Rolling Afro-Latin Music 2024: Reggaeton, Dembow, Latin Pop, Salsa,Bachata, Bomba, Latin Jazz, Merengue, Urbano and more Latinx

And now special guest Mino Cinélu!

Introduced as the triangle player on Decoy.

Now he switched from triangle to cajón

Thanks for the Mon Laferte tip. Maybe I will try to go to the theater at MSG.

Just listened to the last album which I hadn’t been aware of and now watching some of the related videos.

And now some video of a song she did with Fito Páez that’s pretty good.

From several years back:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JqyVoqavaU

Nice.

[googles Chano Dominguez and then I am reminded and remember --- Chano Domínguez is one of the most celebrated Spanish Latin jazz, post bop, and flamenco pianists of our time, having released over 20 albums as a bandleader, composer, and producer. Domínguez came to great international exposure in 2000 when he appeared performing his own composition, “Oye Como Viene,” in Spanish director Fernando Trueba’s Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz documentary, Calle 54, which also featured Elaine Elias, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band, and Tito Puente.

Lives in Brooklyn and has a Queens based label

Cool. Think he flew to Colombia to do some shows there, which is why there was no second set last night

looks like vocalist Jose “Pepito” Gomez is out of Orquesta Akokan . Jacob Plasse (tres) and Michael Eckroth (piano) who first formed group and brought Pepito Gomez on, are still there but Kiko Ruíz is now their vocalist.

Wait, Mike is in that group?

Ah you met him or know him, Michael or Mike of Orquesta Akokan. Their new singer Kiko Ruiz is Cuban. Was told that current bandmembers live in either NYC, Miami, or Havana now.

He moved to Florida where he has a teaching gig, can't remember what school. He used to live in my neighborhood though. And his in-laws still live nearby so when he is in town he stays with them. Last time I saw him he was at the coffee shop doing some grading. I've seen him play different gigs, thing I particularly like is his Arsenio Rodriguez tribute,

You know that both his sisters also play piano.

Oh, I see he is on a Fulbright now.

One sister anyway. She's played some pretty big gigs. Thought they had another sister too, but can't find mention.

Puerto Rican Dominican Jazz
Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra plays Puerto Rican Dominican jazz; at Sony Hall in the Times Square Theater District; on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 8pm. From $15.

Saw this on that Latin Things to do in NY email that I get , even though I don’t live up there

Just stumbled across a new Substack newsletter, Marco's Music Radar, covering Latin-American music (the writer's term) in English, from Colombia. I've subscribed — it could be interesting.

Thanks. Just subscribed to free version. His focus on post I looked at seems to be on indie/alternative rock .

To get that Latin Music in NY email I mentioned that lists salsa and latin jazz NY events, with a fair amount in the Bronx , go here -

https://www.newyorklatinculture.com/

Tonight in DC for free

"Fandango at the Wall" film 5 to 7 @ Library of Congress Pickford Theatre (Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra go to Veracruz, Mexico, to jam w/ “son jarocho" players

Arturo O’Farrill & his Afro-Latin Octet 8 to 10 @ Library of Congress Coolidge Aud

You gonna go?

Maybe to the show, but can’t get there early enough for the movie. Gonna try to stream that if available

I saw Arturo’s son play last week. One of these Sunday evenings I will get up to Birdland again.

And he was just playing now with this guy who seems really interesting, although I couldn't really stay too long: https://www.antoniolizanamusic.com/

I did go see Arturo O’Farrill & his Afro-Latin Octet 8 & it was a real good show. Started with some clave heavy dance numbers, then got jazzy, then did a Aster Piazolla tango song, and did a song that he described as whirling dervish music. Band had drummer, a percussionist on congas, another percussionist on cajon & congo; trumpet; sax & flute player; ... Arturo talked a lot in between. He first exclaimed his joy at being there all day and the Library folks showing him Mingus manuscripts and more , and he noted that this inspired him and was his America. The director of Fandango at the Wall was there and he brought him onstage (and the director played acoustic bass on one song) . He said he wasn't going to get into politics but he nonetheless talked a bit positively about immigration. He talked about Fandango @ the Wall and how every Labor Day that musicians get together on both sides of the Us wall w/ Mexico . He also expressed his love for Cubans. He talked about his non-profit that is building a community center in Harlem. He made some goofy Dad jokes. They're not really doing anything new new musically (no hints of reggaeton or Latin pop) but they do is classic and they have it down

