Dave Santiago & Latin Affair - La Peluca

Hard questions? Along with hard answers, we need em to develop smart Salsa dancers, and not robots who have no idea what they dance to - blindly executing turn patterns. 

Hard question of the day: Can we KL Salsa dancers enjoy our dancing night with the absence of 'Ting-Tong' music? 

What's this then? Some old-timers in the local Salsa scene understand this tongue-in-cheek term which refers to excessively jazzy Salsa numbers, usually punctuated by a strong piano and/or marimba melody. These strong melodies sometimes overpower the regular Salsa percussion instruments, making the tunes in essence, jazz pieces. 

Some dancers love it for the groove it brings. Some dancers dislike it because they can't grasp the abstract jazzy timing of the song. But love it or hate it, quite a few jazzy Salsa groups have become mainstay in our social nights, making it 'safe' music selection. Take for example, the New Swing Sextet and Grupo Latin Vibe, both awesome Salsa bands in their own right. If you don't know what Salsa song to play for your dancing crowd for the next 10 minutes or so, you really can't go wrong with overplayed evergreens such as 'La Llave' or 'My Favorite Things'. 

Because the KL scene is relatively comfortable with the 'Ting-Tong' Salsa songs, can we really survive, so to speak, without it? 

Let me introduce Dave Santiago and the Latin Affair with one of their songs 'La Peluca'. You can hear it in the YouTube link below:-

Dave Santiago & Latin Affair - La Peluca

As far as music goes, I generally find Dave Santiago smooth as silk. Check out 'Chibola'. This is slightly less smooth with a strong pachanga feel (flauta included!). But towards the end, there is this lovely double-bass solo followed by the outtro with the rest of the instruments. Nicely done Dave. 

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable wit the views stated above, you can bugger-off. The rights are reserved for the written article only, and I obviously don't own the song nor do I own YouTube, so don't be a dumb-ass. This article may be reproduced with permission from the author. If you intend to reproduce this article for the purpose of general mayhem, video proof is required for entertainment and administrative purposes. Unauthorized reproduction or usage of this article may result in prostitution to the full extent allowed by Malaysian law. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

New Swing Sextet - Revolucionando

As much as I love discovering new sounds of Salsa, and sharing it with the discerning public, I also love to remind Salseros that their favorite or familiar artiste would probably have more hidden gems, other than that one particular song you hear week in, week out.

The New Swing Sextet is like the legendary phoenix (did I get the bird right?). Legends in their own right in the Swingin' Sixties, their last studio album was in 1970. As the saying goes, Legend don't die, they just fade away. Like the Legends they are, they didn't die, but instead took a 30-year hiatus! They reformed somewhere in mid-2000 and in 2008, reborn fresh from the ashes, they released their comeback album, "Back on the Streets" which was Grammy nominated. They have since released another album in 2013.

New Swing Sextet are heavy proponents of Latin Jazz, with their 'Mary Poppins' cover of 'My Favorite Things' a crowd favorite in the KL dance scene. Many dancers, know this song by heart but may not be aware of the many other awesome fare that New Swing produces. This is another superb piece by them, entitled 'Revolucionando'. Click on the YouTube link below to check out the song:

New Swing Sextet - Revolucionando

Good right? You'll love it if you like dancing to Latin Jazz Salsa, and even if you don't, it's still an awesome dancing song! I had the pleasure of dancing to the sounds of the New Swing Sextet live in Singapore a couple of years back in the popular Singapore International Salsa Festival, a happy memory that will keep with me for a long time!

Do let me know what you think about it. I'd like to hear your views and comments on song like this.

