Orquesta del Barrio

Latin Beat Magazine, Feb, 1998 by Rudy Mangual

On a recent visit to Rykodisc headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I was able to taste a little of the Latin music scene in this historical settlement of North America, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. With the aid of Robert G. Bernberg, Esquire, I toured most of the city and visited some of its popular night spots and eateries. Home to over half a million Puerto Ricans, Philadelphia is truly a Salsa City and very proud of it. Its Barrio community is culturally active in the arts and music through organizations like AMLA (Asociación de Músicos Latino Americanos) who operate a Latin music school and dance workshops, as well as El Taller Puertorriqueño, a superb source for the literature, art, music, and history of Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean culture.

One of the favorite local salsa bands in Philly is the Orquesta del Barrio. Led by brothers Celestino and Carlos Sánchez, Orquesta del Barrio is the product of Philadelphia's Puerto Rican community and the love, passion, and devotion for this music that shines through. Original members of AMLA, the Sánchez family has been part of the Philly music scene for over two decades, paying their dues as sidemen in numerous bands and partaking in the formation of several local bands and projects. Their latest release on the market is titled Sonido, del Barrio. This production features the bilingual vocals of Diana Oliveras and Carlos Sánchez. The CD includes eight selections, three of which are original compositions of the band and three others R&B cover tunes with English lyrics arranged to salsa, making them more appealing to a wider audience. Se rompió la cadena, a Lino Bonilla composition and Rocio from Carlos Sánchez's pen, are my choice tracks on the CD. Latin Beat Magazine salutes Orquesta del Barrio for keeping salsa music alive and well in Philadelphia and we salute all the other local bands and musicians. I would also like to commend all the venues that sponsor Latin music throughout the city, the radio programs, and the DJs. Saludos to the posse at Rykodisc, AMLA, the Five Spot, and La Mega.