Available for replay is Encanto Tropical - Episode 8 from July 28 2022 on World Salsa Radio. See the bottom of the page for the link. Jan Reijnders is the featured guest. He is a Dutch musician, composer, and producer who has released several unique, instrumental salsa songs in the last few years. See the pre-show post for more information about him. Show Highlights: Intro (random salsa set): ~38:08 Spotlight 1 (new salsa releases): 38:09~ featuring Don Ruiz Orquesta, Mixael Cabrera, and Lengaïa Salsa Brava. Spotlight 2 (Latin music by Japanese artists): 53:25~ featuring El Combo de la Paz, Copa Salvo, and Orquesta de la Luz. Spotlight 3 (Covers of Classic Cuban Music): 1:12:38~ featuring Alex Diaz y Son de la Calle, Ecos del Tivolí feat. Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Alejandro Paéz y su Son Candela. Spotlight 4 (Guest appearance): 1:28:16~ featuring Jan Reijnders, Dutch musician/composer/producer, who talks about his background and the story behind his first salsa release; he also chooses 3 special songs for us to listen to. --- Replay Episode 8 Next EPISODE The next Encanto Tropical is August 11th, but I will be unable to broadcast live. Instead of skipping the show, I will play a pre-recorded three-hour salsa mix using some of the tracks from Episodes 1 to 4, reordered according to key and without commentary. I hope it will be interesting. So please tune in! Encanto Tropical then continues on August 25th with guest Nik Caswell, a San Francisco-based DJ who made a name for himself with his incredible, "unshazammable salsa" live streams for CoBeatParty on Facebook. He also now spins for Our Salsa Soul Radio. 9 Encanto Tropical 3-hour mix Encanto Tropical is a part of World Salsa Radio with DJ Angel Figueroa Broadcasting from Chiba, Japan 2nd & 4th Thursdays Subscribe for email updates about Encanto Tropical Visit World Salsa Radio for more programs

On August 25th, it’s “Mr UnShazammable” — DJ Nik from San Francisco — as my guest for Episode 10. An incredible DJ with a fine collection of rare material, it was during the height of the pandemic when Nik joined the CoBeatParty Facebook group and hosted several live-streaming sessions, proving himself to be a great programmer and presenter. Notably, he only ever played tracks which were not recognizable by song-identifying apps, such as Shazam. And wow, they were always just fire! For Encanto Tropical 10, Nik will talk about his background, inspirations, and some cool experiences. He will also provide six song choices for us to listen to. Don’t miss this one! Also included in Episode 10, as usual, are these spotlights which form the main part of the show: New salsa releases Latin music by Japanese artists Covers of classic Cuban songs The spotlights are preceded by a 30-40 minute introductory session where I play a range of salsa material. Encanto Tropical is a part of World Salsa Radio with DJ Angel Figueroa Broadcasting from Chiba, Japan 2nd & 4th Thursdays Subscribe for email updates about Encanto Tropical Visit World Salsa Radio for more programs

I am having some good fun designing my first website using Wix. The key will be to highlight two different themes in an appealing, balanced way: deejaying and photography -- big expectations, but I think it can work. The sun is shining through the window as I work on the dining room table. My little boy is playing with his train set nearby as 'Bob the Train' chimes with nursery rhymes on the TV. It's a great day. Thanks for visiting. I hope to officially launch this website within a week.