Re my nitpicking of Latin jazz, I mean if Mackaya McCraven can play jazz and be influenced by Dilla and other hiphop folks, if some of those recent Shabaka Hutchings groups could also be influenced a bit by hiphop, where are the Latin Jazz groups that are utilizing hiphop and reggaeton. I haven't found 'em. So I enjoy the O'Farrill classic approach, but just would also like to hear some group trying something newer

Just saw an Instagram video clip story of bouncebeat go-go band TOB working on a track with akeyboardist adding salsa rhythmic accents! Yes, I like it.

Today's Google Doodle subject is Lola Beltrán it seems.

https://doodles.google/doodle/lola-beltrans-92nd-birthday/

Mexican ranchera singer and actor

Yes

Like many, I first heard her on an Almodóvar soundtrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukzR6qrI6Xo

Which song title I often use to remember a subtle point of Spanish grammar.

Cool. Someday maybe I will learn Spanish.

The person who did this interview with Rauw Alejandro speaks Spanish and knows Puerto Rican slang.

https://crfashionbook.com/rauw-alejandro-interview/

As he begins to share more about the new album over a Zoom call, his cat—a fluffy, smoke-gray Maine Coon named Kemuri—starts meowing incessantly outside his door. Distracted, Alejandro walks over to let him in. “¡Meraaa!” he says, deploying a classic Puerto Rican exclamation. “Get inside,” he says lovingly in Spanish

I liked Alejandro's last album, but am wondering if I will like new one when it comes out (based on this quote)

It’s too early to tell what the direction of the new record will be, but he knows for a fact that it’ll be nothing like Saturno. He’s been listening to a lot of pop-punk and nu metal, of all things—Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Blink-182—although there’s been some jazz and classical music on rotation too. “I’m still cooking, developing a new persona—the whole look and feel,” he explains. “But I’m not someone who follows a formula. All my big hits are different musical styles,” he continues, citing the raunchy reggaeton heater “Lokera,” the synth pop sparkler “Todo de Ti,” and the kizomba-tinged “2/Catorce.”

I know a little bit of Spanish I should say. But not enough

https://pitchfork.com/news/new-book-switched-on-chronicles-latin-american-women-in-electronic-music/

Switched On book included Latin American women in electronic music

Wow

RIP Pete Rodriguez, born in 1932, a Puerto Rican American raised in the Bronx whose bugaloo piano playing on “I like it like that “ has inspired many

RIP

Just came across this Dutch singer who was born in Uruguay, started singing disco then went jazz with some big names and seems to do Latin stuff as well, Laura Fygi.

Made an album called The Latin Touch which has some familiar songs.

Found an Arielle Dombasle Latin album as well.

Listening to Agustín Lara right now

I only have heard Lara's boleros a bit. I think Chavela Vargas and Natalie Lafourcade have covered that late icon.

Yes, just discovered the recording by the latter.

https://www.bronxdoc.org/exhibits/conzo/detail

CONZO
A LOOK BACK AT THE BRONX, 1977-84

OPENING RECEPTION
MAR 22, 2024 | 6 - 9PM
ON VIEW
MAR 22 - APR 21, 2024

Opening Reception: March 22, 2024 | 6-9PM
On View: March 22 - April 21, 2024

Born in 1963 in the South Bronx, Joe Conzo Jr. acquired a passion for photography as a young boy. By some combination of luck and circumstance, as a teenager Joe found himself at the very center of cultural and activist movements changing the Bronx. His father was the personal confidant of Tito Puente, promoting some of the biggest salsa shows of that time; his grandmother, Evelina López Antonetty, was a community activist known as the Hell Lady of the Bronx; and Joe’s classmates at South Bronx High School were literally birthing the culture of Hip Hop.

