Puerto Rican musical culture

Good Evening everyone!

The Salsa article that was written by Sue Steward features a wealth of information on the topic of Salsa. It features short synopsis biographies on artists like Ruben Blades and Celia Cruz.

I don’t really think there is much that is lacking necessarily. I wish the author would provide more detail on the artists biographies. For example, I am extremely motivated by the music of Celia Cruz and Ricky Martin. I am also heavily influenced by Santana. His songs “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” rock. When I was twelve years old, I remember the song “Smooth” that featured Rob Thomas and Santana. I remember when it came out on the radio…it was a great moment.

I found it very interesting that in San Juan, Puerto Rico in July you can experience “a spree of fiestas patronales, with all-night dancing and music provided by the island’s great small salsa bands on stages in every town square”.

Also in New York, “the annual Labor Day Salsa Fiesta is a summer stadium jamboree and a perfect way to catch up with the top Latin and tropical acts. The tradition was founded by Fania records in the 1980′s” (Steward, 501). The only aspect that I think it lacks is artist biographical detail. What other music is available in San Juan?

I think it’s suave to call Ruben Blades “Latin’s Bruce Springsteen”.

In closing, I think its neat what the late Celia Cruz said about Salsa: “Cuban music with another name. It’s mambo, chachacha, rumba, son..all the Cuban rhythms under one name”.
I think it is fair to say that Desi Arnaz was instrumental in bringing Cuban mambo to New York. I really like the song “Babalu” and “Cuban Pete”. Both songs were made popular on the “I Love Lucy” tv show in the 1950′s.

Add a comment November 30, 2009