5.1 Salsa

Salsa music emerged in the 1960s and 70s, blending Cuban, Puerto Rican, and American styles. It fused son, mambo, cha-cha-cha, bomba, plena, jazz, and funk into a vibrant new sound that captivated audiences in New York City and beyond.

Characterized by lively rhythms, syncopation, and improvisation, salsa features prominent percussion, call-and-response singing, and a large ensemble. Its impact extends beyond music, shaping dance, identity, and cultural pride throughout Latin America and globally.

Origins of salsa

• Salsa music emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily in New York City and Puerto Rico, as a fusion of various Latin American and Caribbean musical styles
• Salsa incorporates elements from Cuban son, mambo, and cha-cha-cha, as well as Puerto Rican bomba and plena, and American jazz and funk
• The term "salsa" was coined by record labels to market this diverse array of Latin dance music to a wider audience

Afro-Cuban roots

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• Salsa heavily draws from Cuban musical traditions, particularly the son cubano, which originated in the late 19th century
• Son combines African rhythms and percussion with Spanish-influenced melodies and guitar accompaniment
• Other influential Afro-Cuban genres include rumba, mambo, and cha-cha-cha, which contributed to salsa's rhythmic and structural foundation

Puerto Rican influences

• Puerto Rican musical styles, such as bomba and plena, played a significant role in the development of salsa
• Bomba, an Afro-Puerto Rican genre, features call-and-response singing, drumming, and dance, elements that were incorporated into salsa
• Plena, another Puerto Rican folk genre, contributed its syncopated rhythms and socially conscious lyrics to the salsa repertoire

Nuyorican innovations

• Nuyoricans, or New York-based Puerto Ricans, were instrumental in the creation and popularization of salsa
• Musicians like Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Willie Colón blended traditional Latin American styles with American jazz, funk, and soul
• Nuyorican salsa often featured a larger ensemble with a prominent horn section, reflecting the influence of big band jazz

Musical characteristics

• Salsa music is characterized by its lively, danceable rhythms, syncopated patterns, and improvisational elements
• The genre incorporates a variety of Latin American and Caribbean musical traditions, creating a diverse and dynamic sound
• Salsa arrangements often feature a large ensemble with multiple percussionists, horns, and singers, creating a rich and layered texture

Clave rhythms

• The clave is a fundamental rhythmic pattern in salsa, serving as the backbone of the music
• The clave is a two-bar pattern, typically played on claves (wooden sticks) or other percussion instruments
• There are two main types of clave patterns in salsa: son clave (2-3) and rumba clave (3-2), which differ in their rhythmic emphasis

Montunos vs guajeos

• Montunos and guajeos are repetitive, syncopated piano patterns that provide harmonic and rhythmic support in salsa
• Montunos are typically played in the middle register of the piano and often feature a call-and-response interaction with the lead singer
• Guajeos are similar to montunos but are usually played in the higher register of the piano and have a more melodic character

Prominent percussion

• Salsa features a wide array of percussion instruments, including congas, bongos, timbales, cowbell, and maracas
• Each percussion instrument plays a specific role in the ensemble, creating intricate polyrhythms and driving the music forward
• The timbales often play the clave pattern and serve as the timekeeper, while the congas and bongos provide additional rhythmic layers

Call-and-response singing

• Call-and-response is a common vocal technique in salsa, where the lead singer (sonero) alternates with the chorus (coro)
• The sonero often improvises lyrics and engages in a musical dialogue with the coro, creating a dynamic and interactive performance
• This singing style is rooted in African and Afro-Caribbean musical traditions and adds to the participatory nature of salsa music

Instrumentation in salsa

• Salsa ensembles typically feature a diverse range of instruments, including piano, bass, percussion, horns, and vocals
• The specific instrumentation can vary depending on the style, era, and regional influences
• The interplay between the various instruments creates the characteristic sound and energy of salsa music

Piano vs keyboards

• The piano is a central instrument in salsa, providing harmonic and rhythmic support through montunos and guajeos
• In modern salsa, electronic keyboards are sometimes used in place of or in addition to the acoustic piano
• Keyboards offer a wider range of sounds and effects, allowing for more experimental and contemporary arrangements

Horns section

• The horn section is a defining feature of many salsa ensembles, typically consisting of trombones, trumpets, and saxophones
• Horns play arranged lines, riffs, and improvisations, adding melodic and harmonic depth to the music
• The horn section often engages in call-and-response patterns with the lead vocalist and other instruments

Rhythm section

• The rhythm section forms the foundation of salsa music, providing the driving rhythms and grooves
• The rhythm section typically includes bass, timbales, congas, bongos, cowbell, and other percussion instruments
• The bass plays a vital role in anchoring the harmony and locking in with the percussion to create a tight, danceable feel

Salsa song structure

• Salsa songs often follow a specific structure that allows for improvisation and audience participation
• The structure typically includes an intro, verses, coros (choruses), solos, and an outro
• The arrangement of these sections can vary depending on the style and the bandleader's preferences

Intro and outro

• The intro sets the mood and establishes the key and rhythm of the song, often featuring a horn melody or percussion break
• The outro, also known as the coda, is the final section of the song, often building in intensity and featuring a memorable horn or vocal line
• The outro may also include a fade-out or a sudden stop, known as a "bloque," to end the song

Verses and coros

• Verses, sung by the lead vocalist (sonero), often tell a story or express emotions, and may be improvised
• Coros are the choruses, typically featuring a catchy, repeatable phrase sung by the backing vocalists
• The alternation between verses and coros creates a call-and-response dynamic that engages the audience

Improvised solos

• Salsa songs often feature improvised solos by various instrumentalists, showcasing their virtuosity and creativity
• Common solo instruments include piano, bass, timbales, congas, and horns (trumpet, trombone, saxophone)
• Solos allow musicians to demonstrate their individual style and skills while adding excitement and spontaneity to the performance

Salsa dance styles

• Salsa music is closely tied to dance, with various styles and techniques evolving alongside the music
• Salsa dance originated in New York and Puerto Rico, incorporating elements from Cuban and Puerto Rican dance traditions
• Different regions and communities have developed their own unique salsa dance styles and variations

On1 vs on2 timing

• On1 and On2 refer to the timing of the dance steps in relation to the music's clave rhythm
• On1 timing means that the dancer's break step (changing direction) occurs on the first beat of the clave, while On2 timing places the break step on the second beat
• On2 timing is often associated with the New York style of salsa dancing, while On1 is more common in Cuban and Colombian styles

Rueda de casino

• Rueda de casino is a popular Cuban-style salsa dance performed in a circle formation
• Couples dance together in the circle, executing moves and turns called out by a leader
• This style promotes social interaction and creates a lively, communal atmosphere on the dance floor

Shines and styling

• Shines are solo dance breaks that allow dancers to showcase their individual footwork, turns, and styling
• Styling refers to the personal flair and expression that dancers bring to their movements, often incorporating body isolations, arm movements, and facial expressions
• Shines and styling are important aspects of salsa dance that allow dancers to express their creativity and musicality

Notable salsa artists

• Throughout the history of salsa, numerous artists have made significant contributions to the genre's development and popularity
• These artists have helped shape the sound, style, and cultural impact of salsa music
• Many of these musicians have become iconic figures in Latin American and international music scenes

Fania All-Stars

• The Fania All-Stars was a supergroup of salsa musicians assembled by the Fania Records label in the late 1960s
• The group featured legendary artists such as Johnny Pacheco, Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, Celia Cruz, and Bobby Valentín
• The Fania All-Stars played a crucial role in popularizing salsa music and establishing it as a global phenomenon

Celia Cruz

• Celia Cruz, known as the "Queen of Salsa," was a Cuban-American singer who had a profound impact on the genre
• Her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and signature catchphrase "¡Azúcar!" made her an icon of Latin American music
• Cruz collaborated with many notable salsa artists and helped bring salsa to international audiences

Tito Puente

• Tito Puente, known as "El Rey" (The King), was a Puerto Rican-American bandleader, composer, and percussionist
• Puente was a master of the timbales and vibraphone, and his innovative arrangements blended Latin American rhythms with jazz harmonies
• He played a key role in the development of salsa and is considered one of the most influential figures in Latin music

Willie Colón

• Willie Colón is a Nuyorican trombonist, composer, and bandleader who has made significant contributions to salsa music
• Colón's collaborations with vocalist Héctor Lavoe in the 1960s and 1970s produced some of the most iconic salsa recordings of the era
• His socially conscious lyrics and innovative musical style helped shape the sound and message of salsa

Salsa subgenres

• As salsa music evolved and spread to different regions, various subgenres emerged, each with its own distinct characteristics
• These subgenres reflect the diverse influences and regional adaptations of salsa music
• Some notable salsa subgenres include salsa romántica, timba cubana, and salsa con vibes

Salsa romántica

• Salsa romántica, also known as salsa sensual or salsa monga, emerged in the 1980s and 1990s
• This subgenre features slower tempos, romantic lyrics, and a smoother, more polished sound compared to traditional salsa
• Notable salsa romántica artists include Eddie Santiago, Frankie Ruiz, and Jerry Rivera

Timba cubana

• Timba is a Cuban salsa subgenre that developed in the 1990s, incorporating elements of funk, hip-hop, and Afro-Cuban folklore
• Timba features complex rhythms, horn patterns, and a prominent role for the bass and piano
• Bands like NG La Banda, Los Van Van, and Charanga Habanera popularized the timba sound

Salsa con vibes

• Salsa con vibes is a subgenre that incorporates the vibraphone, a mallet percussion instrument, into the salsa ensemble
• The vibraphone adds a unique, shimmering texture to the music and allows for melodic and harmonic exploration
• Artists like Dave Samuels and Joe Locke have been prominent figures in the salsa con vibes movement

Sociocultural impact of salsa

• Salsa music has had a profound impact on Latin American and global culture, serving as a symbol of identity, unity, and cultural pride
• The genre has played a role in shaping social and political movements, as well as influencing fashion, dance, and language
• Salsa has become a global phenomenon, enjoyed and celebrated by millions of people around the world

Nuyorican identity

• Salsa music played a crucial role in the formation and expression of Nuyorican identity in the 1960s and 1970s
• For Puerto Ricans living in New York City, salsa served as a connection to their cultural roots and a means of asserting their presence in American society
• Nuyorican salsa often addressed social and political issues, such as poverty, discrimination, and cultural pride

Popularization in Latin America

• As salsa gained popularity in New York and Puerto Rico, it quickly spread to other parts of Latin America
• Countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama developed their own thriving salsa scenes, with local artists and styles emerging
• Salsa became a pan-Latin American phenomenon, uniting people across borders and serving as a symbol of shared cultural heritage

Global salsa phenomenon

• Salsa music and dance have transcended their Latin American roots to become a global phenomenon
• Salsa clubs, festivals, and competitions can be found in cities around the world, from Europe to Asia to Africa
• The universal appeal of salsa's infectious rhythms, vibrant culture, and social nature has contributed to its enduring popularity and influence