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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!

Fun times with my live stream yesterday: salsa and cha cha for “Azúcar Friday”... This video recording was edited for length (several tracks were removed to shorten it from the original 2.5 hours). Artists and track titles are below. Tata Vazquez & His Orchestra - Maldito Vicio José Bello - Ven A Mi New Swing Sextet - Flight Los Diferentes - Cafe Con Pan Santy Montega & Mañambo - Pa´l Bailador Guaguancó Orquesta copa salvo - Linda Mulata Yoshiro - Matame A Besos Los Habaneros - Habana Guaguancó DJ Isaia "El Profeta", Donny - Mi Ritmo German Medina & Nell Figueroa - Yo Te Seguire Orquesta copa salvo - Donde Estabas Tu DJ Lindo & Nestor Pacheco - A Gozar el Ritmo Jimmy Saa - Insha Alla'h Orquesta Internacional - Olvidate de Mi Orquesta Ideal - Te Voy A Dar Un Consejo Santiago All Stars - Noches De Rumba Los Afro-Salseros De Senegal - Africa Sexteto Kroffer - Oye mujer Rubens Bassini E Os 11 Magníficos - Côco Seco Curao en Salsa - Alabanciosa Esteban & DJ Lindo - Sigo Pensando En Ti Hot Salsa - Raza Latina Orquesta copa salvo - Cuban Mambo Curao en Salsa - Titicó Na' Ma' Nacho Sanabria - La Ruñidera Josean Rivera - Mi Amigo Licor Victor Paz - Latina

"Coffee & cocktails with Latin & Jamaican music"... A special Christmas event by Cart stand PON & DJ Angel. [ For English, scroll down a bit ] 来たる12月23日(木)の夜、クリスマスイベントを行います。 その日は Cart stand PON コーヒーショップからラウンジに風変わり。いつもと店内の雰囲気をガラッと変えて、スペシャルなドリンクとミュージックで皆様をお迎え致します カートスタンドポン手掛けるカクテル&モクテル、DJアンヘル手掛けるラテン&ジャマイカンでゆったりリラックス出来るミュージックのコラボ。 外の気温は低いかもしれませんが、店内ではとても暖かくリラックスでき、カリブ海の地域からの素晴らしい音楽が流れます。(したがって、イベントのタイトルは「Carib Lounge」です)。 どのような音楽が再生されるのか知りたい場合は、AppleMusicかSpotifyでサンプルのプレイリストを聞くことができます。 ゲストDJアンヘルが選んだ曲は11曲🎧... • Apple Music • Spotify このイベントには、非常に良いサウンドの新しいオーディオシステムが含まれます。 音楽はアナログレコードからのものになります。 独特の音がします！ DJアンヘルの関東デビューなので、このイベントも特別です。 （彼は今年初めに千葉に移る前は関西で確立されたDJでした）。 詳細については、プロフィールを確認してください。 Carib Christmas Lounge DJ Angel 2021/12/23 (木) 18:00-21:00 場所: Cart stand Pon 千葉県千葉市緑区おゆみ野3-4-12 (鎌取駅の近く) • 入場料無料 • お一人様、ファミリーも大歓迎OK • 素敵な夜を共に過ごしましょう > Google Maps リンク > Facebookのイベントページ The Chiba coffee shop/roastery Cart stand PON will have a Christmas event on December 23rd, 2021. On offer is a lounge-style atmosphere with special drinks and music. Although outside might be cold, Caribbean music inside the shop will provide a cozy and warm setting for customers to enjoy premium coffee, cocktails, mocktails, and Christmas treats. Imagine a lounge where you can spend a relaxing time in style... Carib Christmas Lounge DJ Angel 2021/12/23 (Thu) 18:00-21:00 Venue: Cart stand Pon Oyumino 3-4-12, Midori-ku, Chiba-shi (near Kamatori Station) • Free admission • Both single customers and families are welcome • Let's spend a wonderful evening together... > Facebook event page > Google Maps link A music sampler of the playlist for the evening is on Apple Music and Spotify, comprising mostly Jamaican and Cuban songs (11 in total). Click either button below to listen. このイベントには、非常に良いサウンドの新しいオーディオシステムが含まれます。 音楽はアナログレコードからのものになります。 独特の音がします！私の関東デビューなので、このイベントも特別です。 （彼は今年初めに千葉に移る前は関西で確立されたDJでした）。 詳細については、牡蠣を確認してください。 This event features a special audio system and music will be from analog records providing a warm and unique sound. It also serves as the Kanto debut of DJ Angel, who was based in Kansai before moving to Chiba earlier this year. Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada by Cuban and Jamaican parents, much of his childhood was spent listening to Caribbean music. In Japan he has more than 20 years experience spinning mostly salsa. For Carib Christmas Lounge he will mix light and uplifting music representing his mixed heritage. Dictador Colombian Aged Rum を中心としたスペシャルなカクテルをご用意。ディクタドールからいくつかの宝くじの賞品があります！ ディクタドールドリンクを注文すると、プレゼントを獲得するチャンスがあります。カクテルやコーヒー、スイーツを片手にオシャレにゆっくり過ごせるラウンジをイメージしています。 Carib Christmas Lounge is supported by Dictador Colombian Aged Rum, an exceptional spirit to be enjoyed neat, with ice, or as a part of a cocktail, such as a coffee cocktail. Lottery prizes by Dictador will be provided to lucky customers! ゲストのご紹介 DJ Angel (アンヘル) ジャマイカで生まれ、カナダで育ちました。 彼の母親はキューバ出身、父親はジャマイカ出身なので、カリビアン音楽を聴いて育ちました。 現在、日本で20年の経験を持つサルサDJであり、今は千葉に住んでいます。 関西から引っ越してから関東でデビューです。 両親の故郷からの軽くて美しい音楽をミックスし、レコードでカリビアンミュージックの特別な雰囲気を提供します。

Moving along to Part 3 of my picks for notable music in 2021, this chart covers tracks which got my attention in the summer. (Part 1 is Early 2021; Part 2 is Spring 2021; Part 4 is Late 2021). Salsa is my focus, but other genres are included. Listed here are 140 songs, just as in Parts 1 and 2. Lists 1 to 8 are about salsa, with ten songs each. The other lists have five songs. For information on how lists were organized, see the project description. Listen online All lists are on Spotify and Apple Music. Just click on either button after each list. These tracks were added to the lists made for Early 2021 after they were updated with Spring 2021, so they will be numbered on Spotify/Music as 21 to 30 (Lists 1-8) or 11 to 15 (Lists 9-18). Note that when a playlist is 'liked', it gets saved to your profile for easy access. All the playlists can be accessed by clicking on either of the images below. Let's go! Categories Salsa | Other Latin | Other Genres | Mixes Salsa 1. CONTEMPORARY SALSA - New Released in 2021 Tracks 21-30 Still Hot from 2020 Special Pick: "Mi Guaguanco Sabroso" Still fresh from last year are several great tracks, among them work by Ricardo Lemvo, Tromboranga, El Timba, and Filosofia. These will certainly be very playable for quite a while. Of special note is a track which seemed to appear out of nowhere by a favourite band of mine from quite a while ago (the 1980s and 1990s!). I am referring to Orquesta La Identidad, of Colombia, from the lovely Zeida label, redubbed as Orquesta Original Identidad. Two decades into the 21st century, here they are with a cracking dance floor filler with band lead Carlos Navia back on vocals. It's an upbeat, powerful, multilayered track demonstrating a slight departure from their signaturely smooth sound from the several albums I possess. 2. CONTEMPORARY SALSA - Recent Still Hot from 2020 Tracks 21-30 Winners from the 2010s Special Pick: "Rumba Nueva" 'Anthems' for me are songs which have stood the test of time from the 2010s. A few make great company here, such as work by Ricky Campanelli, La Candela, and La Maxima 79, but these are all from the latter part of the decade, so their selection is slightly muted since they have been around for only a few years. To emphasize the point about anthems, then, the special pick for this list is from 2010: the title track of Rumba Nueva by Cubanoson, led by Papo Ortega and dubbed "New York's Cuban Orchestra". The song used to sweep me off my feet by its astounding energy and catchy melody. I found myself experiencing the magic again when preparing a playlist for a set commemorating the 20th anniversay of my social event. The power is certainly there, evident with vocals, the melodic chorus, and a strong brass section. Above all, however, is the piano solo halfway through the track--just captivating. It's a very moving song. Much credit then, goes to Papo Ortega himself, credited as composer, piano, vocals, chorus, and bandleader. Truly among the best in the 2010s, I believe. 3. CONTEMPORARY SALSA - Anthems (Winners From the 2010s) Tracks 21-30 The Millenial Era Special Pick: "Xiomara" In this category of songs from the millenium are tracks which I call 'nostalgic' because they remind me of the time when I started deejaying seriously and collecting a lot of music, especially newly released work. Some heavy hitters are listed, such as tracks by Jimmy Bosch, Africando, Son Boricua, and Louie Ramirez. Especially nostalgic is the cover of "Xiomara" by La Exclusiva, with the incomparable Herman Olivera on vocals and arranged by Oscar Hernandez. The point can be made that since this album was released on vinyl in 1988, it does not fit into this category, but the CD in my possession has a release date of 2005, and that is when it came under my radar, with a very strong impression. This song was among my signature tunes in the mid- and