SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
JANUARY: PR STRONG
We as Puerto Ricans are a musical people with the Bomba and Plena being native to the island. Music was used in slave uprisings, to send messages as well in protests against the government. Music is also how we celebrate, unify, create and sustain community! It's spiritual and hopeful.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Puerto Rico is currently experiencing extremely trying times. While still recovering from hurricane Maria, the Puerto Rican people were strong enough to oust a corrupt governor all the while attempting to rebuild and get back to a sense of normalcy. Recently Puerto Rico was hit with several earthquakes and aftershocks which has affected power grids and building stability. The resilience and fortitude that the Puerto Rican community has shown is courageous and inspiring. Prayers up for La Isla del Encanto and may these songs provide encouragement and pride!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Pa'lante como un elephante, Pa'tra ni pa' cojer impulso!
FEBRUARY (BLACK HISTORY MONTH): LAS VIDAS NEGRAS IMPORTAN
This playlist celebrates and pays homage to the African influenced singers, musicians, and song writers of the Caribbean and Central and South America. When slave traders abducted the African people from their land, they were brought to these coastal towns. These Africans brought with them various and unique instruments, traditions, sounds and religions. These attributes contributed to the sounds we know today as Salsa as well as the way in which we dance it. The use of the tumbadora or conga, Congo and Palo Monte phrases, as well as the way of dancing, are all African derived and have been used as a form of resistance against colonialism. With racism, colorism and white washing of Black music still prevalent today, it is important to acknowledge these roots. And while there were many abhorrent, systemic and intentional efforts to demean, erase and destroy this culture, it not only survived but persisted and thrived!⠀
FEBRUARY (VALENTINE’S DAY): SALSA FOR LOVERS
*Disclaimer, TSP is not responsible for anything done under the influence of this playlist.
MARCH: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Women have played a significant role in the history of music regardless of their constant omission or inadequate representation in the field. Salsa began as and still remains a genre of music that is consistently patriarchal , from ownership, to the male gaze on album covers, to song lyrics, to managers, to musicians and singers. Visibility and promotion have been a constant issue. This playlist gives props to the women performers, musicians and singers who have been cultivating their craft for years and who have paved the way for others to have their voices heard.
MARCH: EL JUDIO MARAVILLOSO
Larry Harlow AKA “El Judio Maravilloso” was born March 20, 1939 in Brooklyn. He is a musician, mostly known for being a piano player, composer and producer. Jazz was a huge influence to Harlow growing up but it was his studies in Cuba on Afro-Cuban music which would leave its greatest mark on him. Larry Harlow has worked with some of the greatest singers such as Tito Puente, Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana and Celia Cruz to name a few. In 1972, inspired by the rock opera “Tommy” Harlow, along with Henry Alvarez, created their own opera, “Hommy”, based on Afro-Caribbean music and starring some of the greatest musicians of that time. This was the first time a Salsa-themed opera was presented to the masses and its soundtrack remains one of the best of its era.
MARCH: ¿ASERE QUE BOLA? A LO CUBANO
Majority of the genres that make up Salsa music come from Cuba including Son Montuno, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Guaracha and Mambo, so it’s only natural that Cuba would also have its own form of Salsa. Timba, or “Cuban Salsa” has been around since the 1980’s thanks to some of its originators such as Irakere, NG La Banda and Los Van Van. Due to the embargo, for many years we were blocked from experiencing much of the music that was being created in Cuba, hence Cuban bands resorted to playing gigs in Europe, Asia, Central and South America. Here is a dose of Timba mixed with some of the original sounds that make up the genre.
APRIL: LA NUEVA ERA
Excited to bring to you our latest playlist entitled “La Nueva Era” or “The New Generation”! We thought it was important to put this playlist together as a way to showcase the talents of the new artists and musicians of our time that will go on to shape the sounds of Salsa. Our Salsa icons had someone pave the way and support their new sounds, so here we are playing our part in paving the way for the sounds of the new generation.⠀
JULY: CHEO FELICIANO
Cheo Feliciano was a singer and composer from Puerto Rico. He enjoyed music growing up so much that at only eight years old he formed his first band named “El Combo Las Latas". Cheo was known for his stage presence. He was a solo musician and vocalist who performed with the orchestras of icons like Ismeal Rivera, Eddie Palmieri and many others. After struggling with drug addiction, he even became an anti-drug advocate as well as helped in the rehabilitation of fellow Salsa musicians who fell prey to that lifestyle.
