JAZZ CARIBE: Bobby Ramirez New CD Release "Yo Soy RITMO! DANZON

Our journey of YO SOY RITMO! DANZON began in 2013. Inspired by Glenda R Mujer Esperanza's love for this music and her Cuban roots, we noticed that no one was actively promoting the Cuban classic Danzón. And thus, our quest began with the mission of rescuing the Cuban Danzón.

"Yo Soy RITMO! Danzón – Homenaje a Miguel Failde" is not a musical or historical study of the Danzón. It is a re-connection with our rhythmic roots, organized in chronological order--taking us from the gestation, formation, birth, development and maturity of the rhythmic Pearl of the Americas, the Danzón.

It is also a loving tribute of recognition of all the great musicians and dancers who contributed to the Cuban Danzón; thus becoming the musical basis and matrix of a rhythm and culture that went on to influence and characterize the cultural and social landscape of many Latin American countries.

We are also grateful to Mexico which keeps the Danzón alive. Even today, millions of Mexicans enjoy the Danzón since the first joyful rhythm of the Cuban Charanga was heard in Veracruz, Yucatán and the Federal District.

Most importantly, this musical production is a loving tribute to the creator of the Danzón; the first Danzón was premiered in 1879 by the musician Miguel Faílde "Las Alturas de Simpson" at the Liceo de Matanzas with the orchestra he directed.

Beyond the music, we were determined to reconstruct all the historical visual imagery, elegance, and pageantry of this unique Cuban folklore. Today, we continue to rescue, preserve, promote and educate about the authentic Cuban Danzón.

"Yo Soy RITMO! Danzón – Homenaje a Miguel Failde" is a labor of love that was initiated with respect, meticulous attention to detail and dedication. We hope this musical work brings the listener great pleasure as much as we enjoyed producing it.

Born in Camajuani, Santa Clara, Cuba, virtuoso performing artist, flutist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, vocalist and bandleader, Maestro Bobby Ramirez was raised in Hialeah (Miami) Florida where he initiated his musical career, expanding 4 decades since 1978. www.maestrobobbyramirez.com

A powerful performer and improviser on the saxophone and flute, Ramirez holds a firm command of the language of jazz drawing from an intensive vocabulary of colorful sounds and rhythms, as well as equally capable with his skills as a Jazz composer and arranger. Mr. Ramirez currently has over 30 music recordings listed on iTunes ranging from Jazz to classical music works.

While Maestro Bobby Ramirez keeps a busy schedule of performances, he has donated his time and talent to many local South Florida charities. Mr. Ramirez also serves the South Florida community as the creative visionary, Founder and President of the non-profit Jazz Museum of Florida, Inc (dba JAZZONIAN), currently located at Excelsior Language Academy in Hialeah (Miami, Florida). www.jazzonina.org

One of Bobby’s most notable achievements was establishing the JAZZONIAN Kids Club, an educational initiative that inspires family values and leadership principals as part of a Jazz and music curriculum at Excelsior Language Academy where Bobby works with kids as a volunteer every week, taking Jazz to where there is none.

The Bobby Ramirez Foundation is dedicated to children's charities, providing music performances, workshops, as well as donating instruments, and music arrangements. Ramirez is a noted speaker inspiring kids in local schools to become high achievers. "Jazz has the potential to inspire a kid to become exceptional in whatever he/she decides to do in life." br

Executive Producer:
Glenda R Mujer Esperanza

Production by:
Yorgis Goiricelaya

Post Production Team:
Bobby Ramirez
Yorgis Goiricelaya
Livan Mesa

Musicians:
Bobby Ramirez, flute, vocals, music director
Yorgis Goiricelaya, bass guitar
Livan Mesa, piano
Antonio “Pacha” Portuono, timbales
Amaurys Reinoso Perdomo, guiro, congas
Luis Aguilar Torres, violins, bk vocals
Glenda R Mujer Esperanza, bk vocals

Tracks:
1. Los Ojos de Pepa; 2. La Paloma; 3. Las Alturas de Simpson; 4. El Bombin de Barreto;
5. Son de Almendra; 6. Danzonete; 7. El Cadete Constitucional; 8. Masacre; 9. La
Flauta Magica

All musical arrangements by:
Bobby Ramirez

Initial Live Group Recording at:
Critical Recording Studios, Miami, FL
Engineer: Marcio Scheer

Flute and Violins Recorded at:
RITMO!CITY STUDIOS
Hialeah, FL

Front and back cover photographs by:
Barbara Hershey
Inside group photo by:
Alejandro Martinez
Photo of Bobby Ramirez inside by:
Jill Kahn