SALSA DE LOS 80'S

by Marisa Miranda

On October 28, 2000 Madison Square Garden took New York back in time -- back to the 80's. The audience , filled with excitement, awaited the stream of performers that were to sing songs that, for most of us, are classic salsa songs. RMM put on a good show. Ralph Mercado Management began the evening with Merengue performers who excited the crowd and prepared them for the stream of salseros that were to followed. The Merengueros included Wilfredo Vargas and his daughter, Sandy Reyes, Ruby Perez, and Eddy Herrera. Wilfredo Vargas, Ruby Perez, and Eddy Herrera each expressed their excitement about being a part of the concert. According to Eddy Herrera, the concert was an acceptance and unification of two styles of music. The audience, although they were there for the salsa, enjoyed the merengueros and made them feel as accepted and loved as the salsa stars.

The eventful night began with the performance of Isidro Infante and his orchestra which accompanied the rest of the salsa performers. One of the first performers of the night was Hector Tricoche who sang "No me Tires la Primera Piedra" and "Lobo Domesticado". He was followed by David Pabón singing his hits "Cara Dura" and "Aquel Viejo Motel" and Nino Segarra singing "Como Amigos Si, Como Amantes No" and "Porque Te Amo". Other artists, such as Paquito Guzman and Rafael De Jesus followed.

The evening's energy increased when José Alberto "El Canario" appeared on the stage and began to sing his songs "Mis Amores" and "Sueno Contingo". As a performer, José Alberto will never let down any audience. He is a true professional on stage and carries himself smoothly and sings and dances gracefully. He was accompanied that night by his lovely young daughter who stated that she is a big fan of her father's music. 

         
"El Canario"  got the crowd to their feet and Andy Montañez kept them there. As soon as Andy Montañez came onto the stage the crowd went wild. He is one of the original singers of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and sang the classics "Casi Te Envidio" and "Payaso" that will never be forgotten because they touch the true salsero's dancing spirit. While on that stage, Andy demonstrated what it means to be a true salsa singer, who not only sings and improvises, but dances with elegance and style. It was very obvious that the crowd respects him and adores his music.

The excitement did not end with Andy Montañez. It continued with Tito Nieves who sang his unforgettable hits "Sonambulo" and "I'll Always Love You". The crowd went crazy and sang along with him when he sang his salsa version of the song "I'll Always Love You". The night also included the performance of one salsero who was so much a part of salsa, Eddie Santiago, singing "Tu Me Quemas" and "Lluvia".

The night was filled with unforgettable performers. It was not a concert to be missed. Kevin Ceballo, one of RMM's new artists, could not miss it either. He was on hand to be a part of this event. According to Kevin, the concert demonstrated that these men were truly the backbone of salsa. Out of all the performers there that night, Kevin would like to emulate Andy Montañez, who in Kevin's opinion personifies what it is to be a real salsero with his loyalty to the true style of salsa. When asked if salsa from the eighties is any different from today's salsa, Kevin said that today's salsa is still basically the same, but a bit more modern and with more swing. However, traditional salsa, he added, is still the backbone of today's salsa.

Although there are several female salsa singers, the concert lacked the presence of any one of them. All in all, the concert lived up to its expectations and was well worth a trip into the past.

Special Thanks to PuertoRicans.com Eddie Santos, and Tracie Silvestro.