I am experimenting with the video site Vimeo... I have uploaded a 2-hour live stream that I did half a year ago. It includes newish salsa, reggaeton, and bachata, and it was great fun doing it. Check it out below or watch directly on Vimeo. The play list follows. 1. Cuba Quartet - Yo Te Traigo 2. Chiquito Team Band - Angel 3. Pepe Montes Conjunto - Mi Timba Tiene 4. SonySabor Orquesta - Guaraguao 5. KUARE - Nuevo Amanecer 6. Luis Segura ft Romeo Santos - Como Yo 7. Manny Cruz Y Anthony Santos - Las Puertas Del Cielo 8. Cuba Quartet - Son Nocturno 9. Pedro Alonso - Te Soñé 10. The Latin Heartbeat Orchestra - Unidos En Una Sola Voz 11. Lengaïa Salsa Brava - Don Nadie 12. Ricky Jo, Alexio DJ, and Tony Velardi - Mulata 13. Alec Roman - No Se Te Nota 14. Cazzu, Chita Y Lara91k - Dandote 15. Prince Royce - Contra La Pared 16. Optimo - El Cuchillo 17. Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca - N'dona Ponte 18. Sr Ortegon - Rumba Habana (feat. Yasniel Ciscal) 19. Gilberto Santa Rosa and Carlitos Ramirez - Estoy Como Nunca 20. La Charanga Pachá - Vamos A Dakar 21. Victor Manuelle Y Wisin - Boogaloo Supreme 22. CNCO Y Natti Natasha - Honey Boo 23. Cafe Mambo, Alexio DJ & DJ OJ - Historia de un Amor (Salsa Version) 24. Shekere Latin Band - Watermelon Sugar 25. Orquesta Akokan - La Cosa 26. Anthony Torres - Todo De Mi 27. Tego Calderon - Plante Bandera 28. Ex Corde - Soy... 29. Eric Bray - Carry On 30. Gerardo Rosales & DJ Tuli Mar - Mariage D'Amour / Montuno Pa` Chopin

10:30-12:30 CEST (Berlin) / 04:30-06:30 EDT (New York): I am excited to be supplying the soundtrack for the Official Launch Party of Habanebros Hot Sauce in Kyoto, Japan (Saturday, Oct 16, 17:30-19:30 local time). If you are in the Kansai area, check out the event at S'wich Cafe near Kyoto station (12:00 open on both the 16th and the 17th). If not, you can tune to the set via my FB profile page. There is also an event page for the live stream -- check it out here. This event highlights: the official launch of Habanebros hot sauce food by y tacos from Osaka cocktails by Tom Östgård (The Playhouse, Kyoto--with the support of Dictador Rum Japan) currently-featured artist Mike Dinsmore On my playlist are chilled Latin vibes, from classic to contemporary tunes, covering a range of genres. My usual salsa is the not the main focus this time! In its place is a Latin downtempo soundtrack featuring: guajira son cha cha cha charanga slow salsa latin jazz latin rock and more Whether you are at the venue in Kyoto or somewhere else on the planet, I hope you enjoy the set...

It was huge fun selecting tracks yesterday for the launch party of Habanebros in Kyoto, Japan, at S'wich Cafe. Cheers to the team for having me take part and thanks to all who attended in-person or watched the live stream! The result is two hours of chilled (but deep!) Latin-infused vibes covering a range of genres -- although I stayed away from my usual choice of salsa music. In its place: son, guajira, cha cha cha, charanga, boogaloo, bolero, Latin Jazz, and more. Please enjoy the replay. Track list below. 1. Asia Minor - Hector Rivera 2. Jumbo Waltz - Sisley / Gray 1967 3. Carioca - Bobby Montez 4. Besame mucho - Carlo Cavalli 5. Taste of Honey - Willie Rosario 6. Almendra - Julian Y Su Combo 7. Don Maceo - Louie Ramirez 8. Salsa y dulzura - Ray Barretto 9. Green Onions - Jack Costanza & Gerry Woo 10. Para ti, para mi - Buena Vibra Sextet 11. La Maruga - Orquesta Broadway 12. Mi Tumbao - Grupo X 13. Lo que sea - Kako & His Orchestra 14. A la loma de Belen - El Gordito de Oro 15. Sabroso como el guarapo - Javier Vazquez y Su Salsa 16. Gunky - Johnny Lytle 17. My Favourite Things - Steve Guasch: Orquesta Nueva Era 18. No te hagas - Orquesta Akokan 19. Ay Joe - Banderas 20. Waste of Time - Central 21. Despidate mi amor - Papi Brandao y Sus Ejecutivos 22. Frenetica guajira - Los Destellos 23. Un monton de estrellas - Polo Montañez 24. Dame agua - Captain Planet 25. Bong Bong - Manu Chau 26. Oye mi amor - Ozomatli 27. Mango - Bahama Soul Club (Club de Belugas remix) 28. Mi Cuba - P18 29. Rata - LocoBeach 30. Ya Llego la pachanga - Joe Quijano Y Su Orquesta 31. Ven y Ven y Ven - Orchestre OK Jazz 32. Afro Funky - Manteca 33. Tokyo Latin Night - Tokyo Rhythm Kings

