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This episode contains 29 tracks (2:00:08). Replay it near the bottom of this page . The contents of Encanto Tropical   60  is a recording of a set on March 15, 2026, when I had the joy of guest deejaying at Isumi de Salsa , a warm and welcoming salsa community nestled in the rural seaside of Chiba Prefecture. What a wonderful group of people. A creative challenge Curating a set for a predominantly beginner crowd meant balancing danceable tempos, a mix of salsa sub-styles, familiar and lesser-known tracks, and the right amount of bachata, cha cha cha, and merengue to keep the tropical energy alive -- all while attempting to maintain smooth transitions, harmonic flow, and consistent volume from first song to last. This is the kind of challenge I live for. Some of the music on Episode 60 Isumi de Salsa on Encanto Tropical I hope I succeeded and helped spread among the dancers more interest and enthusiasm for this great music... And it is a thrill adding this 'Isumi de Salsa' set to the Encanto Tropical catalog. See the bottom of this page to replay it. FEATURED ARTISTS Full song attribution is given on the show for the following artists who were included. Bobby Quesada DJ Fabrizio Zoro Dj Limbo Latino & DJ Lukas El Taz Don Ruiz Orquesta El Clan Tropical El Combo Moderno Frankie Ruiz Grupo Bemtu Grupo Melao  Grupo Niche (x2) Hildemaro Ismael Rivera Jan Reijnders JFab Y Paola Fabre La Fantastica La Lupe Louie Ramírez Maluma Mare Cabal y Orquesta Yare Moa Rivera Natti Natasha Orishas Oscar d'Leon Pacho Buscadoro y Villalba Ray Barretto Sebas Garreta (x2) Tromboranga About Isumi de Salsa This is a community of salsa lovers who meet every 3rd Sunday  in a rural area of Chiba near the Pacific Ocean called Isumi. Resident instructor Ryoko Ohara  leads a beginner-friendly lesson before a 2-hour social dance event with resident DJ Gian  on the decks! For inquiries: Isumi de Salsa (Facebook) . All are welcome regardless of level! REPLAY Episode 60 Encanto Tropical 60 - Deep Chiba Latin Session (Click on the link above if the embedded player does not display) < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Yacel Sagarra's Journey to Success Incredible news! Japan-based Cuban artist Yacel Sagarra has just hit no. 22 on the Latinos Unidos Online chart (out of 125) for this month with his single 'Se va', which was launched last September. For a while now, I have been following the developing career of this singer-songwriter from Santiago de Cuba. His passion and dedication have been nothing short of inspiring. The road isn't easy for musicians today, but Yacel's commitment to his craft shines through every note. I am so proud of this milestone—and I know it's just the beginning. If you haven't discovered his music yet, check out his website or YouTube channel and stream 'Se va' by Yacel Sagarra on all platforms. The Impact of Salsa Music Salsa music is more than just a genre; it's a vibrant culture that brings people together. It has roots in various musical styles, including jazz, son, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. This fusion creates a unique sound that captivates listeners worldwide. For many, salsa is a way to express emotions and connect with others. Whether you're dancing at a local club or enjoying a live performance, the energy of salsa is infectious. It's a celebration of life, love, and community. Why Yacel's Music Matters Yacel Sagarra's music embodies the spirit of salsa. His songs are filled with rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics. They resonate with anyone who has ever felt the joy of dancing or the pain of love. His recent success on the charts is a testament to his talent and hard work. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the impact he has on his listeners. When you listen to 'Se va', you can feel the passion he pours into every note. Discovering New Sounds If you haven't yet explored Yacel's music, now is the perfect time. His YouTube channel is a treasure trove of vibrant performances and engaging content. You'll find everything from music videos to behind-the-scenes glimpses of his creative process. Streaming 'Se va' on all platforms is a must. I promise you won't regret it! This track is a beautiful representation of his artistry and dedication to salsa music. The Future of Salsa in Japan As Yacel continues to rise in the music scene, he is paving the way for other artists in Japan. His journey shows that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. The salsa community in Japan is growing, and it's exciting to see how artists like Yacel are contributing to this vibrant culture. Events, dance classes, and live performances are becoming more popular, creating a lively atmosphere for salsa lovers. Join the Salsa Movement If you're passionate about salsa, consider joining local dance classes or attending events. It's a fantastic way to meet new people and immerse yourself in the culture. Plus, who doesn't love a good dance party? Yacel's success is just one example of how salsa music can thrive in new environments. Let's support artists like him and keep the salsa spirit alive! In conclusion, Yacel Sagarra's journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of music. His dedication to salsa is inspiring, and I can't wait to see where his career takes him next. So, let’s celebrate his achievements and continue to support the vibrant world of salsa music. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

