcelona, Spain is hot with a rich music scene that ranges from salsa to rumba catalana. One of the reasons that Spain is on the latin musical map has a lot to do with one of its primary movers and shakers, Enrique Romero “El Molestoso”, a champion of la “salsa dura” since the early 80´s in Barcelona. Enrique wears many hats which include hosting the popular radio program “Picadillo” on RCB Radio, being the artistic director in charge of promotions of the “Antilla” –considered one of the most important salsa clubs in Europe–, as well as a sought after graphic designer who was former publisher/editor of the highly regarded magazine “El Manisero” and a noted salsa club dj who just recently performed at the prestigious Tempo Latino festival in France. Enrique, who is known for his wicked sense of humor and sharp musical opinions, is also the Product Manager of Radio Gladys Palmera, a unique radio station that broadcasts out of Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia 24 hours a day. Their format is called “sonido global” blasting salsa, rumba, chanson, flamenco, electronica, latin jazz, eclectic pop, cuban and world music. Radio Gladys Palmera, the brainchild of founder Alejandra Fierro Eleta is celebrating their 10 year anniversary. For more info on Radio Gladys Palmera and to listen on line, visit radiogladyspalmera.com. To check out what Enrique Romero is all about, check out his web site: www.latincoolture.com. I will be airing an interview with Enrique on Con Sabor in September on KPFA 94.1 FM or www.kpfa.org where the music programs are archived for two...

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