Intellectually Entertaining. Socially Relevant.
Flashback Fridays I had a different artist in mind for today’s Flashback. I felt that I’ve been inundating you guys with artists from the Salsa genre and I had intended to break that streak when I heard the sad news of the passing of a legend in his own right – Fania vocalist, Junior Gonzalez. Read More
Flashback Fridays If salseros needed a degree to do what they do, they would probably get it from El Gran Combo, Latin America’s premiere Salsa orchestra. They are nicknamed “La Universidad de La Salsa” or “The University of Salsa” due to the great number of artists who either started or developed their careers with them. Read More
Flashback Fridays Two weeks ago, we covered the art of sonando, and how the sonero is a dying breed within the Salsa community. There have been many soneros since way before it’s golden age in between the late 50s and late 70s, but only a few stand out, having been given legendary status. Only one Read More
Flashback Fridays What is there to say about Celia that hasn’t already been said? A legend by any standard. Known and respected world wide. A would be teacher who had a dream and fortunately for us, decided to pursue it. Those of us who have had the great pleasure and honor to see her perform Read More
Flashback Fridays Freestyler (music): An artist who can improvise off the top of the head. I bet some of you automatically think of some rap artists going toe to toe in a freestyle battle. I like those too, but freestyling can be found in any other genre of music. In Salsa, the art of freestyling Read More
Flashback Fridays Hoy si que nos ponemos a bailar! Give that chair a rest and hit the dance floor, whether it’s your bedroom, living room, office (make sure the boss isn’t watching), this is the type of song that you just can’t help but move to. That’s pretty common when it comes to Johnny Ventura. Read More
Flashback Fridays Going through my archives a few days ago, I noticed that I have covered a bunch of solo artists, but no bands. As I searched for something different I came across Los Angeles based Chicano-Rock band, Los Lobos. I took a listen and immediately took a liking to them. They are highly influenced Read More
Flashback Friday This week, I thought we’d lighten things up a bit after last week’s edition in which we discussed Ruben Blades’ hit ‘Plastico’ and how it was a critique of today’s materialistic society and it’s effect on our culture. It’s almost depressing when you think about it, so let’s shake it off, and groove Read More
Flashback Friday Women sporting fake smiles who won’t talk to anyone unless it’s that doctor that will be able to fund her high maintenance lifestyle. Men who care only about their appearance and the latest cars. That couple neck deep in debt caused by trying to maintain a higher social status. We can probably say Read More
Flashback Friday We’ve all heard his story many times over. Different versions, some so different you don’t know who or what to believe. His life was turned into an off-Broadway play and even a major production on the big screen, portrayed by an international superstar. Having said that, I think I’ll spare you the life Read More