Peru continues to produce timba groups writing original material. Michel Robles & El Sello recently release the official video for "La Bomba Que Tengo". The first coro is a nod to "La Bala de BIlly", The song is very danceable and has been well received by timberos and DJs. Michel has also recorded a pilón/salsa titled "Diva de la noche" with Alexander Abreu.

Twenty-nine year old Michel Robles Ramos was born in Havana. In 2000 he went to Lima where he spent eight years working with Los Conquistadores de la Salsa. During this period he has developed a reputation in the artistic community and has won various awards in vocal competitions on Peruvian television

In January 2011 he decided to form his own band of which he is director, lead singer, composer and arranger. El Sello has 13 members: two Cuban singers, two Peruvian singers and the rest of the muscians are Peruvian. The format is timbal, congas , bongo , two trompets , sax and trombone. Michel tells us that the band plays Cuban music with rhythms influenced by songo, pilón, son and changüi. 'They have developed a following in Lima and perform weekly gigs at various clubs. Michel says that the strengths of the band are having a good rhythm, a good show and charisma, but above all the connection with their audience. You can learn more about Michel Robles & El Sello at their Facebook page . Here I leave you with the video for "La Bomba Que Tengo".

Michel Robles & El Sello "La Bomba Que Tengo"

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Here's a new video from the 2012 Salsa Rueda Festival featuring Carlos Caro on bongó with Timbalive. More videos and pictures to come. Caro and Kevin Moore are currently working on the first installement of Beyond Salsa Bongó. Check for updates here.

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Better Late Than Never Dept:
Manolin 's Tiene Que Ser Manolin, released last year, has something for everyone, and we do mean every one.  Could that be a problem?  Click here to read our take on that question.

 





An excellent Latin Jazz recording, Guisando Caliente's Coolantro , recently came to our attention after eluding our notice for a couple of years.  The trail also leads to one of the best Afro-Cuban Jazz programs currently on radio (and strreaming on the web) in the United States.  Click here to read the review.

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Three phenomenal groups from Cuba are performing in the US in short order:

Los Hermanos Arango are at the Berklee Performance Center at 8:15 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 21.  Can't get there?  No worries, the performance will be carried by a live video stream! Here is this link for the live stream::
http://goo.gl/Yyp9V

Next up:  Habana Sax, which is scheduled to perform in Miami at the Art of Freedom/La Cueva Azul, 1388 SW 8th St., Miami FL on Friday, 24 February and Saturday, 25 February.  Call the venue for performance times at (305)-857-9848.

Finally, Interactivo is scheduled for a concert in Miami Beach on Sunday, 1 April at 7PM  at the North Beach Band Shell (Collins and 73rd St., Miami Beach.).  For more details, click continue reading to see the official flyer or see the Fundarte announcement a http://goo.gl/xtZjJ

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