Search Results

Episode 17 is available for replay -- see below for the link (2hrs 11mins, 21 tracks). The guest is DJ Bongohead, whose roles in the Latin music industry go way beyond just deejaying. He is a very knowledgeable writer, curator, researcher and record label co-owner. See the pre-show post for Bongohead's introduction on Encanto Tropical. Show Highlights: Introductory salsa session: ~15:29 featuring 3 tracks by El Super Combo Los Diamantes, Julian Y Su Combo, and Estrellas de Chocolate. Spotlight 1 (New salsa releases): 15:30~ featuring CSAN-II, Donny Reyes Feat. La Maxima 79, and Pablo Perez "El Alcalde de La Salsa" Guest Showcase: Interview with Bongohead, Part 1: 30:38~ featuring Chapuseaux Y Damirón and Conjunto Siglo 21 Spotlight 2 (Latin music by Japanese artists) 51:19~ featuring Orquesta del Sol, Sayaka Y Su Palma Habanera. and Aya Nakano & Central Guest Showcase: Interview with Bongohead, Part 2: 1:07:01~ featuring Bio Ritmo, Orquesta El Macabeo Guest Showcase: Interview with Bongohead, Part 3: 1:25:19~ featuring Ola Fresca Spotlight 3 (Covers of Cuban music): 1:34:44~ featuring Abraham Rodriguez Jr, La Maxima 79, and Rafael "Pollo" Brito and Edwin Pulgar. Spotlight 4 (Guest showcase - song selection): 1:52:29~ featuring Frankie Figueroa, Joe Acosta, and Los Dementes Concluding track: 2:06:50~ featuring Chano Pozo Replay Episode 17 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Latest upload: an all-salsa mix recorded live at my gig at "Mambongo!" special event last Saturday in Tokyo. Listen online (MixCloud) below! The live recording was edited a bit to remove all the bachata --- so it’s over three hours of non-stop salsa, with a tinge of color added to the sound quality from the pre-amp included in my DJ setup. Listen on MixCloud.... Replay Recorded on Dec 3, 2022. Mambongo! Much gratitude to the Mambongo event organizers who hold their monthly salsa social on the 1st Saturday at Studio Pepe 2 in Roppongi, Tokyo. Check out their Facebook or website for upcoming events. MORE MIXES Check more mixes on my Mixes page or on my MixCloud ( Latin / African / Other ). < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Coming soon on Encanto Tropical... Episode 17 features DJ Bongohead as the guest! Tune in on December 8 for an exclusive interview. The prolific writer Pablo Yglesias, aka Bongohead, regularly demonstrates his vast knowledge of the history and scope of Latin music in his posts on Instagram . Also significant is his work as curator, not just in media (poster and album cover art for exhibition purposes), but also in reissued albums and compilations, most recently for VampiSoul (Munster Records). In addition, he stays busy as a regular DJ and in co-managing the record label Peace and Rhythm . Although Bongohead and I have never met in person, it has been a pleasure knowing him for a few years now. While our communication is limited to email chats, I am always humbled by his generosity in sharing his deep knowledge of the Latin music scene. It's rather impressive the many roles he assumes, so it's a pleasure to have him as a guest on Encanto Tropical! Examples of Bongohead's activities in the world of Latin music are listed below. DJ Bongohead: Links 1 Album Contributor List of contributions on Discogs.com 2 Record Label Co-Founder/Co-Manager Peace & Rhythm Records 3 Gallery Exhibit Curator Visual Clave Gallery 4 BlogGER On Joe Bataan On Latin album cover art "Y qué se sepa?" 5 DJ Gladys & Palmera mix 6 INSTAGRAMMER @bongohead_peaceandrhythm Episode 17 will deviate from the usual format. Instead of a 30 minute mix to open the episode, we will start almost immediately with the guest interview, since it is about 25 minutes in length -- this will be split over several parts, interspersed with relevant choices in music, such as songs from compilations that Bongohead has been involved with. In his talk, Bongohead generously provides a lot of interesting information and details! In addition -- as is the custom for the guest on Encanto Tropical -- he selects three special tracks for us to listen to. Encanto Tropical comprises four spotlights which form the main part of the show: New salsa releases Latin music by Japanese artists Covers of classic Cuban songs Guest Showcase See the Program Description for more information about the structure of the show, especially the spotlights. Tune into World Salsa Radio for Episode 17 of Encanto Tropical with Bongohead on December 8th! < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