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable wit the views stated above, you can bugger-off. The rights are reserved for the written article only, and I obviously don't own the song nor do I own YouTube, so don't be a dumb-ass. This article may be reproduced with permission from the author. If you intend to reproduce this article for the purpose of general mayhem, video proof is required for entertainment and administrative purposes. Unauthorized reproduction or usage of this article may result in prostitution to the full extent allowed by Malaysian law. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Willie Rosario - Callejera

I admit. I do like my 'new' Salsa music, which includes 'alternative' gems such as Timba. For a hardcore dancer such as myself who dances different styles of Salsa with reasonable proficiency, different sounds allow me to do so much, and then some, during a dance. One can only develop musicality to a higher level by dancing to different sounds, not mechanical dancing to songs you're familiar with. 

My personal definition of musicality (non definite of course) - When you allow the music to move you, instead of the other way! This is not true with everyone of course. To quite a few, musicality is repetition. To each his or her own though, as there is no fixed formula, no 'right' or 'wrong'.

After an entire Sunday of Rueda Flashmobbing all round Kuala Lumpur to the groovy sounds of Timba and Cuban music, I spent the entire Marvelous Monday morning listening to old-skool Mambo, in particular a personal favorite, Willie Rosario. 

I think in the KL scene Maestro Willie Rosario is terribly underrated. How do I start by telling you about this man? With a career spanning more than 50 years (almost double the lifespan of some of you) which includes a host of award and recognition, including a Grammy Award and a place in the coveted Latin Music Hall Of Fame, he's got more albums than I have girlfriends. Let the internet reveal his secrets! Speak O' wise Wikipedia!

Discography:

• El Bravo Soy Yo! (1963)
• Fabuloso y Fantástico (1966)
• Latin Jazz a Go-Go-Go (1967)
• Two Too Much (1967)
• Haida Huo (1968)
• Boogaloo y Guaguancó (1968)
• El Bravo de Siempre (1969)
• De Donde Nace el Ritmo (1970)
• Más Ritmo (1972)
• Infinito (1973)
• Otra Vez (1975)
• Gracias Mundo (1977)
• From The Depth of My Brain (1978)
• El Rey del Ritmo! (1979)
• El de a 20 de Willie (1980)
• The Portrait of a Salsa Man (1981)
• Atízame el Fogón (1982)
• The Salsa Machine (1983)
• Nuevos Horizontes (1984)
• Afincando (1985)
• Nueva Cosecha (1986)
• A Man of Music (1987)
• The Salsa Legend (1988)
• Unique (1989)
• Viva Rosario! (1990)
• The Roaring Fifties (1991)
• Tradición Clásica (1993)
• ¡Sorpresas! (1995)
• Back To The Future (1999)
• La Banda Que Deleita (2006)

Holy crap.

You understand that choosing a song to showcase Senor Willie is no simple task. I love many of his life's work, but I'll do what must be done. 'Callejera', I choose you! Click on the YouTube link below to check out this song!

Willie Rosario - Callejera

If you folks have been following my humble postings, it might interest you to know that this considered as Salsa Dura, owing to the classic big-band nature of the song. No matter what you call it - this is old-skool Mambo at its best, guaranteed to get you on that floor and shaking that booty, regardless of how unpleasant a sight it might be.

Do you like old-skool? What are your opinions in the nu-skool/old skool debate? Would you shake it to Willie Rosario?

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Barrio Latino - Nadie Te Da Na

Barrio Latino, Hungary's first ever Timba band, or 'orquesta' was formed in 2008 by a group of Jazz musicians. They're the most awesome example of the saying, that being good at what you do is the best kind publicity.

Barrio Latino apparently has been inactive for years but somehow their music got to the ear of some hot shot producer - who the Internet tells me is NOT a producer but a Grammy Award winning sound engineer - Michael Lazarus, who is also the owner of the music label, Latin Pulse Music. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet Michael Lazarus and Barrio Latino's founding member Tamas Bodzsar, collaborated for the release of Barrio Latino's debut under Michael's lable, Latin Pulse Music.

