RIGO Y SU OBRA MAESTRA

Angie Parkinson interviews Rigo. A world renown musician, composer, producer and band leader. Angie asks about his music, his influences and finds out what he does in his spare time. Rigo is a highly talented musiciam who clearly demonstrates his passion for latin music.

¿Que Pasa?: When did you realise you had a love for latin music? Rigo : Since I was very young when I was about 12 years old in the musical academy . I started at the age of ten with the drums. When I was 12 years old, I moved onto latin percussion. ¿Que Pasa?: What are your influences? Rigo: Early 70’s in the golden age of salsa music. From Puerto Rico: Sonora Poncena, ApolloSound, Tommy Olivencia, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Rivera, Willie Rosario and La Selecta. From New York: Eddie and Charlie Palmieri, Richie Ray, Lebrom Brothers, Tito Puente and Fania All Star.

¿Que Pasa?: How would you describe your music?

Rigo: It is classic salsa, but with original sound, modern arrangements, original lyrics and Puerto Rican band influences. Including mambos and Latin Jazz , for dancers.

¿Que Pasa?: Do you have a defining moment?

Rigo: Back in the late 70’s I created my first composition, and when I played my first composition for the public, that was very exciting. Also, my first tour to San Francisco, USA, the way that salseros reacted to my music was excellent. When my band appeared in a Movie called “Desamores” in 2003 it was also a defining moment. We played the musical theme of the Movie and it was very emotional. Also the 2007 and 2008 Puerto Rico salsa congress.

¿Que Pasa?: How do you manage conflicts and pressure?

Rigo: I am always honest with musicians, I take very seriously all the band performances, the rehearsals, the recording, the tours and contracts.

¿Que Pasa?: As well as singing and writing, how do you find the time to produce your own record label?

Rigo: I prepare my productions with enough time. I compose and do all the arrangements for one song every two weeks with plenty of time. It takes me about 4 months to make the songs for the album, including preproduction. I practice the songs and sometimes play the songs in parties before I record the song. This gives the musicians a feeling of the song for when we are recording.

¿Que Pasa?: When do find time to relax and how do you relax?

Rigo: Well I like to travel. I been to Paris , London, Vienna, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Canada and many other countries. Sometimes, I combine my music business with touring other countries.

¿Que Pasa?: “Latin feeling” is your latest release, how does it compare to Rumba Pa' Rumberos? Rigo: Latin Feeling has everything . All salsa styles, like Hard salsa (Rumberos de Aqui) mambos, cha cha, romantic lyrics (but with hard salsa feeling) Latin jazz is a complete CD. Rumba Pa Rumberos is a more hard salsa overall . ¿Que Pasa?: What track is requested the most? . Rigo: Rumberos de Aqui. ¿Que Pasa?: Which is your favourite track and why?

Rigo: Rumberos de aqui . It had a great arrangement by Ernesto Sanchez, I like the Lyrics, because it is full of energy and it has an excellent bata section. It is truly a powerful song.

¿Que Pasa?: If you had to choose one CD to take with you, which one would you choose and why?

Rigo: This question is very difficult to answer. Seguimos Bailando 2004 was nominated for best salsa album on the JPF music award 2006. It is an excellent CD. However, Latin Feeling also has everything. So I would take two with me. You ask for one but it is a difficult question to answer . Also I like Rumba pa Ruberos. Wow that question is hard to answer.

¿Que Pasa?: You have travelled extensively, what was your favourite country and why?

Rigo: Bulgaria, there is a community of salseros about 4 to 5 dance academies. About 4 clubs in the capital Sofia and clubs and dance academies in the other cities. The people really enjoy salsa dancing. Also the musicians are very enthusiastic . There are a few local bands. One band, “De Fuego” surprised me when I went to a rehearsal. They played my song “Rigo’s Mambo”. It was a nice surprise. These are young talented musicians that enjoy music very much . Also they have about 4 to 5 salsa festivals.

¿Que Pasa?: Have you ever been to the UK?

Rigo: Yes in London..

¿Que Pasa?:: What would I expect to see at one of your concerts? Rigo: Very talented musicians . Original music, very danceable music and of course a great show. ¿Que Pasa?: I saw your video playing at a salsa congress in Puerto Rico 2008. Were you nervous or excited?

Rigo at the Puerto Rican Salsa Congress

Rigo: Not nervous, excited yes . We went there well prepared. We rehearsed a few weeks before the event. 9 to 11 musicians participated in the recording production of the songs that we played that night. Now the songs and the salseros can hear the same flavour of the music as in the CD. It was a great performance and we enjoyed that night. We love to see dancers from all over the world dancing to our music at the congress in 2008.

¿Que Pasa?: The band played at the PR Motion picture Desamores, how did you feel when you were asked to perform?

Rigo: It was an honour to me when Carlos Camunas the Director of Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico asked me if I could perform the musical theme of the Movie . I said yes immediately, I will do it. It was a fantastic experience working with excellent artists like the one in that Movie.

¿Que Pasa?: Are you planning any further albums?

Rigo: Yes, I record an album every two years . I've just recorded Latin Feeling in April 2009. So in next year or in 2011, I hope to make my next musical production

¿Que Pasa?: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Rigo: In the top of my musical career.

For futher information on concerts or to order a CD, check out "Rigo y su Obra Maestra's" web site on www.obramaestraonline.com

For Rigo y su Obra Maestra CD review please go to CD review page.

© Interview by Angie Parkinson, 1 August, 2009

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