latter 2000s, which explains its inclusion here. 4. Contemporary SALSA - nostalgic (The Millennial Era) Tracks 21-30 (Tracks 21-30) The Golden Era Special Pick: "Sujetate La Lengua" There are so many meaningful tracks among the classics, and it's perhaps an injustice to select only ten here. But this list is about a few songs from the 60s and 70s which had some relevance to me in 2021. I never get tired of Eddie Palmieri's "Sujétate La Lengua", which was included in a set a few months ago. His piano work behind the message in the lyrics is just sublime. It never gets old although it is from 1965. The whole album, released on the Tico label, is fantastic, actually. Among the crew are Barry Rogers (trombone), Manny Oquendo (bongos/timbales), and Ismael Quintana (vocals). 5. CLASSIC SALSA (The Golden Era) Tracks 21-30 Songs for my Father Special Pick: "Elije Tú, Que Canto Yo" The next list highlights songs from my childhood and played by my father, a lover of Cuban music, especially from the 50s and 60s—evidently my basic foundation for what would become a love for salsa and Latin music in general. When I played a tribute set shortly after my father passed away in January 2021, I compiled songs which I recalled as his favourites. The playlist pool grew rather long, and I present a few of them here. Without question, included are some absolute essentials: Arsenio Rodriguez, La Sonora Matancera, Trio Matamoros, and Orquesta Aragon. For this chart, I will spotlight Beny Moré, with his "Elige Tú, Que Canto Yo", a song that states simply the true genius of his imporant contribution to the rich fabric that is Cuban music--and also among the roots of what we call call salsa today. A truly verstatile vocalist who could tackle a range of genres, the lyrics state it simply: choose the song--from whatever genre, whether a son, a guracha, a bolero, a cha cha cha, etc--and he will sing it masterfully. Not truly boastful, it was simply a fact--such was the talent of the incomparable Beny Moré. 6. THE ROOTS OF SALSA Songs for my Father Tracks 21-30 Missed Gems Discovered in 2021 Special Pick: "El Bravo" Sometimes I realize I am clueless about certain bands and songs. This list is about great tracks that I discovered well after they were released--a reminder that the world of salsa is vast and has much to offer and you really need to be on your toes to be aware of developments in the industry from all over the world and the appearance of new bands. Well, it appears I was blind to a sensation emerging from Peru: a band called Sabor Y Control. I had bought their track "Dispara Ya" on 7 inch earlier in the year, but knew nothing else about them. Then I started digging and unearthed a load of hidden gems. "El Bravo" is my pick for this list. It is from their 2006 album El Guapo Soy Yo--how I went for 15 years without knowing about it is massively criminal. What a cracker. 7. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER (Missed Gems Discovered in 2021) Tracks 21-30 Exclusively Cuban Artists Special Pick: "Carbonero Soy" List #8 focuses on modern Cuban songs. Among the ten I have selected for this chart are several great ones, with an interesting selection representing different aspects of the Cuban style. There is Alaín Perez, a veritable talent seemingly ahead of the times, El Hiijo de Teresa, an experienced vocalist from NG La Banda now leading his own band, and Dairo Todd, part of the Cuban diaspora with residency in Italy. In the spotlight for this list is the result of a project by Soneros All Stars, with the basist and tres player Jan Miklos Bogdan ‘Yanesito’ and the vocalist Pascual Matos Aguirreto. There are elements of both traditional and contemportary sounds, and the work is outstanding, with lovely syncopation and driving, catchy vibes. Notable in addition to the tres and vocals are the brass section, some funky piano, distinct maracas, and the underlying percussion. This is both an audio treat to enjoy with a set of good headphones or with a good partner on the dancefloor. 