Have a listen to one of their songs, by clicking on the YouTube link below:-

Barrio Latino - Nadie Te Da Na

These guys are classic Timba, with strong pianos and trumpets and a rich, soulful voiced sonero. But, they may not appeal to a safer crowd as Timba tends to get on the soul & jazz train and shoot off into the sunset. Dancers who are groove oriented and who heavily style (girls or guys mind you!) would probably like songs such as this, as it gives them plenty of opportunity to do what they love best!

I know what you're thinking - why do I keep introducing groovy music? Is it true local dancers don't take too well to songs like this? Will we ever reach the level of social musicality to appreciate Timba, Boogaloo and other awesome Salsa songs? Time will tell, and meanwhile, I'll keep on playing, researching and sharing love.

What do you think? Would you dance to Timba on the dance floor? Is one Timba a night too many for you? Lemme know! 



Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Grupo Salsafon - Te Cantare

I don't know how to introduce these guys - Grupo Salsafon consists of 11 members of pure Dura awesomeness, and this goes beyond mere words. All I know is that these guys have been making waves for the past 10 years and in 2011 and 2012 they turned some serious heads at Tempo Latina, one of the major Latin music festivals in Europe. Their music is closely linked and heavily influenced by Latin big-band music from the 70s (some of you know this as 'Salsa' music).

Have a listen to their song 'Te Cantare' from their 2011 album 'Tribute to the Barrio' by clicking on the YouTube link below:-

Grupo Salsafon - Te Cantare

For those of you who know me, I'm a sucker for awesome trumpets and smooth vocals. Their singers Hugo Quispe and Rafel Quintero are pure honey in terms of melody. They've got amazing catchy tunes too! I don't consider these guys 'heavy' in terms of Salsa Dura. They actually sound kinda commercial, similar to Spanish Harlem Orchestra which makes these guys pretty friendly in Salsa socials. 

In fact, I'll be playing one of their songs this Friday Salsa Social at the Paradox Art Cafe. You might not want to miss this one!


Do you enjoy the sounds of Grupo Salsafon? Are you interested in hearing more of them? Lemme know!

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Conga Libre - A Quien Esperas

What constitutes 'heavy' music? Last weekend, I experimented with some heavy Salsa Dura in our popular Saturday Social at Bernard's. Reception was mixed - clearly some were not comfortable with it, whilst some came up to me commending the energy the songs brought.

My personal analysis of the Clash of Genre is that like contemporary Pop music, Salsa too has its own brand of Pop. Many associate this Salsa 'Pop' with Salsa Romantica. Inspired by the Latin Pop scene in the late-80s to 90s, Salsa Romantica gained popularity due to its smooth ballads and the personalities performing. It's still popular today. However, even among the 'regular' (if such a term can be used) Salsa music there is music which is light-hearted, ever-so tropical, with clear-beats, and rings of traditional Latin percussions. 

Then there is the Dark Side of the Force. Salsa music which is deeply ingrained with and influenced by their cultural origins - for example, among others, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Carribean, Columbian, Puerto Rican and the evergreen Cuban. These music forms are generally perceived as 'not regular' and may be difficult to comprehend musically by some.

The song for the day is Cuban Timba by a lovely band, Orquesta Conga Libre with their song 'A Quien Esperas' from their 2014 album 'Somos Todos'. Here's the YouTube link!

Conga Libre - A Quien Esperas

I find this song to be in similar style to a popular Swedish Timba band by the name of 'Calle Real' in a sense that it is melody and vocal oriented. He kinda even sounds a little like Thomas Eby (coincidentally Conga Libre does have a collaboration with Thomas Eby for another song). I like it and Casino dancers will appreciate the smooth tune.

For those unfamiliar with Cuban Timba, someone once told me that Timba is like a rock band, playing Salsa music - traditional and contemporary beats and grooves. Match made in heaven for me then!

Do you like Timba? Do you like THIS kind of Timba? Would you want to try dancing to it one of these day? Lemme know!