In this post, I explain the choice of salsa songs that best represent the year 2025 for me. This selection is not meant to be authoritative; it should only be considered a collection of personal favorites. A replay of the relevant shows is available near the bottom of this page . Making the Lists Over the winter holidays I worked on Encanto Tropical , which had been on pause since September. Episodes 56 and 57 were broadcast on January 1st and 8th. As Parts 1 and 2 of my “2025 Salsa Songlist,” they spotlight 50 salsa songs (25 each) released in the past year. The process was both educational and fun. I enjoyed shortlisting songs, programming, mixing, providing commentary, adding jingles, and mastering the final result. Together, the two episodes offer an eclectic mix of musical styles under the salsa umbrella. Again, these songs are personal favorites. I'm not claiming what the best salsa songs of 2025 are. While I've been exploring salsa and deejaying at socials for over 20 years, I don't suggest to be an expert on year-end rankings. Those require different criteria than what I focus on (see below). Also relevant would be the ability to analyze music in a way which I don't pretend to know. However, sharing song information is essential for the salsa community. DJs can play a vital role in its growth and awareness by sharing. Gatekeeping, claiming to know "the best songs," or posting unfocused song collections are just no good. In contrast, my purpose here is to share a passion for salsa by promoting song awareness with enthusiasts, DJs, and dancers--in this case, with the theme of 2025-releases, following the general template of theme-based episodes of Encanto Tropical . In effect, let's appreciate some good songs for dancing and their musicians and composers. With that, I leave the "best-of-year" curations to the true experts out there. Read on for background details about my selection; or skip this preamble and go to the lists . Criteria My selections prioritized danceability, original hooks, and production quality, with well-mastered instrumental or vocal elements. By "danceability," I mean how a song suits my style of deejaying for the dancers I usually play for—this is an important point. With one exception, I avoided AI-generated songs (though not DAW-produced tracks). Context Creating a comprehensive selection of releases in a given year requires significant time and resources I lack. Limited by my day job and family duties, I could not review every release. As a DJ who purchases most tracks, budget constraints further restricted my selection pool. Acknowledging Bias Despite striving for objectivity, I acknowledge familiarity bias—artists I know personally or have rapport with were more likely to be considered simply because I'm more exposed to their work. Embracing Subjectivity Personal taste inevitably shapes my choices. Unlike DJs with a narrow focus (only Cuban music or salsa dura), I embrace salsa's full spectrum—from Cuban music and salsa dura to vintage guaguancó , romántica , urbana , and pop, as well as traditional genres such as son and charanga (not to mention salsa of regional styles, such as Colombia). Song Order Songs are not ranked, and their order on the episodes is unrelated to any preference. The order of songs reflects what I considered most suitable for programming them, keeping in mind the tonality of songs and what key they are in, as well as how they open and close. Summary A certain selection criteria was followed. Time and budget significantly limited my coverage. True objectivity is impossible given my connections and exposure. My broad stylistic approach may not suit those preferring specialized playlists. Song order is not indicative of any ranking. Some of the material featured on Episodes 56 and 57 Encanto Tropical 2025 Salsa Songlist (Not necessarily best salsa songs of 2025) DJ Angel Figueroa Part 1 - Episode 56 Note: This list contains one error; see the Erratum below for details Part 2 - Episode 57 Part 3 - Episode 58 Digging for songs to include in Part 2 uncovered more notable songs than I could fit. Many shortlisted tracks were ultimately cut. After completing what I thought would be a 2-part list, other songs emerged that deserve recognition, too. So a third part with another 25 songs was made. Thank you for your support. Enjoy the shows and appreciate the musicians and composers! Comments and questions are welcome. Certainly let me know what songs you think I missed. Rehearsing for the upcoming show. Replay Episode 56: Part 1 of ‘2025 Salsa Songlist’ Episode 57: Part 2 of ‘2025 Salsa Songlist’ Episode 58: Part 3 of ‘2025 Salsa Songlist’ Note In case the embedded players above do not load, visit SoundCloud for Episode 56 , Episode 57 , or Episode 58 to listen directly. RELATED EPISODES Salsa songs of 2000 Salsa songs of 2001: early , spring , summer , late Salsa songs of 2022 Salsa songs of 2023 Salsa songs of 2024 Erratum One song was misidentified as having been released in 2025; in fact, it was launched in November 2024: '¿A qué te sabe mi amor?' by Mare Cabal & Orquesta Yare. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Vívela! Salsa Tour 2025   The Salsa Revolution Returns to Tokyo! Get ready for an explosive night of pure salsa passion as Tromboranga Salsa Orchestra, the multinational powerhouse representing the pure essence of salsa dura , storms back to Tokyo's Club Quattro Shibuya on September 25th, 2025. 純粋なサルサ・ドゥーラのエッセンスを体現する多国籍パワーハウス、トロンボランガが2025年9月25日、東京の伝説的なクラブクアトロ渋谷に嵐のように戻ってくる！純粋なサルサの情熱が爆発する夜に備えよう！ > 日本語版 へ Prepárate para una noche llena de intensa pasión salsera mientras Tromboranga, la fuerza multinacional que simboliza la esencia auténtica de la Salsa Dura, vuelve al mítico Club Quattro Shibuya en Tokio el 25 de septiembre del 2025. > Versión en español As your DJ for this spectacular evening, I couldn't be more thrilled to be part of this incredible musical journey! Tromboranga stands among the world's most electrifying contemporary salsa orchestras, and I believe this is a must-attend event for salsa lovers in Tokyo. My passion for this band runs deep – their explosive trombones, thunderous percussion, and soul-stirring soneos represent everything I love about authentic salsa music. I'll be setting the atmosphere as the opening DJ, then managing the audio for several captivating dance performances that will heat up the night before Tromboranga takes the stage. Here's where you can support my involvement in this amazing event: Use my special promotional code "Angel" for a discount when purchasing advance tickets on Piatix.com . Your support through this code helps me continue bringing world-class salsa experiences to Tokyo's music scene! Doors open at 18:30, show starts at 19:00, with Tromboranga performing at 20:15. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness one of today's most innovative salsa orchestras live in action! Secure your discounted tickets now with code "Angel" and join me for an unforgettable night of salsa magic at Club Quattro Shibuya! ( Click here for English assistance ) Tromboranga Salsa Orchestra in Tokyo!   