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.

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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.

****************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(New York, NY- October 6th, 2008)

Press Contact:
Kazuko Nagao
Notions United LLC
646-472-5204
kazuko@notionsunited.com

Hot!Hot!Hot! Yoko, “La Japonesa Salsera”!
Japanese female singer singing Hardcore Salsa! YOKO LA JAPONESA SALSERA CD RELEASE!
Performing LIVE at S.O.B’S Friday October 24th and CD on Sale on October 25th.

Salsa’s fiery heat has grown worldwide since the sixties. South America, Europe, MiddleEast and Asia all share the passion of Latin music. Today, Japan introduces their newest pride and joy in Latin music, Yoko, “La Japonesa Salsera”!

In 1997, Yoko’s career took an interesting turn when she moved to New York and began working at a Japanese financial firm. Though satisfied with her stable new career, she never lost interest in pursuing a singing career. Yoko continued playing gigs and performing whenever she had a chance. In 2004 she was invited to perform in Japan with Herman Olivera, a prestigious figure within the New York salsa scene who is currently the lead singer of the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra. Despite all this, it has not been easy competing with the thousands of other musicians striving for success in the Big Apple. For some time now, Yoko has wanted to record her own album in order to showcase her talent and have her voice reach people from all over the world.

Yoko could not have released this album without a production team strongly believed in her talent and potential. Willie Ruiz a 35 year salsa veteran coached and fine tuned Yoko’s vocal talent. Yoko’s training and unique sound coveted her a position as lead singer for the critically acclaimed Latin music group “Chino Nunez and friends.” Yoko’s debut on Chino Nunez’s album lead to a duet with famed Salsa singer Ray Sepulveda on “Hoy Ces cantamos” on Chino Nunez’s “Dr.Salsa”, album.

Yoko’s album is a combination of hardcore salsa, dance classics and a tribute to salsa of the past. Swinging arrangements by Willie Ruiz, Pablo “Chino”, Nunez and other talented arrangers and musical collaborations with the greatest talents including piano players Edwin Sanchez and Chiemi Nakai, base player Jose Tabares, trumpet players Raul Agraz,Richie Viruet and Manuel (Maneco) Ruiz , Trombone players Joe Fiedler ,Luis Bonilla and Jose Davila, Baritone Sax players Carmen Lavoy and Carl Corwin, Conga players Pablo ”Chino” Nunez and George Delgado, Timbales player Pablo “Chino”Nunez and Bongo & Bell player Pablo “Chino” Nunez and Jorge Gonzalez sets this album apart as not only musically sound but modern and innovative.

Yoko’s album release is to be held at the prestigious S.O.B.’s in New York City. S.O.B., Sounds of Brasil is considered a landmark venue for world music. 25 years ago Larry Gold opened S.O.B.’s doors exposing the mainstream to the heritage and culture of the Afro-Latino diaspora. Please join us in welcoming newest and hottest salsera, Yoko! “La Japonesa Salsera”.

The post Japanese Salsa Singer! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

“Toronto Dance Salsa is taking you to Havana! We have teamed up with the global leaders in salsa holidays, Club Dance Holidays, to bring you a unique holiday this Spring. 7 nights of Salsa in Havana from 21 March 2009 to 28 March 2009. Salsa in Havana – what more could you ask for? This holiday is designed to completely immerse you in Cuban culture and the Cuban dance scene, both of which are energetic, very real and totally spontaneous. It’s all about forgetting who you are, where you come from and living in the moment. Enjoy 15 hours of Salsa classes with some of the most exciting Cuban Salsa teachers and dancers in Havana. We have a whole team in Havana dedicated to assist you in the classes in the mornings, take you to the best Salsa matinee afternoon dance sessions in the afternoons and accompany you at night dancing with you until late in intimate clubs, where the dancing is often energized by live bands.

The dancing …

You will love our team of professional Cuban dancers. What makes this Cuban Salsa trip special is the team of Cuban dancers who come out with you at night to the dance venues in Havana. This means that there are more dance partners to go round and enables you to dance with not just Cubans but Cuban trained dancers!

Cuban Salsa is about truly “inhabiting” your body, really dancing WITH your partner and feeling the music in your soul. You will find that there is more fluidity and body movement compared to LA or New York Salsa due to Cuban Salsa being at one with Salsa’s ancestors – Son, Rumba, Afro-Cuban dance, Cha Cha Cha and Mambo. Our team of Cuban instructors truly want to see you dance like a Cuban, and will work with you on the “feel” of the fluid Cuban body movement, as well as on the moves and the footwork.

What’s included?