8. SPOTLIGHT: Cuba Exclusively Cuban Artists Tracks 21-30 > Back to top Other Latin Music Spotlight: Japan Special Pick: "さくら" ("Sakura") Japan is rich with multi-talented musicians producing Latin music. It is certainly true that salsa has no borders, with musicians from across the world finding purpose and expression in their material, but one could pause to reflect how such flavour and commitment is evident in Japan, with a Latin music scene spanning now many decades. Among recent players is Ayumi "Azucar" Suzuki from Tokyo, with masterful interpretations across several instruments: percussion, timables, piano, and especially vibraphones and marimba. Her 2017 album Oukagekka is a work of art from start to finish, containing only two covers ('Maria Cervantes' and 'Mi Amore'). Among several original compositions and arrangements by Suzuki is the opening track 'Sakura' (meaning 'cherry' in English) which brings to mind the delicate emblem of spring in Japan: cherry blossoms. Besides the masterful vibraphones and marimba by Suzuki in this very moving track is impressive work on violin (Chicho "Isabel" Saito), keyboard (Hiromichi "Yan" Tsugaki) and background congas (Takashi Nakazato). Also notable is the drums (Ludwig Esteban Nuñez). I had the pleasure of meeting the artist herself and getting my CD autographed--among my highlights knowing several musicians here in the country of my residency. 9. SPOTLIGHT: Japan Exclusively Japanese Artists Tracks 11-15 Full Circle Special Pick: "Hommage a Tonton Ferrer" 10. SPOTLIGHT: Africa Full Circle Tracks 11-15 New & Recent Bachata Special Pick: "Moriré Por Ella" 11. Spotlight: Bachata New & Recent Tracks 11-15 Contemporary Easy Listening Special Pick: "El Dinero No Es La Vida" 12. LATIN LOUNGE Contemporary Easy Listening Tracks 11-15 Deep Latin Vibes Special Pick: "Frenética Guajira" 13. DEEP LATIN VIBES Classic Boogaloo / Cha cha cha / Son / Guajira Tracks 11-15 Reggaeton & More Special Pick: "Subeme La Radio" 14. SABROSURA SIN CLAVE Reggaeton & More Tracks 11-15 > Back to top Other Genres Old & New Jamaican Music Special Pick: "Back to Normal" 15. SPOTLIGHT ON JAMAICA Old & New Tracks 11-15 Old & New African Music Special Pick: "Kalan Nege" 16. SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA Old & New Tracks 11-15 Club Jazz Special Pick: "Biri Bori" 17. SPOTLIGHT: Club Jazz Acid-/Nu-/Funk-Jazz & Broken Beat Tracks 11-15 Upbeat Vibes Special Pick: "Lush" 18. MISCELLaNEA Upbeat Vibes Tracks 11-15 > Back to top Bonus: Inspiring Mixes of Summer 2021 Salsa from French West Indies (Mikael El Rojo) CoBeatParty Day 60 (DJ Koki Lizonde) Sunday Night Salsa Session #15 (Steven White) Doin' it w/ Salsa Grooves, Part 2 (DJ Babaloo) Mambo on Wax on Bangers (DJ El Güero del Sabor) > Back to Top Notes Although the 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 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 for me in 2021, regardless of release date. In order to give value, cohesion, and relevance, I carefully organized these lists. However, this project was for fun, so in no way are the lists intended to be authoritative. Besides, I cannot conceivably know the full range of possible songs relevant to a certain category. Finally, a top-10 (or top-5) ranking style has been avoided. Instead, songs are listed in alphabetical order by title. Let me know what you think about these lists. Any recommendations for summer 2021? Are there any songs that were personally significant for you regardless of release year? If you enjoyed this project and wish to support future projects, please consider buying me a coffee. Just click on the icon below. Thanks! > Back to Top

This is a makeup video since during the live there were transmission issues due to a storm in the area near my home and I had to stop early after getting cut several times. Here we go with one hour and fifty minutes of salsa! Many thanks as always to event organizer Calvin Wang and fellow DJ Tien Yu for the kind support. The track list will be available soon.

Another set. Some good fun spinning for the CoBeatParty Boxing Day Salsa marathon. Tracks are displayed in the video when they appear.