Some nostalgia here with the work of Larry Harlow on piano for “Capullito de Alelí” (playing as the leader of Belmonte & His Afro Latin Seven)… just magic. This episode is part of a series of videos highlighting an interesting part of a track from my vinyl collection--the focus is on Latin music. As a rule, videos are kept brief (approximately 1 minute). More can be found with the hashtag #VinylHighlights. Original content is first posted on Instagram and then on YouTube in the playlist Vinyl Highlights by DJ Angel. Note: The record in the video was purchased at full price and no incentive or compensation was received in return for promotion—the opinion expressed herein is solely that of DJ Angel.

A salsa version of a well-known bolero by Miltiño, "Dedo de Guante" by Carlos Ramirez is the B track of Romo Records' first production--under the direction of DJ Robert and DJ Moreno from Los Angeles. Great material. This episode is part of a series of videos highlighting an interesting part of a track from my vinyl collection--the focus is on Latin music. As a rule, videos are kept brief (approximately 1 minute). More can be found with the hashtag #VinylHighlights. Original content is first posted on Instagram and then on YouTube in the playlist Vinyl Highlights by DJ Angel. Note: The record in the video was purchased at full price and no incentive or compensation was received in return for promotion—the opinion expressed herein is solely that of DJ Angel.

This is Josean Rivera in his third album as a solo artist with the track “Mi Amigo Licor” from the album “Un Sonero Para El Pueblo” (2019) by Salsaneo Records — my choice of track from an album filled dance floor material. Rivera is on lead vocals here with Adan Peréz firing a brief piano solo before the brass section kicks in for a unique modern salsa sound. Well recorded with top quality production, this is another tight song in a great album among Salsaneo’s lineup. It is the precursor to Rivera’s latest album “Esto No Es Secreto”, which was just recently released. This episode is part of a series of videos highlighting an interesting part of a track from my vinyl collection--the focus is on Latin music. As a rule, videos are kept brief (approximately 1 minute). More can be found with the hashtag #VinylHighlights. Original content is first posted on Instagram and then on YouTube in the playlist Vinyl Highlights by DJ Angel. Disclaimer: While the record in this video was purchased at full price, other promotional material was received from the relevant label—but the opinion expressed herein is solely that of DJ Angel.

Released in 2019, all bets are on that “おまえだけを I Love You” by Orquesta Copa Salvo will become a classic of Japanese-made salsa that can find appeal with dancers all across the world. The Japanese lyrics are sung by Tadahiro Masuda, and he is accompanied on chorus by multi-talented pianist Eri Konishi. They are supported by an all-Japanese cast featuring members from another famous—but now defunct—Japanese Latin band, "Banderas". This track was released only on 7 inch vinyl by the label Discos Papkin based in Tokyo. A tender love song backed with great instrumentation, it can show Spanish speakers what it is like to enjoy salsa without knowing the words, for a change. (This underlines how appealing salsa can be for non-Spanish speakers, based on just the musicality of the genre). Also, this track exemplifies the talent and swing which many Japanese musicians have for producing Latin music. This episode is part of a series of videos highlighting an interesting part of a track from my vinyl collection--the focus is on Latin music. As a rule, videos are kept brief (approximately 1 minute). More can be found with the hashtag #VinylHighlights. Original content is first posted on Instagram and then on YouTube in the playlist Vinyl Highlights by DJ Angel. Note: The record in the video was purchased at full price and no incentive or compensation was received in return for promotion—the opinion expressed herein is solely that of DJ Angel.