Starting at the age of 10, Joe began to carry his camera daily, photographing everything from school walkouts to the infamous fires ravaging the Bronx, to rap battles between the Cold Crush Brothers and other foundational Hip Hop groups. Forty-five years later, Joe’s images provide an unmatched and intimate document of the complex forces that created today’s Bronx.

Ned Subl$tte is excited about

Thursday, March 28, 7:30 pm: José Aquiles Virelles, Terraza 7, Queens. From Santiago de Cuba, the trovador whose son and sometime collaborator, pianist David Virelles, is well known in NYC music circles.

Saturday, March 30, 8 pm: Sonora Ponceña, 70th anniversary concert, with guests Luisito Carrión, Pequeño Johnny, and Reynaldo Jorge. Lehman Center, in the Bronx.

La Sonora Poncena are also doing a Washington DC gig at Kennedy Center

Sonora Ponceña — all-time champions of "this album does not sound anything like I would have guessed based on its cover art".

accordion on it. Nice. I read that Tornillo has a cumbia -rap song out too. I think he's now a big deal in Mexican rap

Eddie Palmieri sad Instagram posting
An Open Letter to My Supporters and Fans

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I must share some personal news. After recent consultations with my doctors, I have been advised to temporarily suspend all travel and live performances to prioritize my health.

This was not an easy decision to make, as performing and connecting with you has always been one of the greatest joys of my life.

(Full letter on Instagram with Spanish translation)

I need to re-read that Palmieri article in the New Yorker and research some stuff mentioned in there. Plus dig into the Rolling Stone best Latin list.

Saw this on someone's best of 24 list

Zaccai Curtis, Cubop Lives! (Truth Revolution Recording Collective)

Cool! Who else is on that, his brother?

Yes! Here's the list -Zaccai Curtis (piano); Luques Curtis (bass); Willie Martinez III (timbales); Camilo Molina (congas, pandero); Reinaldo DeJesus (bongos, chekere, guiro)

https://www.zaccaicurtis.com/articles/2024/10/7/bebop-spoken-here-album-review

Album melds old bebop and Latin jazz

https://www.zaccaicurtis.com/articles/2024/11/14/hartford-jazz-musician-gets-grammy-nod-for-cubop-album

Zaccai Curtis lives in Hartford, Ct . In this interview linked he says :

Curtis said "Cubop" was especially popular in the 1940s, made famous by artists like Tito Puente, before it was absorbed into other styles. So he's delighted at the critical recognition for this revival album.

"It's like a period piece record," he said in an interview. "It's not even the type of music I play every day. I don't hear too many people playing it. But it's the music I love. I absolutely love to play it and I study it."

Curtis, a pianist and composer, said he was lucky to find other musicians who could play Cubop, including his brother Luques Curtis.

While he is not Cuban himself, Curtis said "all jazz musicians do have a connection to Latin music or Cuban music. There is a common cultural connection with our music."

Curtis said two songs on the "Cubop Lives" album are original; the rest are covers "but each one of those arrangements are done very differently than anyone else has done in the past."

Although Curtis has played on other award-winning albums, this is the first time his own project has been nominated for a Grammy.
The awards ceremony takes place in February.

Maybe I will put this on.

Sounds pretty good a few seconds in

Typical me likes the more Afro-Cuban aspects on it than the Black American jazz parts which are good too but don't get me quite as excited

https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2024-12-31/best-latin-songs-2024-peso-pluma-kali-uchis-karol-g-becky-g

3 writers choose their fave Latin pop, etc and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra makes an appearance for salsa

https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2024-12-31/best-latin-songs-2024-peso-pluma-kali-uchis-karol-g-becky-g

Cool. Are you gonna roll the thread?

Also saw a video on social media of Luques playing behind Eddie, which made me smile.

Rolling Afro-Latin Music 2025: Reggaeton, Dembow, Latin Pop, Salsa,Bachata, Bomba, Latin Jazz, Merengue, Urbano and more Latinx

Rolling the thread to 2025 here