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Grupo Latin Vibe - Por Tu Amor

There are times as a dancer you may not be feeling those really energetic, party Salsa songs. Instead, you may want something smoother and more relaxed. 

Introducing Grupo Latin Vibe, an awesome Latin Jazz group from New York. They possess an incredibly groovy signature sound, produced by the traditional marimba (it’s like a xylophone for Salsa music). Thanks to Kai Fan for helping me identify the instrument! It is so distinct in their music, you know who you’re listening to right away! If you’re curious what a marimba looks like, here’s a picture:

Yes. It’s a xylophone. I’m no expert but if you do love your Salsa music, I believe some understanding of the instruments used would enhance and add value to your listening experience.

“Por Tu Amor” is a track from their most recent (recent is a relative word – it’s in 2007) album, ‘Amanecer’. They’re pretty consistent music-wise from their 2003 album ‘Mambo City’ to their 2005 album ‘All That Vibe’ to the most recent one. “Por Tu Amor” is no different. It’s groovy and smooth with a lovely harmony between the melody played by the marimba and the percussion base. Here is a YouTube link to “Por Tu Amor”:

Grupo Latin Vibe - Por Tu Amor

For dancers, this song is lovely and slow. Don’t underestimate slow songs, as it allows you to really bring on those complicated turn patterns in a suave and cool manner (instead of clumsy spasms as you try to execute the same during those lightning fast songs). Also, you have plenty of opportunity to hit those groovy breaks, which are evenly spaced and not overbearing. BONUS: There is an awesome marimba extended solo which kinda builds up from 3:30 in the song and hits off at about 4:00. The only set-back here is that the song runs for about 6.5 minutes. It’s a little long by salsa social standards in KL and much of South East Asia (elsewhere besides South East Asia? I don’t know).

Your dancing is only as good as your understanding of the music you are grooving to. Hence a basic understanding of the music is important for the development of your dance. Slow groovy songs bring with it a certain feel and deserves respect. So for those of you who only know how to dance to fast music, you might wanna review your dancing and up your level. Flapping about like retarded penguins to ridiculously speeds may not be the best for your dance, in my opinion. But hey, what do I know?

Do you like this song? Do you like Grupo Latin Vibe? Do you want to dance to their music? Lemme know!

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Wayne Gorbea - "Estamo En Salsa"

I’ve always been known for being straightforward and no bullshit. I’d rather speak my mind and be disliked rather than to say what people want to hear and be ‘popular’.

My opinion for the longest time is that many (save a few) Salsa enthusiasts in KL have a limited interest for music variety. Perhaps it is how we’ve been ‘brought up’ – to dance to the exact same songs week in week out. Some of us are comfortable to do so, and some of us have commented amicably on this, but the bottom line is nothing much has changed. Once in a while we have an awesome new song, and everyone overplays it. Every so often we have some ‘Golden Oldies’ which will still be overplayed. But by and large we’ll be listening to the same tunes. For example, everyone knows of/has heard of/has danced to/is bored of the song “Vehicle”, but do you actually know who did that song? (It's Carlos Oliva and his band by the way, which is in turn a cover of Ides of March's 1970 hit song of the same name.)

My point in this discussion is to bring your attention to a very, very popular Salsa tune. I personally like it, despite it being overplayed at one time several years back. You might know - Wayne Gorbea’s “El Yoyo”. It’s an awesome track, no doubt about it – what more sampling the catchy riff in the evergreen “Ran Kan Kan” by El Rey de los Timbales, Tito Puente.

Wayne Gorbea (born 1950), only slightly older than my father, cut his debut studio album in 1973. He has since produced numerous albums and fronted several bands, including Salsa Picante, particularly in his Shanachie debut in 1999 with the album “Cogele El Gusto”. His songs flow freely with groovy melodies, and hard-hitting trumpets, staying true to his Salsa Dura roots.

