These CD’s wrapped up a good year of music While we wait for the new crop of must-have cd’s for 2017, let’s check some of last year’s productions you might have missed. Gran Combo Alunizando (EGC Records, 2016) Gran Combo—or El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico—as … [Read more...]
Music News and Reviews
Get the latest music news, reviews and happenings in salsa, Cuban salsa and more at Dance Papi.
Willie Colón, un rebelde con causa (Español)
Considerado uno de los pioneros en el desarrollo del auténtico movimiento salsero a finales de los años 60 y principios de los 70, “El Malo de la salsa”, como es comúnmente llamado, creció en el barrio latino del distrito del Bronx en compañía de sus abuelos … [Read more...]
10 datos históricos de la salsa (Español)
La salsa es un ritmo que mueve al mundo, una expresión cultural que define la identidad de millones de personas, un baile que se ha convertido en puente de comunicación entre hombres y mujeres. En palabras del famoso compositor cubano Eduardo Morales Caso “la salsa es … [Read more...]
Cali, capital mundial de la salsa (Español)
En general en todo el territorio colombiano se escucha y se baila salsa, especialmente en ciudades como Barranquilla, Medellín, Cartagena, Bogotá, y por supuesto, Cali. En ellas también se celebran diversos encuentros culturales que le rinden homenaje a este ritmo, como … [Read more...]
Top 7 Salsa Songs to Add to Your Playlist
Salsa dance is a hodge podge of borrowed rhythms with roots in Colombia, Cuba, Africa, Puerto Rico, New York and Los Angeles—the list goes on and on. Just like the dance is so mixed, so is the music! However, if you stick to the same studios and the same Latin clubs, … [Read more...]
30 Years and Counting of KPFK’s “Canto Tropical”
In April 1986, a new show took to the airwaves on KPFK, 90.7 FM. Titled “Canto Tropical,” its mission was to play the best darn salsa and Afro-Cuban music in all of Southern California. The genius behind the show was Hector Reséndez, better known to listeners as “La … [Read more...]
Uncovering the Kingdom of Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa
It’s time we talked about the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. Born in Havana in 1925, Cruz garnered 23 gold records before passing away in 2003. In addition to the popular moniker The Queen of Salsa, people also know Cruz as The Queen of Latin Music. She’s a powerhouse, and … [Read more...]
Eclectic Salsa Mixes to Consider
Not your run-of-the-mill new picks Afro Latin Ensemble Levántate o Despídete (Get Up and Dance) (Aerie Records, 2015) There is something so refreshing about a musical ensemble made up of music students. Embedded in the project is the knowledge that the music … [Read more...]
New Latin Music For Your Consideration
From salsa gorda to romantic boleros, there’s something for everyone. They just keep coming . . . great recordings that are worthy of your collection. In this batch we consider music from groups out of Los Angeles, Denver, Miami and Spain. All are different, all … [Read more...]
Classic Salsa Albums
Salsa recordings that should be in your collection Occasionally, I’d like to review classic salsa recordings that I think should be in everyone’s collection. Luckily, many of these are now on CD or are downloadable from all the usual places. So if you aren’t into … [Read more...]