Trusted by musicians
worldwide
Latin sheet music arrangements
for
small ensembles and big band orchestras
Empowering
Young Student Musicians
with the Gift of Latin Music
The Sound Of Salsa
Music - Part 1
by Bobby Ramirez
If you're familiar with "Salsa"
music, it is obvious that there is much to write about this subject.
But, before we get into some recommendations of what salsa tunes
to add to your repertoire, we will add a definition of what is
Salsa.
Technically speaking, the
word "Salsa" is the Spanish word for sauce. Without
getting too heavy into the definition, it is said that the word
salsa as applied to Latin music first surfaced in Venezuela in
the early 1970's. Soon, it would quickly make its way to New
York City where it became the main commercial term to describe
popular Afro-Cuban dance music: son montuno, charanga, guaguanco,
and cha-cha-cha.
That said and before continuing,
it is important to note that the word "salsa" is considered
by many to be an inconclusive even perhaps an inaccurate term
to use to describe what is for the most part that which is composed
of mostly Afro-Cuban rhythms. Nonetheless, while these opinions
are valid to some extent in their technical nature, one should
make a distinction between the word as it was applied in "commercial
terms"--becoming popular amongst its music fans; in that
regard, almost superceding its technical nature and thus, making
it a valid term that represents that time and place in Latin
music history.
What is Salsa music? Here's
a working definition: a term that represents a conglomeration
of popular Latin dance music. Taking a closer look at its evolution,
"Salsa" is basically a more progressive assembly of
Afro-Cuban popular rhythms containing advanced harmonic structures.
Essentially, "Salsa"
is considered an advanced adaptation or variation of styles that
came before, such as the Mambo. Thus, it is not difficult to
trace its pattern of evolution more significantly during the
mid 1930 as Afro-Cuban rhythms were beginning to infiltrate the
mainstream Jazz big band sound mainly in New York City thanks
to visionary musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Mario Bauza, Chico
O'Farrill and many others who where experimenting with these
fusions.
Also, the influence of progressive
harmonies that are inherent in "Salsa" music must always
be taken into consideration. It is important to note that these
progressive harmonies did NOT come from Cuba; they were already
part of Latin music as it evolved mainly in New York City. The
combination of these progressive harmonies, plus the heavy influence
of authentic Cuban rhythms establishes the validity of the term
"Salsa", as well as demonstrating the capacity of this
music to evolve.
Lastly and most important,
the term "Salsa" represents a historical overview that
encompasses the work of many notable musicians that were dirctly
responsible for its musical evolution by keeping this music alive
and well--mainly speaking of the 1960s and 70s, a historical
period in time in which the island of Cuba was isolated from
the outside world. Some important contributing musicians/bands
included: Larry Harlow, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, El Gran Combo
De Puerto Rico, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco,
Tipica 73, Fajardo Y sus Estrellas, La Lupe, Hector Lavoe, Willie
Colon, Ray Barretto, Ruben Blades, Oscar D'Leon, and many others.
All these musicians were inspired by Cuban rhythms; and under
the generic umbrella term of "Salsa", help take this
popular dance music to greater hights.
Today, the term "Salsa"
is still widely used all over the world. On part 2 of this article,
we will get into some of the music and the players that shaped
the history of "Salsa" music, equally highlighting
some great recommendations of music to add to your repertoire.