1) When and how did Cache form?

After playing with Vibrason, led by me, for about 4 years. A replica of the Joe Cuba Sextet which was a format that did not include horn but had an exceptional chemistry with a lot of soul. These ingredients were key player for us to be able to write our own music and so, Caché was formed in 2001. Our Debut performance was at the legendary Bamboo Club on Queen And Spadina.

2) How long have you been playing together?

With Caché, with have been playing together for 10 years. As musicians some of us have been playing with various bands for 20 years.

3) What are your thoughts about the Toronto salsa scene?

I believe we have come a long way musically and now that salsa is more recognized and accepted we still lack a larger market and venues for live performances, if we were to compare it with New York with a population over18 million and a good percentage of that being Spanish speaking where the roots and percussion rhythms are instilled from an early age.

4) Can you describe your style of music?

Our style of music is a blend between vintage and new. It is not new and it is not old. We are not trying to be salsa from New York, salsa from Puerto Rico, salsa from Colombia or Cuban. We are inspired and we have been brought up listening to the old school salsa and Caribbean rhythms. Bands nowadays have become too technical. We do not want to copy or duplicate, we want to bring back what has been lost from vintage salsa and at the same time update it with our own heart and soul. This is why we like to call it Canadian Salsa.

5) What musicians have inspired you?

Musicians that have inspired me are, Papo Luca, Tito Puente, Noro Morales, and Willie Rosario just to name a few.

6) We are excited to hear about your new CD. Can you tell us a bit about the new CD and how it differs from your past two CDs?

We are very happy with the new release, “Looking from the Top” which will soon become available on iTunes just like are 2 previous CDs. You will be able to see how we have grown not only as musicians but as writers. There is not much difference as we like to maintain our trademark, so when a Caché fan hears our music they will be able to identify the sound or rhythm as a ‘Caché’ song.

7) Where can we purchase your CDs and songs?

Our CDs and songs are available in iTunes. Or you can always place an order by sending an email to wmacevedo@sympatico.ca and pay by paypal.

8) Do you have any upcoming performances that we can check out?

We will be at Lula Lounge on February 25

9) What are the band’s plans for the next year or two?

Our plans for the next year is to hopefully tour across Canada and the States as well as to get more involved with Salsa Congresses.

***********

For more information on Caché’s new CD please email Wilson at wmacevedo@sympatico.ca.  Their new songs should be available on iTunes shortly so enjoy!

The post My Interview with Wilson Acevedo from Caché appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

La Excelencia’s first CD ‘Salsa Con Conciencia’ has sold over 9000 units without major distribution. The entire CD ‘Salsa con Conciencia’ and two singles from the CD “La Salsa y el Guaguanco” and “La Lucha” were chosen to be voted on by the Latin Grammy’s, and, The Grammy’s making it as far as the second round. La Excelencia’s music can be found on countless salsa/world music compilations, motions pictures, instructional DVDs, and can also be heard on radio stations and satellite radio both nationally and internationally.

This CD showcases the versatility of La Excelencia and the many talented artists within the orchestra. In fact there are 13 in the band and the depth and layering adds considerably to the sound.

La Excelencia is a Nuyorcian band, but do not expect pure Mambo, this is Salsa Dua with plenty of hard-core trombones and acoustic piano. They are creating a new mix style with Cuban, Colombian, Puerto Rican and African traditions in a complete and smoothly contiguous manner. Layed on top of each track, the lyrics have a cutting message and underlying story. Soneros Edwin Perez and Gilberto Velazquez certainly do the lyrics justice.

Song titles include:
La Lucha
Solo Sin Amor
Sentencia
El Tiempo en Tus Manos
La Salsa y el Guaguanco
Estoy
El Loco
Cada Dia
Hijo De Los Rumberos
Boogalu Pa’ Colombia
La Lucha (Remix) Fet: Shanny
Musicians include:
Jorge Bringas Bass
Willy Rodríguez Piano
Charles Dilone Bongo, campana, quinto
José Vázquez-Cofresi Congas, shekere
Julián Silva Timbales, maracas, tambora, catá
Ronald Prokopez Trombone
Tokunori Kajiwara Trombone
Jack Davis Trombone
Sam Hoyt Trumpet
Jonathan Powell Trumpet
Willie Oleneck Trumpet
Edwin Pérez Lead vocal, coro
Gilberto Velázquez Lead vocal, coro, guiro

Check it out and I hope to see you on the dance floor.