Why am I bringing Wayne Gorbea into this discussion? Well, methinks if anyone even knows the name of wayne Gorbea, everyone in KL almost always associates him with “El Yoyo” and nothing else. If I’m right about this, then it makes me sad that an amazing musician, composer and producer with tons of amazing songs is not given the due recognition. I will try to rectify this.

Let me introduce Wayne Gorbea’s “Estamo En Salsa”. Here is the YouTube link to the song:-

Wayne Gorbea - "Estamo En Salsa"

I don’t have much information to share with you on this song, but listening to it, it find it smoother than other Salsa Dura I listen to (hard hitting Orquesta LA 33 anyone?). This is light listening but make no mistake, this is totally danceable! His piano and cowbell forms the solid backbone of groovy melody you dance to, and the trumpets are a pleasure to listen to, aural ecstasy for me with the right speakers/headphones. For dancers, the trumpets tell you something different is happening, makes you want to hit those breaks! Length-wise 5 ½ minutes seems rather long but the song keeps things interesting for dancers throughout.

Have a go at it and tell me what you think. Better still, tell me if you want to hear it on the dance floor!

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra - "Un Gran Dia En El Barrio"

I find the term 'Salsa Dura' to be a strange and sometimes conflicting term. Many online references (including Wikipedia) tell us that the late-80's - 90's, brought with it a wave of a new type of radio-friendly and pop-influenced Salsa music, referred to as Salsa Romantica. It's proponents are non other that Salsa-personalities such as Frankie Ruiz, Tito Nieves, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Enrique, and many others. Marc Anthony anyone?

Due to the ballad-y and pop nature of Salsa Romantica, many Salsa enthusiasts have hit out, claiming that Salsa Romantica is not REAL Salsa. Accordingly, some claim that the original format of Salsa is of a 'Big-Band Format' otherwise known as Charangas or Orquestas (which are different in essence but we'll not get to it now). They say Salsa should be brass (trumpets, trombones etc.) and percussion oriented. Hell, throw in a double-bass if you find one! They called this 'original' concept of Salsa - Salsa Dura.

Now fast forward a little to band of the day - a personal favorite - Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Debuting in 2002 these boys really made waves with the Grammy Award winning second album in 2004 - 'Across 100th Street'. The song "Un Gran Dia En El Barrio" is the first track in this album. Check out the YouTube link below!

Spanish Harlem Orchestra - Un Gran Dia En El Barrio

To many fans, myself included, SHO redefined Salsa Dura with their catchy, energetic music, leading dancers and listeners alike with their amazing singers, strong percussion and trumpets. I always wait for the part when the back-up singers come in. Magical harmony for me, it is. From SHO, many other world class artistes with their orchestras have continued with similar concepts/styles of Salsa Dura, among many others Orquesta La Exelencia and Grupo Niche.

Now the strange part for me is that I personally don't really think that older (but golden!) salsa music are all Salsa Dura. Some yes but not all. In fact I associate the term 'Salsa Dura' with a certain feeling or emotion I get when I hear or dance to the music - a degree of intensity - hence 'dura'. This feeling can only be acquired when certain hallmark instruments and patterns come together in a climatic, frenzied mix. Thus I personally coin my brand of Salsa Dura in a category by itself. Mind all you Salsa-Nazis out there, everything I write is purely my own interpretation and opinions on the matter.

What do you think of this? More importantly, what do you think of the song? Do you like Spanish Harlem Orchestra and would you like to dance to it? Feel to free to comment below!

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable with the above views, well, you can bugger-off. All rights are reserved for the the articles itself. I obviously don't own the songs and I don't own YouTube, you dumb-ass. This article may only be reproduced with permission from the author. In the event of reproduction for general mayhem, permission is not required - only video proof. Any other forms of reproduction should be prevented with protection. Jesus protects but use condoms please. Any unauthorized usage of the article contained therein is expressly prohibited and violators will be prostituted with broom-handle sodomy and force-feeding of garlic-sausage buns. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.