Gilberto "Pulpo" Colón Jr.

Gilberto Colón Jr.
Born (1953-12-28) December 28, 1953
Origin New York City, New York
Genres Salsa
Latin Jazz
Years active 40
Labels The Mambo Project
Website www.pulpomusic.com

Gilberto "Pulpo" Colón Jr. (Born December 28, 1953) is a pianist, composer, arranger, producer, and band leader. Most notable is his role as Musical Director for salsa superstar singer Héctor Lavoe in which he served for over 16 years (1977–1993).[1] He is also credited for working with all three of the "Big 3" (Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, & Machito Orchestras).

Early musical influences

Colon's early musical influences include old Rock N Roll groups such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley and other groups of that nature. He also enjoyed what the Puerto rican people call "Jibaro" music. (Hibaro) A music style native to puerto Rico. Colón's family moved to the United States from Puerto Rico in the 1940s and immediately settled in the Bronx.

Recording debut

After playing New York City's Latin circuit, Colón joined the young orchestra of Rafi Val y La Diferente. It was with La Diferente where Colón made his recording debut on the self-titled album (1971). Colón continued to perform and record on the subsequent La Diferente albums (La Sociedad '72, Fuerza Bruta '74). It was in the winter of 1975 when Colón was approached by Héctor Lavoe to join his orchestra. Colón's first recording with Lavoe was in 1977 on the acclaimed Fania album Comedia (album). Colón's extended piano solo on the song 'Bandolera' earned him the award of 'Best Latin Piano Solo of the Year'. Initially awarded to former Lavoe pianist Prof. Joe Torres due to an editorial mistake,[2] the award bolted Colón to the forefront of Latin Music's notable musicians. Today, this is still considered one of the most memorable piano solos ever recorded on a commercial salsa album.[3] Along with Lavoe and the Big 3, Colón has worked & recorded with Latin music's most popular artists including Pete 'El Conde' Rodríguez, Francisco 'Kako' Bastar, Louie Ramirez, Adalberto Santiago, La Bruja, and many more.[4]

Recordings

Colón has participated in the following recordings (In chronological order):

Currently

Colón recorded his first solo album titled 'Hot Bread' which won the 2009 Independent Music Award's 'Best Latin Album'.[5] As a performing artist Colón stays active with his own band 'Ensalada De Pulpo', The Machito Orchestra, Orquesta De La Gente, Los Hermanos Moreno, and Boriqua Legends Band.

References

  1. Jaime Torres Torres (2003). Cada cabeza es un mundo; La historia de Héctor Lavoe, Third Edition, Mariana Editores, ISBN 0-9767412-7-X
  2. César Miguel Rondón (1979). El Libro De La Salsa; Chronicle of the music of the Urban Caribbean, Edition B
  3. Sun Sentinel: Gilberto "Pulpo" Colón and his hot salsa
  4. Descarga.com: Salsa's Unsung Pianist
  5. http://www.musiciansatlas.com/ima_new/labels/8th%20Annual%20IMA%20Winners.html 2008 Independent Music Award Finalists Announced

External links


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