Vívela! Salsa Tour 2025   サルサ革命が東京に帰ってくる！  純粋なサルサ・ドゥーラのエッセンスを体現する多国籍パワーハウス、トロンボランガが2025年9月25日、東京の伝説的なクラブクアトロ渋谷に嵐のように戻ってくる！純粋なサルサの情熱が爆発する夜に備えよう！ この壮大な夜のDJとして、この素晴らしい音楽の旅の一部になれることに、これ以上ないほど興奮しています！トロンボランガは世界で最も電撃的な現代サルサオーケストラの一つであり、東京のサルサ好きな人にとっては、これは絶対に見逃せないイベントだと心から信じています！！ このバンドへの私の情熱は深いものです。 彼らの爆発的なトロンボーン、雷鳴のようなパーカッション、そして魂を揺さぶるソネオは、私が愛する本格的なサルサ音楽のすべてを表現しています。オープニングDJとして完璧な雰囲気を作り出し、その後いくつかの魅力的なダンスパフォーマンスのオーディオを管理します。トロンボランガがステージに上がる前に、皆さんを最高のボルテージに引き上げれるよう、私も今、良いプレッシャーの中、興奮気味に準備しているところです。 この素晴らしいイベントへの私の参加をサポートしていただける方法があります： 前売券を購入する際に私の特別プロモーションコード「Angel」を使用して、ぜひ割引チケットを受け取ってください！ このコードを通じてのご支援は、世界クラスのサルサ体験を東京の音楽シーンに持ち込み続ける私の活動を支えてくれます。 開場18:30、開演19:00、トロンボランガのパフォーマンスは20:15から。今最も革新的なサルサオーケストラの一つを生で見れる、この貴重な機会を是非お見逃しなく！ コード「Angel」で割引チケットを今すぐ確保し、クラブクアトロ渋谷での忘れられないサルサマジックの夜に私と一緒に参加しましょう！      Vívela! Salsa Tour 2025   ¡La Revolución Salsera vuelve a Tokio! Prepárate para una noche llena de intensa pasión salsera mientras Tromboranga, la fuerza multinacional que simboliza la esencia auténtica de la Salsa Dura, vuelve al mítico Club Quattro Shibuya en Tokio el 25 de septiembre del 2025.   Como tu DJ para esta noche especial, ¡estoy muy emocionado de ser parte de este increíble viaje musical! Tromboranga es una de las orquestas de salsa contemporánea más cautivadoras a nivel global, y sinceramente considero que este es un acontecimiento indispensable para cualquier aficionado a la salsa en Tokio y más allá. Mi entusiasmo por este grupo es intenso - sus trombones potentes, percusión atronadora y sonidos que impactan el alma simbolizan todo lo que aprecio de la música salsa genuina. Voy a crear el ambiente ideal como DJ de apertura y también gestionaré el sonido para varias actuaciones de baile emocionantes que animarán la noche antes de que Tromboranga llegue al escenario. Aquí es donde TÚ puedes ayudarme a participar en este gran evento: Aplica mi código promocional "Angel" al comprar boletos por adelantado y recibe un descuento. Tu apoyo con este código me permite seguir trayendo experiencias salseras de alta calidad a la música latina en Tokio. Las puertas se abren a las 18:30, el espectáculo empieza a las 19:00, y Tromboranga se presenta a las 20:15. ¡No te pierdas la oportunidad de ver en vivo a una de las orquestas de salsa más creativas de hoy! Consigue tus boletos con descuento ahora usando el código "Angel" y acompáñame a una noche inolvidable de magia salsera en Club Quattro Shibuya.    ( Haz clic aquí para asistencia en español ) Tromboranga: Tokyo Flyer Tromboranga Japan TOUR 2025 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

This episode contains 28 tracks (2:00:22). Replay it near the bottom of this page . If you browse through DJ mixes online labeled "salsa brava," you might wonder what exactly makes them "brava." As someone who's been spinning salsa music for over two decades, I've noticed this term gets used quite liberally, sometimes without a clear understanding of its origins or meaning. What is Salsa Brava? Salsa brava  literally means "brave" or "rough" salsa and can be aligned with the music of the so-called salsa scene from the late 1960s through the late-1970s as a harder-edged, more aggressive variety when compared with other styles in what now constitutes the salsa universe after several decades of evolution. Distinguished by its faster tempos, powerful brass sections, and often socially conscious lyrics, salsa brava  represented the raw energy of barrio life and the struggles in Latino communities. About Episode 51: Salsa brava from my perspective as a DJ When considering the origin or relevance of the term salsa brava , the Oxford Spanish Dictionary defines  brava  as "fierce" or "rough" (Oxford University Press, 2013). This perfectly captures the bold, uncompromising nature of this musical expression through the character of the brass section, the percussion, the vocals, and more. Manny Orquendo Y Libre: a pivotal group with a repertoire of more than 30 years of exemplary salsa brava.  The Golden Age of salsa brava Salsa brava  flourished primarily in the early to late 1970s, a period often referred to as salsa's "golden age." New York-based musicians channeled the spirit of Spanish Harlem and the South Bronx during a time of social upheaval and cultural awakening. This is not to say that the salsa brava  expression did not include musical activity elsewhere. What salsa brava  is not is the sweet-sounding  salsa romántica that dominated the 1980s with its softer arrangements and love-focused lyrics. It is also distinct from the more polished commercial salsa of later decades or the fusion styles that exploited elements of pop and other genres. Some of the music on Encanto Tropical 51 - "Salsa Brava" EXAMPLES OF Salsa Brava Below are six tracks included in the playlist of Episode 51. I believe they exemplify rather well the power and essence of salsa brava . 1. "Aquellos Rumberos" - Orchestra Dicupé 2. "El Rey de la Conga" - Joe Madrid   3. "Tremenda Bronca" - Danny Gonzalez Y Su Orquesta Sensacional 4. "La Cazuela" - Kako   5. "Mi Ritmo Está Bueno" - Javier Vazquez Y Su Salsa 6. "Ha Llegado El Momento" - Brooklyn Sounds These are just six examples of salsa brava in context. Check out Episode 51 in its entirety through the replay link at the bottom of this page . FEATURED Artists Listed below are the artists and bands selected for Episode 51. Full attribution is provided on the show. Babo Jimenez Y Su Banda Brooklyn Sounds Cesar Nicolas Y Su Orquesta Chaparro Y Orquesta (x2) Chino Rodriguez Y La Consegración Conjunto Candela Danny Gonzalez Y Su Orquesta Sensacional El Negrito Truman Gilberto Cruz Ismael Miranda Y Su Orquesta Revelación Javier Vazquez Y Su Salsa Jimmy Urbina Y Su Orquesta Revolucion 70 Joe Acosta Orquesta Joe Madrid Johnny Ventura Y Su Combo Kako Kiki Rosa & Orquesta La Renovación Los Megatones de Lucho Luis Santi Monguito Santamaria Orchestra Dicupé Orchestra Harlow Primitivo Santos Y Su Orquesta Ralphy Santi Sexteto Juventud The Tony Rojas Ochestra N.B.: Missing from the list is Manny Oquendo Y Libre, a stalwart example of the salsa brava style. I originally passed them over due to their songs being too long; however; if I could redo the show, I would definitely consider a good example in spite of song length. Conclusion This theme-based episode of Encanto Tropical focuses on salsa brava in a continuous two-hour set. While the radio format can allow for this sort of structure, when I am spinning salsa at an event, I prefer to mix salsa brava  with other styles rather than playing a purist set. My reason is because the raw energy of these tracks can be too much or even lost if not tempered by contrasting styles. In fact, salsa brava  serves as great juxtaposition to smoother styles, creating dynamic tension on the dance floor, which can emphasize different styles and veer away from monotony. This can be very important for a successful salsa set (assuming that one's tastes line up somewhat with the dancers). It is this dynamic of contrast and juxtaposition which fittingly suggests how salsa music thrives on evolution and dialogue among its different styles.   