Mad Salsa Blog

Trombonist. Composer. Entertainer. Producer. Latin Grammy Winner.

Jimmy Bosch  is one of today’s most important composers in Salsa, his songs are danceable, thought provoking and plain awesome. He has played in front of 150,000 and collaborated with everyone – Marc Anthony, Oscar D’Leon, Willie Colon… appearing in over 75 records.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Jimmy began performing professionally since age 13 – only two years after picking up the trombone. His first solo record, Soneando Trombón heralded the rebirth of Salsa Dura and graced dance floors around the world with hits such as Otra Oportunidad.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy at the Japan Salsa Congress and you can’t find an artist that is more down to earth and genuine. In fact, he was there with everyone else enjoying every single dance.

“The focus of my commitment has always been the dancer. And from that everything evolves and revolves.”

Even though Otra Oportunidad is awesome, please don’t think Jimmy’s a one hit wonder. There is so many gems here. Whether it’s La Cacharra the mid-tempo sabor-full track or the charanga Que Alivio (in collaboration with Alfredo De La Fe), or maybe Cha Cha Gabriel – there’s something for everyone.

Check out the Starter Kit right away, then move on to the Deep Cuts.

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♫ STARTER KIT ♫

• Otra Oportunidad | Soneando Trombón | Preview this  
• La Cacharra | Salsa Dura | Preview this  
• Que Bonito Es Sonar | El Avion De La Salsa | Preview this  

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♫ DEEP CUTS ♫

• Cha Cha Gabriel | Soneando Trombón | Preview this  
• Bailalo Si Te Atreves | A Millon! | Preview this  
• Que Alivio | El Avion De La Salsa | Preview this  
• Un Poquito Mas | Salsa Dura | Preview this  

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When I confirmed Jimmy for the Vancouver International Salsafestival, I was over the top excited. Having his sound and presence grace our dance floors live is… plain awesome.

Thanks for reading!
– Che

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Today we’re going dive into a city known not for it’s Salsa but for it’s bull fighting and world class soccer team – Barcelona.

Somewhere in this beautiful city there’s a studio where a group of talented musicians are at the forefront of modern Salsa. 

The first time I heard La Sucursal SA was in a club in Germany. I asked the DJ who it was – this was before Shazam – and I downloaded their entire album Lo Nuestro when I got home that night. Their music was refreshingly original with a very nice (read not too fast) tempo.

Founded in 2005 by a group of friends in love with oldschool Salsa, La Sucursal SA went all in on Salsa at a time when popular music isn’t Salsa. When I asked them why, this what Diego Morandi of La Sucursal SA had to say: “Salsa is not only a music, but also a way of life. In Spanish you say ‘el golpe’. The beat is defining you.”

What I love about their music is that it’s very danceable and showcases their creativity – there’s very few covers on their albums. Their songs that light up the dance floor include Sin Fronteras, No Te Puedo Querer, and Ritmo Combativo. Diego agrees, but adds that “you can dance with the whole album!”

Check out the Starter Kit to their music. Feel more hardcore? The Deep Cuts await.

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♫ STARTER KIT ♫

• Ritmo Combativo | Sin Fronteras | Preview this  
• Sin Fronteras | Sin Fronteras | Preview this  
• No Te Puedo Querer | Lo Nuestro | Preview this  
• Asi | Single | Preview this  

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♫ DEEP CUTS ♫

• No Me Tumbas feat. Frankie Vazquez | Sin Fronteras | Preview this  
• Caigo | Lo Nuestro | Preview this  
• Descarga Sucursal | Lo Nuestro | Preview this  

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It’s great to see bands such as La Sucursal SA playing with the same passion and energy as the bands that came before them.

Thanks for reading!
– Che

PS. Sorry for the long break in between. Planning the revamp of the Salsafestival is taking up a lot of time.

Welcome to the Mad Salsa Blog!

My name’s Cheyenne Kamran, director at Mad Salsa Productions, and I’m very proud to launch this blog.

We have been posting and promoting for years now, but to be honest I want to use this blog to get away from all of that. We’re gonna take an in-depth look at the world of salsa in a fun, laid back, and sometimes provocative way. We’ll have tons of guests lined up, so stay tuned.

To kick things off I’m giving you an artist spotlight – Son Boricua.

Founded in 1997 by Jose Mangual Jr in Puerto Rico and featuring vocalist Jimmy Sabater, Son Boricua have taken Salsa in a very interesting direction. The key elements that define Son Boricua’s sound are the vibes, strong percussions, and Jimmy Sabater’s smooth voice.

Many of their songs are covers of salsa classics, and yet they sound totally different – in a good way. Whether it’s Oscar D’Leon’s Lloraras , Celia Cruz’s Usted Abuso, even Gipsy King’s Volare, Son Boricua has successfully applied their magic touch.

And best of all, their arrangements are very danceable. Just listen to some of their gems I’ve put together for you.

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♫ STARTER KIT ♫

• Lloraras | Fabulosos 70s | Preview this  
• Usted Abuso | Fabulosos 70s | Preview this  
• Volare | Fabulosos 70s | Preview this  
• Muñeca | Album: Classicos 60s | Preview this  

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♫ DEEP CUTS ♫

• Vamonos Pa’l Monte | Musical a Cortijo - Rivera | Preview this  
• Salchicho Con Huevos | Album: Mo | Preview this  
• A Las Seis | Album: Classicos 60s | Preview this  
• Boozaba Zoo Descarga| Album: Mo | Preview this  

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Son Boricua may not have the glamour of La Excelencia or Spanish Harlem Orchestra, but they’re phenomenal at what they do and you won’t find better arrangements out there.

Thanks for allowing me to share this great band with you.
– Che

PS. Since it’s our first post, we’d love to hear your feedback – good or bad.

PPS. Note that I’ve included links to preview the songs on iTunes. The reason I did this is so that you and I can support these great artists. Please get the songs you like legally. (more on the state of the salsa music industry later)