A Brief Bio
Entre Amigos (Among Friends) are a two trombone-led salsa group based in Brooklyn, presided over by the formidable figure of Willie Villegas. A multifaceted individual, besides co-leading Entre Amigos, playing timbales with them and producing their albums, Willie hosts the cable TV show Salsa En La Calle. No newcomer to the US salsa scene, Willie has played with such luminaries as Joe Quijano, Joe Cuba, Eddie Palmieri, Frankie Ruiz, Lalo RodrÃguez, Tito Puente, José Fajardo and Paquito Guzmán.
Entre Amigos is an appropriate name for a group of talented Brooklyn born musicians who compliment each other with their versatile playing and giving that extra added attraction to a live show with such energetic solos like:
Johnson Morales-Pianist and Co-Leader who gives you an explosive style and originality beyond the normal realm.
Marcial Caraballo-Bassist sets the foundation and anchors the groove.
Willie Rodriguez -Congas enhances the rhythm along with Jim Popelka
On bongos giving Entre Amigos that special nostalgic New York style.
Gamaliel Bonilla - lead trombonist with a strong sound and bold solos, also sings background vocals.
Jeff Iglesias - 2nd trombonist and Percussionist adds flavor to a tee.
Alfredo "Male" Torres - lead vocals takes the challenge of singing with Entre Amigos knowing that at live performances he has to invent new lyrics on the spot with virtually no time to think.
WILLIE VILLEGAS Y ENTRE AMIGOS are the primary source for the Classic Salsero who's looking for a "Blast from the Past" sound that was popular in the decades of the 60's, 70's & early 80's.
Quotes and Reviews
"Dancer's Paradise is an album dedicated to our legends who set the standards for how hard core salsa should sound. Today's dancers are energetic and constantly demand the best. We rise to the challenge for dancers and aficionados alike." (Willie Villegas, 2003-04-15)
With his new CD Dancer's Paradise, Willie Villegas has captured what I call "El sonido callejero de los barrios" with his mega trombones, all star rhythm section and funky variety of vocals makes this CD a must buy. Fellow callejero and life long friend (Joe Cuba, 2003-05-12) .
Editor's Pick:
Dance mania, New York style. Pure unadulterated dance floor grace, a bit gritty with a pile of swing. The disappearing sound of New York Latin club music, hard, swinging salsa with a two-trombone horn section. The album starts out with two Cuban tunes, "Castellano" and "Mayari" and doesn't stop, with Alfredo "Male" Torres singing over the horn section. The music moves from utter cool to intense; Yomo Toro plays on a couple of tunes. Recommended (Peter Watrous, 2003-05-20)
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.willievillegas.comTrack List:
1. Castellano
2. Mayari
3. Moliendo Cafe
4. Dame Una Tacita De Cafe
5. Ariñañara
6. Dancer's Paradise
7. Que Sera Mi China
8. I Wish You Love
9. Bajo Las Sombras De Un Pino
10. Amadou
Suggested CDs:
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