*Thorough and entertaining syllabus in salsa (Minimum 15 hrs of classes)
*Beautifully organised programme of nights out with our team of Cuban dancers who really spice it up.
*Charmingly hosted by our team on the ground who are experts in salsa and in Cuba.
*Return direct flights with Air Canada from Toronto Pearson
*Meet and Greet upon arrival and return hotel transfers
*7 nights accommodation and breakfast in the luxurious Hotel Nacional – the best hotel in Havana.
*A well thought out programme including parties, soirees, restaurants, nights out dancing as well sightseeing suggestions.
*A full Orientation Pack containing information on where to eat, where to party, tourist spots, things to do etc so you can do your own thing
*A Welcome party and drink
*A choice of optional extras related to the holiday

How much is it?

The price is $ 2349 CAD. Book now and get the best possible price at $2149 CAD (for reservations booked prior to end of November). Be among the first 8 people to book and pay only $1999 CAD. This holiday has limited places and will sell out. This price includes all taxes.

How do I book?

Call Club Dance Holidays direct on 416 848 0501and refer to the “Toronto Dance Salsa Trip to Cuba for March 2009” and they will sort everything out for you. “

The post Come to Cuba With Us! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Yesterday I commented on a great article I read on how salsa has changed in New York which many say is where salsa was born and cultivated. Click here to check out the article. It is very interesting to see how some are very excited by the changes and some feel the loss of an art.

If you ask Eddie Torres who really took the gritty New York Salsa and turned it into a sleeker more structured dance, he will tell you the changes in salsa are positive. It is less about partying and more about skill and focus. Young kids are no longer being integrated into a scene that promotes alcohol, smoking and even drugs. You will not likely find any great salsa dancers with any of these vices. Instead young salsa dancers feel inspired to get in shape, stay clean, work hard and dedicate themselves to the sport similar to any young athlete.

If you see Torres teach a workshop or dance, you will likely believe he truly feels the same passion and love for the dance as he did 30 years ago. So the passion of the dance is still evident. Go to a congress and you will see it. However, it is just not as free flowing and careless. And that is where the loss is felt by some.

I am so glad to see Toronto Clubs doing better then ever. We are lucky to have a choice of several good clubs to choose from 7 nights a week. All the new shows and dance movies like “So You Think You Can Dance”, “Dancing with the Stars”, “Dance with Me”, etc…have managede to introduce the art to new dancers. I know we can keep the upwards momentum and continue to enjoy this great art.

The post Part 2 – Is Salsa Changing? appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

I read this very interesting article about the evolution of mambo to salsa in New York and how salsa in changing. Take a quick read by clicking here. There were many interesting points that were brought up in this article that I wanted to comment on…this may take a few posts to get through!

The first theme that was discussed was how salsa has drastically changed since the era of Hector Lavoe and other famous salsa artists in the 70s and 80s. Salsa was grittier back then, danced in smoky clubs where alcohol and drugs were in abundance. The dance was less about the sport and more about the social aspect, a way for those of Latin heritage to unite, socialize and party together. The moves were basic and the rhythm was whatever you were feeling at the moment to that particular song. There was a freedom to this way of life that is not as evident these days in the New York salsa scene.

With the introduction of Eddie Torres to the mambo scene and the creation of dancing on “2”, salsa became more structured and emphasis was placed on dancing on beat in a similar linear manner. Dance lessons became more popular and learning to dance “properly” was emphasized.

With all the changes, salsa clubs in New York have become less popular. Instead, salsa studios, weekly socials, parties and congresses have taken over in popularity. The dance has become more competitive, athletic and sporty. It is taken very seriously and the days of drinking, smoking and even drugs in the salsa environment are fading quickly.

I can definitely see these changes in Toronto also. Although salsa clubs in Toronto are more popular then ever, the tone has changed in the 7 years I have been dancing. When I started dancing the clubs were filled with mostly those of Latin background. The dancing was much simpler, really fun and very social. There wasn’t a big challenge to the dance style though and the rhythm of many dancers was all over the place and difficult to follow.

Fast forward to 2007 where salsa clubs are just a packed but with every type of dancer – background, size, age and skill sets vary considerably. Dancers focus on varying up their turn patterns and sticking to a certain beat. The skill level is much higher with amazing multiple turn variations. There is less drinking, no smoking and more focus on dancing.

I don’t really think one is better than the other. I am a non-smoker, non-drinker so an environment that caters to this appeals to me. I like the challenge of more complicated dancing and I really want my partner to dance on time. However, I also loved dancing in a free, structure free environment where no one cared about rules and just let go.

Hopefully we can keep alive the free, social and fun factor of the past and merge it with the clean living, athletic structure and continue to enjoy all that salsa dancing has to offer!

(Continued tomorrow)

The post Is Salsa Changing? appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.