Louis
www.theClave.com
Supporting local Salsa Bands!
—

The post La Excelencia appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

The evening started at 9pm with our lessons. Tracie and Mark taught the beginner lesson and Evan and I did the intermediate lesson. Although the space was small and the classes were packed as usual it was still so much fun to see everyone learning and practicing their turn pattern.

At about 10:30pm the band came on. The name of the band is Conjunto La-ca-lú and this was the first time I have seen them perform. They were awesome. Crisp sound, plenty of energy and great unity. Here is a bit about them:

Conjunto La-ca-lú is one of Toronto’s newest salsa bands. Rooted in the Cuban sonora tradition, this group couples a dynamic three-trumpet horn section with a rhythm section featuring Afro-Cuban hand percussion, piano, bass, and tres. This particular instrumentation allows the group to achieve a classic sound while being sufficiently versatile to appeal to the myriad tastes of their contemporary audience. Conjunto La-ca-lú’s repertoire borrows heavily from its predecessors—such as Conjunto Clasico—yet also includes a number of original arrangements of salsa and pop standards as well as a growing catalogue of original compositions. Conjunto La-ca-lú! is co-directed by pianist Sean Bellaviti and percussionist Luis “Luisito” Orbegoso, and features some of this city’s most talented and hard working musicians.

The band had 3 sets which went on to almost 2am. Needless to say it was great to see familiar faces and to meet new students and TDS friends.

Our next outing is Saturday Feb 21st at 9:45pm at Peridot Resto Lounge at 81 Bloor St E at Yonge. Can’t wait to see you all there!

The post Lula Lounge Outing appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Isaac Altman, President

LEGENDARY AFRO-CUBAN MUSICIAN LARRY HARLOW TO APPEAR IN CONCERT AT THE 7th ANNUAL WSF WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MIAMI

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the World Salsa Federation, Inc., we would like to welcome everyone to the 7th Annual WSF World Professional Salsa Championships and the All-Star Dancesport Championships to be held in Miami at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, November 7th and 8th, 2008.

Over 2 days, competitors from around the World will have an opportunity to be World Champions in their Salsa style and category, and then go head to head for the title of Undisputed World Professional Salsa Champions. The Undisputed World Professional Salsa Champions will represent the best of Salsa competitive dancing, and will represent the WSF world-wide. Also included this year will be the World Junior and Youth Salsa Championships. The youth come to this event with unsurpassed energy and enthusiasm. Come watch them compete as these young people will be our future Salsa Stars!! Also that weekend the WSF will hold its All-Star DanceSport Championships bringing the ever popular Ballroom Dancing to Miami in its most competitive form. Competition ranges from ages 4 through adults and beginners through advanced levels.

Salsa music legend and renowned Latin-style pianist Larry Harlow comes to the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Grand Ballroom for a special performance on Saturday, November 8th, 2008 . Playing with Larry Harlow will be his Latin Legends Band offering a night of hot salsa rhythms to dance to. Larry Harlow, one of the original members of the most famous Salsa band ever, the Fania All-Stars, will be in concert for one night only. This will be his only Florida appearance before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award one week later at the 2008 Latin Grammy Awards. General admission tickets for Saturday Night are $20 and reserve tables of 10 are $250. Ticket purchases can be made by calling 786-566-2604 or online at www.wsf.cc/saturday_evening_ticket.html

Larry Harlow is recognized by many as a revolutionary of the Latin music known today as “Salsa.” His influence in the early 70s developed the explosive trumpet and trombone sounds now familiar in contemporary salsa bands. Harlow is a graduate of the prestigious New York High School of Music and Art and holds a BA in Music from Brooklyn College and a Masters in Philosophy from the New School of Social Research in New York City . He is a gifted player of the oboe, flute, violin, bass, and, most notably, the piano. He is a three-time Grammy nominee and was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame on April 5, 2000 .