EL CONDADO DE LA SALSA
The Bronx has such a rich history of Salsa that we had to make a playlist honoring that!
JOHNNY PACHECO
As we grieve a great loss, we can’t help but turn to the music. We created a playlist honoring Johnny Pacheco’s life. His contribution to Salsa is invaluable and his death further justifies our being here. To continue what he started and to keep the culture alive through our love of Salsa!
QUE VIVA LA SALSA!
QUE VIVA JOHNNY PACHECO!
NAVIDAD
If you’re celebrating the holidays, we got you covered! We may not be able to celebrate the holidays like previously, but there are still many things to be grateful for. So make an "Asalto Navideno" in your own creative and safe ways. Ponte el arbolito. Dance La Murga de Panama. Eat pasteles and lechon arroz con gandules and drink some rum. Y que VIVA LA SALSA!!!!⠀
LA HUMANIDAD
Salsa “conciente” or “conscious” speaks to the social, political and economic injustices that occur within marginalized communities and barrios. Prominent mostly during the late 60’s and 70’s, when the civil rights movement was accelerating, Salsa “conciente” was a documentation and reflection of humanity, the good and the bad, and the struggle to not only survive but thrive. Topics such as racism, poverty, incarceration, immigration, drugs, civil rights, colonialism and government abuse are expressed via a vivid musical narrative. There are stories of family and strength and perseverance as well as addiction, violence and oppression. Artists such as Ruben Blades, Willie Colon and Eddie Palmieiri are some of the many Salseros who use their craft as an outlet for not only what is happening in the world but also as a voice for those who may not be heard.⠀⠀⠀
NUEVA ERA II
La Salsa Vive! Salsa musicians and singers continue to create and collaborate during these unique times. From the older generation to the younger generation, from Puerto Rico to Colombia, in the face of restrictions and social distancing, Salsa music continues to pour out of these creators like a good bottle of Havana Club. Gilberto Santa Rosa came back with a "amarrate los cinturones" new album of duets that that will keep you moving. Tromboranga's new release will give you exactly what the title of the cd offers you, "Salsa Terapia." Music is one of the many ways we, as Caribbean and Latin American people, express ourselves and connect in community. So we will continue to dance and sing knowing we are carrying on the tradition of our ancestors, on the backs of the older and newer generation of Salsero/as, all the way from Peru to Nueva York. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
LEVANTATE
This is the perfect playlist to listen to while you get your Sunday clean on!
LA NUEVA ERA III
"NO PARE SIGUE SIGUE!!!" Mi gente!...Music continues to pour out of artists like waterfalls in El Yunque. This new playlist captures some of the new Salsa and Timba songs that have recently been released from groups such as Pirulo Y La Tribu and Pedrito Martinez. With El Gran Combo they remind you that they are still "El Combo del Mundo" while Las Karamba are declaring "Basta Ya" and showing the world how the women throw down. Guayacan Orquesta nos afirma que en Bogota si hay Salseras y Timbalive con su Timba dice que "Se Boto Pa' La Calle" Hope you enjoy and find some of the new music being created during these still difficult times as a release and small form of happiness.
Que Viva La Salsa!
El CANTANTE
This playlist pays homage to one of the most recognized Salsa singers to perform in the genre, Hector Juan Perez, BKA Hector Lavoe "El Cantante de los Cantantes"
De Ponce a Nueva York came el jibaro to sing for his people. Su Gente! USTEDES!!!!
He infiltrated his audiences ears with a unique twang in his voice, jibarao nostalgia and an extension and elongation of words when he sang.
He was an embodiment of El Barrio, all Barrios, and as so was and still is adored by fans all around the world, who relate to his story and the sentiments of his songs.
TSP: "Salsa Origins" EL BRONX
The South Bronx is one of the epicenters in the creation of Salsa music. During the 60's and 70's, its essence left a Caribbean taste on your palette with hints of Bolero, Charanga, Mambo, Boogaloo and Son Montuno that would make your body scream for more, "AZUCAR!".
This playlist is a tribute to the sounds that were being heard in the streets and homes of the communities that existed in the South Bronx during Salsa's inception. May it serve as your own personal time machine and transport you back in time.