Thank you for supporting Encanto Tropical through World Salsa Radio . FURTHER REadinG Aparicio, F. R. (1998). Listening to Salsa: Gender, Latin Popular Music, and Puerto Rican Cultures.  Wesleyan University Press. Berríos-Miranda, M., & Dudley, S. (2008). El Gran Combo, Cortijo, and the Musical Geography of Cangrejos/Santurce, Puerto Rico. Caribbean Studies, 36(2), 121-143. Glasser, R. (1995). My Music Is My Flag: Puerto Rican Musicians and Their New York Communities, 1917-1940 . University of California Press. Hagedorn, K. J. (2001). Divine Utterances: The Performance of Afro-Cuban Santería . Smithsonian Institution Press. Moore, R. (2010). Music in the Hispanic Caribbean.  Oxford University Press. Morales, E. (2003). The Latin Beat: The Rhythms and Roots of Latin Music from Bossa Nova to Salsa and Beyond.  Da Capo Press. Oxford University Press (2013). Brava . In  Compact   Oxford Spanish-English dictionary . (1st Edition). Pacini Hernandez, D. (2010). Oye Como Va!: Hybridity and Identity in Latino Popular Music . Temple University Press. Quintero Rivera, A. G. (2009). Cuerpo y cultura: las músicas 'mulatas' y la subversión del baile. Editorial Iberoamericana. Rondón, C. M. (2008). The Book of Salsa: A Chronicle of Urban Music from the Caribbean to New York City.  University of North Carolina Press. Washburne, C. (2008). Sounding Salsa: Performing Latin Music in New York City. Temple University Press. REPLAY EPISODE 51 Encanto Tropical 51 - Salsa Brava from a DJ's Perspective (Click on the link above if the embedded player does not display) < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

AFTER-SHOW POST | PRE-SHOW POST Episode 45 features songs I prepared for 3 DJ sets and a workshop at the 2024 Taiwan Salsa Carnival. Replay at the bottom of this page (2:00:52, 27 tracks). In Taipei, I did not play all the songs from this show, and there were several tracks I played that I hadn't put on the playlist. The playlist itself included material for my workshop where I gave a presentation on the background story of several salsa songs. More details about that in the previous post . Some of the music on Encanto Tropical 45 Artists Below is a list of all the artists on Episode 45. Full attribution is given on the show. Alfredo Linares y Su Sonora Beto Collado Conjunto Universal DJ Ricky Campanelli DJ Mirco, Merlino DJ, DJ Pepe el Rumbero El Vikingo de la Salsa El Santos Gia Fu Grupo Niche Javier Luis Jimmy Bosch Jimmy Saa Johnny Sedes y Su Orquesta La Maxima 79 & DJ Fabrizio Zoro Los Criollos Los Macos de Enriquito Machete Diaz feat. José D'Jesus Manny Martinez Ocatavio Cardona Orchestra Mambo International Orquesta Guayacan Orquesta La Criolla Ray Pérez y El Grupo Casabe Rubim de Toledo Tabaco y Sus Metales The Spanish Harlem Orchestra Willie "Baby" Rodriguez I hope listeners enjoy Episode 45 -- a preview of songs I prepared for my roles as DJ and workshop presenter at the 2024 Taiwan Salsa Carnival in Taipei, Nov 22-24. REPLAY EPISODE 45 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

The debut album of Spanish Harlem Orchestra, under the direction of pianist and arranger Oscar Hernandez, was released in 2002. By that time I had already been producing salsa events and deejaying for only a few years, so I was still a little green with regard to experience. Spanish Harlem Orchestra's debut album now on vinyl Salsa had become a passion but I was lacking much understanding of its history; yet I was playing salsa exclusively while committed to honing my skills, developing a diverse collection, and learning as much as possible, given the circumstances. The compass points of early timba , classic Fania anthems, contemporary Colombian salsa, and slightly-old Puerto Rican salsa were my main areas of focus when spinning tunes back in the days of CD players. However, after discovering Spanish Harlem Orchestra, my new interest in contemporary salsa strengthened in the wake of other salsa material released near the turn of the century, such as by Jimmy Bosch, Yuri Buenaventura, Africando, Son Boricua, and Edwin Bonilla. Un Gran Día En El Barrio , which translates as "a great day in the neighborhood" had the biggest impact. Full of dance tunes, the album quickly went on high rotation at my gigs for several months. Twenty-two years later, it’s tempting to consider it now as nostalgic; but truth be told, it still sounds fresh and not at all dated. I think it has passed the test of time very well. Album Notes The liner notes of the CD summarize the great influence that the New York neighborhood of Harlem had on American music, with nods to Charles Mingus, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and James Brown in their contributions to the status and development of African-American music in particular. However, a point needing recognition was the "Spanish" area of Harlem, where many Latinos, especially Puerto Ricans, resided, and they too made important contributions to music, specifically to the form which would come to be known as salsa . [1] Both the journalist Cesar Miguel Rondón and musicologist Andrés Espinoza Agurto point out how salsa -- in its purest form -- was stylized in the barrio . [2] [3] Back cover of the CD Un Gran Día En El Barrio comprises ten songs, and together they are a "musical portrait of a tiny neighborhood that changed the sound of the entire world". [4] Ranging from 1947 ("Obsesión" by