Latin musicians around the world enjoy greater recognition and rewards due to Mr. Harlow’s pioneering efforts as a Governor of the New York chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. There, Harlow helped to establish the first Latin Grammy Award. There are now 12 different Latin categories in the Grammy’s, as well as the exclusive Latin Grammy Awards.

WWW.WORLDSALSAFEDERATION.COM

WSFSALSA@YAHOO.COM “

The post World Salsa Championships appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Below is their bio for anyone interested in learning about this new band…

“Those who witnessed up close and personal the “Salsa Explosion of the 1970’s” in New York City and Puerto Rico remember and agree that the majority of the musicians and bandleaders were mostly youngsters.

Now, inspired by the masters of salsa is the new group from New York City that goes by the name of “La Excelencia.” Percussionists Jose Vazquez-Cofresi and Julian Silva formed the band, featuring a young ensemble that would appeal to their generation, while performing and creating “salsa dura” (hardcore salsa) with a positive social message.

This debut CD “Salsa Con Conciencia” (salsa with a conscience) delivers 10 original scores, showcasing the versatility and depth of the band. The tracks swing with beautiful harmonies and powerful arrangements of free-flowing horns and lively percussions.

Lead vocalists Rene Leslie and Edwin Perez command the spotlight with arresting readings full of social messages that enlighten the listeners to everyday situations in peoples’ lives.

Tasty choruses complete each track, delivering high-octane rhythms, without losing essence and true roots of salsa. These young-bloods are the real thing. -Rudolph Mangual (Latin Beat Magazine)”

Let us know if you have discovered any new salsa bands and we will be sure to check them out!

The post La Excelencia appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

We were mildly disappointed that we missed the salsa bands. We were able to hear two or three different flamenco bands and one even mixed salsa with flamenco for an interesting sound. However, with the craziness and mass audience, we were not inspired to dance.

As in the last two festivals, we visited this summer, the highlight was a very interesting band with a lead musician who played an electric violin. They were amazing as usual and built the biggest audience of the evening. They played right at the opening of the festival and 2 hours later as we returned from finishing the walk they were still playing strong. The lead exerts so much energy jumping and playing frantically, it is so fun to watch.

I would love to hear if anyone got to see Son Ache or Cache playing during the weekend. Hopefully there are still a few more opportunities to this summer to catch the bands playing. Looking forward to the Latin festival at Mel Lastman Square in September!

The post Jazz Fest on Friday appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Hector, who was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York in the 1960s, grew to become one of the most famous salsa singers in history. His popularity still lives strong with clubs continually playing his popular hits and new salsa bands reliving his music.

Hector Lavoe is played by Marc Anthony who is also an extremely popular Latin artist. Alongside his real-life wife, Jennifer Lopez, who plays his on-screen wife, the movie is said to pack some powerful performances. Both Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez are Puerto Rican and this was a labour of love project. The movie is said to be heart-warming, funny and a sad story of the death of one of salsa’s greatest performers.

Looking forward to letting you all know how the movie turns out. For more info on the movie and to see a sneak preview video, click here.

The post El Cantante appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

I am convinced that there is very little that can top salsa dancing on the streets in the summer to a live salsa band. That is what I love about Toronto in the summer. From the Jazz Festivals to the Toronto Street Festival to the Salsa on St. Clair festival, there is no shortage of great salsa being played live under the sun or the stars. Of course you have to not mind getting very hot and sweaty and remember that you can’t turn properly. However if you keep your moves simple and have lots of water on hand it is well worth the experience.

Hopefully many of you got to enjoy the salsa bands that played in Toronto in the past two weeks as part of Luminato and the Taste of Little Italy festivals. Just so you don’t miss some good events coming up in Toronto here are the main festivals with live salsa music:

The Toronto Jazz Festival – June 22nd – July 1st
Salsa on St. Clair – July 13-14th
Beaches International Jazz Festival – July 26-29th

Of course there are also the free concerts at the Harbourfront Centre, the Dundas & Yonge Square, Mel Lastman Square, the Distillery and much more.

We’ll keep you informed as the summer progressed.

Happy summer salsa dancing!

The post Salsa Dancing in the Summer appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.