[Pre-show Post]
It has long fascinated me that Italy boasts great talent in salsa music production -- whether by Italian musicians, musicians based in Italy but of a different heritage, or Italian DJs who make music.
Spotlighting Italian salsa will be the theme of Encanto Tropical - Episode 42. Although I once visited Italy to run the Rome Marathon several years ago, unfortunately I did not attend any Italian salsa events. Therefore, I am certainly not an expert on Italian salsa, but in my long-going attempt to research songs made by musicians and Djs in Italy, the result was a very long list which remains unfinished (see here). Clearly, music production in Italy really shines when compared to other countries where salsa is not mainstream.
So I have ventured to go through my collection and sample a selection of songs to represent Italian salsa. This is no easy task, especially with a 2-hour show limit. Nonetheless, it is an interesting challenge. My choice of songs avoids obvious anthems and leans towards lesser known material while also limiting the share of the pie by certain prolific artists. There will certainly be several songs that I can fit due to time limitations, which may be a good reason for a Part 2 on this theme.
As a bonus, appearing on the episode is Francisco Rojos, a pioneering DJ, music producer, and creator of the Latin web magazine and music label Salsa.it. In an interview, he will share his thoughts and I hope to spotlight the following points with listeners.
a brief history of salsa in Italy
an introduction to several salsa songs which come from Italian popular music
an overview of his own pioneering role in the Italian salsa scene
his recommendation of some exemplary Italian salsa songs
His choice of seven songs -- including his own -- will be shared on the show, which starts with a 35-minute mix of some of my favourite Italian salsa tunes from recent years.
To learn more about Francisco Rojos, check out his profile on the Salsa.it website as well as his podcast, Latin Connection, which is a collaboration with Radio Quisqueya. Both are in Italian.
Thanks to Fabrizio Zoro (DJ, composer, music producer, and director of La Maxima 79) who was a guest on Episode 14, for introducing me to Francisco Rojos.
Tune in on September 12 for a special show. Please note that it will be conducted in Spanish.