Pedro Flores) to the early 1970s ("La Banda" by Marty Sheller and Willie Colon) the songs are performed by esteemed musicians paying homage to this history. Spanish Harlem Orchestra members (2002) [Source: CD notebook, back cover] Oscar Hernandez, piano / musical director Ruben Rodriguez, bass Ray Vega, trumpet Raul Agraz, trumpet Jose Davila, trombone Ozzie Melendez, trombone Mitch Frohman, baritone sax Pablo "Chino" Nuñez, timbales Bobby ALlende, bongo George Delgado, conga Ray de la Paz, vocals Frankie Vasquez, vocals Herman Olivera, vocals Jimmy Sabater, guest vocals Produced by Aaron Luis Levinson / Label: Ropeadope Records, 2002 Musings Notably, the album was never available on streaming platforms when they came into existence and even now as Spotify continues to update its catalog with many previously unavailable salsa albums, it still remains unlisted. I have always speculated that this had do with copyright issues. However, the timeless classic of Un Gran Dia En El Barrio was recently released on vinyl by Sal Sound Records (2024). The rear jacket boldly announces it as Spanish Harlem’s answer to Cuba’s Buena Vista Social Club . That sounds about right. Pictured here are copies of the recently released record and the original CD, both autographed. The CD cover has the signature of Ray de la Paz (vocals). The record jacket that of Oscar Hernandez (piano and band director). Spotlight: 3 Songs of Un Gran Dia En El Barrio All the tunes on this amazing album are notable as cover versions from decades before. Three I would like to spotlight. With Herman Olivera on vocals, "La Música Es Mi Vida" still gives goosebumps as a great rendition of the composition by Sandioval and Guajiro Gonzalez, which I first heard on El Hulk de la Salsa by Sociedad 76 & Johnny Zamot (Fania Records, 1980). The opening lyrics can surely resonate with salsa aficionados. Spanish: La música es mi vida, mi compañera y mi amiga Con ella me he desvelado, para invertir el mundo Mi vos es la mensajera de la música latina English: Music is my life, my partner, and my friend With her I’ve been sleepless, to invest in the world My voice is the messenger of the Latin music [5] The lyrics also express gratitude to the patron saint of music, Saint Cecilia, with the chorus in support: 'Thanks to the gift God gave me, I will always live to sing'. Simply, "La Música Es Mi Vida" is a very impressionable song and the version by Spanish Harlem Orchestra is unmatched. You don't need to be a singer or a musician for the lyrics to ring true -- any salsa enthusiast can embrace the song as an anthem. The CD front cover Also included in the album are two compositions by the prolific Puerto Rican composer Tite Curet Alonso: "Vale Mas Un Guaguanco" and "Pueblo Latino". Both can be considered salsa anthems as well. "Vale Mas Un Guaguanco" is another nod to the role of music in defining one’s life (from an Hispanic/Latino context). Spanish: A la la le le la la Es cuestión de analizar mi querido compañero Si vale mas un guaguanco O ponerte a sollozar por un amor que te dejo ... Ya te vi con el mundo hacia adelante Y a subir que lo se fue se fue Que se largue English: A la la le le la la It is a question of analyzing my dear partner What is worth more, a guaguanco or to sob for a love that has left you  … Proceed ahead with the world in front of you to ascend what has left Let it go! [6] Supporting the call to be strong and affirmative is this chorus line: 'Guaguanco is better than a bad love'. Un Gran Dia En El Barrio -- the record, at last. "Pueblo Latino" is the closing track of the album. I knew the song originally from the singer Pete Rodriguez, on his album Este Negro Si Es Sabroso (Fania Records, 1976). Upbeat and inspirational, it is an appeal for unity in Latin neighborhoods everywhere. Spanish: Pueblo latino de cualquier ciudad A llegado la hora de la unidad A sonado la hora del estrecho de manos Como protección Pueblo latino de cualquier barrio De cualquier ciudad! Tu hora a sonado, únete! Únete! ... Porque la unidad, es que está la fuerza monumental Que los puede salvar de la infelicidad English: Latin town of any city The time for unity has come The hour of outstretched hands has come For Protection Latin town of any barrio … Of any city! Your time has sounded, unite! Unite! Because unity, is the monumental strength  That will save us from misery ... [7] It is fitting that the focus here is on the neighborhood, el barrio ; first, in relation to the album title; and second, in underlining the crucial setting from which salsa is said to have emerged (see earlier in this post). With its ambition, conception, and musical excellence, Un Gran Día En El Barrio earned an Emmy Nomination for best salsa album of the year at the 45th Grammy Awards. [8] TRACK LIST Mama Guela Obsesión Tambori Aprende A Querer La Música Es Mi Vida La Banda Pa' Gozar Somos Iguales Vale Mas Un Guaguanco Pueblo Latino A Standard & A Legacy In the twenty-two years since the groundbreaking Un Gran Día En El Barrio , Spanish Harlem Orchestra has produced eight more albums, most recently Swing Forever (Ovation Records, 2024), available both in CD and vinyl format. Nominated six times for the Latin Grammys (with three wins) Spanish Harlem Orchestra's discography has set a standard with salsa music that is both widely appreciated (by salsa enthusiasts) and inspiring (for salsa musicians). Oscar Hernandez, the band director and pianist -- himself a native of New York with Puerto Rican heritage -- has produced several solo projects as well, and members from the 2002 band are still active today with careers as highly-respected supporting artists, solo artists, or band directors themselves. References Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Un Gran Día En El Barrio - cd notebook. (New York: Reopeadope Music Entertainment, 2002), inside cover. Cesar Miguel Rondon. The Book of Salsa  (Chapel Hill: UNC Press, 2008). 18-61. Andrés Espinoza Agurto. Salsa Consciente  (East Lansing: MSU Press, 2022). 56-57, 88. Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Un Gran Día En El Barrio - cd notebook , inside cover. Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Un Gran Día En El Barrio - cd notebook , 4. Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Un Gran Día En El Barrio - cd notebook , 7. Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Un Gran Día En El Barrio - cd notebook , 8. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra page, Grammy Awards. Retrieved November 2024: https://www.grammy.com/artists/spanish-harlem-orchestra/6382 Salsa In Context This blog post, Un Gran Dia En El Barrio by Spanish Harlem Orchestra -- a timeless classic on vinyl, is part of the Salsa in Context series which examines the background story of salsa songs. The aim is to raise awareness of the music that salsa dancers might be familiar with on the dance floor but in fact know little about due to language barriers. See all posts tagged "salsa in context" . PRESENTATION Salsa in Context  will be presented at 2024 Taiwan Salsa Carnival  in Taipei, Nov 22-24. “Salsa in Context - An introduction to develop your appreciation of salsa music as a dancer and listener ”   by Angel Figueroa (Josai International University)  Location: NuZone Exhibition Center , 2F (Salsa Room) Date & Time: Sunday, Nov 24, 11:30-12:20 The 2024 Taiwan Salsa Carnival  is an international salsa event organized by Calvin Wang and hosted at a spacious venue in Taipei with several invited international instructors, performers, and DJs. Social dancing is provided for both salsa and bachata dancers. Get tickets here . < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Cheo Feliciano’s 1971 album titled Cheo  marked his much-welcomed return from drug rehabilitation.  The album's opening track soon became a classic in the salsa pantheon of standards: 'Anacaona'. The song has been described as the first major hit of the “salsa explosion” [1]. To this day, it remains a much-loved tune for dancers and listeners alike, with its appealing instrumentation, song structure, and alluring atmosphere — but all this is topped by the sublime sound of Cheo Feliciano’s vocals himself.  Cheo (Inca, 1971) - see jacket details at bottom However, the merits of 'Anacaona' are not limited to purely musical aspects. Also important are the lyrics composed by Puerto Rican songwriter Tite Curet Alonso that make the song exemplary as salsa consciente , or "conscientious salsa" [2], a style which defined several salsa songs of the 1970s. Some reflection at the present time on the story of 'Anacaona' might suggest that it is now more relevant with popular awareness than ever before — even after 50+ years.  The lyrics speak of a noble woman who was a music composer and would become chief of the Taínos , inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola, where the Dominican Republic is located today. She repudiated the newly arrived Spanish colonizers, was captured, enslaved, and killed. Her name was Anacaona.  The song remarks on her fight to protect her people and their culture. It also laments at her demise. In a show of conscious inclusivity, national or romantic sentiments are downplayed since the song composer, a Puerto Rican, chose as his subject an indigenous inhabitant of a Caribbean island other than his own [3]; thus, Anacaona is portrayed not only as a noble symbol of her peoples’ resistance and tragedy, but also the story and plight of indigenous peoples across the Caribbean. To point, her confrontation with the Spanish was a form repeated time and again between indigenous peoples and European colonizers across the Americas for the next few centuries.  The execution of Anacaona by Jodocus van Winghen, 1558. Image source: argia.eus It seems that for ages popular awareness was never broad enough to include much historical injustice,  especially the kind experienced by First Nations peoples. However, the topics of settler colonialism and related injustices are now on the rise within a swirling, global consciousness although they are downplayed or ignored by mainstream media; yet, the story of Anacaona is profoundly relevant today. This tribute by composer Tite Curet Alonso, who wrote several songs touching on socio-cultural issues (including one about Anacaona’s husband, Caonabó), is an invitation for more awareness-raising on the injustices of the past and present.  Such is the understanding one can gain from learning the context of certain musical pieces. Salsa songs are no exception; in fact, many are rich in context. References 1. Cesar Miguel Rondon. The Book of Salsa  (Chapel Hill: UNC Press, 2008), 202. 2. Andrés Espinoza Agurto. Salsa Consciente  (East Lansing: MSU Press, 2022), 149. 3. Agurto, Salsa Consciente , 150. Salsa In Context This blog post has been an exploration of Salsa in Context: the example of 'Anacaona', the first segment in a series which examines the background story of salsa songs. The aim is to raise awareness of the music that salsa dancers might be familiar with on the dance floor but in fact know little about due to language barriers. See all posts tagged "salsa in context" . PRESENTATION Salsa in Context  will be presented at 2024 Taiwan Salsa Carnival  in Taipei, Nov 22-24. “Salsa in Context - An introduction to develop your appreciation of salsa music as a dancer and listener ”   by Angel Figueroa (Josai International University)  Location: NuZone Exhibition Center , 2F (Salsa Room) Date & Time: Sunday, Nov 24, 11:30-12:20 The 2024 Taiwan Salsa Carnival  is an international salsa event organized by Calvin Wang and hosted at a spacious venue in Taipei with several invited international instructors, performers, and DJs. Social dancing is provided for both salsa and bachata dancers. Get tickets here . FURTHER LISTENING The song “Anacaona” was included in Episode 41 of Encanto Tropical: Tite Curet Alonso Tribute , which featured many great songs by the Puerto Rican composer. Click on the image below to open the episode webpage for more information and to replay the show. — JACKET DETAILS First released in 1971 by Inca Records, the 1972 pressing by Vaya Records is the version pictured in this post. It is a gatefold edition with interesting details including a note by Curet Alonso. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of dropping the world debut -- or one of them! (lol) -- of the latest release by Don Ruiz Orquesta -- 'Bailar Contigo' -- at the Mambongo Salsa Social in Tokyo. Check out Don Ruiz Orq uesta on Facebook! Click below to see a short clip on YouTube.

