"La Salsa es mi Vida"
Manager: Astrid Pulles
Sound engineers: John Díaz and Guido Diaz
Recorded at Skylight Recording Studios in Belleville, NJ, USA, April 2001.
Record Company:Radio Nederland Wereld Omroep
Musicians:
Gerardo Rosales: leader, congas, bongo, bells, guiro and maracas
Astrid "La Holandesa": lead vocal
Frankie Vázquez: lead vocal, chorus
Ralph Irizarry: timbales
Robert Quintero: timbales, triple bongo, bells
Luisito Quintero: timbales
Marlon Simon: drums
Luis Perdomo: piano
Rubén Rodríguez: bass
Raúl Agraz: trumpets
Pedro Emilio Rodríguez: trumpet solos
Pablo Santaella: trombone
Nelson Hernández: baritone and soprano saxophone
Yosvany Terry Cabrera: alto and soprano saxophone solos
Ray Viera: chorus
1. Guasacaca
(comp. Gerardo Rosales)
2. Sorpresa Holandesa
(comp. Gerardo Rosales)
3. Una Salsa para Amsterdam
(publ. EMI / Spaan se tekst: Gerardo Rosales)
4. La Salsa es mi Vida
(comp. Gerardo Rosales)
5. Para el Rey, dedicated to Tito Puente
(comp. Gerardo Rosales)
6. Echándole
(comp. Gerardo Rosales)
7. Caramba
(comp. Otilio Galíndez)
8. El Hijo del Sonero
(comp. Ricardo Quintero)
9. Pajarillo & Bailen Joropo
(comp. Traditional & Gerardo Rosales)
10. Friday Morning
(comp. Danilo Pérez)
De arrangeurs van de cd zijn Gerardo Rosales, Randal Corsen, Michael Simon, Leslie López, Alberto Naranjo en Edy Martínez
One day I said to myself that the first time I would ever go to New York, it would be to record a cd or to give a concert. With music I have had the opportunity to know many places in the world. With this production entitled "La Salsa es mi Vida" I have made my dream come true. The movement of salsa was developed in New York, in the decade of the seventies. From that city came Fania All Stars, Eddie Palmieri, Richie Ray, Rubén Blades, Ray Barretto, Larry Harlow, Tito Puente, Joe Cuba etc. These artists were an example to me and gave me the strength to start this musical path.
It pleases me to present you a cd full of original themes, with fresh voices, musicians of the highest level, interesting arrangements and an impeccable sound. The music you'll hear has such a tremendous swing that you can't hide the wish to dance and to listen to it many times. This musical production will make salsa your life as well, if it isn't already so?
With "Guasacaca" we present the instrumental part of this cd. Brilliant solos of Yosvany Terry, Pedro Emilio Rodríguez, Ralph Irizarry, Robert Quintero and Gerardo Rosales will invite you to dance. "Sorpresa Holandesa" is the official presentation to the world, of the first salsa singer born in the land of tulips. With this theme Astrid "La Holandesa" surprises many 'salseros' who never could imagine that a Dutch girl would be able to sing and dance like any inhabitant of the Caribbean. "Una salsa para Amsterdam" is a theme dedicated to Amsterdam and her marvellous atmosphere. We know that everyone who once visited Amsterdam, will feel nostalgia hearing this theme, and he or she who doesn't know Amsterdam will feel wishes to get to know her. "La salsa es mi Vida" is a theme where the fabulous Puerto Rican singer Frankie Vázquez tells the true story of this rhythm that steals many hearts. "Para el Rey" is a deserved tribute to Tito Puente. With his prodigious hands Ralph Irizarry transmits this feeling, supported by solos of Yosvany Terry and Pedro Emilio Rodríguez. "Echándole" is dedicated to all those people who emigrate in search of a better future. With the voice of Frankie Vázquez we transmit this message of support and we wish all of you all the best. Astrid "La Holandesa" interprets "Caramba", a composition of the Venezuelan Otilio Galíndez. With "Caramba" we give a message of solidarity to all those women who have been victims of mistreatments. "El Hijo del Sonero" composed by Ricardo Quintero is a spectacular rumba, where the strength of the brass section, the voice of Frankie Vázquez, the piano of Luis Perdomo and the rhythm of Luisito Quintero, Robert Quintero and Gerardo Rosales make that you won't stop dancing. Gerardo Rosales never forgets his native country and in each one of his productions he promotes the rhythms of his land. With the theme "Pajarillo & Bailen Joropo" Venezuela is present again. "Friday Morning" composed by Danilo Pérez is a Latin jazz with solos of Yosvany Terry, Luis Perdomo, Marlon Simon, Pedro Emilio Rodríguez and Gerardo Rosales. With this theme, full of virtuosity, we close this musical production.