Sound Note
Sound Note
Playlist: Siempre Salsa Philly
by Jesse Bermudez
Re-PLACE-ing Philadelphia is building an expanded archive of cultural memory that includes multiple histories, re-place-ing the established with new narratives and understandings. Notes from invited artists and community members consider place via the street, sound, food, trees, and other portals.
Jesse Bermudez, Founder and Director of Artists y Musicos Latino Americanos shares his Philly playlist.
La Almohada by Foto Rodriguez
Foto is celebrating 34 years of making music. Not only does he have a Salsa Orquesta, he also has the only Charanga—Cuban sound of violins and flute—band in Philly.
Se Rompio la Cadena by Orquesta Del Barrio
Orquesta del Barrio is celebrating 25 years in the world of Salsa and the Crossover sound under the leadership of Carlos Sanchez and vocalist Diana Olivera. Great chemistry on stage.
Suavecito by Cintron Band
Cintron Band, under the direction of Edgardo Cintron, is one of the most popular Latin Jazz/Crossover bands and has performed for over 30 years in Camden NJ, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. Great musicianship, vocals, and the busiest group by far.
Hasta El Sol De Hoy by Edgar Joe
The top recording Salsa Artist in Philadelphia, and also very big in Colombia, Puerto Rico and Miami. Celebrating 25 years in the business.
La Paella by Hector Rosado
A great group who has been together for five years, they play Salsa Dura featuring female singer Celeste La Rumbera.
Pa'Mingus by Papo Vazquez & The Mighty Pirates Troubadours
The biggest Latin Jazz group fusing Puerto Rican folkloric rhythms and jazz. This artist takes the music to another level. Known around the country and the world for his compositions, arrangements and the beautiful sound of his trombone. He was a Grammy Nominee in 2008.
Portate Bien by Ray Viera
This young singer from Philadelphia has made it big in the Salsa world. Groomed by the best in the business, he performs with the great Eddie Palmiere. He is also the youngest singer with the famous Fania All Stars.
Jesse Bermudez is Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of the Asociación de Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA), a non-profit multicultural organization that promoted the development and dissemination of Latin music, with an emphasis on educating and empowering youth and community. Since 1982, AMLA has become a presence via television and radio performances, concerts, festivals, school and museum workshops, band bookings and large client productions. AMLA opened Philadelphia’s first Latin Music School, in 1986 and has fostered dozens of cooperative projects with local, regional and national arts and culture organizations. Mr. Bermudez believes in “using Latin music to involve the community and address its social and economic concerns, and to bring various racial and ethnic communities together.” In 2006 he founded the "Artists y Musicos Latino Americanos" expanding its reach to other artists and maintaining the acronym of AMLA and its rich history. On July 8, 2015, the City of Philadelphia awarded this day "The Jesse Bermudez Day" for outstanding contribution to Latin music and community involvement. He is an agent of unity and change locally, across the nation and internationally.