AFTER-SHOW POST | PRE-SHOW POST Episode 46 looked back at the year 2000 for some of the best salsa songs released as the 20th century came to a close. The replay is available at the bottom. (26 tracks, 2:03:42). The show, titled "Then the Millennium", was inspired by memories of all the concern caused by the Y2K bug exactly 25 years ago this month. Read more in the pre-show post . Artists The 26 songs in the playlist are by the artists below. Listen to the show for full attribution. Africando All Stars Alfredo de la Fé Bobby Valentin Celia Cruz Conjunto Azabache ¡Cubanismo! Don Adolfo and his Orquesta Organizacion Estrellas Caiman José Mangual Jr Mamborama Maraca Orquesta La Palabra Orquesta Tabaco y Ron Puentes Brothers Puerto Rican Power Quinto Mayor Ray Santiago And His Orquesta Rey Ruiz Ricardo Lemvo & La Makina Loca Saxomania Son Boricua Sonora Carruseles Tito Nieves Tito Puento & Eddie Palmieri Tony Vega Wayne Gorbea's Salsa Picante CHOICES The song selection is certainly more of a 'personal favourites'-list rather than an authoritative "best salsa" list. These are mostly songs I found myself playing on repeat as a budding salsa DJ -- most of them are danceable and have not aged. It was a fun, nostalgic trip digging through my old CDs to gather material for this project. Theme-BaseD Encanto Tropical shows are usually based on a given theme rather than a random set of songs pulled together. Making theme-based shows such as Episode 46 fosters my growth as a salsa DJ with a deeper appreciation of the music. I hope listeners can find meaning in this approach as well. Check the Archives for all Encanto Tropical theme-based episodes (with the hashtag "theme-based show"). OTHER YEARS Check out other "Best Salsa" lists by Encanto Tropical: Best Salsa of 2024 Best Salsa of 2023 Best Salsa of 2022 REPLAY Encanto Tropical 46 - Best Salsa Songs from the Year 2000 (Click on the above link if the embedded SoundCloud player does not display) < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

AFTER-SHOW POST | PRE-SHOW POST The "2024 Songlist" features 25 tracks (2:00:24). Replay at the bottom of this page. It was great fun compiling and programming the songs for this last episode of 2024, where I looked back on the year to select my favourite twenty-five songs of the year. It was not an easy task trimming my initial shortlist to just 25 items, however. There were several outtakes that I would love to share as well. All 25 songs are pooled from a Spotify playlist co-curated with DJ Rem of France, and most were included in the monthly top-10 charts of the year. The list, Contemporary Salsa (2024 Releases) , contains more than 650 songs. ARTISTS The following artists were featured, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of them for their amazing songs. If you are not familiar with them, do check them out. Boyacá Calle Vapor Carlos Pérez y Su Orquesta DJ Isaia "El Profeta" DJ Mirco, Merlino DJ & DJ Pepe El Rumbero EL Equipo Del Norte El Santos El Vikingo de la Salsa Felipe Debrand Ivan Venot feat. DJ Pepe El Rumbero Johnny Ray Salsa Con Clase La Maxima 79 & DJ Fabrizio Zoro Lios Choko Luis Blasini Y Iroko La Banda Manny Martinez Papo Medina Radio Bembe Orquesta Robertito Hernandez feat. Maximo Rivera Son Con Ron Son Horizonte Spanish Harlem Orchestra Take Two Bros (El Timba y Roberto Sabroso) Willie Panamá Yemaya La Banda The 25 songs are played in a random order on the show to best suit the programming of tracks. I was not interested in ranking them. Full attribution of artist and track is provided on the show and below. Featured on Encanto Tropical 47 Best SALSA Songs of 2024 (The Encanto Tropical Songlist) Below are the songs featured on the show -- my so-called best salsa songs of 2024! See the important note about choices further down. The songs are listed in alphabetical order. CHOICES Let's be clear, the song selection is certainly more of a 'personal favourites'-list rather than an authoritative "best salsa" list. These songs are basically what I found myself playing on repeat either while deejaying or while commuting to work! See the pre-show post for details about criteria. CHARTS To see the monthly salsa charts (commencing from January 2023) see the Charts  page. Click on image to see the 2023-24 Charts OTHER YEARS Check out other "Best Salsa" lists by Encanto Tropical: Best Salsa of 2000 Best Salsa of 2022 Best Salsa of 2023 FINAL NOTES 2024 has been a wild year, with lots of distressing news, and as the new year approaches, there is a some trepidation for how certain events may unfold. Well, at least we have music -- and salsa is where it's at... It was a good year for salsa. REPLAY EPISODE 47 Encanto Tropical 47 - Best Salsa Songs of 2024 (Click on the above link if the embedded SoundCloud player does not display) < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