It’s been two years, but I’m back in the Kansai region for the winter break with three nights behind the decks! Come say hi in Kobe, Kyoto, or Osaka… Check the Facebook Event page links for more information. Dec 30 Fri (Kobe) Latin Lounge: Year-End Party in NISHINOMIYA Feat. Yacel Sagarra (live Cuban music) Casablanca Nishinomiya 兵庫県西宮市西波止町1−2 コンパス西宮ビーチリゾート 2階 Tel 080-8808-5376 ¥1000 17:00-22:00 (Live 20:00 & 21:00) > Event Information Jan 6 Fri (Kyoto) Latin Digs: All-Vinyl Lounge Session Feat. Craft beer and sake! Hachi Record Shop & Bar 京都市下京区平居町19 Tel 075-746-7694 ¥500 18:00-22:00 > Event Information Jan 7 Sat (Osaka) Pegao Social NY Special Feat. Kanae (Lesson) / DJ Shigeru Voxx 大阪市西区江戸堀1-15-30 B1 Tel 06-6225-2100 2500円 (Lesson & 1 Drink) 16:00-20:00 > Event Information < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

It's been a little while since I did a show, but I'm back with Episode 19 of Encanto Tropical for World Salsa Radio . Replay at the bottom of this page. Episode19 is an eclectic salsa mix -- on the playlist are some old and new songs which are a bit left-field -- but the highlight is "Danza para los difuntos", an exquisite instrumental track by bassist Rubim de Toledo from Edmonton, Canada. There is also one non-salsa track from the Cuban-American pianist, Enrique Chia, about halfway through the session. Playlist 1. Conjunto Imagen - Estamos en Salsa 2. Pazcual Villaronga - Bongo habla otra vez 3. Grupo Galé - Parece Mentira 4. Bobby Valentín - Me Abandonaste 5. Michi Sarmiento y su Combo - Corazon de Araña Negra 6. Alfredo Linares y Su Sonora - Boogaloo Girl 7. Ray Pérez y Perucho Torcat - Lengua de hacha 8. 5 En Clave feat. Tato Peña - La Temeridad 9. Joseph Torres Y Orquesta Curaré - Yo Te Curaré 10. Rubim de Toledo - Baile para los Difuntos 11. Afia Mala & Orquesta Aragon - Lonlon Vanvan (Edit Version) 12. Manyoma Brothers - La Flor de los Lindos Campos (feat. Adalberto Santiago) 13. Pedro Lázaro Ordóñez Padrón (Papucho) & Manana Club - A la Rumba 14. Enrique Chia - Siempre En Mi Corazon 15. Cuban Masters - Toca la Flauta Fajardo 16. La Maxima 79 - El Pasillito 17. Orquesta Capri - Guaguanco de Los Indios 18. Conjunto Mamborama - Tu Por Aqui, Yo Por Alla 19. Jomed - Montuno Norteño 20. Belisario López y Su Charanga - Caña Y Coco 21. Massimo Scalici & Manfredi Caputo - Suavecito 22. German Medina & Nell Figueroa - La Cuna Del Son 23. Chelosaoko - Baila Mi Ritmo 24. El Trabuco Venezolano - Yo Soy La Rumba 25. Tony Ávila - Timbiriche 26. Irving Manuel - Todo Se Derrumbó 27. Tommy Olivencia - Tu No Haces Falta Replay Episode 19 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Coming up is Episode 20 featuring the dancer Rumbera la Andaluza as guest. Up to now, guests on my show have been musicians, DJs, and dance instructors. This is to be expected, but I think a dancer’s perspective is great to spotlight, as well. A frequent traveler to dance events around Europe and a keen audience member of salsa radio shows and live streams, Rumbera la Andaluza embodies the same level of dedication to salsa that my past guests show, too. Tune in to hear her thoughts* and of course her selection of 3 songs in Spotlight 4 for the show! *NOTE: the interview is in Spanish, but an English transcript is provided on the highlights page. Other spotlights feature new salsa releases, songs by Japanese musicians, and cover versions of classic Cuban songs. This is all material I’m happy to research and share with listeners of the show. The show starts with a short mix of songs taken from the playlist of my recent live stream for El Parche Cucarron -- with many thanks to the organizers, especially Carlito Lopez, for having me on April 1. Episode 20 of Encanto Tropical broadcasts on April 13th. Join me and see you in the chat! < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Coming up... today! I am marking my birthday with a fundraiser for Médecins San Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). It will be great fun with salsa and DJ mates. Five great DJs are joining me for a 6-hour live stream on Facebook: DJ Eddie Hunt (UK) DJ Hong (USA) DJ Atsushi A-Chango (Japan) DJ Mosquetero (Spain) DJ Nik (USA) The kick off is at 19:00 (Japan time) with my set. Join us and say hi in the chat! 03:00 PT / 05:00 COL / 06:00 ET / 11:00 BT / 12:00 CET For more information, including international times, check the event page . Donations for MSF are welcome on the Donation page . MSF is a great charity doing very important work around the world. It is a non-profit organization providing humanitarian medical assistance in crisis zones -- it is currently operating in more than 70 areas. Its many dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff need our support. It runs almost entirely on donations, so let's make a difference. Please donate. Check the MSF website to learn more. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

A week ago my home studio was the venue for a salsa live stream event and fundraiser where 5 invited DJs and me marked my birthday. The event was great fun, there was a good audience, and we managed to collect about ¥149,000 (US$1100) in donations for one of my preferred charities, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. MSF is an important organization that provides crucial humanitarian medical assistance in several hotspots around the world, often under dangerous circumstances for its dedicated medical works and staff. It relies almost entirely on donations, so it’s crucial for gather grassroots support for support it. I’m very pleased and proud of the team of DJs and our generous audience for crossing the US$1000 threshold. In the big scheme of things, it’s not that much, but every little bit counts. The spirit of collective action and awareness-raising is important, too. Find out more about Medecins Sans Frontières. This fundraising project is a yearly event. I do it every birthday for MSF. Participating DJs this year were DJ Eddie Hunt, DJ Hong, DJ Atsushi Umeda, DJ Mosquetero, and DJ Nik. What lineup! The video of the event, Angel's Birthday Salsa , is available for replay on my Facebook timeline . Six hours' worth! Check it out! With warm thanks to everyone who contributed who contributed to the cause. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Last week’s Encanto Tropical (2:04:44, 21 tracks) is ready for replay - see below. This show spotlights 21 salsa tracks which include masterful piano — all from the 1970s. I cover a range of pianists playing in both the roles of background rhythm and piano solo. It’s a high definition recording. This was the 25th edition of Encanto Tropical, so it’s a pleasing milestone for me, however small. Thanks to everyone who has have supported me so far. Full attribution is given in the show. Most of the tracks are standards; my aim was not to showcase rare songs but rather curate mostly classics. Featured pianists are the following. Sonny Bravo Gilberto ‘Pulpo’ Colon Markolino Dimond Andres Dorios Wayne Gorbea Hernán Gutiérrez Larry Harlow Oscar Hernández Rafael Ithier Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte Papo Lucca Eddie Martinez Jorge Millet Charlie Palmieri Eddie Palmieri Ricardo Ray Edwin Rodriguez Joe Torres Javier Vasquez REPLAY EPISODE 25 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Replay Episode 26 using the link at the bottom of this page. Thirty songs (1:57:02). This is an on-the-fly mix featuring mostly vintage salsa. No specific theme. No guest, either. I had no time to prep, so I just played track to track... Good fun! The following artists are featured. Full attribution is given on the show. Alfredito Linares Y Su Orquesta Arley y su Proyecto Blas Duran Y La Nueva Fuerza Bush Y Sus Magníficos Candido Y Su Movimiento Carlos Pickling Y Su Conjunto Chaparro Charlie Palomares Y Su Orquesta Chivirico Davila Danny Gonzalez Y Su Orquesta El Clan de la Salsa El Combo De Pepe El Klan Fuego '77 Gilberto Sextet H.M.A Salsa/Jazz Orchestra Hot Salsa Ismael Miranda Jesus M. Leal Y Su Salsa Johnny Ventura Y Su Combo Los Armonicos Los Kenya Mambo Loco Mario Allison y Su Combo Nuestra Orquesta La Salsa Mayor Orquesta Cali Charanga Pete Bonet Pijuan Y Su Sexteto Ray Terrace Super Combo Bellamar REPLAY EPISODE 26 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

[Pre-Show Post] A lavender ribbon is used for promoting cancer awareness. Episode 27 will be dedicated to a friend who recently started chemotherapy. When I suggested lifting their spirits by making a mix during this challenging time, they replied "let the music make me dream". Since this person likes brass-infused salsa cuts, I knew what would be the theme of the show. My own cancer journey was a complete success, and I am grateful for that. I can only wish the same for my friend. Join us as this person tunes in on Sept 28th and, if you can, show your support in the chat. Sharing your own cancer story is welcome, too. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Replay Episode 28 using the link at the bottom of this page. 25 songs (2:05:30). This episode features a guest interview for the first time in a while. I managed to have a great talk with DJ BoriQua, one of the co-founders of World Salsa Radio . His show, "Afincando con DJ BoriQua" broadcasts on Saturdays 10:00am - 1200pm (Pacific Time). See the preceding blog post for more details. With DJ BoriQua as my guest, I thought it would be fitting to spotlight Puerto Rican salsa. There are 22 tracks spanning different decades with a range of artists from La Isla del Encanto , with a pre-interview mix (12 tracks) and a post-interview mix (10 tracks). My selection of songs is not intended as a "best-of list". Tracks were chosen primarily on a personal basis, but on most occasions I also chose songs that were not among the most famous of a given artist. Importantly, I also focused on songs by artists based in Puerto Rico -- as opposed to those who permanently relocated to the United States ((with just a few exceptions). The following artists are featured. Full attribution is given on the show. Andy Montañez El Combo del Ayer & Luigi Texidor El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico Frankie Ruiz Ismael Rivera Ivan Cáceres Kako Y Su Combo La Playa Sextet Mario Ortiz Marvin Santiago Moncho Rivera Noro Morales Rafael Cortijo & Su Bonche Raphy Leavitt Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz Sonora Ponceña Tite Curet Alonso Tito Rodriguez Tito Rojas Tony Vega Willie Rosario feat. Frankie Figueroa REPLAY EPISODE 28 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >