It has been too long since I have posted on the blog and I do apologize for that. An architecture thesis does not pop out of thin air and I have been hitting extreme deadlines and stress to the point where sleeping is not even a part of life anymore. I have been meaning to make a few posts over the past couple of weeks, but have not gotten around to it until now.
In this post, I am here to talk about the Fania music label; which I am surprised no one has yet discussed about. Fania Records was a New York based record label founded by bandleader Johnny Pacheco in 1964. Fania is known for its promotion of what has become known as Salsa music. Among Fania's signature stars are: Celia Cruz, Larry Harlow, Ray Barretto, Ralfi Pagan, Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Bobby Valentín, Rubén Blades, Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colon, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz and so many others.
The record's modern take on traditional Afro-Caribbean music served as the template for what soon would come to be known as the Fania Sound. In the late 60's, Pacheco created a supergroup known as the Fania All-Stars that brought together the elite of Salsa musicians and singers for joint performances and recording, similar to the Buena Vista Social Club. The Fania All-Stars were Fania's best selling band, outlasting the label itself.
Today, Fania lives on with the people who have experienced the label that ignited the Salsa craze in the United States. It was passed on to me throughout my childhood every time my family would play a Fania record on the record player. I have a deep emotional connection with this music because it is very much a large part of my childhood and is something that will never be forgotten. You can definitely count on me to pass this music on to my kids.
Celia Cruz - Quimbara
Cheo Feliciano - Anacaona
Eddie Palmieri - Vamonos Pa'l Monte
Fania All Stars - Quitate Tu
Hector Lavoe - Periodico De Ayer
Ismael Miranda - Abran Paso
Larry Harlow - La Cartera (Canta Junior Gonzalez)
Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz - Pancho Cristal
Ruben Blades - Pedro Navajas
Willie Colon - La Murga (Canta Hector Lavoe)
Willie Colon - El Gran Varon
Ok. I think that's good enough for now. Fania will always be a part of me. Each of these songs all have a deep meaning and a moral we can all learn from. Hope you guys enjoy it. Now to get back to work, this thesis is not going to write itself.
Thanks for posting. I know we discussed in class that there were some mixed opinions on an American label popularizing and commercializing Salsa music, but I generally think anytime more people can be exposed to a different genre or style is a good thing. I'd guess that many people who were first exposed to Salsa by Fania also sought out other Latin American music and it definitely put a spotlight on music from another part of the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matt. Artists should want their music to reach as many audiences as possible. Now, there does need to exist some time of balance between the legitimate and organic sense of the music and the commercialization. But, I believe it happens in most cases. And ultimately, some people aren't seeking out to hear the original stuff. Many people like the popular, commercial stuff. And many times, from that generic music, comes the need and want to look elsewhere from time to time. Make sense?
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