AFTER-SHOW POST | PRE-SHOW POST This salsa session comprises 30 tracks (1:57:41). Replay near the bottom of this page. Long on my to-do list has been a show entirely dedicated to salsa from the 1970s outside of the Fania Records catalog and generally unknown (or at least considered rare) among salsa dancers and listeners: so-called "underground salsa". Certain DJs and collectors really excel in this category of salsa. I am not an expert, and I am limited in resources for collecting much rare material since by default it is a rather expensive pursuit. Context For more discussion on the term "underground salsa" as well as my plans for this episode, please see the pre-show post . Why the theme 'underground salsa'? The development of my branding over many years as a salsa DJ suggests a rather wide scope of salsa material, I think (and hope). My repertoire is not limited to a particular style, with an extensive collection in both vintage and contemporary salsa, whether salsa brava or romantica. It includes music of several origins, whether Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Europe, the USA, and elsewhere. There is also Cuban music, whether of the golden age, contemporary (songo and timba) and traditional (son cubano, etc). I thrive in this diversity, despite the obvious disadvantage of not having an established niche nor being known as an expert in any one style although some dancers have labeled me as a DJ catering to on2 dancers. This is fine; however I am interested in the wide spectrum which makes up salsa, finding both fulfillment and rewarding challenges in switching among the various defining traits that constitute the differing modes of the salsa musical style. Inevitably, my approach -- whether at the club or on the radio -- usually results in a mingling of different material in my DJ sets, for better or for worse. So-called "underground salsa" usually gets some play but it has never served as the common denominator in a set. This got me thinking about dedicating an entire show to it. Episode 48 is the result. Objectives Important to point out is that this project is not an attempt to provide an authoritative selection (or definition) of underground salsa. Rather, I just wanted to explore and provide some simple examples while ideally promoting some discussion with like-minded readers and listeners. Without a doubt, I could learn from DJs who excel in the underground variety! So I advise everyone to take my underground session with a pinch of salt - qnd see my invitation below for feedback and comments. Some albums on Encanto Tropical 48 DJ Nik Worth noting is one particular DJ who has been exemplary and amazingly resourceful, consistent, and talented with great taste in salsa of the underground variety. I am referring to DJ Nik of San Francisco ( Instagram | Facebook ). Be sure to check out any of his fantastic sessions on Facebook, some of which are provided below as personal favourites of mine. (Clicking on an image will open the video on Facebook). I also acknowledge DJ Nik's editing suggestions when he reviewed a draft of my pre-show post. DJ Nik was a guest on Encanto Tropical 10 . Check it out for an interesting interview. An important Note It might go without saying, but to make something clear, deejaying salsa is not an easy-to-define pursuit. Certainly reading the crowd is important and so is playing what dancers of a certain style expect or are familiar with. Then there is the famous adage of playing what dancers didn't know they wanted to hear! Balancing a unique impression of one's DJ style with a practical appeal for the dance floor is the ultimate aim although all people cannot be pleased all of the time. As for rare and vintage salsa, especially the kind unrecognizable by apps such as Shazam, it appears to be an effective tool for providing "uniqueness" to one's DJ image. The merit of playing such songs one after another is up to debate, however. Instead, using it wisely and sparingly is what I imagine the most successful DJs do. Then of course there are the different personas that DJs may have. DJ Nik for example, excels in underground salsa in his online sets; however, as a dancer's DJ, he has been very clear to play other styles in his personal repertoire. He mixes it up, so to speak. This is an important point. In the same vein, the radio format can allow me to focus on underground salsa as a theme*. Therefore, this episode is not meant to imply that underground salsa is my focus as an event DJ. *Note: A thematic show  is the general template for Encanto Tropical -- as opposed to a session of random songs. Feedback Readers' comments are always welcome on this topic -- from whichever perspective, whether a casual or serious listener, dancer, or DJ. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below! Artists Featured in Episode 48 are the following artists/groups, listed in alphabetical order. Full attribution is provided on the show but, to my regret, I failed to point out much information about the artists. Sorry about that. Alfredo Vargas y Su Orquesta La Liberación Carlos Barberia y Su Orquesta Kubavana Cesar Nicolas y Su Orquesta Combo Fascinación Cuadra Latina El Clan Antillano Eugenio Barada Grupo Yakambu Hermanos Lano Jorge Brown y Su Orquesta Creacion La Banda y Su Tremenda Salsa La Banda de los Felinos La Nueva Combinacion Los Demonios del Salado Los Hermanos Armas Los Pankis Los Perfectos Los Watusi Orquesta Expose 1 Orquesta Internacional Orquesta La Ampliacion Orquesta Riverside Panchito Nalmy Ray Pérez y El Grupo Casabe Roberto y Su Nuevo Montuno Rodrifo Mendoza Roy Herrera y orquesta La Monumental The Golden Brass Victot Irizarri y Su Orquesta Win & Macai Prudencia & Su Salsa Antiyana REPLAY EPISODE 48 Encanto Tropical 48 - Underground Salsa Session (Click on the link above if the embedded SoundCloud player does not display) Interested in reading more? Check out the Blog Index  to see all posts. Scan the highlights of other episodes of Encanto Tropical on the Archives  page. Browse a list of selected, in-depth writings on the Featured Posts  page. Follow the Encanto Tropical Facebook Page . Subscribe  to receive the email newsletter (see a sample ). < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >