The year 2011 started out on a favorable note for two local musicians when they received word that they had been crowned “Top DJ Picks 2010” – alongside renowned artists Tito Puente Jr. and Herbie Hancock – for their individual CDs, with the award given by a salsa and Latin jazz DJ in California.
“Like many other artists, we’re out there struggling to get our names known.” – Leonel “Papo” Ortega
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“I was ecstatic, [especially to be named] alongside Herbie Hancock,” Fernandez said.
The CDs
Both “Enamorado” and “Rumba Nueva” were released last year, and as described by both Fernandez and Ortega, are departures from their freshman CDs.
“Enamorado” is a blend of various Latin rhythms with a jazz flair, which, in itself, is a departure from vocalist Fernandez’ Broadway style ballads.
“[‘Enamorado’] is a thousand times better than my last one,” Fernandez said, explaining that the CD had been “in the works” for a number of years. “I really took my time with this one.”
Changes from his last CD, “Volver a Ti,” include 12 songs instead of eight and completely original songs instead of a half-and-half CD with covers. Fernandez also wrote all the lyrics to his songs, incorporated a Union City man for music, and enlisted the help of a “good engineer” for his recording sessions in a Union City studio.
“Me, in particular, I wanted to remain local,” Fernandez said, noting the support from the community where he serves as the Union City commissioner of public affairs.
“Rumba Nueva,” released last May by pianist and vocalist Ortega and his orchestra Cubanoson, which Ortega describes as “a modern-day old-style Cuban with a mixture of New York Salsa,” is a compilation of original songs mixed with some Cuban standards and a side of French lyrics.
Of the incorporation of French lyrics, he recounts his love for French Canadian Quebec and his experience hearing a French singer singing in French a famous Spanish song, “History of Love” – which Ortega had recorded previously on his first CD “Recordando a Cuba – and “lov[ing] it.”
Aside from “Top Picks,” the CD made it into the 2010 Latin Grammy’s Final Entry List in 10 categories.
‘Good friends’
Fernandez credits Ortega with helping him to produce a record that would warrant such positive publicity.
After his CD was produced, Ortega sent out promos to different radio stations and DJs around the world. When he got wind of Fernandez’ CD, Ortega compiled the contacts that would ultimately enable Fernandez to send out over 500 CDs worldwide.
Ortega, Fernandez said, also helped him to change his traditional Broadway style and approach the Latin music scene.
“He’s such a great guy… always willing to share information and knowledge and help the next guy get ahead,” Fernandez said of Ortega. “He deserves every success that comes his way.”
Ortega also speaks highly of Fernandez, expressing hope that they he will one day be able to work with his “good friend.”
“Like many other artists, we’re out there struggling to get our names known,” Ortega said.
Steeped in the arts
Ortega, of Cuban descent, was born in the United States to a musically oriented family and demonstrated, early on, an aptitude for music, starting to play the guitar by age 3 and the piano by age 4.
After studying classical music for a number of years, he got his big break at 15, when he was invited to fill in as a member in his late brother’s Cuban band for a gig.
“I was ecstatic. I got paid five bucks,” he said.
Over the years, Ortega played with various groups of different genres, but said to himself one day in 2005, “I have my own vision and my own orchestration that I want to put together.”
That vision materialized with the formation of “Cubanoson” in 2006, which features 10 musician friends that he’s worked with over the years.
Fernandez is also steeped in the arts as a jack-of-all-trades, working extensively as a singer, dancer, director, producer, author, and playwright.
Representing the community
Both artists have gained international acclaim, but credit the support of their community.
Fernandez has done shows at the Park Theater in Union City and played at the Latin Grammys Street Party three years ago.
Mostly, though, Fernandez performs in New York City and claims fans worldwide.
“Enamorado” has already received airplay in such places as the West Coast, New York City, Mexico, Canada, and Italy.
Ortega and Cubanoson also have roots in the community, playing at numerous city festivals since 2006, National Night Out, and the grand opening of Union City High School.
“It’s ironic. I’m there for music, and I’m also a [Union City] police officer, too,” Ortega said, referencing his 26 years as a police officer and his current position of police lieutenant.
But Ortega, like Fernandez, has worldly aspirations, and is trying to expose his band to the world.
Cubanoson has performed at high-profile events in the Tri-State area and reaped international acclaim when its first CD achieved No. 1 status in France, Germany, and England in 2007.
Cubanoson will next perform Sunday, Jan 23 at Empire City Casino in Yonkers, N.Y.
Deanna Cullen can be reached at dcullen@hudsonreporter.com.