Salsa Artists on National Geographic

geo — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:31:04 -0600

National Geographic World Music has a great article on the emergence of salsa as a poplular music and dance with great bios and music samples from many of the most prominent musicians.

The word "salsa" is a perfect metaphor for a genre of music that emerged as a result of mixture: Cuban-based rhythms played (mainly) by Puerto Ricans in New York City! What salsa is—a sauce—helped to describe the cultural and musical make-up of New York City during the 1960s and 1970s; what it is not is a rhythm.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra profiled on National Geographic

geo — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:34:23 -0500

"Since their arrival in 2000, Spanish Harlem Orchestra (SHO) has established itself as a standard bearer of contemporary Latin music. Directed by world-renowned pianist, arranger, and producer Oscar Hernandez, the thirteen-member all-star ensemble has reintroduced the classic sounds of New York City Salsa to music lovers worldwide.