Finishing with Part 4 of notable music in 2021, this chart covers songs which interested me in the last few months of the year. (Part 1 is Early 2021; Part 2 is Spring 2021, Part 3 is Summer 2021). Salsa is my focus, but other genres are included. Listed here are 150 tracks --not the usual 140, since I added 10 bonus salsa songs released in 2021. Lists 1 to 8 are about salsa, with ten songs each. The other lists have five songs. For information about how lists were organized, see the project description and the notes at the bottom of this page. Listen online All the lists are on Spotify and Apple Music. Just click on either button after each list. The tracks in these lists start on Spotify/Music as #31 (Lists 1-8) or as #16 (Lists 9-18). Note that when a playlist is 'liked', it gets saved to your profile for easy access. To access all the playlists, click on either of the images above. Let's go! Categories Salsa | Other Latin | Other Genres | Mixes Salsa 1. CONTEMPORARY SALSA - New Released in late 2021 Tracks 31-40 Tracks 41-50 (Bonus) Still Hot from 2020 Special Pick: "Lo Bueno Está Aquí" 2. CONTEMPORARY SALSA - Recent Still Hot from 2020 Tracks 31-40 Winners from the 2010s Special Pick: "El Son Guaguancó" 3. CONTEMPORARY SALSA - Anthems (Winners From the 2010s) Tracks 31-40 The Millenial Era Special Pick: "Yo Tengo Lo Mio" 4. Contemporary SALSA - nostalgic (The Millennial Era) Tracks 31-40 (Tracks 21-30) The Golden Era Special Pick: "Por Que Adoré" 5. CLASSIC SALSA (The Golden Era) Tracks 31-40 Songs for my Father Special Pick: "Caña y Coco" 6. THE ROOTS OF SALSA Songs for my Father Tracks 31-40 Missed Gems Discovered in 2021 Special Pick: "Mi Amigo Licor" 7. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER (Missed Gems Discovered in 2021) Tracks 31-40 Exclusively Cuban Artists Special Pick: "Tú No Suenas" 8. SPOTLIGHT: Cuba Exclusively Cuban Artists Tracks 31-40 > Back to top Other Latin Music Spotlight: Japan Special Pick: "Descarga Con Vibes" 9. SPOTLIGHT: Japan Exclusively Japanese Artists Tracks 16-20 Full Circle Special Pick: "Guajira Ven" 10. SPOTLIGHT: Africa Full Circle Tracks 16-20 New & Recent Bachata Special Pick: "La Bachata" 11. Spotlight: Bachata New & Recent Tracks 16-20 Contemporary Easy Listening Special Pick: "Para Ti, Para Mi" 12. LATIN LOUNGE Contemporary Easy Listening Tracks 16-20 Deep Latin Vibes Special Pick: "Guajira Controversial" 13. DEEP LATIN VIBES Classic Boogaloo / Cha cha cha / Son / Guajira Tracks 16-20 Reggaeton & More Special Pick: "Aprendi" 14. SABROSURA SIN CLAVE Reggaeton & More Tracks 16-20 > Back to top Other Genres Old & New Jamaican Music Special Pick: "So Incredible" 15. SPOTLIGHT ON JAMAICA Old & New Tracks 16-20 Old & New African Music Special Pick: "Aninha" 16. SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA Old & New Tracks 16-20 Club Jazz Special Pick: "Pandajero" 17. SPOTLIGHT: Club Jazz Acid-/Nu-/Funk-Jazz & Broken Beat Tracks 16-20 Upbeat Vibes Special Pick: "Shamisen K" 18. MISCELLaNEA Upbeat Vibes Tracks 16-20 > Back to top Bonus: Inspiring Mixes of Late 2021 Mellow Mood ~ Lovers Rock Mix (Tojo - Afrontier) Latin Music from Guinea (Mikael el Rojo) Sweet Mello Sweet PR (MSQ) Salsa Romantica (Junichi Yoshida) Salsa Playlist #380 (DJ Deniz Seven) > Back to Top Notes Although the 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 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 for me in 2021, regardless of release date. In order to give value, cohesion, and relevance, I carefully organized these lists. However, this project was for fun, so in no way are the lists intended to be authoritative. Besides, I cannot conceivably know the full range of possible songs relevant to a certain category. Finally, a top-10 (or top-5) ranking style has been avoided. Instead, songs are listed in alphabetical order by title. Let me know what you think about these lists. Any recommendations for late 2021? Are there any songs that were personally significant for you regardless of release year? If you enjoyed this project and wish to support future projects, please consider buying me a coffee. Just click on the icon below. Thanks! > Back to Top

The latest MixCloud session highlights the piano in contemporary salsa in a range of styles. Eighteen songs, track list included. Click below to listen.

The latest project is done! I had great fun making this 90-minute mix comprising solely 7" records made for The Drop Vinyl subscription servce as part of their promotional mix series featuring DJs from around the world. (Check out all their mixes here). For my contribution to the mix series, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and do something different than usual (salsa) -- this time, I focused on Afro-funk. Included are 4 Japanese tracks unavailable outside of Japan, as well as newish and older releases from both international and African artists of the genre. Needless to say, there are lots of electric guitar riffs, pounding djembes, and scorching vocals! The launch is coming soon -- it will be available for listening on both Soundcloud and MixCloud, with a track list. Stay tuned... Thank you for your support!