My most recent live stream was an ad hoc experiment but still good fun: I streamed to a party in Taiwan from my sound room in Japan. Thanks to Calvin Wang and Tienyu Tai for their invitation and support in Taipei! Also thanks to everyone who tuned in on a moment's notice on MixCloud. Video replay is available--probably for a limited time. Audio quality is decent at 320kbps. I played from a digital setup, so almost all songs were of the newish variety, and I mixed it up with both American and Cuban sounds--some heavy brass and funky piano riffs throughout, plus punchy bass courtesy of MixCloud's deep audio range. A few rare unshazammable are tracks there, too, inluding a killer Japanese cover featuring Ken Morimura on piano. Closing the set is a song by ExCorde, who are residents of Kobe, Japan. While the playlist is mostly salsa, there are a few cha chas chas and two bachatas. I was aiming for a restrained and accessible vibe for dancers at the early stage of a party. Click on the image to watch.

With the end of the year approaching, I want to show what 2021 meant to me in terms of notable songs by adding music charts to this site. While the focus is on salsa, other genres are included, too. The Year's Music in Review-2021 I decided on several lists featuring 5 or 10 tracks and assigned them to 4 charts: Early 2021, Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Late 2021. The result is 140 songs across 18 lists, which will total 560 songs for the whole year... Also chosen in each quarter are 5 DJ mixes that I found inspiring. See below for the lists, which include a brief description. This is followed by information on context and selection criteria. Salsa (10 tracks in each list below) 1. CONTEMPORARY SALSA: New 2021 Releases 2. CONTEMPORARY SALSA: Recent Still Hot from 2020 3. CONTEMPORARY SALSA: Anthems Big Winners From the 2010s 4. CONTEMPORARY SALSA: Nostalgic The Millennial Era 5. CLASSIC SALSA The Golden Era 6. SONGS FOR MY FATHER The Roots of Salsa 7. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER Missed Gems Discovered in 2021 8. SPOTLIGHT: Cuba Exclusively Cuban Artists Other Latin Music (5 tracks in each list below) 9. SPOTLIGHT: Japan Exclusively Japanese Artists 10. SPOTLIGHT: Africa Full Circle 11. SPOTLIGHT: Bachata New & Recent 12. LATIN LOUNGE Contemporary Easy Listening 13. DEEP LATIN VIBES Classic Boogaloo, Cha Cha Cha, Son, Guajira 14. SABROSURA SIN CLAVE Reggaeton & More Other Genres (5 tracks in each list below) 15. SPOTLIGHT: Jamaica Old & New 16. SPOTLIGHT: Africa Old & New 17. SPOTLIGHT: Club Jazz Acid-/Nu-/Funk Jazz & Broken Beat 18. MISCELLANEA Upbeat Vibes Context and selection criteria Although the music charts mention 2021, only one list is exclusively for 2021 releases (List #1). Songs in the other lists have been chosen because they were somehow relevant to me in 2021. For example, lists 2 to 5 have salsa tracks from other years, but they were used in DJ sets this year. List 6 is a selection of songs prepared for a tribute to my late father, who passed away in 2021. List 7 features salsa discovered in 2021 but from earlier years, et cetera. The basic criteria is that songs were chosen for some personal relevance in 2021. It goes without saying that song selection for any list is subjective. My intention is just to share songs which had meaning to me in 2021--regardless of release date--but thorough organization seemed necessary to add meaning, unity, and relevance. However, this project was for fun, and in no way are the lists intended to be official or authoritative. All lists will be on Spotify and Apple Music as playlists, which will update when a quarterly chart gets posted on this site. First up is "Early 2021". This will be followed by the other charts, one at a time, until the end of the year. I hope my selections are fun for everyone. I am certainly interested in readers' opinions too, so please share your thoughts in the comments after each chart. If you enjoy this project and wish to support future projects, please consider buying me a coffee. Just click on the icon below. Thanks!