Latin Beat Music Update

Latin Beat Magazine, April, 2000 by Nelson Rodriguez

Two explosive merengue bands making the rounds in the east are Burende with their smash hit Como Quisiera, and Darlyn y Los Herederos. Burende's CD, titled La Magia Que Envuelve, actually made it into the Top 40 BDS (Broadcast Data System) with less than 50 plays coming from two radio stations in New York and Miami. Considering the BDS is supposed to show us what the best national hits are, how can two stations generate so touch charting power? In essence, if you're not played by these stations you'll never break the top 40. Darlyn Made is a talented young vocalist whose CD Pruebame is very promising.

Ralph Irizarry & his group Timbalaye have a new CD, Best Kept Secret on the Shanachie label with special guest Giovanni Hidalgo. Los Jovenes Del Barrio are also on Shanachie. We'll have more information on this label and its artists soon.

Trombonist William Cepeda, who is always looking for new twists to add to his music, will release The Next Step late this month.

Popular west coast act Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca is back with Sao Salvador and his unique mixture of Cuban-influenced salsa, African rhythms and most importantly, his infectious vocal style. Very creative, and will do very well on the world beat circuit.

For more than two decades I've been receiving birthday cards from Martin Cohen (Latin Percussion) and I remember the inception of his label LP Ventures in the '70s. During that time Martin released recordings by the Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble, Alfredo De La Fe's debut, Alfredo; José Mangual Sr's only recording as a leader, Buyú; Luis Perico Ortiz's first recording before forming his own salsa band; Johnny Rodríguez's Dandy's Dandy with members of Típica 73 doing Latin jazz; Patato's Ready For Freddy and Authority, with names like Orestes Vilató, Alfredo Rodríguez, Papaito, Julito Collazo and Virgilio Marti. Now all these releases are being issued on CD for the first time. The timing is impeccable and a great way to start this century. Of particular interest is LPJE'S first release before Puente became the leader --with Patato, Sal Cuevas, Johnny Dandy Rodríguez, Steve Berrios, René López, and Eddy Martínez (later replaced by Jorge Dalto)-- titled Just Like Magic.

Many fans are also looking forward to Jerry Medina's new recording which can easily be a Grammy candidate. Medina is one of the industry's most under-rated jazz and salsa vocalists.

Congratulations to this year's Grammy winners Tito Puente, Poncho Sánchez, Elvis Crespo, Los Van Van and Rubén Blades.

Little Louie Vega and Kenny Dope González (Masters At Work) celebrate their 10th Anniversary this year with a huge concert in Miami.

There was on all-star salsa song recorded for the young Cuban boy, Elian, the center of controversy between Cuba and the U.S. The song, No Lo Dejen Ir, includes many vocalists from the Miami area.

One of the hottest events has become the National Congreso de Salsa highlighting dancers from all over the world. It has been celebrated in Puerto Rico, New York and on May 26, 27 & 28 here in Los Angeles with their 2nd annual celebration. Check out live performanc es by Andy Montañez, the Bacardi Congress All-Star Band, Johnny Polanco, Costa Azul, Son Mayor, Salsa Swingoza of Japan (with ex-Orq. De La Luz members) and a host of DJs including L.A.'s DJ Frank and New York's Henry Knowles. Dancers from places like Japan, New York, New Jersey, Italy, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Canada, Los Angeles, Denver, Germany, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco, Argentina, Atlanta, London, Florida and more are expected to show-case their dancers.